Believe it or not, there is a way to live in harmony with your parents and children, and it’s called multi-generational home design.
As the needs and desires for numerous generations to live under the same roof grow in Calgary, so do the home design options that accommodate them.
But multi-generational living can look different from one family to the next, and the right home design is important. The need for both shared and private spaces can and should affect what features are included in your home.
This is why taking a personalized approach is so important when it comes to multi-generational home design. Ahead, we’ll introduce you to some of the most sought-after features our clients often ask for to help you determine what’s important to you.
Advantages of Multi-Generational Homes
Multi-generational homes are becoming increasingly common, with Statistics Canada data indicating a rise in properties shared by multiple generations or families of over 45% over the past two decades.
There are many reasons why families are increasingly moving into multi-generational homes, and they range from bringing down costs to family support.
- Cost of living: When multiple generations live under one roof, it brings down the cost of living. There’s one less mortgage to pay, and expenses like food and utilities can be split.
- Family support: Whether it’s grandparents, young kids, or busy parents, everyone can use a little help now and then. In multi-generational homes, help and support are always nearby.
- Shared responsibilities: From chores at home to carpooling to school and appointments, multi-generational homes have more people who can chip in to help.
What to Consider When Designing a Multi-Generational Home
While multi-generational homes present many advantages, they require careful planning and design.
- Balancing shared and private spaces: It can be meaningful and rewarding to have a family come together, but a custom home design that accounts for the need for everyone to have private spaces and maintain their independence is important.
- Accessibility: This is particularly important if there will be older adults living in the multi-generational home, as mobility challenges should be considered in every aspect of the home’s design.
- Different generational needs: If teenagers and grandparents live in the same home, they may have very different wake-up and bedtimes. It’s important to ensure that both have comfortable areas to live without disturbing the rest of the family.
5 Key Multi-Generational Home Features
1. Large Kitchens & Dining Rooms
Cooking and eating bring families together, and a multi-generational home is a great opportunity to get everyone involved in making meals to share.
Incorporating large, open-concept kitchens and dining rooms into your custom home design is just the start.
The best way to avoid having too many cooks in the kitchen is to make sure it’s designed to be large enough for multiple people to be working on meals at the same time.
- Open-Concept Kitchens: Connection to other communal living areas can bring everyone together during meal prep.
- Adequate Storage Space: With more people living under the same roof, having enough storage space and cupboards in the kitchen is essential.
- Spacious Dining Room: Whether it’s a weekly full family meal or it’s every night, there are going to be more people around the dining room table. A cramped eating area will make this less enjoyable, so try for an open-concept dining room with lots of natural light and space.
2. Private, Separate Living Areas
While it’s wonderful to have family around, it’s only natural that people will still want privacy and a place to retreat when they need it. Designing custom homes with separate areas for different generations can be extremely desirable when possible.
Some ideas for how to allow privacy when needed include:
- Separate bathrooms that are exclusively for one part of the family.
- Multiple kitchens so that cooking can be done separately for meals that are not going to be shared.
- Basement suites with doors that can be locked to create the feel of multiple homes in the same house.
- Backyard suites that are completely separate.
3. Flexible Floor Plans
While the features you can include in your multi-generational home will be limited at times by the size of your property, working with a custom home designer can help you make the most of the space you have available.
Flexible floor plans are a great way to prioritize both shared spaces and private areas. Features like sliding walls and partitions mean that a room that brings everyone together in the evening can also be a more private space during the day.
Designer’s Tip: Avoiding permanent physical barriers around a multi-generational home can be helpful, as it allows for flexibility in the use of a room as needs change and evolve.
4. Separate Entrances
Whether you’re creating a secondary suite or having multiple generations living in the same area, building separate entrances fosters a sense of independence and allows people to come and go without disturbing other household members.
If a university-aged child is getting in late, a separate entrance allows them to enter the home without waking up older family members who may have gone to bed earlier. Conversely, a separate entrance for grandparents can help maintain their independence.
5. Large Shared-Living Spaces
While privacy and independence need to be factored in when designing a custom multi-generational home, families who cohabit can find the experience rich and rewarding because it brings their loved ones together.
To encourage that, try to create living room areas that are large, comfortable, and filled with natural light. They can be used for everything from movie and game nights to simply sitting after dinner and sharing each others’ experiences.
Designer’s Tip: Try to connect those living areas with the outdoor spaces on your property. Whether it’s play areas for kids, wide-open patios, or outdoor dining areas, designing your home so there’s free movement between your property’s indoor and outdoor spaces encourages family members to spend time together and enjoy one another’s company.
Design the Perfect Multi-Generational Home for Your Family
Ellergodt Design has been helping Calgarians bring their dream homes to life for over two decades. That includes single-family, multi-unit, and, increasingly, multi-generational homes. Our team of designers can help you create a home that will accommodate the needs of all of your family members.
For more information or to get started on designing your custom home, use our contact form or call us at 587-875-5621.