Fun & Functional: Multigenerational House Plans (2024)

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Fun & Functional: Multigenerational House Plans (1)

Check out these multigenerational house plans.

Fun & Functional: Multigenerational House Plans

By Courtney Pittman

It’s all about functionality and up-to-date features with these multigenerational house plans. Designed to house multiple families (or renters), these plans include a mix of duplex house plans and designs with in-law suites. Other highlights include relaxed spaces, island kitchens, and open layouts. Take a look at ten of our favorites.

Discover the full multigenerational house plans collection here.

Farmhouse Multigenerational House PlanFarmhouse Multigenerational House Plan - Front Exterior

Farmhouse Multigenerational House Plan - Main Floor Plan

This farmhouse design offers flexibility with private living quarters on the left wing of the plan. The main floor plan features a breezy layout that is bright and open. Check out the big pantry in the kitchen.

Near the front, the primary suite impresses with two walk-in closets. A Jack-and-Jill bathroom sits between two secondary bedrooms. Don’t miss the covered front porch or the nice back patio.

Traditional Multigenerational House PlanTraditional Multigenerational House Plan - Front Exterior

Traditional Multigenerational House Plan - Main Floor Plan

Traditional Multigenerational House Plan - Upper Floor Plan

Here’s a duplex house plan with traditional curb appeal. Inside, each unit boasts a super-efficient layout that is simple and open. The snack counter overlooks the great room and is ready for casual meals.

Upstairs, you'll find three bedrooms and a full bath.

Modern Multigenerational House PlanModern Multigenerational House Plan - Front Exterior

Modern Multigenerational House Plan - Main Floor Plan

Modern Multigenerational House Plan - Upper Floor Plan

Modern Multigenerational House Plan - Lower Floor Plan

Building on a narrow lot? Check out this modern duplex house plan. Lots of windows provide natural light and let you take in the view. The lower level includes a four-car garage and ample storage space (discover these garage storage tips from Family Handyman). Matching three-bedroom apartments wait on the second and third levels.

We love the open gathering areas – which include an island kitchen and a large living space. The primary suite takes center stage with an extra-big shower (with two shower heads). Enjoy the fresh air on the nice balcony.

Multigenerational House Plan with CasitaMultigenerational House Plan with Casita - Front Exterior

Multigenerational House Plan with Casita - Main Floor Plan

Multigenerational House Plan with Casita - Upper Floor Plan

Just 40 feet wide, this practical plan is designed for a tight lot. The generous family room features a fireplace and opens to the dining room and the kitchen. An island in the kitchen is ready for relaxed meals. Check out the thoughtful pocket office (take a look at these office ideas from Country Living).

Upstairs, a roomy shower and dual sinks highlight the homeowner’s suite. Two more bedrooms share a hall bath. Nearby but accessed through its own entrance downstairs, the casita includes an efficient living space with a kitchen, a bedroom, and a full bath (with a walk-in closet).

Multigenerational House Plan with Small UnitMultigenerational House Plan with Small Unit - Front Exterior

Multigenerational House Plan with Small Unit - Main Floor Plan

This duplex is a great choice for a live-in relative (or even a renter). On the left, a one-bedroom unit features an open living space with a kitchen, a full bath, and its own private entrance. On the right, the larger unit gives you a modern floor plan with an island kitchen and a big pantry.

Ready to impress, the primary suite boasts a luxe bathroom and a convenient seat in the walk-in closet. A covered porch adds indoor/outdoor living.

Duplex Multigenerational House PlanDuplex Multigenerational House Plan - Front Exterior

Duplex Multigenerational House Plan - Main Floor Plan

Duplex Multigenerational House Plan - Upper Floor Plan

Here’s a duplex design with cool farmhouse style. Mirrored identical units each showcase an open floor plan on the main floor. An island in the kitchen is a modern touch.

The covered back patio is a nice place to unwind. Upstairs, the primary suite features a private bathroom with a large walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms and a bath wait down the hall.

Multigenerational House Plan with Open LayoutMultigenerational House Plan with Open Layout - Front Exterior

Multigenerational House Plan with Open Layout - Main Floor Plan

Multigenerational House Plan with Open Layout - Upper Floor Plan

Check out this streamlined duplex house plan. Inside, the vibe is relaxed. The kitchen island conveniently serves the open dining area and the great room. Sliding glass doors access a small patio out back.

Three bedrooms (one with a walk-in closet) complete the upper level, along with a full bathroom.

Multigenerational House Plan with Wraparound PorchMultigenerational House Plan with Wraparound Porch - Front Exterior

Multigenerational House Plan with Wraparound Porch - Main Floor Plan

Multigenerational House Plan with Wraparound Porch - Upper Floor Plan

A wraparound porch decorates the exterior of this country style duplex plan. A fireplace warms the open family room. More smart touches include a thoughtful drop zone, a large back deck, and an optional built-in seat in the family room.

On the second floor, the owner’s suite is dressed up with a spacious shower and a walk-in closet. An additional bedroom, along with a full bath, shares the second floor.

Three-Bedroom Multigenerational House PlanThree-Bedroom Multigenerational House Plan - Front Exterior

Three-Bedroom Multigenerational House Plan - Main Floor Plan

Three-Bedroom Multigenerational House Plan - Upper Floor Plan

This three-bedroom Craftsman style duplex features two matching units with efficient layouts. The U-shaped kitchen overlooks the living room and the breakfast nook. A coat closet in the foyer is a welcome amenity.

Conveniently located on the second floor, the laundry is steps away from the primary suite (and the two secondary bedrooms).

Multigenerational House Plan with Pocket OfficeMultigenerational House Plan with Pocket Office - Front Exterior

Multigenerational House Plan with Pocket Office - Main Floor Plan

Multigenerational House Plan with Pocket Office - Upper Floor Plan

Here’s a multigenerational house plan that gives you lots of flexibility. The casita on the first floor offers privacy with an open kitchen/living area, a bedroom, a full bath, a pocket office, and its own entrance. Also on this level in the larger part of the home, the island kitchen features easy access to the dining room.

Store items in the well-organized drop zone next to the two-car garage. Two secondary bedrooms, a full bath, and the deluxe owner’s suite wait upstairs. Like to grill? Check out the optional back deck.

Explore more multigenerational house plans here.

Fun & Functional: Multigenerational House Plans (2024)

FAQs

Are multigenerational homes a good idea? ›

The Benefits of Multi-Generational Living

That's especially important for elderly residents, as a number of studies have demonstrated a link between longevity and social interaction. If grandparents and grandkids are living under the same roof, it also allows those two generations to create deeper connections.

Where is the best place for multigenerational families to live? ›

California takes the crown.

Hispanic families tend to form multi-generational households at much higher rates than non-Hispanic whites, and California boasts a large Hispanic population. Together, California and Texas dominated our top 25 list.

What is the key disadvantage of multigenerational families? ›

Drawbacks of a multigenerational household

Living in close quarters with family members can sometimes lead to conflicts. Differences in opinions, lifestyles, lack of privacy and routines can cause tension and disagreements.

What are the trends in multigenerational households? ›

After declining in earlier decades, multigenerational living has grown steadily in the U.S. since the 1970s. From 1971 to 2021, the number of people living in multigenerational households quadrupled, while the number in other types of living situations is less than double what it was.

What percent of homes are multigenerational? ›

Areas with high living costs, large immigrant populations, and housing shortages are abundant with multigenerational homes, which explains why Hawaii (15.7%) and California (12.3%) report the highest percentages of people in multigenerational households.

What percentage of Americans live in multigenerational homes? ›

The past ten years have seen a remarkably large leap in multigenerational living, from 7 percent of Americans found in our 2011 survey[1] to 26 percent of Americans in 2021. Most of us are likely either residing in a home with three or more generations, or we know someone who is.

What percentage of Americans live in multigenerational households? ›

The number of household with two or more adult generations has quadrupled over the past five decades, according to a Pew Research Center report based on census data from 1971 to 2021. Such households now represent 18% of the U.S. population, they estimate.

How many Americans live in a multigenerational home? ›

More than 59 million people live in multigenerational households, or homes that include two or more adult generations. Whether it's parents and adult children or a "skipped generation" consisting of grandparents and their grandchildren, these homes offer a unique dynamic that can be both rewarding and challenging.

Are multigenerational homes becoming more popular? ›

According to an analysis of census data from 1971-2021, the number of people living in multigenerational family households quadrupled during that time period, reaching 59.7 million in March 2021. The share more than doubled as well, to 18% of the U.S. population.

What is a multi gen kitchen? ›

A 'multi-generational' kitchen is the official term that is being used within the kitchen industry for family kitchens specifically designed to suit the needs of different generations who are living together in the same home.

When did people stop living in multigenerational homes? ›

These trends continued through 1980 when only 12% of the US population lived in a multigenerational household, the lowest in history. But since 1980, multigenerational living has become consistently more popular, with one-in-five Americans living in a multigenerational household in 2016.

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