How to Design Homes for Large Families
A feeling that each person has some space that's exclusively his own is important when designing homes for large families. It's not simply a matter of providing big rooms and multiple bathrooms, but also creating shared living spaces where busy families can spend time together. Keeping the individual needs of the members of a large family in mind during the design process will ensure a home that's both comfortable and accommodating. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plan a playroom for the children with plenty of storage for books and toys that's remote from bedrooms and formal living areas. Carpet the floor with a heavy duty, easy-to-clean material like Berber.
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Design a large family room that's attached to the kitchen. This way parents can keep an eye on things while they cook. Add a large desk to the family room, and set up a complete computer workstation for web surfing and homework under the watchful eye of an adult.
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Create a media room. Family movie nights, video games and television watching become an inclusive endeavor versus individual family members playing in separate rooms.
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Make sure there are enough bathrooms. There should be one dedicated to the adults, a powder room for guests and bathrooms to be shared by two or three of the children. Install double vanities and hide toilets in water closets, or make separate small rooms inside the bathrooms themselves.
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Consider building bunk rooms if you don't have the resources to construct multiple bedrooms. Bunk rooms can be cozy and comfortable if each child has a private space like his own desk and closet.
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Provide a retreat for the adults. A remote master bedroom, private office or reading room all provide respite from the noise of large families. Install locks for adult privacy.
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Design an eat-in kitchen and/or dining room that's large enough for the entire family to gather around the table. The kitchen should have a large refrigerator that dispenses drinks without the door being opened, ample storage or a pantry for dried goods and a freezer.
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Fence the yard. Make sure gates latch securely when they're closed. Build a storage shed for bikes and outdoor toys.
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Install utilities that will provide enough hot water for bathing, laundry and dishwashing for the entire family. Make sure the electrical system is up to handling multiple appliances and devices. Build a septic sewer that's large enough for your family if you're not hooked to city utilities.
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Tips & Warnings
Install a house intercom for easy communication.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit U.S. Department of Agriculture
