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Here’s the first startling statistic.
A Big Box store can help you with the look, but it can’t help you with the feel.
Since 1971, the number of multi-generational households—meaning grandparents, parents, and perhaps children all living under the same roof—has quadrupled, according to the Pew Research Institute.
Here’s the second startling statistic.
Like many countries around the world, the U.S. is experiencing a major demographic shift.
By 2035, there will be as many people over the age of 65 as there are 18 and younger, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The third statistic may not be as startling, but it comes on the heels of the other two.
As people live longer and inflation remains high, families are exploring a new/old way of living, long established in Europe—multi-generational living.
Says Belgian-born Karin Ross of Karin Ross Designs, “What we’re seeing is a new economic situation. In Europe, there is not enough land, so it makes sense for families to live together in one house. In this country, there is enough land, but the rising cost of inflation, taxes, and insurance makes multi-generational living more attractive. We’re seeing new homes and newly remodeled homes start to feature two primary bedroom suites and two full kitchens.”
In other words, the traditional mother-in-law suite, which generally featured a bedroom with a bath and a kitchenette, is getting a makeover.
The new multi-generational living trend emphasizes quality—quality in finishes and quality time spent together. With everyone pooling their resources, you could have one larger home with greater luxury in the rooms that are the most used. “The whole house could live better,” says Ross. “The best remodeling scenario is to start with a home that has a walkout basement, so you would have one-floor living with its own entrance for older members of the family or young adults returning home for a while.” With a second luxury kitchen and primary suite on the lower floor, families could live quite comfortably without being on top of each other.
With boundaries and rules established ahead of time, multi-generational living could offer many benefits, says Ross. “Financial stability is one. Looking after one another, whether it’s children or elderly grandparents, is easier if you’re all in one place. And thirdly, you can enjoy more time together with the people who created you and the people you’ve created.”
Working with a kitchen and bath specialist to create a multi-generational home, says Ross, saves you time and money, not to mention stress.
A kitchen and bath designer keeps up with new products and knows what will work. “We try everything we install before we put it in a client’s home,” she says. “We try it in our home or in our showroom. That way, there are no surprises.”
There are no surprises, either, during the installation. Karin Ross Designs keeps products in stock, so no waiting. And Nick Ross, Karin’s husband, does the installation work with his team. “Our clients know we will take care of it all,” she says.
And that’s the main reason for creating a multi-generational home—taking care of those who mean the most to you.
Visit KarinRossDesigns.com to explore Ross’s design and remodeling portfolio and book a consultation.