A shortage of homes to buy means that renters make up the majority of households in Los Angeles County. With rising costs and a limited supply of properties, Census Bureau data also reveals that in the Los Angeles Metro area almost 50% of adults are saving money by sharing their home with other family members or roommates. As well as understanding how to manage changes in occupancy arrangements such as switching tenants or dealing with requests for subletting, landlords can also help to meet the evolving needs of their co-living tenants by developing accommodation with versatile and stylish shared spaces. When great rooms are zoned with simple decorative changes they provide spacious and versatile places for individual renters, roommates, or extended families to work, entertain and even sleep. Shared kitchens and other amenities can be reconfigured to allow for efficient and flexible co-living, while practical and attractive communal facilities, including laundry rooms and rooftop gardens, can enhance the value of residential complexes for both landlords and tenants.
Styling Multifunctional Great Rooms
The real estate developer Joseph Eichler popularised the concept of great rooms in California during the mid 20th century. These open plan living areas, inspired by the large halls of castles and mansions, have been fashionable ever since but they have seen a recent revival due to their multifunctionality. Great rooms are particularly suitable for families who want to cook, relax and entertain in one space. In a shared home, the room has to work even harder to accommodate the needs of different tenants. Room dividers, area rugs and wall colours can all help to zone areas for eating, working or watching TV. The use of moveable and versatile furniture like a customized sofa bed can even add an extra sleeping area for roommates and their guests. While areas of a great room can be separately zoned for different purposes, all tenants are able to enjoy the extra spaciousness, visibility and potential for social interaction that it can offer.
Designing Practical Amenities for Coliving
Architects have also recognized the increase in shared tenancies and multifamily housing and are meeting the needs created by co-living in their plans. One of the ways to lower the cost of living is to build new types of affordable homes with shared amenities including courtyards and kitchens. Whether a kitchen is utilized by separate tenants, housemates or a single large family, there are many design features to consider that can help to create a functional and convenient space without compromising on style. Separate storage cupboards and large countertops give all the residents their own space to keep food and prepare their meals, while a double sink, large refrigerator and multiple cooking appliances will ensure everyone can cook side by side without getting in each other’s way or blocking access to any parts of the kitchen.
Creating Communal Spaces in Shared Buildings
The benefits of community spaces such as communal gardens, libraries and recreation centers are well known as they bring people together. As well as adding financial value for landlords, the inclusion of extra shared facilities to an apartment building can enhance the lives of tenants and encourage positive social interactions. Although challenging, it is possible to retrofit communal spaces including fitness centers, laundry rooms and coworking areas. Even if there is no spare room within the block, it might be possible to establish a rooftop garden on top of the building. When rooftop gardens are planted with vegetation, they can help to reduce rain off, increase energy efficiency within the building and improve the surrounding air quality. However, other practical purposes for the outside space could include areas for the residents to enjoy social gatherings, barbecues or outdoor exercise.
With a dramatic increase in co-living in LA, it makes sense for landlords to give some consideration to ensuring that open plan rooms and communal amenities are practical for sharing. Versatile furniture can help to create flexible and stylish great rooms, while additional storage, countertops and cooking facilities make it easier for roommates to cook together in a busy kitchen. Well designed communal spaces in apartment blocks help to encourage positive interaction and collaboration between individual tenants.
