Multi-Generational Living and Custom Home Design: 5 Tips for Aging in Place Comfortably
Multi-generational living is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and homeowners designing custom homes are looking for innovative ways to accommodate family members of all ages. Especially since custom homes tend to be designed for a lifetime and multiple generations, you’ll need to thoughtfully design your home to accommodate aging in place.
Whether you’re planning to grow old in your forever home or move your aging parents in with you, mindful design choices can create a comfortable and harmonious living environment for everyone. When working on your custom home design, here are five tips to keep in mind to ensure everyone can share your space comfortably.
Add (At Least) One First-Floor Bedroom
One of the most important features of a multi-generational home is having at least one bedroom on the main floor. As you get older, navigating the stairs can become increasingly difficult, and many homeowners encounter significant logistical issues when they or their parents become too immobile to climb stairs every night.
A first-floor bedroom suite ensures that you will always have an accessible bedroom as you age in place, or as your parents age. When designing this main floor bedroom, make sure that it includes a spacious full bathroom with handrails near the showers and toilets, as well as sufficient storage that’s easy to reach. It’s also a good idea to incorporate natural light and views of the outdoors to improve mood, especially as mobility becomes limited.
Maintain Privacy
While togetherness is a treasured aspect of multi-generational living, privacy is still essential for everyone. While open-concept living spaces encourage shared time together, create distinct zones within your home that give everyone their personal space.
Consider designing separate wings or areas of the home for each generation living there, or incorporate multiple smaller living areas like reading nooks, offices, or a second family room. This gives everyone opportunities for privacy without encouraging isolation.
Add Separate Entrances
Multiple entrances offer convenience and independence for all household members. A dedicated entrance for an in-law suite allows older family members to maintain their sense of autonomy, and it can also give teenagers or young adults living at home a sense of independence.
When designing your entrances, consider accessible design features like zero-step entries, well-lit pathways, ramps instead of stairs, and keyless entry systems. This will not only benefit elderly residents with mobility challenges but also new parents with strollers, making it useful throughout multiple generations and phases of life.
Design for Accessibility
When creating a custom home design for multi-generational living, universal design principles are crucial to consider. Ask your custom home builders about wide hallways and doorways, walk-in showers with built-in seating, variable-height countertops, touch-activated faucets, and strategic placement of outlets, light switches, and other controls. These small details make daily life easier for everyone without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of your luxury custom home.
Include Everyone in the Design Process
Perhaps the most important tip for a successful multi-generational custom home design is involving all family members in the design conversation. While you may have a general idea of what your family will need, especially as they age, each generation brings valuable perspectives that you may not have considered on your own.
Schedule design meetings where everyone can share their needs, preferences, and concerns. This can help identify any potential issues before construction begins, ensuring that you get a final home design that every member of the family loves and can enjoy comfortably.
At AFT Construction, we are dedicated to building beautiful custom homes that exemplify elegance and luxury while remaining functional for every resident. Our exceptional team of homebuilders is committed to transforming your one-of-a-kind vision into a stunning reality, with an emphasis on superior craftsmanship and meticulous detail. Discover the joy of a completely custom building experience, where every element of your home is designed to your exact specifications. No matter what you’re envisioning, we ensure every aspect reflects your desires. To begin your journey toward your bespoke dream home, contact us today to book a personalized new home construction consultation.