Multi-generational living is on the rise, so much so that the number of multi-generational households in Canada jumped by around 21% between 2011 and 2021.
Of course, there are a lot of compelling reasons to embrace the lifestyle. Shared living expenses, convenient childcare arrangements, and the ability to care for aging parents can all drive people to live with parents, in-laws, and maybe even siblings under one roof.
You don’t have to sacrifice your comfort or style to reap the benefits of this lifestyle, though. Today’s article explores how to create a multi-generational living space that suits your big family.
Design for Every Generation
There are design trends that might look great to your parents and in-laws. Yet, you likely never want to revive in your home. This sentiment typically goes both ways. What a millennial parent likes might seem dated to teens in the family.
So, rather than following trends, it’s better to consider needs. Designing for multi-generational homes has to be more calculated and planned than usual. Culture, style preferences, and safety all have to be reflected in every choice, from the decorating to the seating choices.
Generally speaking, millennials look for sustainability and flexibility. Meanwhile, older generations, like boomers, tend to lean towards casual entertaining, accessibility, and some luxury.
Thoughtful Spaces Support Independence
Living with extended family doesn’t mean giving up your privacy or breaking your boundaries. A well-designed multi-generational home can include elements that maintain a degree of independence for everyone.
Using separate entrances to suites and private spaces is one tactic. Relying on zoned living areas is a good move, too. We’ll cover defining living spaces in more detail later in the article.
Accessible Comfort, Stylish Design
Let’s start with one of the most pressing aspects: Accommodating aging parents and kids using the same seating options.
Easy-to-use Recliners Support Mobility and Comfort
Ergonomic recliners can boost circulation and reduce swelling, making them ideal for elderly family members. However, you want to be mindful of the mechanism.
Manual recliners usually have a handle or latch-release mechanism on the side. So, if there are any left-handed people in the household, you’ll want a dual-sided model or a left-hand customization.
To make it easier for kids to reach and pull back the handle, consider opting for an elongated comfort selector upgrade on your recliner.
For some families, however, power-operated recliners are a more convenient option. Rather than pulling a latch or a handle, all you have to do is press a button on the control panel.
Depending on the model, independent leg rest, back, and headrest adjustment might be supported. This makes it easier for family members of different ages and needs to find a comfortable position.
The Neo Power Rocking Recliner from La-Z-Boy comes with a side-mounted remote. Icons on the remote are quite intuitive. Plus, it supports two presets. This feature can be a lifesaver for seniors in the family who can’t bother re-adjusting the seating position every time.
The Neo Power Rocking Recliner also has a tablet holder, making it an overall great pick for the whole family, from grandparents to little kids.
Supportive Sectionals Make Sitting and Standing Easier
To pick a senior-friendly sectional, look for models with:
- A higher, supportive back
- Not-so-deep seats
- A seat height of around 22 inches from the floor
Customization Tip: The Tall Base upgrade can add 1.5 inches to La-Z-Boy recliners.
Spacious Personalized Options
By nature, multi-generational housing needs to adapt to a family’s size and needs.
Modular Seating that Offers Plenty of Room
Sectionals are an excellent choice for multi-generational homes because they provide ample seating and can be easily adjusted to accommodate different preferences. Their design allows families to gather comfortably while offering customization options.
Take La-Z-Boy’s Meyer Sectional, for instance.
Just add a chaise or a cuddler to enhance comfort without disrupting the overall layout. This flexibility ensures everyone finds a cozy spot, making it ideal for family gatherings while maintaining a cohesive, inviting aesthetic.
Dual-Purpose Furniture Keeps Shared Spaces Organized
The classic sofa bed is perhaps one of the first things that comes to mind when people say “dual-purpose” furniture. And it would be a good fit for a multi-generational home where it’s much harder to have a dedicated guest bedroom.
With a compact sofa silhouette and a sizable sleeper, the Piper Queen Sleep Sofa is the way to go in crowded living spaces.
That being said, multi-functional furniture solutions can offer so much more than just sofa beds.
You can get a table, a chest, and a seating option all out of one ottoman. Your lift-up table can double as a storage unit. Even recliners can be fitted with extra storage spaces. Our Neo Power Rocking recliner, for instance, comes with two push-to-open bins on the sides.
Durable, Family-Friendly Materials
In a multi-generation home, you’ll likely have energetic kids, mobility-limited seniors, distracted teens, and busy parents all moving around the house. Maybe there are a few pets tossed into the equation as well. In short, accidents are bound to happen.
Performance Fabrics Handle Kids, Pets, and Traffic
With La-Z-Boy, you can get innovative iCleanTM fabrics.
This technology creates a repellent barrier around each fiber. This way, most spills can be blotted away. Even stains that need spot cleaning are fairly easy to tackle with a cloth soaked with soap and water.
Besides being durable and easy to maintain, our iCleanTM fabric is also soft to the touch and highly customizable.
Textured Fabrics Hide Wear and Add Warmth
Weaving or knitting techniques that create tactile patterns in fabric are great for multi-generational homes for two reasons.
The first is that they add visual interest without really being a bold element that clashes with the various tastes within the household. The second is that they camouflage fading and natural wear.
Balance Privacy and Connection
The goal is to make your shared living space feel both like an inviting family hub and a safe, personalized place to relax.
Defined Zones Create Comfort Within Open Layouts
Some multi-generational households have two living rooms, with one being a “smart” adult space and the other a cozy family room.
However, you could squeeze the two spaces into one if you’re working with open layouts. In this case, you have to create and separate the zones cleverly.
For instance, you can use a U-sectional to break the open space and define a conversation zone. Behind the sectional, you can set a play area with vertical shelving for toys and books.
If you anticipate that a family member might have to shift their attention between zones often, consider adding a swivel chair to the mix.
La-Z-Boy’s collection includes swivel/glider chairs (like Roxie and Alma). You can turn them into nursery chairs as your family grows, too.
Safety Tip: Always make sure there are clear pathways between zones and furniture pieces. Tripping hazards are no joke in crowded homes with seniors.
Ample Seating Keeps Everyone Included
Sectionals, in general, are great for large family spaces. But the number of seats isn’t the only factor here. You have to consider the type as well.
For most multi-generational homes, a healthy variety of seating options works best. Think armchairs, loveseats, supportive recliners, and maybe even some floor pillows for young kids.
Why La-Z-Boy
La-Z-Boy is here to help you find products that balance between value and comfort, while reflecting your creative vision.
Here’s why our sofas, recliners, and sectionals are a particularly good fit for multi-generational houses:
Multi-Generational Furniture with Lasting Style
For many multi-generational living rooms, neutral styles work best. This way, the setup looks good for everyone, regardless of age. Other families can agree on bolder choices. Either way, you’ll want your furniture to fit the overall style and last a lifetime.
La-Z-Boy has both aspects covered. From the wood finish to the trims and welts, every piece can be tailored to your family’s preferences. Sustainability and craftsmanship are central to our operations, too.
That’s why our pieces stand out with a blend of style, comfort, and durability. You can rest assured that your living space will be more than equipped to handle all the fun, love, and chaos of a big family living under the same roof.
Full Motion and Stationary Options for Daily Living
There are valid reasons to pick stationary sofas and chairs just as much as there are reasons to go full-motion. You know your family’s needs best, after all.
No matter which way you decide to go, you’ll find all the right pieces in the extensive La-Z-Boy collection.
A Home That Grows With You
Ready to start furnishing your multi-generational living space?
The Right Furniture Supports Every Life Stage
Most families have complex needs. There’s always a bit of comfort-seeking, practicality, and style-consciousness influencing the furniture choices.
In multi-generational homes, however, these needs get more complex. Striking the balance becomes trickier.
Start your furniture shopping journey by trying to understand what each member in your household wants in a living room. Once you have a general idea of what might work, take measurements and map the space.
Visit La-Z-Boy Vancouver to Get Started
Looking to furnish a space that everyone in your family will love? Come by our showroom or set up a free design consultation!