Ostara Dawn Counters by Vadara Quartz Surfaces add to the lightness and simplicity of this beautiful kitchen in the suburban Atlanta home of Lexi and Jordan Poer. Photo by Zachary Toth @ztothphoto
How Multigenerational Living is Redefining Home Design and Inspiring Innovative Solutions
As the makeup of families and households in the United States shifts and evolves, multigenerational living arrangements are becoming increasingly common. According to the Pew Research Center, a quarter of all adults ages 25 to 34 now live in a multigenerational living situation (which it defines as a household with two or more adult generations).
It’s a number that’s been creeping upward since the early ‘70s but has swung up precipitously in the last 15 years. The US Census measures multigenerational living as three or more generations living under one roof. Despite the shift in definition, the trend holds steady and from 2010 to 2020, there was a nearly 18 percent increase in the number of multigenerational households.
The research arm of the apartment listing and resident services company RentCafe found that 68 percent over the age of 18 still live with a parent or parents. As for millennials, 20 percent are back with mom and/or dad (or just never left).
Whether driven by economic considerations, caregiving needs, or a desire to strengthen family bonds, this trend has reshaped home design and renovation priorities.
A Case Study in Adaptation: Lexi Poer’s Multigenerational Renovation
Atlanta-based influencer Lexi Poer exemplifies this trend. Recently, she and her husband undertook a significant renovation of their home to accommodate her mother. The project added not one but two kitchens — one for the family and a separate one for her mother’s private suite — along with three custom-designed luxury closets.
Photo by Zachary Toth @ztothphoto
“We wanted to create a space where everyone could maintain their independence while feeling connected,” Poer explains. “It was essential to balance practicality with design, and that’s where brands like Vadara Quartz and Sauder Closets came in.”
The Broader Trend: Multigenerational Living on the Rise
From all of the studies and polls that document this rising phenomenon, it’s clear that this shift in living arrangements is fueled by several factors:
- Economic Pressures: Rising housing costs and inflation have made multigenerational living a practical choice for families seeking to share resources.
- Caregiving Needs: With the aging Baby Boomer population, many families are bringing elderly parents into their homes rather than relying on assisted living facilities.
- Cultural Norms: For some communities, living with extended family has always been a cornerstone of daily life.
- Post-Pandemic Preferences: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of family connections, leading many to rethink their living arrangements.
As a result, homebuilders and renovators have seen a surge in demand for features that support multigenerational households, such as second kitchens, private entrances, additional bathrooms and flexible storage solutions.
Vadara Quartz: Style Meets Durability
One of the highlights of Poer’s renovation is the use of Vadara Quartz in both kitchens. Known for its elegance and resilience, Vadara counters offered the perfect blend of form and function.
Photo by Zachary Toth @ztothphoto
Photo by Zachary Toth @ztothphoto
“With two active kitchens in our home, we needed surfaces that could stand up to heavy use while still looking stunning,” Poer says. “Vadara gave us that, with countertops that complement the overall aesthetic of the spaces.”
Quartz, a popular choice for countertops, is particularly suited to multigenerational homes. Its non-porous surface resists stains, making it ideal for busy households. Moreover, Vadara’s sophisticated designs, inspired by natural stone, add a luxurious touch that elevates any kitchen.
Sauder Closets: Custom Storage for Multigenerational Needs
Another crucial component of Poer’s renovation was the addition of three Sauder Closets systems. The spaces reflect the diverse needs of a multigenerational household:
- Master Closet: Designed for Poer and her husband, this closet maximizes storage while the inclusion of Elektra Lighting and Kesseböhmer accessories provides and upscale, organized appearance.
Photo by Zachary Toth @ztothphoto
- Shared Closet: This space serves Poer’s daughter and her mother, demonstrating how thoughtful design can bridge generational needs.
Photo by Zachary Toth @ztothphoto
- Office Closet: Integrated into a home office, this system provides storage for both work essentials and household items.
Photo by Zachary Toth @ztothphoto
Sauder Closets’ modular systems proved indispensable in adapting to these varied requirements. The brand’s collections offer strategic solutions that accommodate the specific needs of every household member, from children to seniors.
“Storage is often overlooked in renovations, but for us, it was a priority,” Poer notes. “Sauder Closets helped us create spaces that work for everyone.”
Design for the Future
Poer’s renovation is more than a personal project; it’s a reflection of broader shifts in the housing market. Families are no longer designing homes solely for the nuclear unit — they’re considering the needs of grandparents, adult children and even future generations.
This focus on adaptability is also driving innovation in home design. For example:
- Open floor plans are giving way to layouts that allow for greater privacy.
- Energy-efficient and low-maintenance materials, like quartz, are becoming staples in multigenerational homes.
- Flexible spaces, such as those created with modular storage systems, ensure that homes can evolve alongside their occupants.
Brands at the Forefront of Change
By partnering with brands like Vadara Quartz and Sauder Closets, Poer has placed her renovation at the forefront of the multigenerational living trend. These companies understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these households, offering products that enhance both function and style.
Photo by Zachary Toth @ztothphoto
In doing so, they’re not just responding to today’s housing needs — they’re setting the standard for what multigenerational homes can achieve.
A New Way to Live
For families like the Poers, multigenerational living is about more than sharing a roof. It’s about fostering connection, supporting independence, and building spaces that work for everyone.
As this trend continues to grow, it will shape the future of housing, driving innovations in design and redefining what it means to create a home. In 2024, one thing is clear: when it comes to multigenerational living, the possibilities are limitless.