As more Kiwi families embrace multigenerational living, our homes are evolving to meet the needs of all ages—without compromising on comfort, style, or safety.
Whether you’re living with grandparents, caring for ageing parents, or raising children under one roof, creating a safe, stylish, and accessible multigenerational home is key.
However, this doesn’t mean that you have to ditch the designs to your dream house—Creating a home that works for everyone doesn’t have to require sacrificing space or style.
With some smart planning, you can strike the perfect balance between function and fashion while making your home safer for seniors, tamariki, and everyone in between.
Here’s how to create a safer multigenerational home in New Zealand—without giving up the space or style you love.
7 Practical Tips for Making Your Multigenerational Home Safer and More Accessible in New Zealand
1. Design With Safety in Mind — Start from the Ground Up
When designing for multiple generations, safety for seniors and young children should be a top priority—not an afterthought. That doesn’t mean your home needs to look clinical. Modern, age-friendly modifications can blend right into your existing aesthetic.
Solution: Installing a stairlift—like the custom-fit solutions from Acorn Stairlifts New Zealand—makes stairs much safer for older family members or anyone with limited mobility. With sleek, modern designs, Acorn Stairlifts offer enhanced independence while preserving the visual appeal of your home.
Better yet, no drilling or plastering is necessary. This means that the stairlift installation process is stress and mess-free, and every stairlift is customised to fit flawlessly to your specific staircase.
You’ll never have to worry about making messy modifications to your home that compromise its style or structure. Acorn stairlifts allow you to enjoy full access to the home you love, leaving it just the way you like it.
2. Open-Plan Living for Better Accessibility
A smart layout is key to a well-functioning multigenerational household. Open-plan living makes spaces more accessible for seniors, reduces trip hazards, and allows better visibility for caregivers and family members.
Style Tip: Use tall plants, elegant shelving units, or folding screens to subtly define spaces while keeping the overall layout airy and open.
3. Choose Safe Yet Stylish Flooring Options
Slips and trips are common hazards—especially for older adults. Fortunately, you don’t need to compromise on style to make your floors safer.
Safe and Stylish Flooring Options:
- Slip-resistant bathroom tiles
- Low-pile carpets with non-slip backing
- Luxury vinyl planks with grip and durability
These flooring options are safe, easy to maintain, and come in a wide range of finishes to match your interior design.
4. Use Smart Lighting to Prevent Trips and Falls
Good lighting is essential for reducing the risk of falls—particularly for seniors navigating at night.
Lighting Tips:
- Layer your lighting with soft, ambient tones
- Install motion-sensor night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and stairwells
- Use brighter bulbs in key areas like the kitchen and lounge
Better lighting benefits everyone in the home and makes a big difference in day-to-day safety.
5. Follow Universal Design Principles That Work for All Ages
Universal design features make homes more accessible and liveable for all generations. From wide doorways to walk-in showers, these thoughtful details make everyday living easier for seniors, children, and those with mobility needs.
Upgrade Ideas:
- Install grab rails that double as stylish towel racks
- Replace steps with ramps or zero-step entries
- Use pull-out kitchen drawers for easier access
These features are subtle yet powerful ways to future-proof your home for all its occupants.
6. Maximise Your Space with Functional, Stylish Furniture
Every square metre matters in a multigenerational household, so your furniture needs to work smarter—not just harder. Opt for pieces that are both functional and stylish to make the most of your space.
Examples:
- Ottomans with hidden storage
- Daybeds or sofa beds for guests
- Fold-down desks and dining tables
These versatile furniture solutions help you maintain both style and practicality in a busy household.
7. Prioritise Emotional Comfort Alongside Physical Safety
A home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. And in a multigenerational home, emotional well-being is just as important as physical safety. Creating a harmonious environment means ensuring everyone feels included and heard.
Try This: Schedule regular whÄ?nau check-ins to discuss how everyone’s feeling, including kids and grandparents. Open communication helps build trust and maintain a happy, connected home.
Final Thoughts: Create a Multigenerational Home That Brings Everyone Together
Multigenerational living brings a wealth of benefits—from shared wisdom to deeper relationships and greater peace of mind. With a little planning, you can build a home that’s not only safer but more connected, functional, and stylish.
With Acorn Stairlifts New Zealand, you don’t have to choose between safety and aesthetics. Our stairlifts are custom-designed to suit your home and lifestyle—helping your loved ones stay independent and secure.
Because a home that’s safe for everyone is a home where everyone can thrive.
Claim Your Free No-Obligation Stairlift Quote Today
Do you or a loved one struggle to use the stairs or find yourselves avoiding them altogether?
Well, great news! An Acorn stairlift will help you rise above these obstacles, granting you full access to the home you love in one seamless, sweeping motion.
Acorn Stairlifts New Zealand strives to lift your life so that you will never have to sacrifice the things you love because of mobility issues.
Don’t miss out on giving your life a lift—Take it to the next level by enjoying full freedom in your home and reclaiming your independence.
Click here to claim your free, no-obligation quote and learn how you can take the first step towards reaching new heights in your life today.
