Designing for Joint Families in Mangalore
Designing for Joint Families in Mangalore: How to Keep Everyone Happy (Without Needing Family Therapy!)
Let me start with a story that pretty much sums up joint family design challenges: Last year, I had clients in Kadri – three generations, six different TV watching preferences, and one living room. The grandparents wanted traditional seating on the floor, the parents needed a comfortable sofa, and the teenagers insisted on gaming chairs. Oh, and everyone wanted control of the AC remote!
The Great Living Room Debate
First things first – the living room struggle is real! Here’s how we solved that Kadri situation:
- Created multiple seating zones (traditional floor seating near the window for grandparents’ morning prayers)
- Installed flexible furniture (those gaming chairs are actually portable)
- Added plenty of charging points (because everyone’s on their phone anyway!)
- Designed storage for different generations’ needs (think prayer items, magazines, and gaming equipment all in one unit)
Kitchen Chronicles
Oh boy, the kitchen battles! Remember that family in Bejai where three ladies wanted their own cooking spaces? Here’s what actually worked:
- Multiple counter spaces (each with their own storage)
- Extra-large prep areas
- Designated spaces for different cooking styles (modern cooking range AND traditional stove)
- Multiple storage units (because everyone has their special masala mix!)
The Privacy Puzzle
That project in Valencia taught me something important – everyone needs their private corner. We created:
- Mini reading nooks in unexpected places
- Balcony divisions for different activities
- Soundproofing between bedrooms (trust me, it saves relationships!)
- Separate prayer areas for different generations
Storage Solutions (Because Everyone Has Stuff!)
Listen, when you have three generations under one roof, storage isn’t just storage – it’s peace of mind!
- Built-in units for each family member
- Clever attic storage for seasonal items
- Dedicated spaces for family heirlooms
- Smart solutions for shared items
The Technology Tangle
Remember that house in Falnir where grandson’s gaming kept interrupting grandmother’s TV serials? Now I always plan for:
- Multiple entertainment zones
- Soundproofed media rooms
- Separate WiFi zones (yes, it’s a thing!)
- Tech-free areas for traditional activities
Bathroom Battles
That time in Attavar when morning schedules turned into daily drama? Here’s what we did:
- Created multiple getting-ready stations
- Added extra storage in each bathroom
- Installed both traditional and modern fixtures
- Designed separate wet and dry areas
The Generation Junction
Common spaces need extra thought. In a recent Kodialbail project, we created:
- Flexible dining areas (expandable for family functions)
- Multiple conversation corners
- Shared hobby spaces
- Easy-access areas for elderly family members
Outdoor Harmony
That terrace in Surathkal? Transformed it into everyone’s favorite space with:
- Different seating zones
- Both sunny and shaded areas
- Space for grandma’s tulsi plant AND mom’s herb garden
- Kid-friendly play areas visible from adult relaxation spots
The Noise Factor
Let’s talk about managing sound (because we all know how that joint family WhatsApp call can get!):
- Strategic room placement
- Sound-absorbing materials
- Buffer zones between quiet and active areas
- Designated video call spots
The Festival Factor
Festivals in joint families are epic! Plan for:
- Expandable spaces for functions
- Storage for seasonal decorations
- Easy-to-clean surfaces (because kumkum stains are real!)
- Multiple puja areas
The Bottom Line
Designing for joint families isn’t just about space planning – it’s about understanding relationships, respecting traditions, and creating harmony. Sometimes it means having three different coffee filters in the kitchen, and sometimes it means creating a grandparents’ corner that somehow becomes everyone’s favorite spot!
P.S. Remember, no design is perfect, but if everyone has their own spot to watch their favorite show without disturbing others, you’re already winning!
P.P.S. And yes, I still haven’t solved the AC remote problem – some things are beyond interior design! 😉