Children's and Adolescents' Designs of Ideal Homes

Abstract

Suburban children and adolescents (N = 53) of three age groups and both sexes drew floor plans of an ideal home for themselves and their families. Instructions asked for idealized designs regardless of cost. Features of these residences were compared to the floor plans of the participants' current homes. Many additions in the ideal homes were practical areas for everyday living, although many luxury areas for entertainment and leisure were incorporated in many cases. Most ideal homes, particularly those of adolescents, contained living areas that satisfied criteria for suitable homes for families or children. Some evidence of the influence of residential history was found. Age differences were more prevalent than gender differences.