More and more families are embracing multigenerational living—a household where parents, in-laws, kids, and even adult children share one home. For many cultures, this isn’t just practical, it’s a way of life. Elderly parents are cared for at home rather than in facilities, children benefit from built-in family support, and the home becomes a central hub for love, connection, and tradition.

But how do you design a home that works for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—without sacrificing comfort, privacy, or style? Let’s break it down.

In many families, parents or in-laws live with their adult children—sometimes to help with childcare, other times simply because nursing homes aren’t culturally preferred. This makes thoughtful design a necessity.

Whenever possible, I recommend creating a main-level bedroom with a full bath. Even if your parents are still mobile now, planning ahead for the future is key—especially if this is your forever home. Consider features like:

• A roll-in shower for accessibility
• Non-slip flooring for safety
• A bed that’s not too high for easy use
• Ample lighting for both comfort and safety
• A small lounge area or TV corner for personal downtime
• Incorporating beloved furniture pieces or heirlooms, such as a favorite chair, dresser, or family keepsakes, so they feel connected to their history and memories within the home

This kind of setup ensures your parents don’t just feel like they’re “living with someone,” but instead have a space of their own that supports their dignity, independence, and mental wellbeing.

Kids have busy, multi-layered lives—school, sports, friends, online religion classes, and hobbies. Their spaces need to keep up with it all.

I love creating multifunctional zones for children that balance fun, practicality, and privacy, such as:

• Reading nooks for downtime
• Homework stations with good lighting
• Ample storage for toys, gear, and books
• Personalized décor that makes the space feel like theirs

The goal? A home that supports their routines while still giving them room to play, grow, and relax.

More adult kids are living at home after college—sometimes to save money, other times because culturally, moving out at 18 just isn’t the norm. This can be tricky because privacy is everything for this group.

When possible, I design these spaces to feel like mini-apartments within the home. Think:

• Loft or studio-style layouts
• Separate entrance (if possible)
• A private bathroom
• Workspace for remote jobs or study
• Mini fridge, coffee/espresso station, or kitchenette touches

These details give them the independence they crave while still keeping them connected to family life.

In multigenerational households, guests don’t always stay for just a night or two. Whether it’s an aunt visiting from abroad, cousins in town for weeks, or a family friend needing a longer stay, a well-prepared guest space is essential.
If you don’t have a dedicated guest room, I recommend designing a “four-season guest room”—a flexible space that can easily transform when needed. Stock it with:

• Fresh linens and extra bedding
• Seasonal essentials (blankets for winter, light throws for summer)
• Storage options for clothes and luggage
• A desk or small table for personal use

This makes guests feel welcome and comfortable no matter how long they stay.

Designing for multigenerational living takes more than just adding bedrooms. It’s about balancing privacy and connection, planning for the future, and honoring the cultural values that make families thrive together.
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your current one, strategic design can make all the difference. Even smaller homes can be carefully planned to meet the needs of parents, kids, adult children, and guests.
At Raja Interiors, we, specialize in creating spaces that bring harmony, comfort, and beauty to multigenerational households. Because when everyone feels at home, that’s when a house truly becomes a home.

Ready to design your home for multigenerational living? Let’s chat about how we can make your vision a reality.