4 Interior Design Tips for Multigenerational Families Living Together

Big ideas for big families.

In a multigenerational home, you’ve got to consider the needs of all the different generations living under one roof – and that’s no mean feat.

Here are four key design tips to keep in mind for your home layout, from communal spaces that are the heart of your family’s interactions to cosy nooks for much-needed alone time.

1. For intergenerational mingling: create large, open-concept communal areas

Upgrade movie night with an open-concept plan that makes room for a huge sofa (this one’s enough for the whole kampung) and a spacious dining room that triples as a dry pantry, study area and extra seating.

Another key point in this 5-room HDB flat is also the elderly-friendly features, like the wide doorways and easy-to-reach kitchen cabinets.

Check out this look too:

This 4-room HDB flat takes on a similar open-concept approach, except the dining area is by the windows for an al fresco-inspired vibe where you can enjoy delicious meals in the comfort of your own home.

2. But for your productivity and sanity: don't forget private spaces for work and me-time

As fun as it is having a big family, there are no doubt times we’d like some quiet time for work, studies or just winding down.

We get it – sometimes, it can feel like we’re going stir-crazy, so separate spaces can help to reduce tension.

This home provides just that: there’s a cosy and inviting communal space dressed in neutral colours for mealtimes and entertainment while the individual rooms have their own mix of features.

The plant-filled balcony offers a quiet spot for enjoying the scenery, while the individual rooms feature studies and sofas for sneaking in a nap or enjoying a good read.

Here’s another look:

This resale HDB has a similar arrangement, wherein the communal spaces flow seamlessly, while the open balcony invites you out for a quiet retreat or light activities like reading.

And another:

We can’t get enough of such spaces, so here’s another one with multiple cosy nooks – like a mini-library and a balcony that offers a wonderful view of the greenery outside.

3. To feed a large family: have a wet-and-dry kitchen combo

Have cooking and/or baking aficionados in your family?

They’ll surely love a dual kitchen setup like in this home, where the owners gave their jumbo multigenerational HDB flat in Yishun a complete overhaul.

The kitchen space is split into two areas for a wet-and-dry kitchen combination. The large dry kitchen area is split into two halves, separated by a custom quartz-top island that wraps around a structural column in the middle.

The left half works as a dry pantry while the right side works as a baking area with a dedicated industrial fridge for holding cake ingredients.

It’s also perfect for baking or food prep with the young ones, if you need some ideas for bonding activities!

Head further in and you’ll get to the wet kitchen, which can be closed off during heavy cooking to keep the smells from wafting out.

4. Happy bellies, happy family: ensure dining areas are conducive for bonding over family meals

The soft neutrals and contrasting dark tones in this home aren’t the only things to admire in this resale HDB: move to the kitchen and you’ll find an integrated island for both dining and food prep with plenty of seating.

After all, food is an important part of Asian cultures and brings us (and our communities) together.

That is to say: such a dining space helps set a great atmosphere to hang out together and bond while the cook is at work, as well as to create a seamless flow for preparing and serving food.

At the end of the day… happy bellies, happy family!

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