The landscape of family living is evolving. With rising housing costs, extended education timelines, and shifting social norms, more teenagers and young adults are staying at home for longer. This trend is reshaping how we think about home design, calling for greater flexibility, privacy, and multi-generational functionality. For families planning renovations or building new homes, these considerations are now more important than ever.

The Growing Trend of Teens Staying at Home

The statistics paint a clear picture. According to recent studies:

• 55% of Australians aged 18–29 still live at home, up from 48% a decade ago.

• Young adults stay with their parents on average 5 years longer than previous generations, with many not leaving until their late 20s.

• Cost of living pressures (rent increases, housing affordability, and education expenses) are key drivers of this trend.

As architects, we need to respond to this reality by designing homes that cater to extended family living while maintaining functionality for the entire household.

Key Considerations for Home Design

When designing a home for a family with teenagers (or young adults), it’s crucial to balance shared and private spaces, allowing for independence while fostering connection. Here are real design options to consider:

1. Creating Personalised Spaces

Teenagers and young adults need privacy and independence, especially as they take on part-time jobs or university studies from home.

Design Ideas:

• Include separate living quarters with their own entrance, kitchenette, and bathroom. This can later serve as a guest suite or granny flat.

• Opt for flexible rooms with dual functionality—like a home office that converts into a bedroom when needed.

• Use soundproofing materials in their bedrooms or study areas for reduced noise distractions.

3. Future-Proofing Your Home

Teenagers staying longer doesn’t just impact their current needs—it changes how homes function over decades.

Design Ideas:

• Install multi-purpose cabinetry and movable walls to allow spaces to evolve as needs change.

• Plan for dual-purpose outdoor areas like a backyard studio that can function as a workspace, sleep-out, or recreation zone.

• Use separate utilities (e.g., sub-metered electricity) in multi-generational living setups for flexibility in billing and independent living.

4. Sustainability and Cost Management

With more people living under one roof, resource use increases. Sustainable features can reduce costs and align with modern values.

Design Ideas:

• Invest in solar panels, water-saving fixtures, and smart-home systems to manage energy efficiently.

• Create shared spaces that still feel expansive by adding skylights, open shelving, and greenery to maximise natural light.

5. Storage Solutions

Teenagers often accumulate their own “stuff,” from books to sports gear.

Design Ideas:

• Build walk-in wardrobes or under-bed storage for teenagers’ bedrooms.

• Incorporate hidden storage in staircases, nooks, or cabinetry to maintain a clutter-free home.

Real-Life Example: A Family-Centric Design

At Mark MacInnis Architect, we recently worked with a family designing a home to suit their two teenage children, both of whom plan to stay through university. The design included:

• A self-contained upper floor for the teens with bedrooms, a bathroom, and a study.

• A shared games room that connects to the main living area via a soundproof door.

• A side-entry mudroom doubling as a bike storage area for their active lifestyle.

The result? A home that balances independence and togetherness, adapting seamlessly to their changing needs.

The way we design homes must reflect the changing dynamics of family life. With teenagers and young adults staying home longer, incorporating flexibility, privacy, and sustainability into home design is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re building from scratch or considering a renovation, thoughtful design can future-proof your home and enhance daily life.

Ready to plan a home that works for your family’s future?

Get in touch with Mark MacInnis Architect to explore smart, adaptable solutions for modern living.