Designing Multifamily Amenities for the Modern Renter

4 days ago
3 min read

By Sarah Cathryn Sheppard | 2025 Intern Research Program Shapiro & Company Architects

Research Question

How are multifamily amenity interiors adapting to modern trends alongside the evolving needs and expectations of today’s renters?

As renter expectations evolve, multifamily amenity spaces are shifting from supplemental features to essential components of residential experience. Research indicates that connectivity, wellness, flexibility, and community engagement now drive leasing decisions across generations.

Drawing from industry studies, property manager insights, and emerging market trends, this research examines how amenity interiors are adapting to support hybrid lifestyles, wellness priorities, and changing social behaviors across multiple generations.

Initial Property Manager Findings:

Work-from-Home Support

Banquettes and booth seating are highly desired.
Zoom rooms and acoustically treated office pods are now expected.
Large conference rooms are utilized but not essential.
Rentable private offices provide flexibility for residents.

Wellness & Fitness

Compact, high-quality equipment remains essential.
Two-story fitness centers with programmed spaces are trending.
Micro-fitness rooms support smaller group or individual workouts.
Integration of tech-forward options like the Echelon Mirror.
Design should support both physical and mental wellness across demographics.

Community Spaces

Older generations engage more when events are programmed.
Sky lounges serve as premium gathering spaces.
Game lounges appeal across multiple demographics.

Emerging Amenities in Trend-Forward Markets

Dog daycare and boarding facilities.
Pickleball courts.
Golf simulators in luxury communities.
EV charging stations becoming standard.
Private enclosed office pods with acoustic design.

Key Findings

Graph of multifamily amenities broke down into three categories: wellness circuits (physical health and movement, mental health and relaxation, biophilic design and environmental comfort), work from home spaces (private and focused work areas, collaborative and flexible work zones, and technological infrastructure and digital amenities), and community driven spaces (social gathering and entertainment, event and programmed spaces, and shared lifestyle amenities).

Wellness Amenities Are Expanding Beyond Fitness

Wellness design now encompasses physical, mental, and social health across generations.

Generational Preferences

Baby Boomers → Low-impact (walking, swimming), balance/flexibility, relaxation (saunas, hot tubs), prefer instructor-led classes.
Gen X → Efficient, stress-relief workouts; group/social fitness; prioritize well-equipped gyms, wellness classes, & fun exercise.
Millennials & Gen Z → Tech-driven (apps, wearables), biohacking (cold plunge, red light), Instagrammable spaces, flexible schedules, high interest in live/on-demand classes.

Design Implications

Moderately bright, warm color palettes energize activity.
Increased texture encourages movement and engagement.
Balanced lighting enhances both motivation and comfort.

An image of a gym with geometric, high-pattern wallcoverings with yellow and blue colors to energize and encourage activity.

Work-From-Home Is Now a Core Amenity

Remote and hybrid work have permanently reshaped residential expectations. Residents increasingly seek spaces that support productivity without sacrificing comfort or community.

Generational Preferences

Gen X → Private focus rooms/phone booths, reliable Wi-Fi & video call tech, flexibility for family/work balance.
Millennials → Open coworking lounges + reservable rooms, built-in tech (USB, screens, coffee bars), social-meets-productive layouts.
Gen Z → Trendy, tech-integrated spaces with app-based desk booking, group-friendly zones for collaboration & content creation.

Design Implications

Avoid dramatic color contrasts
Use multiple shades of the same color (enhances restfulness)
Avoid traces of red
Proven to lower intellectual performance
Use warm light (3000k)
People exposed to warm white light report stronger preferences for solving interpersonal conflicts through collaboration
More matte finishes than shiny
Slightly cooler temperatures
Seating should be arranged so individuals do not catch the eye of others
Incorporate clearly defined territories

Application — Grey’s Creek

Integrated coworking lounges
Private focus rooms
Technology-enabled seating and reservable spaces

To the left, an image of a banquette and table seating arrangement to support collaboration while offering flexibility. To the right: An individual zoom room for providing visual and acoustic privacy, shows a room with chair, table, and decoration.

Community Spaces Drive Resident Engagement

Shared environments are evolving into intentional social ecosystems rather than passive lounges.

Generational Preferences

Baby Boomers → Quiet lounges, walking paths, hobby rooms; organized activities that support aging in place & social connection.
Gen X → Family-friendly amenities (playgrounds, BBQs, clubhouses); functional zones balancing work, family, and social life.
Millennials & Gen Z → Tech-enabled lounges & coworking; event/workshop spaces; fitness, pet-friendly, and wellness amenities; strong focus on digital convenience & community engagement.

Design Implications

Less bright, more saturated colors
Dramatic color contrasts
Warmer colors coupled with high levels of light
More complex patterns & upholstery
Shiny finishes
Space should allow visual line in the distance or out the window

Application — The Victor

Clustered seating arrangements
Movable furniture layouts
Community kitchens, grills, and fire pits
Social entertainment zone

To the left: two images of outdoor spaces with a life size chess board, seating, and pergola. To the right: two images of lounges with many seating options.

Three images showing zoned spaces, enabling multiple groups to gather simultaneously, showing connected yet distinct spaces to drive community engagement.

Design Drivers Across Generations | Generation & Primary Needs

Baby Boomers: Quiet lounges, structured activities, aging-in-place support
Gen X: Family-friendly amenities and functional flexibility
Millennials: Coworking, wellness, and social connectivity
Gen Z: Tech integration, collaboration spaces, digital convenience

Conclusion

Multifamily amenity interiors are evolving to support a lifestyle centered on flexibility, wellness, and connection. Successful communities balance private productivity with shared experience by: