7 Tips for Designing Multigenerational Homes That Work for Everyone

In the quiet early mornings, a kettle whistles in the kitchen as a grandparent tunes the radio to the familiar hum of news. A voice in the front garden calls out, "Lucy lets go, it's time for school!" - and moments later, small feet dash into the flat and little Lucy throws herself at grandpa for a quick kiss and hug. Across the garden, Tarryn watches with a full heart and a ticking clock, knowing the school run awaits - but also feeling deeply grateful for the bond between generations and the calming peace that comes from having family close.

This is multigenerational living - not just a trend, but a way of life that's returning to the heart of the South African home.

With property prices rising, urban land shrinking and family dynamics shifting, more households are embracing the idea of three or more generations living under one roof. What was once common in rural homesteads has found new relevance in suburban Johannesburg, coastal Durban and the village streets of the Eastern Cape.

And while the financial advantages are clear - shared bond repayments, lower utility costs and pooled resources - the emotional and cultural rewards run even deeper.

Children grow up with the wisdom of elders. Ageing parents remain active and included. Parents gain support. Young professionals get a leg-up while saving for their first property. Meals are shared, traditions passed down and that elusive work-life balance becomes just a little more possible when help is close at hand.

But to make it work - really work - the house itself must be more than just a shelter for many people. It must be a deliberately designed space that honours privacy, nurtures connection and adapts to the different stages of life.

Here are five essential tips for designing an intergenerational home that feels like home for everyone.

✅ 1. Design for Privacy and Autonomy

"We're together - but we all still need a door to close."

Privacy isn't a luxury in a shared home - it's a necessity for peace of mind. Without it, small annoyances can quickly become major tensions, especially when different generations have different schedules, values or noise levels.

The golden rule? Everyone deserves their own space. At minimum, this means a private bedroom for each family unit. Where possible, consider:

• En-suite bathrooms for elderly parents or independent adult children
• Mini kitchenettes or tea stations in private suites
• Garden cottages or flatlets with their own entrances
• Sound-insulated walls or floors between living areas

If you're building or renovating, factor in clever zoning. Locate senior family members on the ground floor for easier access and place teenage or young adult rooms in quieter corners of the home.

This isn't about isolation - it's about respecting each person's rhythm and right to retreat.

✅ 2. Create Welcoming Shared Spaces

"A shared life needs shared space."

While privacy is essential, so too is the magic of coming together - for meals, birthdays, after-school stories or just the everyday rhythm of life.

Designing open, flexible communal areas is vital for keeping family ties strong. Here's how:

• Open-plan kitchens encourage conversations while cooking
• Dining areas with expandable tables can host everyone, from toddlers to grandparents
• Lounges with layered lighting and modular furniture suit movie nights, quiet reading or afternoon visitors
• Outdoor patios or stoep spaces can double as social hubs, especially in summer

The goal is not just to fit everyone in, but to make these spaces warm, uncluttered and accommodating. Pay attention to flow, natural light, ventilation and noise control. A well-designed living room should feel inviting at 7am and 7pm.

And don't forget storage. The more people in the house, the more important it is to have places for things to belong - especially when shared space is at a premium.

✅ 3. Prioritise Adaptability in Design

"Your family will change. So should your home."

Today, your home may need space for an elderly parent recovering from surgery. Next year, it may need a home office or a nursery. Five years from now, you might need to convert that garage into a student flat.

The secret? Build in flexibility from the start - because a rigid layout today could become a real frustration tomorrow.

Some smart, future-ready ideas include:

• Multipurpose rooms that shift from playroom to study to guest bedroom as needed
• Dual-purpose furniture like murphy beds, fold-down desks and sleeper couches
• Pre-installed plumbing and electrical points in garages or outbuildings, to enable future conversions
• Neutral finishes (tiles, paint, cabinetry) that suit all ages and stages, saving on future redecorating costs
• Non-loadbearing interior walls that allow for layout changes later
• Staircases designed with the option for stairlifts or wide enough for future accessibility needs
• Sliding partitions or stackable doors that let you open up or close off rooms depending on how the home is being used

These design choices may seem small at the time, but they create a home that can bend without breaking as life changes. It's not just about saving money on future renovations - it's about designing with foresight and compassion, giving your family room to adapt without upheaval.

✅ 4. Include Universal Accessibility Features

"A home that works for a wheelchair works for a pram too."

A true intergenerational home must be designed for every stage of life, from toddler to elder.
Many accessibility features benefit the whole household - not just those with visible mobility challenges. And if you plan for them now, you'll avoid stress (and expense) down the line.

Consider:

• Step-free entrances and thresholds
• Wider doorways and hallways for wheelchairs or walkers
• Lever-style door handles instead of knobs
• Walk-in showers with seating and grab bars
• Non-slip tiles in bathrooms and kitchens
• Motion sensor lighting in corridors and outdoor areas

Think of this as designing with dignity - making sure your home is not only beautiful, but safe, inclusive and easy to live in.

✅ 5. . Integrate Outdoor Space for Everyone

"Sometimes the best way to live well together is to step outside."

When multiple generations share a home, the great outdoors can become a powerful pressure valve. A quiet bench in the garden, a sunny stoep for morning tea or a shaded spot for children to play - all offer moments of calm, joy and breathing room.

Outdoor spaces don't need to be large, but they should be intentional. Think:

• Raised garden beds that grandparents can tend to
• A patch of grass for barefoot toddlers
• Comfortable seating where teens can scroll or parents can unwind
• A braai area that becomes a shared space for connection and celebration

Even small balconies or courtyards can become havens with a few thoughtful touches. In a busy, shared household, having a place to pause under the sky can make all the difference.


✅ 6. Soundproof Smartly

"Privacy isn't just about space - it's about silence too."

In a home where one generation is waking up early for work, another is studying late into the night and a toddler is napping after lunch, sound matters. Noise can quickly become a point of tension, especially when routines clash or rest is disrupted.

Thoughtful soundproofing goes a long way in creating harmony. Consider:

• Insulated interior walls between bedrooms and living areas
• Soft furnishings like curtains, rugs and upholstered headboards to absorb sound
• Carpeting in hallways or upper floors to dampen foot traffic 
• Door sweeps and seals to reduce noise leakage

These small details often go unnoticed - until they make all the difference. With the right materials and planning, this can help create calm for older family members or sensory-sensitive children and you can ensure everyone gets the quiet they need to thrive under one roof.


✅ 7. Set Clear Boundaries - Visually and Functionally

"Good fences make good neighbours - even in the same house."

When multiple families or age groups live together, things can get blurry. Who's responsible for what? Whose guests are those? Is that shared milk or someone's private stash?

Clear visual and functional boundaries help prevent resentment and promote harmony.

Use design to set the tone:

• Different flooring materials to signal private vs shared spaces
• Lighting zones to separate functional areas
• Small garden hedges or planters to define personal patios
• Labelled cupboards or fridges to avoid food fights
• Schedule boards or shared calendars for routines and responsibilities

Even a symbolic boundary - a curtain, a room divider or a step down into a private suite - can send the message: "This is my space. You're welcome, but please knock." In doing so, you create respectful co-living - not just people under one roof, but individuals with shared values and mutual care.

Parting Thoughts

Designing a multigenerational home isn't about building bigger - it's about building better. It's about creating a space that holds the noise of laughter and the quiet of rest, that honours privacy while nurturing connection and that adapts as your family grows, changes and ages together. With the right design choices - both practical and thoughtful - you can turn a house into a home that supports every generation under one roof, not just for now, but for years to come.
 

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute architectural, legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any structural changes, renovations or property decisions related to multigenerational living.

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