How to Create Private Spaces in Multigenerational Homes?

updated Apr 30, 2019

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Q: One of the *new* things in recent years is going back to the old-school multi-generation houses or joint-family multi-home properties. Sometimes grandparent(s) move into a suite, converted garage, or detached cottage. Or sometimes parents and kids move into the first floor, big basement, or barn on grandparents’ property. And with so many immigrant families, the some communities have kept a lot more of the multi-generational household tradition. We’re a multi-generation and mixed Asian household, but I grew up in a big home that nobody stayed in except to eat dinner and sleep…

But the Asian culture folks at our house have a lot of ‘homebody-ness’ so I’d LOVE to get some inspiration from other folks who have made sharing spaces work—how have folks figured out how to both share the house AND make some private retreat zones for both nuclear families???? Thanks so much!!! -Sent by Rebecca

Editor: That is a great question! Readers, please share your tips for happy, healthy ways for multiple generations of a family to share a home, especially if some of them particularly love a bit of peace and quiet and privacy? Thanks!

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