Living under one roof can be a lot of fun. From grandma’s bedtime stories to your kids fussing about the littlest of things - multigenerational living comes with its simple joys. Whether it is childproofing your home to ensure their safety or installing comfortable furnishings to cater to the comfort of your elderlies, there’s a lot that needs to be done to coexist harmoniously. Fret not; we’ve come up with some clever solutions to this problem. Check out these ingenious hacks and remodel your space to make it more comfortable for everyone. Let’s get to it!
9 Ways To Refurbish Your Space For Multigenerational Living
1. Flexibility
Designing flexible spaces goes a long way in terms of adapting to the changing needs of your family. Simple space-saving installations such as foldable futon beds in your bedroom, foldable desks in your study, and built-in storage units can be easily reconfigured to serve different purposes. For instance, the study room can be made into a comfortable retreat for the elderly if they are feeling out of sorts. A folding sofa-bed in your living room is also perfect for your guests to crash. The key is to make the most out of every room while adjusting to the requirements of different family members.
2. Shared Spaces
While privacy is important, shared spaces will help you foster family bonding and togetherness. Imagine you’re whipping up something delicious in your kitchen and need one of your grandmother’s oh-so-clever cooking hacks. Perhaps you’re feeling kinda meh on a lazy Sunday afternoon and want everyone to gather together for a quick round of charades or other party games. You can achieve this by creating shared spaces, and open floor plans are a great way to do this. Keep all your spaces open and airy so that you and your family members can gather and spend some quality time together.
3. Safety Checks
Designing a home of multigenerational living involves mindful consideration for the two most vulnerable groups - children and the elderly. It is best to opt for accessible furnishings such as broad doorways, grab bars in the bathroom, and sturdy handrails on both sides of your staircase. These adjustments will be a blessing for the elderly members of your household. Child-proofing is yet another crucial aspect, which is why anti-skid mats, elevated electrical sockets, and childproof cabinet locks are a must-have.
4. Storage Solutions
A big head count invariably warrants ample space for neatly storing personal belongings. To minimize clutter and keep your space spick and span, consider built-in shelving units, cabinets with adjustable shelves, and closets with integrated organization to accommodate different storage needs. In a multi-generational home, unnecessary hoarding can be detrimental, resulting in a house that’s in disarray and trashed with junk. When in doubt, throw it out! Keep your house bare, beautiful, and neat to create clean and open living spaces with our spacious baskets and organizers.
5. Natural Lighting & Ventilation
The presence of so many members can sometimes lead to quite a cramped situation, which is why you should let in plenty of sunlight in all rooms. Go for sheer drapes to keep your spaces light, bright, and airy. If you are building everything from the ground up, you can also invest in large French windows to optimize airflow and welcome natural light throughout the day.
6. Comfortable Furniture
Picking out furniture that caters to the needs and wants of family members of varied age groups is a must. Go for recliners with supportive cushions, ergonomic study chairs with adequate lumbar support, adjustable headrests, and of course - cozy footrests. You can also create a comfortable ambience by layering weighted blankets and throws. Floral embroidered cushion covers in the living room will also add a pop of colour, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere for everyone.
7. Therapeutic Spaces
Dedicated therapeutic spaces can be great stress-busters for every member of the family, despite age group. Whether you build a calm meditation room or a fully equipped yoga studio, this addition will encourage and push your beloved family members to escape the stresses of daily life and engage in acts of mindfulness and self-care. You can explore some of our heavenly scented candles, planners, and aromatic dried flowers to create a serene and secluded retreat.
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8. Energy Efficient Upgrades
One of the most important things to consider when renovating your home for multigenerational living is definitely energy costs. With a larger headcount and varied activities - from grandparents’ charging their foot massagers to teens setting up their gaming devices, the power consumption in your household is expected to be at an all-time high. By making small changes wherever possible, you can significantly reduce unit consumption and bring down costs. Energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures, smart thermostats, and others are a few options to consider.
9. Privacy
Lastly, one must be able to strike a balance between harmonious coexistence and some mandatory me-time. Bedrooms with soundproofing rugs, solid core doors, window treatments, and partition curtains are a great way to start implementing some privacy enhancements. These adjustments will provide every member with a secure and private space.
Last Words
While multigenerational living can be an awesome experience for everyone, the work that goes into remodelling your home can seem overwhelming. Bearing this in mind, we’ve curated a list of considerations and hacks so that every single member of your household has their needs and preferences taken care of, ensuring a happy and harmonious home.
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