The Rise of Dual Primaries, Multigenerational In-Law Suites, and Flex Rooms

The concept of home is ever-changing, adapting to the dynamic needs and lifestyles of contemporary families. While yesterday’s design trends celebrated open concept living spaces and the emergence of ‘man caves’, today’s homes are taking a more nuanced approach to comfort and functionality. Home designs featuring dual primary suites, multigenerational layouts, and highly adaptable spaces are becoming increasingly common.
   
 

The Rise of Dual Primary Suites: More Than Just Bedrooms

Gone are the days when a bedroom was merely a space to sleep. Bedrooms today are personalized sanctuaries that reflect individual style, offering a blend of luxury and practicality.
 
Dual primary bedrooms, previously known as "master bedrooms," are becoming more common in new home construction. This trend reflects changes in how relationships are defined within households. In the conventional primary-secondary bedroom setup, the primary bedroom is larger and often comes with an en suite bathroom, indicating a hierarchical relationship between the rooms. However, with dual primaries, each bedroom is similar in size and amenities, serving as equal spaces for two adults.
 
This design trend is motivated by the understanding that both individuals in a partnership have equal needs for personal space, comfort, and utility. Whether it's a couple working different shifts, a need for space due to different sleeping patterns, or even rooms used for different purposes—one for sleeping, another as a private study, hobby room or NextGen—the dual primary configuration offers more options.  The size of dual primary bedrooms can vary but these rooms typically span anywhere from 400 to 650 square feet, dwarfing the standard bedroom size of approximately 219 square feet.
 
While this trend is increasingly popular among baby boomers, younger couples are also jumping on the bandwagon. The reasons may vary from conflicting work schedules to the simple desire for personal space, but the outcome remains the same: better sleep quality and, by extension, a happier, healthier relationship.
 
   
 

Multigenerational Living: Community and Privacy Under One Roof

The emergence of dual primaries also dovetails with the rise of multigenerational living. Sometimes referred to as in-law suites, they are another adaptation to changing demographics and lifestyles. Multigenerational households are becoming more common as adult children opt to stay at home longer, aging parents move in with their adult kids, or various other familial arrangements come into play. In this environment, the traditional home layout often proves insufficient. An in-law suite, usually consisting of at least one bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchenette, provides the extra space needed to house more family members while giving them a level of independence and privacy. It offers the older generation a sense of autonomy and dignity they might not have in an assisted living facility, all the while keeping the family unit intact. For the younger generation, these suites can serve as a transitionary space, enabling them to save money or pay down student loans before venturing out on their own.
 
Lennar’s Next Gen® series incorporates a home within a home—literally. These plans are designed to come with a separate suite that has its own bedroom, bathroom, living area, and sometimes even a kitchenette. They are ideal spaces for grandparents, returning college students, or even long-term guests. The design allows for complete privacy while also providing easy access to the main home, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
 
While multigenerational homes have everyone living under one roof, another trend growing in popularity is the Accessory Dwelling Unit, or (ADU). These are smaller, independent residential units located on the same property as the main home and sometimes referred to as “garage apartments.” The design aims to encourage familial togetherness while allowing for personal space, making it ideal for families with elders or adult children who are economically or emotionally better off living with family. In these arrangements, the family typically shares utilities, maintenance responsibilities, and property taxes, giving it a collective character. When not in use by family members, these spaces can easily be converted into guest rooms, home offices, or even rental units, adding financial value to the property.
 
In the Charleston area, Nexton and Summers Corner feature new homes with detached garages which have apartments above them. They blend seamlessly with the main homes with smart design options that prioritize both comfort and aesthetic appeal. In 2020 the Charleston City Council passed a law allowing residents across the city to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their own land. In certain areas like Mount Pleasant, these units are capped at 850 square feet. In Charleston, they're seen as a tool for boosting affordable housing.

   
 

Flex Spaces: The New Standard in Versatility

In the modern landscape of home construction, the concept of "flex rooms" is gaining considerable traction. As lifestyles become increasingly dynamic, and the lines between work and home continue to blur, the idea of having a dedicated space in the house for a single, specific function seems outdated. Gone are the days when rooms were rigidly defined as either bedroom, dining rooms, or living rooms. Flex rooms are redefining the way we think about domestic spaces, serving as a canvas upon which individual preferences and needs can be freely painted.
 
A flex room essentially is a jack-of-all-trades. It’s a space designed to be versatile enough to accommodate an array of activities. Whether you need a home office, a guest bedroom, a yoga studio, or even a home theater, the flex room is engineered to meet that need. The key to a successful flex room lies in its design, which incorporates elements like adaptable furniture, ample electrical outlets, and often, the absence of features that would pin it down to a single use, like built-in cabinetry specific to a dining room or bedroom.
 
For homebuilders, the inclusion of flex rooms in new home designs is a recognition of the evolving demands of homeowners. Technological advancements like high-speed internet and smart home systems are making it easier than ever to tailor these rooms to individual requirements. For example, a wall-mounted, fold-down table can serve as a desk during the day and easily be put away to transform the space into a cozy entertainment area in the evening. Noise-cancelling technology can be installed to make the room a quiet study area or a bustling game room without disturbing the rest of the house.

   
 

Conclusion

Dual primary suites, multigenerational living, and flexible spaces are no longer niche concepts; they are central to the way we envision contemporary living spaces. Forward-thinking homebuilders and communities are aligning their offerings to meet these needs, innovating in ways that balance community and privacy, flexibility, and functionality, all under one roof.
 
What's particularly fascinating about these three trends is that they can often intersect in interesting ways. A home may feature dual primaries, ensuring each partner has their individual space, while also incorporating an in-law suite that can serve as a multigenerational living area or an income-generating rental unit. This suite, in turn, could include a flex room, which can be adapted for use by any of the home's residents, for any number of purposes, as circumstances dictate. Together, these features create a home environment that is not just functional but also highly adaptable, reflecting the diverse and ever-changing needs of modern families.
 
These trends also have broader societal implications as well. For instance, the dual primary arrangement may foster greater equality within relationships, allowing both partners to share domestic responsibilities more evenly. Meanwhile, multigenerational suites could make childcare and eldercare more manageable, reducing the stress often associated with these responsibilities. Flex rooms offer a practical solution to the modern conundrum of space management, particularly as remote work becomes more widespread. By designing homes with these features, we are essentially building an architecture of adaptability, setting up frameworks that can evolve alongside us.
 
The concept of 'home' is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a desire for more flexible, egalitarian, and functional living spaces. Dual primaries, multigenerational in-law suites, and flex rooms are not just fads but rather thoughtful responses to the complexities of contemporary life. They remind us that our homes, like us, are works in progress—ever-changing, ever-adapting, and ever-striving to better meet our needs.
 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a dual primary suite?
A dual primary suite consists of two separate bedrooms, each with its private en-suite bathroom, usually located at opposite ends of the house.
 
Why are dual primary suites becoming popular?
They cater to multigenerational living, differing sleep habits, work schedules, or health concerns like snoring. Both the older generation and younger couples find these setups convenient. 
 
What is multigenerational living?
Multigenerational living involves multiple generations residing under one roof.
 
Why is multigenerational living gaining traction?
Multigenerational homes have emerged as a practical solution for families wishing to live together without sacrificing personal space. Factors like aging parents, the rising costs of healthcare and childcare, as well as the emotional support provided by family members, are driving the trend.
 
How do modern home designs accommodate multigenerational living?
Innovative designs like Lennar Homes' Next Gen series offer separate suites within the same home to balance communal living with privacy.
 
How are local communities adapting to these trends?
Communities like Nexton and Summers Corner are offering homes with detached garages featuring apartments above them, adapting to the flex space and multigenerational living trends.
 
Are there any financial benefits to these trends, like increasing home value?
The growing trend of multigenerational living and the high demand for flexible spaces like guest suites or flex rooms are redefining the concept of a "standard" bedroom. These innovative designs not only enhance your living experience but also add substantial value to your property.


 

 
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Categories: The Guide  Trends