Multigenerational homes

Family room Services and Power Planning for Multigenerational homes

Locate the equipment first, then coordinate outlets, switches and maintenance access with the relevant trades.

Explore the ideas
Living room with a television wall, wood shelving and a glass partition
Living room inspiration: media storage beside a glazed divider.

Walkthrough checklist

  1. Make a schedule of fixed and portable equipment and note where each will actually be used.
  2. Overlay service routes and outlets on the furniture drawings before approving joinery.
  3. Keep shutoffs and frequently serviced connections reachable and have the relevant specialist verify the provision.
Worked example

The planned sofa position leaves floor lamps and chargers dependent on a cable crossing the walkway.

Overlay furniture and device locations before approving outlet positions; keep cords out of the entry and balcony paths.

How to test it

Check locations against the final furniture and appliance drawings before walls or cabinets are closed.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Use seating groups with a direct passage and place quieter reading seats away from the screen.
Detail
Provide separate reading and media light circuits and acoustic soft furnishings.
Trade-off
Multiple zones support varied use but may fragment a small common room.
  • Test simultaneous activities
  • Check sound and sightlines from each seat
Living room arranged with an L-shaped sofa and wall shelving
Living room inspiration: seating grouped around a shared focal point.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Open living and dining area with a wood partition and television unit
Living room inspiration: a visual boundary between shared zones.
Living room with green and rust-colored seating around a low coffee table
Living room inspiration: conversation seating with a clear central table.

Related design guides

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