It’s becoming more common for seniors to move in with their adult children rather than head to retirement communities or assisted living. It makes sense for a lot of reasons: saving money, being close to family, and generally worrying less about elderly parents.
If you’re one of the many American families making the leap and preparing an in-law suite for you or your spouse’s senior parents, there are lots of key elements to include for organization, interior design, and convenience. Here’s a handy checklist to help you figure out what’s most important.
In-Law Suite Décor: The Most Important Components to Include
Your in-law suite needs to provide privacy and comfort for your relatives while also making them feel connected to the main abode. This requires a balance of features.
1. Separation
The suite needs to have a bit of separation from the rest of the house to feel private, but it shouldn’t be so far away that it feels like Timbuktu.
Consider cordoning off one section of the house expressly for the in-laws, such as the entire basement or a second-floor wing, or, if you’re adding on to the main house, give them their own private entrance. If the suite is a separate guesthouse, make sure it’s not too far to walk between it and the main house, and provide a pathway.
2. A Private Bathroom
A suite for in-laws needs its own private bathroom complete with toilet, sink, and shower/tub. This is an essential element for privacy and will help contribute to the feeling that they have their own home-within-a-home.
3. Washer and Dryer
For convenience, your in-law suite set-up could include its own washer and dryer (stackable units work well here). Not only will this make life easier for everyone, you’ll have less laundry to worry about, too.
4. A Kitchenette
When creating an in-law suite, a kitchenette is a great addition. This gives your family members options: they’ll be able to prepare their own breakfast, store their own drinks and snacks, and even cook their own meals if they want a quiet night alone.
A kitchenette should include, at the very least, a small sink, a microwave, and a mini-fridge, plus appliances like a coffee maker.
5. Space to Relax
Make your family members feel truly at home by including a space to relax and unwind in your in-law suite décor.
This could mean a small sitting area in the bedroom with comfy chairs, a living room with a couch and TV, or even their own private patio to have coffee in the mornings or read a book in peace and quiet. Whatever you choose to include, just make sure that it’s private and secluded so they can get in some alone time.
Make the In-Law Suite a Private Retreat
Above all else, the suite should be private and make your in-laws feel at home. This is the winning formula for a living situation that works for everybody.