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Ok, hear us out. No, Lorla Studio has not lost its mind! Even on the heels of Thanksgiving and in the midst of the holiday season, we’re here to show you that good design can make your space work for all potential solutions– including the growing popularity of multifamily living and multigenerational homes. Read on to see how to bring grandparents or other relatives into your house forever without losing your mind!
Multi Family Versus Multigenerational Living
Here’s one small point of clarification. In general, multi family living is often a reference to apartment building high-rises, or developments targeting an aging population, who often need differing levels of care in their final decades. Many of the principles that apply to multi family projects are relevant in a multigenerational home, and for the sake of simplicity, the following uses a multigenerational home as a means to explore the core ideas behind designing spaces that allow for a sense of home and belonging– whether with a larger community, or your own family tree. We have found that the core ideas that make for successful multigenerational living also apply to a multifamily project. Because a multigenerational project usually requires more constraints, let’s dive into some of the points to consider as an example that is also applicable for multi family.
The Multi Family Home
Here in peak holiday season, we all may have fresh examples of in-laws talking only about themselves, aunts with no self-awareness, and the one cousin who seems to only communicate at outdoor decibels. We likely are not the only family that survived Thanksgiving with just a few broken items, and maybe some bruised relationships. So, how on Earth could we possibly suggest bringing some of the broader family to all live under one roof?! There are many reasons a multigenerational home or multi family arrangement has become more popular, to include both elder care and childcare needs, the downsizing by parents with multi-decade nest eggs that could be better used for retirement or other family needs, and the growing desire for families to be closer together during sometimes divisive and challenging times. For some more recent post-COVID college graduates, a return home has either been desired or necessary to save the funds necessary for a down payment for one’s own home. Given the impact of inflation and ongoing real estate prices, there are an increasing number of families eager to find ways to bring multiple generations under one roof, or who see multi family setups as just right for them! We see this happening in both areas like Potomac, where larger houses and properties afford room to add-on or build accessory dwelling units, but also in more close-in suburbs, like Bethesda, which has become its own little walkable city in the last 20 years.
Define Needs & Boundaries for Multi Family Home Designs
While not a design tip, we find that the best client outcomes result from clearly articulating needs and wants, but also constraints and specific features to avoid. From our experience, we find that a clear discussion of expectations before creating a multi family home is critical to the end-result. This is the case for all projects, including full-home renovations, though the initial design discussion has more constituents when addressing multigenerational needs. If a grandparent has particular needs or expectations, these are best identified and incorporated into any space planning for a multigenerational home. This may sound obvious, but we have seen many projects doomed by decisions made to compromise on a budget that ends up failing to serve the family’s needs. For instance, as many get older, sleeping needs may change or diminish, or a grandparent may find quiet early mornings to be an ideal way to start the day. So, to accommodate this need, we would design a space for the grandparents that is isolated from the potential footfalls of children on the second floor above the dedicated grandparents’ space– particularly if the children keep different hours than the grandparents. Other important options include increased attention to soundproofing, wider and wheel-friendly thresholds to allow for potential walker or wheelchair needs in the future, as well as specific elderly-friendly bathroom designs to allow for all future modalities. One does not necessarily need to feel constrained by your existing property to consider your options for multigenerational living– even older homes can successfully be updated to meet your needs.
Peace Is a Suite: Creating Functional Suites in Multi Family Homes
When we reflect our own needs during travel as a family with children, some of our desired amenities include a dedicated bathroom, at least a kitchenette or wet bar to enable coffee/tea service in the mornings on our own time, and potential beverages at the ready for later in the day, and room to be isolated from distractions for any number of use-cases: work while on the go, exercise, or individual quiet time while the space is being used by companions. These attributes may be helpful touchpoints in designing a multigenerational or multi family space, such that all the needs are met, and each element of the family can happily co-exist– while also having their own space. This is often best achieved by a separate suite for either the family or the extended relative(s) to be able to define their own space, and have breathing room for privacy and independence when needed. Often, we seek to accomplish this need with a suite that has its own dedicated full bathroom, at least a kitchenette, as well as room and space to be more than just a bedroom. In reworking the layout of an existing home, we will consider the optimal layout for the needs of the family based on how they live, desired overlap during high-traffic times (i.e. the morning rush, and dinner/bedtime routine), and needed proximity to children or elderly family members.
Common Areas for All: Designing Shared Spaces for Multi Family Homes
While this may at first blush seem contradictory, the best multigenerational homes allow space for independent living for all family members, while also including shared spaces that are designed to welcome the whole family’s needs. This does not mean simply widening all room thresholds and enabling circulation that is trouble-free for walkers, canes or wheelchairs, but also consideration for seat heights, number of individuals around dining tables, and flexible lighting to allow for all needs and uses. When possible, we consider creating spaces that are multi-functional, with flexible furnishings to allow cohabitation of the full family, use by individual members, or bringing the whole flock together for shared company. There are numerous options for space optimization, layout planning, and accommodating diverse living needs within a home that can be achieved with some thoughtful and insightful design.
Something for Everyone
Whether a family looks to join the grandparents, or parents bringing in adult children or relatives, there are numerous ways to ensure that an extended family can happily all call your house a home. Reach out to start a conversation, and let’s see if we can have everyone home in time for next Thanksgiving!
How You Can Work With Us
At Lorla Studio, a modern interior design firm in Washington, D.C, our talented team of designers craft modern, livable and functional spaces throughout the district and beyond. Hire us for a seamless renovation process, and a modern, approachable design you are sure to love!
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