Guest Blogger: How to Build the Ideal In-Law Suite for your Home

Guest Blogger #298, Entry #838, December 16, 2011

Even if you get along with your in-laws you may not be too keen to have them tromping around as house guests, upsetting the natural balance in your home.  So if you are frequently beset by visiting in-laws, perhaps it’s time to build some sort of suite to accommodate them so that you aren’t constantly giving up your bedroom, your bathroom, and any chance at privacy.  This is a sure recipe for building tension and eventually blowing up on your spouse’s relatives (possibly causing a rift in your marriage).  So rather than setting yourself up for failure, consider how you might arrange to coexist with your in-laws in a harmonious fashion whenever they happen to darken your doorstep.  Along those lines, here are a few tips for building a in-law guest suite that will keep them (and you) happy.

Create an in-law suite that all parties will be happy with

Image via: BHG

Create distance

If at all possible, you want to help your in-laws to remain independent during their short visits (and especially during long-term stays).  Although in all honesty, what you really desire is that they not be underfoot the whole time they’re in your home.  So if you have a decent sized property, why not consider building a guest house?  You can install multiple bedrooms or simplify go with a studio, bathroom and kitchenette included.  Then they’ll have less reason to come in the house at all hours of day and night.  Otherwise, put them at the opposite end of the house from you, even if you have to add on a bedroom.

Sound-proofing

Just because you’re willing to play host to your honey’s family doesn’t mean you want to hear them making noise behind closed doors or listen in on their every whispered conversation (thanks to the ductwork that runs between your bedroom and theirs).  So finding ways to soundproof will ensure that you don’t have to hear them (and vice versa).

Make the in-law space inviting and cheery

Image via: Country Living

Provide amenities

First on the list: a guest bath.  You don’t want to share a shower with your in-laws, so if you’re building out a guest suite, go all the way and put in a dedicated bathroom, as well.  You should also include everything they might need, like towels, a hair dryer, Q-tips, toothpaste, and so on, as well as extra pillows and blankets in the bedroom.  The more you think of now, the less they’ll be asking you for later on.

Stay neutral

Some people have a bad reaction to certain colors, for whatever reason, so although you may think oceanic blue is peaceful and soothing, your guests could find it abrasive and annoying.  However, you can’t go wrong by starting with a warmish, neutral palette.  Consider hotel rooms.  For the most part they wrap you in sandy-colored carpeting and a similar shade on the walls (perhaps a shade lighter).  And at high-end establishments (think spa resorts) the bedding is almost always bright white (easy to bleach).  This not only produces a neutral state mentally and emotionally, but it also provides a great backdrop for splashes of accent color with art, throw pillow and blankets, and perhaps even a patterned chair.

Keep a neutral color palette

Image via: Beautiful Nest

Impress yourself

Imagine how you would like to be treated as a guest in someone else’s home (or even if you were staying at a hotel, where you’re less likely to let things slide).  Now incorporate those elements into the guest room for your in-laws.  If you create a space that you’d be comfortable staying in, chances are good that others will enjoy staying there, as well.

Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Dogwood Forest Assisted Living Alpharetta GA, where a better living environment leads to a better life.

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