You haven’t slept in your childhood bedroom in more than two decades. But now, you find yourself moving back into the home where you grew up. This time, your own family is now in tow. It wasn’t an easy decision, but becoming a multigenerational household allows you to care for your aging parents while they offer the support you need to take care of your own children.
And you’re not alone. The number of multigenerational households in the U.S. has been rising for decades. According to Pew Research, nearly 60 million Americans now live in a home with multiple generations under one roof. Financial considerations often play a role, but so do caregiving needs and the desire to stay connected as a family.
This living arrangement comes with deep emotional and financial benefits, but it also brings challenges — especially when it comes to designing a home that balances togetherness with privacy. The backyard plays a critical role in this equation. More than just an extension of your home, it’s a shared retreat where family members of all ages can relax, exercise, and play. Creating an outdoor space that works for everyone requires thoughtful planning, but when done right, it can be a sanctuary that truly makes multigenerational living feel like home.
What Is multigenerational living?
A traditional situation in many cultures, multigenerational living refers to a housing arrangement where more than one generation of a family lives under the same roof. This can include parents, children, grandparents, and even extended family members.
In the United States, the number of people living in multigenerational households has quadrupled since 1971, reaching nearly 60 million in 2021. The National Association of Realtors reports that 17% of home purchases in 2023 were for multigenerational households, the highest percentage on record.
While financial factors drive many families to live together, the benefits of multigenerational living extend beyond shared expenses. Families in multigenerational homes report stronger relationships, better caregiving support, and an improved quality of life. Research indicates that living in such close quarters can positively influence mental health and open doors to educational and career opportunities. In fact, in a recent survey, 76% of respondents reported a positive impact on their mental and/or physical health, while 71% said it allowed at least one family member to pursue further education or job training.
However, privacy concerns and the need for personal space remain top challenges, making home and backyard design crucial for long-term harmony.
Designing home for multigenerational living
You never imagined you’d be back in your childhood home, sharing a bedroom with your spouse while your parents in the next room. But now, you’re embracing multigenerational living and trying to find a design that fosters connection while offering everyone some space to maintain their independence.
In fact, two-thirds of people living in multigenerational households report that the arrangement has influenced the type of home they choose — whether that means opting for a house over an apartment, or considering the size and location of their living space.
When planning a multigenerational home, it’s all about balancing shared living areas with private retreats. These design elements that can help create a harmonious living environment for everyone.
Separate living spaces
Whether it’s an in-law suite or a converted basement, separate living spaces allow older family members to maintain their independence while staying close to loved ones. These spaces can include en-suite bathrooms, small kitchenettes, or even a private entry to offer a sense of autonomy without sacrificing togetherness.
Open floor plans
You need a home that feels spacious enough for the entire family to gather, but one that can also adapt as your living situation changes. According to a Generations United report, more than a third of people say having a common space in the home where family can gather contributes to the household’s effective functioning.
Open floor plans, or flexible spaces that can easily transform to meet shifting needs, are ideal for multigenerational living. Think of a large, versatile living area that can evolve alongside your family’s needs.
Accessibility for aging family members
If you’re living with older parents, accessibility should be a top consideration. As they age, they may need mobility aids, such as walkers or wheelchairs. Step-free entryways, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms are essential for ensuring their comfort and safety. These features not only support your loved ones but also make daily life easier for everyone in the household.
Privacy and quiet
Noise can be a challenge in a multigenerational home, especially with a mix of personalities and schedules. Soundproofing between living areas can significantly reduce noise conflicts and ensure everyone has a quiet space to retreat to when needed. Privacy features like solid doors, acoustic panels, or even sliding walls can create a peaceful environment for both young adults and aging family members.
Transforming your backyard into a multigenerational haven
Beyond the walls of your home, the backyard offers a unique opportunity to create a space where family members of all ages can come together, relax, and enjoy quality time. Designing an outdoor area for multigenerational living requires thoughtful planning to ensure it caters to both children and older adults. The layout should include distinct areas for different activities, while maintaining a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Thoughtful design for all ages
A shaded seating area with comfortable, weather-resistant furniture serves as the perfect spot for conversation and relaxation. For older family members, this space offers a place to unwind, while kids can be entertained in a nearby designated play area. Paved walkways with even surfaces are essential for ensuring accessibility, making it easy for those with mobility challenges to navigate the space comfortably.
Hydrotherapy pool: A family-friendly solution
An H2X Fitness Swim Spa by Master Spas is an excellent addition to a multigenerational backyard. Unlike a traditional pool, a swim spa combines relaxation and exercise in one space. For older adults, the warm water and hydrotherapy jets offer therapeutic benefits, relieving joint pain and promoting mobility. For children, the adjustable swim current provides a controlled, safe environment for water play. Adults can also enjoy low-impact workouts, using the current for resistance training and aquatic exercise.
What sets a swim spa apart from a traditional pool is its practicality. It requires less maintenance and occupies less space, making it ideal for families who want the benefits of a pool without the extensive upkeep. It also serves as a social hub, bringing different generations together for both fun and fitness.
Design features for versatility
The key to a successful multigenerational backyard is versatility. A thoughtfully designed outdoor space should flow seamlessly between areas to meet your family’s diverse needs. Consider adding elements like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or covered patios. These encourage family members to spend more time outside, strengthening bonds across generations. Proper lighting is also essential, extending the use of your backyard into the evening hours, making it safer and more inviting.
Privacy in the backyard
Just like indoors, privacy outdoors is crucial for creating a comfortable, relaxing space. Thoughtfully placed landscaping, pergolas, and fencing can create more secluded spots for rest and relaxation. Noise considerations are important, especially if multiple generations are using the backyard at different times of the day. Sound barriers, such as hedges or water features, can help minimize disturbances and enhance the vibe of your backyard.
Investing in health and connection with a hydrotherapy pool
Multigenerational living is more than just a practical solution to modern challenges. It’s an opportunity to foster deeper family bonds and create a home that supports every stage of life. By designing a backyard that is functional, safe, and enjoyable for all generations, families can make the most of their shared living experience. An H2X Fitness Swim Spa is a valuable investment in both health and well-being, providing a space where family members can unwind, exercise, and connect.
Click here to discover the secrets to creating a backyard oasis with an H2X Swim Spa. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about spa ownership. How much does a swim spa cost? Request a quote here.