Home Where Everyone Lives Together: How to Organize Space for Grandmothers, Grandchildren and All in Between

Imagine an apartment where grandfather watches old movies, mom works from home, dad cooks dinner, and children do their homework. Sounds like chaos? Not necessarily! We tell you how to create a harmonious space for the whole family, from young to old.

Why Do Families Live Together?

Multigenerational families are not a novelty in Russia. According to Rosstat, about 25% of families live in apartments where three or more generations coexist under one roof. Reasons vary: from financial considerations to the desire to be closer to relatives. But how can you make sure that living together doesn't turn into a daily challenge?

Design: Svetlana Basaragina

Common Areas: Where Everyone Feels Comfortable

The heart of any home is the common room. This is where the family gathers together, but each person should have their own corner. A large sofa for evening gatherings, a comfortable chair for grandmother, a play area for children — and all this in one space.

What about the kitchen? It can also become a meeting place for generations. A kitchen island with high stools is perfect for family breakfasts. A cozy corner with a soft sofa will become the favorite spot for tea time with grandmother.

Design: Interior designers Pavel and Svetlana Alekseev

Personal Space: Each Has Their Own World

No matter how much we love our relatives, sometimes we need some alone time. Even in a small apartment, you can create secluded corners. A wardrobe partition in the common room can separate the parents' workspace. For a teenager, you can organize a sleeping area on the second level, leaving space below for studying or hobbies.

The senior generation also needs their own corner. A comfortable chair by the window, a shelf with favorite books, a table for crafts — and grandmother will have her special place in the house.

Design: Pavel Foteev

Children's Question: How to Get Along with Age-Group Kids?

Designing a children's room for various ages is not an easy task. But solutions exist! A bunk bed saves space, and a wardrobe partition divides the room into zones. It's important that every child has their own corner, even if it's small.

What if there are more children than rooms? Consider transforming furniture. A bed that becomes a table or wardrobe during the day — an excellent solution for saving space.

Design: Anastasia Nikulina

Technology at the Service of the Family

In a multigenerational home, technology can be a real lifesaver. Smart speakers help grandmother control the lights by voice. A tablet on the kitchen counter replaces cookbooks and becomes a family organizer. Noise-canceling headphones let teenagers listen to music without disturbing others.

Storage: Where to Store Family Treasures?

When multiple generations live in one apartment, there are many things. The secret is in smart storage organization. Built-in wardrobes to the ceiling, drawers under the bed, open shelves for beautiful items — all this helps maintain order.

Don't forget about attics and storerooms. They are perfect for seasonal items and rarely used objects. A balcony can become an additional storage room if it is properly insulated and equipped.

Design: Olga Komarova

Family Relics: How to Incorporate History into the Interior

Every family has its treasures: grandmother's set of dishes, grandfather's medals, children's crafts. Don't hide them in a far corner! Create a family gallery on the wall, highlight a shelf for important items, or organize a mini-museum in a wardrobe with glass doors.

A Green Corner for Everyone

Plants in the house are not just decoration. They are a way to unite the family around a shared task. Set up a small winter garden on an insulated balcony or create a vertical garden on the kitchen counter. Taking care of plants can be a pleasant activity for grandmother, and harvesting the yield — a joyful event for children.

Design: TB.design

Compromises and Rules: How to Live Harmoniously

Even in the most ideal apartment, the main thing is the ability to negotiate. Create a family schedule for using common areas. Set rules about music and TV volume. And most importantly — respect each other's personal space.

Renovation with Everyone in Mind: Plan Together

If you're planning a renovation in an apartment where several generations live, it's important to consider everyone’s wishes. Hold a family meeting where everyone can voice their ideas. Perhaps grandmother dreams of special lighting for embroidery, and the grandchild wants a drawing board on the wall? Try to find solutions that please everyone.

Living with multiple generations under one roof is a challenge, but also great joy. The key is to remember that the home should be comfortable for every family member, regardless of age. With the right approach to space organization, your apartment will become a place where everyone finds their corner, but the whole family feels like one unit. In the end, there is nothing better than a home filled with love and care from family members.

Design: Pavel Foteev

Cover: Design Project by El'nara Mayylowa