How to Create a Home That Works for Everyone
Building or remodeling a home is a big process… one that you probably don’t want to go through every few years! Most likely you’re hoping to build your dream home, put down roots and stay there for a good long while… maybe forever.
But in order for your home to carry you through all the different seasons of life, it’s important to plan for your family’s present and future needs. Let’s set the scene…
Picture a family evening in your dream home on a random Tuesday a few years from now. Do you have a baby plopped on the counter? Toddlers running around? School-aged children doing homework at the kitchen table while you stir the pasta?
Now fast forward ten years. Hey, those little kids got pretty big! Does your dream kitchen layout still work when you have an army of hungry teens to feed?
Fast forward another ten years. Okay, your hair’s a little gray, but you still look great! Now that you’re empty nesters, does your home still serve you and your spouse? Maybe you have grandbabies coming to visit, or you need room to host that big family Thanksgiving. With retirement on the horizon, you might want to repurpose some space for your favorite hobbies.
Sometimes it’s hard to think beyond your current stage, but the only constant in life is change! A well-designed home can grow and change with your family.
Here are a few features that can help you create a family home that works for everyone– now and for years to come:
1. Togetherness
Homes should bring people together, so family-friendly shared spaces are key. Families tend to spend the most time in the kitchen, living room and (depending on the climate) outdoor living areas. These casual common spaces need good natural lighting, plenty of storage, sturdy furniture and a clear view of children’s play areas.
A dedicated play or rec room is a nice feature, but oftentimes everyone ends up in the kitchen anyway. That’s why I usually recommend prioritizing the essential family spaces when designing a home. If you’re like me, who loves hosting an occasional dinner with the whole clan, a spacious kitchen/dining area is a must. We all tend to gravitate towards the big island!
2. Open, Flowy Layouts
We all know that kids are full of energy and rarely sit still for long. Open and flowy spaces allow them to move freely through the home without any obstacles. Knocking down some walls to create an open-concept living area can really make a difference!
3. Multi-Functional Spaces
When designing your home, keep in mind that each room may need to serve different purposes over the years. A home office could become a playroom, then a teen den, and later an extra guest bedroom for visiting kids and grands. Personal rooms should provide privacy so that older kids can have quiet havens to study and relax. Designing for both closeness and solitude creates space for everyone to thrive.
4. Flexibility
As your family grows, your home may need to adapt to accommodate new children, pets, or elderly parents. It’s a good idea to plan for the possibility of future additions or even an accessory dwelling unit. This is a smaller second home or apartment on your property that can provide private living space for a family member.
5. Extra Storage
For some reason, kids seem to be magnets for stuff, stuff, and more STUFF! Toys, clothes, craft supplies, books, school papers, sporting gear… need I say more? Incorporating ample storage solutions throughout the house will help keep things organized and maintain a sense of order. It’s very rare to meet homeowners who feel they have “too much” storage, so plan for a little extra!
If you have young kids, placing toy and clothing storage at their level gives them a sense of autonomy and allows for easier cleanup. Wicker baskets, drawers, or a bench with a lift-up lid allow for discreet toy storage in family living spaces.
6. Durable Materials
Kids and messes go hand in hand. Luckily, there are so many options nowadays for fabrics and flooring that look great and wear well. You don’t have to choose between aesthetics and practicality! Look for stain-resistant fabrics, durable flooring, furniture that can hold up to the occasional mishap, and glossy paint finishes that let you wash that crayon masterpiece off the walls with ease.
7. Energy Efficiency
It’s no secret that raising a family isn’t cheap. (Looking at you, grocery bill!) Investing in energy-efficient appliances, insulation and windows isn’t just good for the environment, it could save you thousands of dollars in utility bills over the years. And when your teen decides she needs a 40-minute shower before school every morning, this is a very good thing!
8. Accessibility
Accessibility is important, especially if you’re planning to retire or care for an aging family member in your home. Stairs, trip hazards caused by poor design, slick surfaces and narrow passages all pose challenges for those with reduced mobility.
Think about including a main floor bedroom and bathroom in your home’s design. You may also want to make sure that doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair if needed. These small adjustments could prevent the need for a costly remodel down the road, ensuring your home remains comfortable and convenient well into the future.
In our next blog post, we’ll take a closer look at accessibility needs and how to prepare your home for aging in place.
Ta Ta For Now,
Christi
