Home Design Trends for Multiple GenerationsExpert ContributorFriday, March 30, 2018 - 17:27Friday, March 30, 2018 - 17:27As of 2016, a real estate survey showed 44 percent of homeowners looking to remodel living spaces with senior parents, while 42 percent of respondents were older parents renovating the family home to accommodate returning adult children. It's a continuing trend from the 2014 Pew Research Center report, citing 19 percent of the U.S. population consisted of multiple generation households.The challenge is creating not only privacy, but also individual styling to fit the lifestyles of several generations under a single roof. It starts with communication about the design layouts, dedicating space for each family member, creating social hub areas for daily gatherings and the function of household routines. Don't forget about the accommodations needed to host traditional family celebrations with extra guests.Here are some tips for modernizing multi-generation family households with the latest trends in comfort and stylishness for everyone.Kitchen.jpgKitchen and Dining AreasToday's designs in kitchen cabinets are about style, function and storage. Storage strategies range from built-in or drop-in accessories to enhancing cabinets or drawers. Islands, surrounded with seating for everyone, are perfect for casual get-togethers. The range of sizes and shapes offers great preparation, work or dining surfaces. You can customize the island with a combination of open shelving, closed cabinets or drawers. The concepts make it easier to accommodate multiple cooks in the kitchen.Family Rooms Thanks to the latest technology, family rooms are great for entertaining or relaxing. This room is about a family's daily life and contentment. Wall space is more usable with the introduction of flat screens and built-in wall units for storage. Create some personal space by installing study and office areas or customized wet bars. High-traffic flooring options include traditional hardwoods, laminates or 3D-printed vinyl and tiles offering low maintenance.Lighting.jpgBedroom LightingPrivacy and relaxation are bedroom themes, with primary and secondary master bedrooms functioning as a sanctuary and retreat. In spacious or smaller areas, stylish interiors like lighting can change the entire character of the room. Contemporary lighting includes a combination of backlighting and recessed perimeter lighting. The brightness of the light can add a warm, cozy ambiance or a more formal setting. Dropped from the ceiling, pendant lighting creates dramatic effects, casting shadows for an alluring softness to the room. For kids, it's about visual effects. Wall-mounted shelving can be simple or more creative with designs accenting the room, while keeping the floor areas open. Reading lights can be set into bookcases or the headboards of beds. Tabletop lamps on desks or vanities are still classics.Bathroom Fixtures Take advantage of the vertical space using wall cabinetry for storage or open shelving for easy access. Floating vanities and side-mounted faucets have become popular, along with seamless showers and personalized tubs for soaking. The choice of hardware is endless. Choose from traditional, modern or contemporary styles.Ultimately, the goal is to create family living spaces and room privacy without giving up personal preferences. Whether it's new cabinets, flooring or lighting, every remodeling project in a multiple-generation home is about creating harmony.Iris M. writes blog content for real estate; research, region and community information for the purpose of providing information to the reader, helping them with decisions when selecting a home. She writes content on a variety of subjects, pertaining to client specifics, industry related, research and informative studies, including "how to" for mass market and social media.
