Multigenerational homes
Family room Storage Design for Multigenerational homes
Plan storage around frequency of use and the route between use and return. Measure the actual items, including handles and cases.
Explore the ideas
Plan in this order
- Sort items into daily, occasional and surplus stock, then measure each group's largest pieces.
- Place daily items at the point of use and reserve a separate area for overflow or refills.
- Choose shelf spans, pull-outs and closures only after checking how items are loaded and removed.
Worked example
Board games, throws and charging cables accumulate around the television console.
Measure the largest game boxes and charging devices; assign closed compartments near use and keep ventilation open around electronics.
How to test it
Put the largest item into a mock-up and remove it with the adjacent doors or work surfaces in use.
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
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