How to design a home suitable for an expatriate family

When a family moves to a foreign country, housing becomes a major issue: it is not just about finding a roof, but about creating a space that supports integration and the well-being of all family members.

What are the needs of an expatriate family?

Designing a home for an expatriate family is not just about filling a space with furniture and objects. It is above all about meeting the specific needs of each family member while considering the cultural and practical aspects of life abroad.

One of the first challenges when a family arrives in a new country is understanding its own needs while taking cultural differences into account. For example, in some countries, layouts favor open, flexible spaces, while in others, clearly defined separate rooms are preferred.

These cultural differences influence how a home is arranged: a family coming from a culture where shared meals are central to daily life will likely want a large space for cooking and eating together. Conversely, in a country where meals are often eaten outside, the kitchen and dining area may be more compact.

Beyond cultural considerations, a home for an expatriate family must first and foremost be functional and adapted to daily life.

Essential criteria for designing suitable housing

When an expatriate family moves in, several criteria must be taken into account to ensure that the space is both comfortable and functional.

Creating spaces for everyone

Each family member has different needs. Children need a play area as well as a quiet place to study. Parents may require a small office or a corner to relax.

The idea is to organize the home so that everyone has their own space, while preserving shared areas for family time (living room, dining room). This helps everyone feel comfortable without getting in each other’s way.

Optimizing space and storage

After a move—and especially during an expatriation—it is essential to find solutions for storing belongings in a new space, which is not always designed to accommodate the volume of items brought along. Every room must be carefully planned to avoid clutter.

Prioritizing safety

For families with children, safety must be a top priority. It is important to choose furniture with rounded edges, secure wardrobes to walls to prevent tipping, and install safety devices such as window guards and covered electrical outlets.

Our solutions for designing a family home

Designing a family home that meets the needs of an expatriate family requires a thoughtful approach to each room.

The living room

The living room is often the heart of the home. To optimize this space, comfortable furniture is key. A sofa bed, for example, provides extra sleeping space for visiting family and friends.

A coffee table with built-in storage is also a great option for keeping remotes, books or personal items organized. Wall shelves can free up floor space while serving as both storage and decoration. Don’t forget lighting—floor lamps and pendant lights create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The kitchen

In a family home, the kitchen must be both practical and pleasant. Maximizing storage is crucial, especially if the kitchen is small. Use walls for shelves or hooks to store utensils, spices and tools. As for appliances, choose compact or built-in models to save space while keeping everything needed for cooking.

The dining room

Where a separate dining room exists, it should combine efficiency with a welcoming atmosphere.

An extendable table is ideal for both daily meals and larger family gatherings. For storing dishes and accessories, sideboards or discreetly compartmentalized cabinets keep the room tidy without compromising style. A pendant light above the table creates a cozy ambiance and clearly defines the space, making every meal enjoyable.

The bedrooms

Bedrooms should be a true haven of peace, while also being adapted to the needs of each member of the family.
 

Designing a child’s bedroom

Children’s rooms should be both playful and practical. Beds with built-in storage—such as under-bed drawers or bunk beds—save space and provide storage for toys and clothes. Modular furniture, such as foldaway desks or adjustable shelves, adapts to children’s changing needs as they grow.

Designing a master bedroom

For parents, the bedroom should be both cozy and functional. A large, comfortable bed is the centerpiece, complemented by practical nightstands and well-designed wardrobes to avoid clutter. Neutral or pastel tones create a calm, restful atmosphere. Adjustable lighting allows you to change the intensity and create a soft, relaxing ambiance—perfect after a long day.