Living in the zone

The idea of what constitutes the perfect family home is evolving, due to the changing lifestyles of modern families.

There’s been a general shift away from vast open-plan spaces, as good designers look to balance the need for individual peace and privacy (for adults and kids), sleep, family time and entertaining.

Parents of young children are discovering they don’t have to spend all their home time dodging kids and strewn toys, or tiptoeing around while the children are sleeping.

As the kids get a bit older, many parents would prefer to see them entertaining their friends safely at home, rather than roaming the streets. At the same time, mum and dad don’t want to have to share a room with a bunch of rowdy teens and a loud Xbox.

In response, design “zones” that are working well for modern families, include:

• Separate living/entertaining spaces for teenagers, complete with computer games, TV/theatre, music, comfy furniture, bathroom and even a separate entrance
  
• A communal family/entertaining “hub” at the back of the home, around an open kitchen, informal living and dining area
  
• A young children’s playroom within view and/or earshot of the kitchen, with a door that can be quickly closed to hide the mess of toys when guests drop in
  
• A formal “adult” zone at the front of the house for parents and overnighting adult guests, which might include a quiet study/computer room/home office, sitting room, master bedroom, guest’s bedroom, “adults’” bathroom and even a home theatre or library.

The secret lies in carefully considering the current and future lifestyle needs of your family, and creating the right combination of living zones to encourage family time, while still allowing everyone the option of retreating to their “own space”.