According to a 2020 report from Census.gov, 9.4% of Floridian households are multigenerational – and most people assume that number is only set to grow. A granny pod or mother-in-law suite is a smart design solution for providing an independent living space for elderly family members – while maintaining everyone’s privacy and convenience. These separate living areas can be designed in various clever ways, seamlessly integrating into the home’s main structure.
Whether you want the suite to be an attached or detached structure, there are many design options to consider. Below are some creative ways to incorporate a granny pod or mother-in-law residence into your custom home design.
- Attached Private Suite with Separate Entrance: One of the most popular ways to include a granny pod is to design a private suite attached to the main house, yet with its own entrance for complete independence. This layout is ideal for an elderly family member who may need regular help but still values their privacy. The suite can include a small living area, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. A breezeway or hallway provides access between the main house and the suite. This design ensures that the person living in the suite can remain connected to the household but doesn’t feel intruded upon.
- Fully Accessible Design: When designing a living space for an elderly relative, it’s crucial to focus on accessibility. Universal design principles make the space safer and more comfortable for people with limited mobility. Features like wide doorways, low-threshold showers, ramps instead of stairs, and grab bars are essential. A well-designed layout should also ensure that the suite is easily navigable for a wheelchair or walker, such as an open-concept floor plan.
- Multi-Use Space: Instead of creating a completely separate suite, some choose to design a multi-use space that can serve both as a mother-in-law suite and a guest room or office when not in use. This could be an adaptable, convertible room with a Murphy bed or fold-out furniture that allows for flexible use.
- Separate Detached Granny Pod: If you prefer a more independent living setup, consider designing a separate detached mother-in-law suite on your property. This could be a small, cozy house-like structure located in your backyard or side yard. This design can give the individual more privacy and independence while still being close enough to the main home for support when necessary. This option will be subject to zoning laws regarding multiple dwelling units on one property.
- Outdoor Living Areas: A custom builder can extend the living space by creating an outdoor area for the granny pod. A small patio or deck outside the suite can be perfect for relaxing, enjoying fresh air, or entertaining guests. Include features like comfortable seating, a fire pit, or even a small garden to make the outdoor area feel like an extension of the indoor living space. Adding a garden path or a sitting area with access to the main house’s backyard can further enhance the sense of independence for the person in the suite. Landscaping can also help to visually separate the monther-in-law suite from the rest of the property while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Designing for Socialization as Well
While privacy is important, designing the granny pod or mother-in-law suite for occasional social interaction is equally essential. This could mean incorporating spaces that are designed for family visits, such as a small dining area or lounge that can be shared during meals or gatherings. You could also design the space to have large windows facing the main house or the backyard, promoting a sense of connection with the rest of the family. Adding a small, comfortable seating area near the windows can create a sense of inclusion, allowing the person in the suite to feel connected to the social atmosphere of the main home.
Designing a granny pod or mother-in-law suite into your custom home is an excellent way to create a private and comfortable living space for extended family members and loved ones.
At Bruce Williams Homes, we have over 55 years of experience bringing your house ideas and dreams to life. If you are looking to build a unique property of meet a specific need – call our team today.
According to a 2020 report from Census.gov, 9.4% of Floridian households are multigenerational – and most people assume that number is only set to grow. A granny pod or mother-in-law suite is a smart design solution for providing an independent living space for elderly family members – while maintaining everyone’s privacy and convenience. These separate living areas can be designed in various clever ways, seamlessly integrating into the home’s main structure.
Whether you want the suite to be an attached or detached structure, there are many design options to consider. Below are some creative ways to incorporate a granny pod or mother-in-law residence into your custom home design.
- Attached Private Suite with Separate Entrance: One of the most popular ways to include a granny pod is to design a private suite attached to the main house, yet with its own entrance for complete independence. This layout is ideal for an elderly family member who may need regular help but still values their privacy. The suite can include a small living area, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. A breezeway or hallway provides access between the main house and the suite. This design ensures that the person living in the suite can remain connected to the household but doesn’t feel intruded upon.
- Fully Accessible Design: When designing a living space for an elderly relative, it’s crucial to focus on accessibility. Universal design principles make the space safer and more comfortable for people with limited mobility. Features like wide doorways, low-threshold showers, ramps instead of stairs, and grab bars are essential. A well-designed layout should also ensure that the suite is easily navigable for a wheelchair or walker, such as an open-concept floor plan.
- Multi-Use Space: Instead of creating a completely separate suite, some choose to design a multi-use space that can serve both as a mother-in-law suite and a guest room or office when not in use. This could be an adaptable, convertible room with a Murphy bed or fold-out furniture that allows for flexible use.
- Separate Detached Granny Pod: If you prefer a more independent living setup, consider designing a separate detached mother-in-law suite on your property. This could be a small, cozy house-like structure located in your backyard or side yard. This design can give the individual more privacy and independence while still being close enough to the main home for support when necessary. This option will be subject to zoning laws regarding multiple dwelling units on one property.
- Outdoor Living Areas: A custom builder can extend the living space by creating an outdoor area for the granny pod. A small patio or deck outside the suite can be perfect for relaxing, enjoying fresh air, or entertaining guests. Include features like comfortable seating, a fire pit, or even a small garden to make the outdoor area feel like an extension of the indoor living space. Adding a garden path or a sitting area with access to the main house’s backyard can further enhance the sense of independence for the person in the suite. Landscaping can also help to visually separate the monther-in-law suite from the rest of the property while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Designing for Socialization as Well
While privacy is important, designing the granny pod or mother-in-law suite for occasional social interaction is equally essential. This could mean incorporating spaces that are designed for family visits, such as a small dining area or lounge that can be shared during meals or gatherings. You could also design the space to have large windows facing the main house or the backyard, promoting a sense of connection with the rest of the family. Adding a small, comfortable seating area near the windows can create a sense of inclusion, allowing the person in the suite to feel connected to the social atmosphere of the main home.
Designing a granny pod or mother-in-law suite into your custom home is an excellent way to create a private and comfortable living space for extended family members and loved ones.
At Bruce Williams Homes, we have over 55 years of experience bringing your house ideas and dreams to life. If you are looking to build a unique property of meet a specific need – call our team today.
