There are many reasons multiple generations of families live together, from cultural norms, to medical requirements, to economic necessity. Whatever the reason, creating a home that serves the needs of multiple generations requires thoughtful design and planning.

Privacy and Shared Spaces 

One of the most significant challenges in multi-generational living is maintaining individuals’ privacy while providing ample communal areas to gather. Effective design solutions often include separate living quarters, such as in-law suites or finished basements, that allow for independence yet are connected to the main household. These spaces can feature private entrances, bathrooms, and kitchenettes.

Accessibility and Adaptability 

Homes designed for multi-generational living should also prioritize accessibility. As we age, mobility and sight may become more challenging. Including features such as wider doorways, step-free entrances, and lever-style door handles that can be pushed rather than gripped are some of the ways to make your home easier to move around.  To make the home even more adaptable, consider installing plumbing for future bathrooms or creating spaces that can be easily converted into additional bedrooms. The CHBA Adaptiv Home program offers innovative solutions tailored to these challenges, promoting flexible home designs that evolve with your family's needs. To ensure your future projects benefit from these thoughtful adaptations, hire a Qualified Adaptiv Home Specialist today and create a living environment that gracefully accommodates life’s transitions.

Highlighting Innovation: 

Basement Beauty by Make It Home Ltd.

An example of innovative design in multi-generational homes is Make It Home Ltd.'s project, Basement Beauty, located in Winnipeg, MB. This project, a 2025 finalist for the Best Basement Renovation in the 2025 𝘊𝘏𝘉𝘈 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, exemplifies how a space can be transformed into a stylish and functional living area for an extended family.

Project Overview: Basement Beauty was a complete transformation of an undeveloped basement into a fully finished lower suite. The objective was to create a living space that would allow the clients to comfortably merge households with an aging relative. The renovation was designed to be not only functional but also luxurious, accommodating the transition from the client's previous home.

Key Features of the Renovation 

The renovation included several key features that ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal:

Spacious Layout: The basement was designed to include a generous bedroom with a full ensuite and a large walk-in closet, offering privacy and comfort. Additionally, a kitchenette, living and dining areas, and a spare room for workout equipment and storage were incorporated.

Modern Aesthetic: A contemporary design was achieved through intentional lighting and a complementary color scheme. The use of rustic vinyl floor planks, soft neutral paint colors, and bold charcoal cabinets created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The custom wood slat feature wall in the living area not only adds texture but also cleverly conceals the electrical panel.

Creative Use of Space: Existing structural elements like posts and plumbing stacks were incorporated into the walls to maximize room size and flow. The open stairwell serves as an inviting entry point, connecting the basement to the main floor seamlessly.

Insights From The Pro

Designing for Accessibility and Adaptability

Doreen Gauthier, president of Make It Home Ltd., emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs to design spaces that balance privacy with communal living. In the Basement Beauty project, common areas were prioritized for main-level cooking and gathering, while the basement offered privacy with a bedroom and ensuite. This layout maintained the feeling of togetherness while supporting individual privacy.

Innovative Design Techniques

Gauthier notes “To maximize space and functionality in the Basement Beauty project, innovative techniques such as using barn doors, pocket doors, and sliding doors were employed. These elements save space by eliminating the need for door swings.” The basement's common areas are also grouped effectively, with the TV space enhanced by a panelled sliding door and LED lighting for a modern touch.

Future-Proofing Homes

Future-proofing multi-generational homes is crucial, and Gauthier's experience as a Qualified Adaptiv Home Specialist plays a significant role. Features like grab bars, higher toilets, wider doorways, and levered handles are integrated to ensure accessibility for everyone, regardless of ability, and truly benefits all family members.

The Future of Multi-Generational Living 

As the demand for multi-generational homes continues to grow, the construction and design industries must evolve to meet these needs. Projects like Make It Home Ltd.'s Basement Beauty highlight the potential for creative solutions that accommodate extended families while providing comfort and style. By focusing on privacy, accessibility, and adaptability, these living spaces can support diverse family dynamics and enhance the quality of life for all members.

Multi-generational living not only strengthens familial bonds but also provides a sustainable and economically viable solution for modern housing needs. As we look to the future, embracing innovative design and construction practices will be key to creating homes that are both functional and beautiful, meeting the needs of today’s families and those to come.  

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About Make It Home Ltd.

Make It Home Ltd. is a full-service design-build renovation company operating in Winnipeg and the surrounding area. Specializing in a wide range of residential renovations, including kitchens, bathrooms, whole homes, basements, and additions, they bring 25 years of design and construction-related experience to every project. As RenoMark members and qualified Adaptiv Home specialists, Make It Home adheres to the highest standards of quality and integrity in the industry. Their team of designers and project managers expertly guides clients from conception to completion, offering services such as concept design, design drawings, budget preparation, and comprehensive installation. With their commitment to excellence and comprehensive approach, Make It Home ensures each renovation project is executed seamlessly and to the highest satisfaction.  Learn more about them here.