“The room needs to be big enough so they can spend time with their friends there. “A child’s bedroom becomes increasingly important as they grow up, and if they don’t like the space, they’re unlikely to want to spend time there,” says Welsch. “I am a big fan of positioning teens’ bedrooms away from parents – it supports their quest for independence and it reduces the potential for conflict,” says Welsch. “With younger teens, it might be more appropriate to keep the larger one for yourself, whereas if the kids are older (and bigger) or you’re outnumbered, if might make sense for the adults to take the smaller space.” Create some separation “If you have two living spaces and they are different sizes, it’s up to you which one you turn over to your teens and which you keep for yourself,” says Cole. ![]() ![]() “Consider block-out blinds or curtains for privacy and to give teens more control over their environment, really comfy plush cushions, bean bags or oversized floor cushions. “You should also be able to close the area off – private time is just as important for parents as it is for teens.”Ĭhoose furnishings and finishes that are casual and functional, she advises. “Some parents are hesitant to introduce a second living space into their home because they worry they’ll never see the kids again, but I find it a crucial part of designing a family home,” she says. With that comes the need for their own space where they can hang out and watch a movie without Mum or Dad coming in and wanting to watch the football or pulling out the vacuum cleaner,” says Odah. “When children hit their teen years, they almost immediately transition into young adults who want privacy for both themselves and their friends. Photo by CplusC Architectural Workshop Consider a second living area “In our home, we always make sure we eat together – this usually happens at the same table in the heart of the kitchen where they do their homework before and after the meal.” “For this, you’ll need one good-sized functional room that can be adapted for different activities,” says Welsch. Having one large communal space in the home is crucial as it gives everyone in the family somewhere to gather, eat and spend time together. “It’s also important to involve your teens in the design of the project – you’ll find they have very specific ideas and likes.” Create communal spaces ![]() “The go-to questions are: Do we need a teen retreat or a rumpus room? Do we need segregated areas where the parents can retreat too? Do we need several different areas for study dotted throughout the home, or would one large communal working space be a better solution?” she says. “During the planning stage, it’s important to ask yourself the right questions,” says Chloe Odah, building and interior designer at The Designory. The garage, kitchen or family room, for example, should allow for parties, and communal areas such as the family or dining table should be big enough to accommodate homework or project sessions.” Ask yourself the right questions “To achieve this, the spaces in your home should be adaptable and big enough to accommodate teen activities. ![]() “When it comes to the design of your home, you want to give teenagers the opportunity to become both independent and take part in family life,” he says. Rather than playing in the backyard or participating in their parents’ activities like they did when they were young, chances are they’ll prefer to have private outdoor spaces where they can spend time with their friends instead. “They also use outdoor spaces differently. “Most teenagers need more privacy, space for homework, a larger area to sleep, and more storage,” he says. “Teenagers and small children have very different needs, so if you’re building or renovating when the kids are young, it’s a good idea to think ahead,” advises Steffen Welsch of Steffen Welsch Architects. Photo by Steffen Welsch Architects Think ahead
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