When Delphine Huang looked at the crumbling 1920s bungalow next door to her childhood home, she saw more than a fixer-upper. She saw a chance to build a modern sanctuary where her mother could age gracefully, surrounded by family. With her husband Manu Lohiya and designer Cathie Hong, the family transformed a flood-damaged rental into a multigenerational compound.
1. Restoring the 1920s Bungalow for Grandma’s Safety
The original structure had serious problems. The foundation had shifted by 2 feet. The basement flooded every year. Even the cabinet doors had fallen off. Before any design work could begin, the family had to address these issues.
They lifted the entire house, corrected the foundation, and doubled the footprint from 1,300 to 2,600 square feet. This added space meant grandma could have her own private suite on the lower level of the adjacent home, while the main bungalow housed the young family. The couple preserved the original bump-outs that gave the street-facing facade its charm, but nearly everything else was rebuilt.
For anyone considering a similar project, structural repairs come first. Check for foundation cracks, water damage, and shifting walls. In older homes, the cost to fix these can be 20 to 30 percent of the total renovation budget. Getting a thorough inspection before buying a fixer-upper is essential.
Why Foundation Corrections Matter for Multigenerational Living
A level foundation means doors close properly, floors don’t slope, and the house feels stable. When grandma visits or moves in, she shouldn’t have to worry about tripping over uneven thresholds or struggling with sticky doors. The family’s decision to correct the 2-foot offset made the home safer for everyone.
Another hidden benefit: proper insulation and waterproofing in the basement prevents mold and dampness. In the Palo Alto climate, where ocean moisture affects air quality, the couple chose white oak engineered flooring instead of solid hardwood. Engineered wood handles humidity changes better, reducing the risk of warping and tripping hazards.
2. Designing a Shared Backyard for Multigenerational Connection
The lot had one irreplaceable asset: a towering redwood tree in the backyard. Delphine’s mother still owned the house next door, and the two properties shared a generous yard. The family decided to keep that connection open.
They installed a wall of sliding glass doors from the main living area to the deck. This creates direct access to the shared yard, where grandma can garden, read, or watch the kids play. The deck wraps around part of the yard, offering shaded spots under the redwood.
The key design choice was removing the original fireplace and replacing it with windows in the former living room. That room now serves as a cozy office and music room, but its real value is the visual link to the outdoors. The green wallpaper and painted paneling echo the garden colors, making the transition feel seamless.
Practical Steps for Shared Yards
Fences can separate spaces, but gates keep them connected. The family left the backyard open between the two homes. For privacy, they added strategic plantings and a low hedge. If you’re creating a multigenerational compound, discuss who maintains the garden, who pays for water, and where boundaries lie. Even with close family, clear agreements prevent misunderstandings.
The redwood tree itself became a gathering point. Under its shade, the family placed a long table for outdoor meals. This bungalow for grandma now includes a space where three generations can eat together without squeezing into a small kitchen.
3. Reimagining the Floor Plan for Accessibility and Flow
The original layout had the kitchen at the front of the house and the living room at the back. The family moved the kitchen to the rear, opening it to the deck and yard. They also relocated the front door to create a mudroom. This simple change reduced the distance from car to kitchen, a small but meaningful convenience for aging adults.
A peninsula replaced the traditional island. This saves floor space while adding storage underneath. The counter height works for both standing and seated tasks. Grandma can sit at the peninsula with a cup of tea while watching someone cook.
The same white oak flat-front cabinetry appears throughout the home, creating visual continuity. In the kitchen, a tall wall of cabinets includes an integrated range hood that blends into the millwork. This clean look reduces visual clutter, which helps people with cognitive sensitivities feel calmer.
Why Peninsula Beats Island for a Multigenerational Home
Islands require walking around them. A peninsula offers a clear route from kitchen to dining area without detours. It also provides a natural barrier for small children while still allowing eye contact. For grandma, a peninsula means she can lean on it for support without feeling awkward.
The family also raised ceilings and added skylights. More natural light reduces shadows and helps prevent falls. Skylights in the hallways and bathroom bring daylight into the core of the home, making it easier to navigate without turning on lights.
4. Creating a Serene Primary Suite with Thoughtful Details
Upstairs, the primary suite connects the bedroom to the bathroom through a walk-in closet. This layout allows each space to remain uncluttered. The bathroom was enlarged and reoriented. The old shower was replaced with a deep soaking tub framed by windows on three sides.
Natural light in the bathroom reduces the need for harsh overhead fixtures. The windows face the backyard, offering views of the redwood. For grandma, a tub with windows provides a relaxing spot while also making the room feel larger.
Flat-front cabinetry echoes the rest of the house, but the design team added subtle tile details. Slightly thicker grout lines spaced every two rows create texture without overwhelming the calm palette. This approach balances visual interest with simplicity.
You may also enjoy reading: 7 Aging-in-Place Renovations Actually Worth It, Say Pros.
Designing a Bathroom for Aging in Place
Although the current primary suite is for Delphine and Manu, the principles apply to any multigenerational home. A curbless shower or a tub with easy access works for all ages. Grab bars can be installed later without looking clinical. The family chose a tub surrounded by windows, but they could have added a handheld showerhead instead of a fixed one.
Storage matters too. The walk-in closet between bedroom and bath provides space for clothing, towels, and medications. Keeping the path from bed to bathroom clear reduces the risk of falls at night. Consider adding night lights along the route.
This bungalow for grandma also includes a future-ready boys’ room that can be divided into two separate spaces. The layout uses a shared wall that can be easily split, allowing the children to grow without major construction.
5. Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to the Bungalow for Grandma’s Independence
Delphine’s mother moved to Taiwan a few years ago, but when she returns to Palo Alto, she stays in the lower level of her own two-story home. That home now functions as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The upper level is rented to Stanford graduate students, continuing the house’s long tradition of housing academics.
The ADU has its own entrance, kitchenette, living area, and bedroom. Grandma can maintain her privacy while still being steps away from the main bungalow. The shared yard connects the two homes, but each has its own outdoor space too.
This arrangement allows the mother to come and go without disrupting the family’s routine. It also provides a dedicated space for her belongings, hobbies, and guests. When she is away, the rental income from the upper unit offsets mortgage costs.
Legal and Financial Considerations for ADUs
Many cities now allow ADUs as a way to increase housing density. In Palo Alto, permits are relatively straightforward, but homeowners must meet setback requirements and parking rules. The family’s decision to convert the existing two-story house into an ADU was more cost-effective than adding a new structure.
For families considering a similar setup, the bungalow for grandma concept works best when the ADU is within 50 feet of the main house. This distance allows easy walking but provides enough separation for privacy. Include a small kitchen and bathroom to meet grandma’s daily needs without requiring her to climb stairs.
The family also installed a direct path between the two homes, avoiding the need to walk around the block. This path is paved and well-lit, making it safe at night. A small gate at the property line can be left open during the day for easy access.
Lessons for Your Own Multigenerational Renovation
The Huang family’s project shows that rebuilding a 1920s bungalow for grandma is possible with careful planning. Every decision, from the foundation to the tile grout lines, serves a purpose. The shared backyard creates daily connection. The relocated kitchen makes meal prep social. The ADU offers independence without isolation.
If you’re embarking on a similar journey, start with a structural assessment. Then map out how each room will function for different ages. Think about lighting, floor transitions, and storage. Involve your architect and designer early, as they can suggest solutions you might not consider.
This family proved that “you can’t go home again” is just a saying. With creativity and hard work, a crumbling bungalow can become a home where grandma, parents, and children all thrive together.
