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Redefining Multigenerational Living


This kitchen by interior design firm Laurence Carr Inc. and architect Jordan Rosenberg features two sinks and a variety of work zones to accommodate multiple users. The island is large enough for children to be sitting away from the action and focusing on projects and homework. Photo credit: Kelly Marshall Photography

April 16, 2021

By Chelsie Butler

Even before the pandemic, households were blending into multigenerational living areas. Millennials saving up for their first homes were moving back in with their parents, and we were seeing the older generations reuniting with their adult children instead of choosing assisted living or living alone in their own homes.

With the presence of COVID-19, students are returning to the nest to learn virtually and avoid living in dorms, and nursing homes and care facilities may not be the safest option for elderly parents. It is now more common than ever to see more than one generation – sometimes three and maybe even four – living under the same roof.

So how are design professionals addressing this new movement and taking into account the needs of all ages? They are providing innovative solutions to connect – and in some cases disconnect – these different generations in the home and the spaces in which they work, learn, play and live.

Defining Today’s Requests for Multigenerational Living

“I am finding that with more families being blended with multiple generations under one household, there is a need for larger gathering spaces for them to be together but also more confined areas for everyone to be apart,” said Ebony Stephenson, CLIPP, CAPS, owner of Newport News, Va.-based Designs by Ebony LLC. “Not everyone in one family has the same interests, watches the same TV shows or even has the same schedules.”

Choosing eco-friendly and low-VOC materials can benefit all ages living in a home, and everyone loves the convenience of easy-to-clean, low-maintenance options like seamless countertops and tile options with less grout. A seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors is also high on today’s homeowner wish lists, and air purification is also a must for the whole household – especially with all of the affordable choices available to consumers.

“HEPA filters start at around $100 and can reduce all kinds of dust, viruses and bacteria in the air,” said Dani Polidor, CKD, CBD, CLIPP, CAPS.

Blended households are also requesting improved sound proofing and insulation, as well as outdoor areas, which translate into additional living space and promote the wellness benefits of getting some fresh air. More hands-free and sanitary options are growing in popularity as well.

“Young or old, anything that can help improve hygiene and/or has antimicrobial properties is a win in our books, especially given today’s heightened concerns about spreading germs,” said Jenn Klaus, Ferguson, Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery’s marketing manager for the showroom/builder Northeast district. “Fixtures in living finishes like copper, brass and bronze are growing in demand as they are proven to have inherent properties that aid in the destruction of a range of microorganisms. Stainless steel, which is traditionally used in medical facilities for its easy-to-clean properties, will also be in demand because it promotes a sense of sanitation and hygiene.”

The Need for Privacy and Multi-Purpose Spaces

Spending more time at home doing everything from working, learning, exercising and preparing meals has created the need for more rooms to serve several purposes. An office may transform into a workout space after hours, and eating areas may also function as places for the kids to home school.

“Simply ensuring that there is a space for each person to get their needs met is the first focus,” said Laurence Carr, GREEN AP, CEO and founder of New York City-based Laurence Carr Inc., who suggests finding creative ways to afford people privacy like using room dividers and taking advantage of outdoor spaces.

To address privacy issues with younger children, Stephenson says to use a corner of the room for their learning purposes that does not have their sleeping area as their background.

“Not every child has the luxury of having their own room, so something as simple as a curtain or privacy screen can help to divide the space,” she added.

For home offices, movable furniture is a clever solution, as are storage caddies for each person who uses the space. Stephenson suggests incorporating dry-erase or chalkboards, as well as plenty of light sources, electrical outlets and biophilia in the form of foliage to freshen the air and enhance our connection to nature.

According to Polidor, in multigenerational living households, there is a need to share bandwidth, devices and screen time, so knowing where all important devices and their respective charging cords are at all times is paramount to perform all online obligations for work, school and play.

The End of the Open Plan for Multigenerational Living?

Although the consensus is that this is a trend that is here to stay, there are certain design needs being addressed for multiple family members spending time in the kitchen in multigenerational living households.

“For many families, mealtimes are still a way to connect and engage with one another,” said Stephenson. “With multiple generations now living under one roof, recipes and cultural cooking techniques are now being passed down and taught to younger generations. Even if certain members are not participating in the meal preparation, they can be sitting in an adjacent space watching TV or reading a book and still be part of the conversation.”

To accommodate multiple people working in the kitchen today, designers are incorporating work zones, more appliances, a secondary or galley-style sink, countertops at different heights and accessible storage. Carr suggests adding a small breakfast nook in addition to a larger dining space to offer larger families more flexibility.

“COVID-19 has prompted us to buy more in bulk and stock up on food and beverages, so it is important to have a place to store all the extras for everyone in the household,” said Klaus, who says some customers are opting to add storage in hidden spaces like the back of an island and incorporate undercounter refrigeration.

Stephenson is seeing the need for more micro or secondary kitchens so there is a place someone can grab a quick snack or beverage without disturbing the cook in the main kitchen. She says this area can be something as simple as a microwave and minifridge in a home office or something as extravagant as a full-sized kitchen in an in-law suite.

“Now, more than ever, ergonomics and organization are at the forefront of simple kitchen updates,” said Polidor, who suggests installing easy-to-reach cabinets and placing often-used items in the ideal “nose-to-knees zone” – a term coined by kitchen designer, Maria Stapperfenne – where reaching and bending are minimized.

According to Stephenson, each and every space should incorporate the principals of living in place to accommodate users of all abilities and age groups for multigenerational living.

“I like to take a proactive versus reactive approach,” she added. “Someone who has zero issues today could have a freak accident or injury tomorrow, and their needs may change – either for a short time or permanently. Something as simple as a rollout shelf or a deep pot/pan drawer can be helpful for users of all abilities and age groups alike.”

storage by ebony stephensonDesigner Ebony Stephenson says she starts with storage to make a bathroom suitable for all ages. In this project, she incorporated plenty of rollout shelving that can be easily accessed, and each shelf can store a different person’s personal items if necessary.

Building Today’s Bathroom

While the kitchen is still the heart of the home where the whole family gets together on a regular basis, the bathroom is a retreat – the only room Polidor identifies as the one where people in close quarters can get away.

Homeowners are paying a lot of attention to their bathroom needs as well during this time, envisioning it as a spa-like sanctuary where they can escape for even just a little while. As such, clients are asking for aromatherapy and steam functions, touchless and self-cleaning toilets for increased hygiene, increased natural lighting and multiple shower fixture options.

“Making the bathroom a refuge of health and relaxation is definitely a trend,” said Carr. “We’re seeing more soaking tubs, rainfall showerheads, and bidets are also rising in popularity – thanks to many aftermarket bidet attachments that are now available and inexpensive.”

In terms of making bathroom space accessible for all ages – assuming more than one generation may be using it – Stephenson says she starts with storage. She ensures there is a place for everyone’s personal hygiene products – even using the space between the studs for recessed storage – and includes rollouts, drawers and open shelving.

Sound proofing is also important in the bathroom for added privacy, as are air quality control and easy-to-clean surfaces. Comfort-height toilets are an accessible option for all ages and abilities, and heated floors, zero-threshold showers with seats and scald-proof faucets benefit everyone using the space.

“I no longer specify towel bars; instead I use grab bars as the towel bars themselves since they are so stylish and blend in with today’s designs,” said Stephenson. “Then if someone were ever to need assistance, they are reaching for an actual grab bar instead of a flimsy towel bar, which could cause injuries.”

According to Klaus, a popular design element today for multigenerational living is the “wet room.” With this feature, shower enclosures and raised lips are eliminated, creating an open area for both a shower and a tub.

“By removing the shower enclosure, you can walk right in and not worry about tripping, which is a very important consideration for seniors and small children alike,” she added. “An open bathroom space is also convenient for families with small children who have a need for water-friendly surfaces.”

Keeping up with the Kids

The pandemic has definitely had an effect on the younger generations as well. Children have been learning at home virtually instead of going to school, and they are becoming even more involved in preparing meals with their families. As such, Polidor suggests incorporating multi-height countertops and safe spots for them to do their work, as well as placing the microwave at an accessible height.

“For families with children, one of their primary concerns is safety, and today’s appliances and fixtures offer much more in that department than products of the past,” said Klaus. “Some smart appliances allow for remote monitoring and sync with smart home systems for added safety benefits. If you turn on the oven and forget to put something in, the system will shut down if it’s detected that you leave the house – a great feature to have for kids and family members of all ages. There are also faucets available that will shut off once a certain amount of water has been running, so there is no need to worry about children leaving the tap running anymore.”

Stephenson suggests also adding storage at their level to promote responsibility and independence with accessing their items and putting them away after use. She also adds grab bars in bathrooms for parents to use while bathing their children.

“Indoor gardens for herbs, fruits and vegetables help children learn to grow and cook their own food, as well as increase their awareness for self-sufficiency and sustainability,” she added.

Carr incorporates step stools to help kids reach counters and sinks, and Klaus suggests shallower tubs so parents have an easier time reaching over to assist with bathing.

“Thermostatic valves are another great choice for homes with young children,” she added. “The valve is set to a specific temperature, greatly reducing the possibility of selecting one that is too hot. This is great for children who can bathe independently and provides peace of mind for parents.”

The safety and well-being of everyone in the home have always been at the forefront of people’s minds, but the pandemic has generated a much greater need to make this a priority in today’s homes.

“This shift has caused everyone to pivot and shift their priorities and has impacted every generation,” said Polidor. “The response has largely been positive, and creativity and resilience will continue to allow everyone to thrive and look out for their loved ones.”