Homes in Central Ohio are evolving — not just in how they look, but in how they function. At the Cleary Company, we’re seeing a shift from single-purpose rooms to flexible spaces. These spaces can change over time to meet different lifestyles, family needs, and long-term goals.
Homeowners today want designs that service multiple purposes. They are interested in accessory dwelling units (ADUs), garage-integrated living spaces, and wellness-focused layouts.
Why Flex Spaces Are on the Rise in Central Ohio Homes
Flex spaces aren’t new, but the way they’re being designed has changed significantly. Instead of leftover “bonus rooms,” homeowners are prioritizing spaces that are planned from the start to evolve.
Across Central Ohio, this demand is being driven by several key factors:
- Multigenerational living, including accommodations for aging parents or adult children
- Hybrid work and wellness, with dedicated offices, gyms, and recovery spaces
- Urban density and zoning considerations, particularly in historic neighborhoods
- Long-term value, with spaces that can transition into guest suites or rental units
The result is a move toward purposeful flexibility — spaces that function well today while remaining adaptable for the future.
Integrated ADUs: Built In, Not Tacked On
One of the clearest expressions of this trend is the rise of integrated accessory dwelling units. Integrated ADUs are part of the home’s design. They are often built above garages or in redesigned spaces.
When designed well, an integrated ADU can serve multiple roles over time:
- A private guest suite or home gym
- A dedicated workspace or creative studio
- A future rental unit or downsizing solution
The success of these spaces depends on early planning — from access and privacy to utilities, acoustics, and code compliance. When flexibility is considered at the design stage, the result feels seamless rather than improvised.
A Closer Look: A German Village ADU Project in Progress
A current project in German Village reflects how this approach comes to life in practice. In a neighborhood where historic character and modern living must coexist, every design decision matters.
As construction progresses, we’re documenting the process through renderings and in-progress photos, highlighting how early design intent translates into structural decisions, material selections, and on-site execution.
This ADU project includes:
- Garage space at grade, carefully scaled and detailed to complement the surrounding streetscape
- A second-floor flex environment, incorporating a gym room, full bathroom, and custom built-in beverage center
- A layout that allows the space to function independently today, while remaining adaptable for future uses
According to Cleary’s Development Manager, Laura Watson, UDCP/ASID, flexibility has become a defining factor in residential design:
“Homeowners aren’t just thinking about how they live today — they’re thinking five, ten, even twenty years ahead. The most successful flex spaces are the ones that feel intentional and permanent, while still allowing the home to evolve with its owners.”
Designing Flexible Spaces and ADUs for Long-Term Living
While flex spaces are gaining momentum, their real value lies in longevity. A well-designed ADU or adaptable living space isn’t about following a trend — it’s about creating a home that continues to work as life changes.
At the Cleary Company, our design-build process allows us to take a holistic view:
- How will this space be used now?
- How might it function differently in the future?
- How does it support the home’s architecture, neighborhood context, and long-term investment value?
This level of foresight is especially important in central Ohio’s historic and urban neighborhoods, where thoughtful planning and efficient use of space are essential.
Interested in exploring how flexible design could work for your home or property?
Follow along on Facebook and Instagram as we continue to share updates from our German Village ADU project — and reach out to start a conversation about designing spaces that are built for both today and what’s next. Contact our Marketing Coordinator by scheduling a call on our website.
