Cape Cod house plans just feel so right during Thanksgiving. What style better conjures up images of crunching leaves underfoot, breathing in crisp air, and enjoying some pumpkin pie? (Then of course, there are the cranberry bogs of Massachusetts!)
You can achieve this classic look anywhere. There's no need to stick to a strict definition of the style, either: today's best house plans can combine Colonial elements like cheerful dormers and symmetrical window placement alongside more modern details like open layouts.
Here's an example of colonial style influencing (but not dictating) a house plan design. Plan 927-942 displays cheerful dormers, a wide porch (not exactly true to the style, but quite welcoming), and a steeply pitched roof.
Too much of a departure for your style? Then consider plan 530-2. This elegant design from Classic Colonial Homes displays a simple front elevation with a side-gable roof. The three-car garage sits to the side in back, keeping the focus on the front and making the design blend nicely into a traditional neighborhood. Inside, however, the layout reflects our modern way of casual living with easy flow between the island kitchen, the breakfast area, and the cozy keeping room. A dining room and library preserve some feeling of formality. Another nice touch: the "farmer's porch" leading to a well-organized mudroom.
What if you like a more traditional layout? Some people dislike how open plans make it hard to hide dirty dishes or food odors after the meal. Plan 903-1 provides some separation between the kitchen and the living room, but not at the sacrifice of kitchen space. In fact, a big snack counter overlooks the dining room, so it's easy to serve up casual meals from here before relaxing in the living room.
Naturally, shingle looks great on a Cape Cod house plan. Plan 497-19 keeps it simple and elegant with a stacked-box footprint (a smart way to keep building costs down, as opposed to a form with more corners and bump-outs) and a prominent chimney.
Here's another example of keeping it simple. Plan 530-4 shows off clean lines and rows of windows and nicely disguises the garage, which sits behind the home and includes space for a bonus room above - useful for all kinds of functions, from a teen lounge to a home office.
Speaking of versatile spaces, perhaps you'd like a tiny home to add onto your property for guests or in-laws, or even as an affordable primary residence for yourself. Plan 917-33 provides 448 square feet and compact 22' x 22' dimensions that fit just about anywhere.
On the flip side, want to go big? Plan 137-166 departs a bit from the simple Cape Cod style with two levels of porches in front, but retains the same steeply pitched roofline and simple footprint for the main part of the home. The layout inside provides traditional spaces for entertaining, but ensures excellent flow through the home by giving each room two ways to enter or exit.
Now back to simple: plan 20-2204 includes just over 2,000 square feet of living space that fits on a compact lot. The layout inside prioritizes simple family gatherings with an open floor plan that combines the breakfast nook and dining room. A study near the front can become your home office, or perhaps a playroom.
See other regional favorites here, home design plans with photos here, and have a happy Thanksgiving!
You can achieve this classic look anywhere. There's no need to stick to a strict definition of the style, either: today's best house plans can combine Colonial elements like cheerful dormers and symmetrical window placement alongside more modern details like open layouts.
Here's an example of colonial style influencing (but not dictating) a house plan design. Plan 927-942 displays cheerful dormers, a wide porch (not exactly true to the style, but quite welcoming), and a steeply pitched roof.
Too much of a departure for your style? Then consider plan 530-2. This elegant design from Classic Colonial Homes displays a simple front elevation with a side-gable roof. The three-car garage sits to the side in back, keeping the focus on the front and making the design blend nicely into a traditional neighborhood. Inside, however, the layout reflects our modern way of casual living with easy flow between the island kitchen, the breakfast area, and the cozy keeping room. A dining room and library preserve some feeling of formality. Another nice touch: the "farmer's porch" leading to a well-organized mudroom.
What if you like a more traditional layout? Some people dislike how open plans make it hard to hide dirty dishes or food odors after the meal. Plan 903-1 provides some separation between the kitchen and the living room, but not at the sacrifice of kitchen space. In fact, a big snack counter overlooks the dining room, so it's easy to serve up casual meals from here before relaxing in the living room.
Naturally, shingle looks great on a Cape Cod house plan. Plan 497-19 keeps it simple and elegant with a stacked-box footprint (a smart way to keep building costs down, as opposed to a form with more corners and bump-outs) and a prominent chimney.
Here's another example of keeping it simple. Plan 530-4 shows off clean lines and rows of windows and nicely disguises the garage, which sits behind the home and includes space for a bonus room above - useful for all kinds of functions, from a teen lounge to a home office.
Speaking of versatile spaces, perhaps you'd like a tiny home to add onto your property for guests or in-laws, or even as an affordable primary residence for yourself. Plan 917-33 provides 448 square feet and compact 22' x 22' dimensions that fit just about anywhere.
On the flip side, want to go big? Plan 137-166 departs a bit from the simple Cape Cod style with two levels of porches in front, but retains the same steeply pitched roofline and simple footprint for the main part of the home. The layout inside provides traditional spaces for entertaining, but ensures excellent flow through the home by giving each room two ways to enter or exit.
Now back to simple: plan 20-2204 includes just over 2,000 square feet of living space that fits on a compact lot. The layout inside prioritizes simple family gatherings with an open floor plan that combines the breakfast nook and dining room. A study near the front can become your home office, or perhaps a playroom.
See other regional favorites here, home design plans with photos here, and have a happy Thanksgiving!
