With the growth of multigenerational homes, Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB, discusses why it’s important to future-proof bathrooms in the home.

With an ageing population and an increasing number of adult children staying put at their parental homes for longer, having several age groups living together is on the rise in the UK. On top of that, during the current climate, there are limitations on family members’ abilities to find alternative accommodation.

When considering multigenerational households, and future-proofing, the bathroom is one of the most important spaces. Often seen as a sanctuary within the home, it must provide a relaxing environment for all residents, while simultaneously meeting the practical needs of each user, from the young to the elderly.

Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions available which can create a multigenerational bathroom that is beautiful, functional, and practical for all. It’s important for installers to be aware of these options so that they can offer expert consultancy to their customers and potentially win more business.

Staying safe

Safety is often the key concern for parents or in households with less able residents. This means items such as grab bars for the shower are vital. As more and more homes include a range of ages and abilities, it’s important to find solutions which tick the boxes for both style and safety.

For instance, HiB’s new shower shelf with grab bar comes with a conveniently integrated magnetic squeegee, answering several needs in one. It’s practical, offers safety, and is hygienic as the shower squeegee disappears below the shelf, which is open at the bottom so water can drain away. It is easy to clean - just wipe down with a damp cloth, with no abrasive or corrosive cleaners required.

The shower basket itself also offers generous space for soaps, shampoos, and similar products.

Products such as these are worth being aware of. With clever accessory selection, and a little design know-how, it’s easy to construct a bathroom space that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Sorting storage

A crucial requirement for any bathroom, whether the family is small or large, is storage. Hiding away the clutter of toiletries will give the illusion of space, ensure the room looks clean, and remove any potential hazards for the more vulnerable.

Multi-functional storage such as recessed mirrored cabinets or wall-hung storage units mean function can be maximised without protrusion. For very small bathrooms, compact furniture, a growing trend in the UK, can provide the ideal solution to maximise space without overwhelming the room.

For added flow through the room and to bring the whole look together, it’s also worth considering storage units with curved edges, rather than corners. As well as adding a contemporary feel, this also means that where room is especially tight, there is less chance of the householder catching themselves on any sharp edges. This is particularly important for a household with small children, as it minimises the risk of injuries in the event of slips, trips, or falls.

When it comes to bathroom design, longevity, style, and practicality are key. Be sure to opt for quality pieces with timeless appeal that won’t need updating in a year or two and opt for a product range that offers a bespoke bathroom experience that’s tailored to modern family life.

Multigenerational living is a growing phenomenon that we all need to consider. With clever product selection, and a little design know-how, it’s easy to create a bathroom space that can be enjoyed by the whole family – plus generations to come.