By Courtney Pittman
Friends, family, food (lots of food), and a cozy home are part of what make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year. The sound of wood crackling in the fireplace, the sweet smell of turkey roasting in the oven, and a laughter-filled family room deliver comfort, joy, and make us want to…well take photos of course (I mean, did it really happen if we don’t have picture proof?)! Capturing these moments and having memories to share with loved ones for years to come is part of what makes the holiday season so special.
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Features such as an open layout makes it easy for the whole family to squeeze into one photo without feeling cramped. Want to really set the holiday mood? A warm fireplace makes the perfect backdrop for those cozy pajama pictures (am I right?). Need more room to squeeze everyone in? Line family and friends up along a grand staircase for a dramatic photo. With thousands of Instagram-worthy home designs, you’re sure to find your dream holiday home.
This modern farmhouse design (plan 51-1145) is filled with features that are both luxurious and practical. Case in point: the master suite's enormous walk-in closet that opens directly to the laundry room. The vast great room features a fireplace and doors opening to both the front and rear porches – making it a great space for a photo op!
A handy mudroom just off the three-car garage keeps things tidy, while double pantries in the kitchen helps owners stay organized. A loft on the second level provides extra room during the holidays and can be used as a guest suite or game room.
With large porches and an open design, plan 430-184 offers comfortable living, as well as, terrific entertaining space for the holidays. The picture perfect great room (pictured above) offers a cozy brick fireplace, built-ins, and plenty of windows. Friends and family can take a seat at the kitchen island and keep the chef of the home company.
Tucked away to the right wing of the floor plan, the master suite offers privacy, dual sinks, and a large walk-in closet. A bonus area over the garage makes room for more storage and expansion potential.
Just under 45 feet wide, this upscale home design (plan930-481) can fit onto a narrow-ish lot. The open layout features a variety of elegant details, like a coffered ceiling treatment throughout the great room, kitchen, and dining area. All of these spaces flow out to the large veranda, where an outdoor kitchen invites casual entertaining during the holidays (weather permitting).
A grand staircase in the foyer is a great place for that Christmas morning family photo you've been dreaming of. Easy to reach on the main level, the master suite treats owners to a spacious private bathroom with a walk-in shower and freestanding tub, plus separate lavatories and double walk-in closets.
With the modern farmhouse quickly becoming one of the most popular design styles, plan 1070-10 is right on trend. Inside, the family room is connected to the casual dining space and kitchen. Would you prefer your Christmas photos to be in front of the stone (and ship-lap) fireplace (pictured above)? Or on the cool staircase next to the entrance? Both are options in this chic design.
A den on the first floor could work well as a home office, guest room, study, or play room. Owners will love the privacy of their master suite located to the right of the floor plan. A rear covered patio is the perfect place for homeowners to hang with friends and family when the weather is nice. Upstairs boasts two bedrooms, two baths, and a bonus space.
With four bedrooms on the main level and two more upstairs (plus bonus space), this striking farmhouse (plan923-102) can easily accommodate extended family during the holidays. But for the rest of the year, it’s convenient to just live on the main level, where the open great room separates the comfortable master suite from the secondary bedrooms.
A bedroom next to the foyer could also become a study, with optional double doors opening to the great room. Expecting company coming? Send ‘em upstairs, where they can spread out in two generous bedrooms and two bonus rooms, along with a sitting area and hall bathroom.
Plan 120-257 (above) is ready to welcome holiday guests with an inviting front porch. Inside, an open layout gives an organic flow between the family room (which features a cozy fireplace) and kitchen, while the dining space is tucked away next to the foyer for special occasions. The handy study would make a great home office or playroom. Owners will enjoy the privacy of their secluded master suite located to the right wing of the floor plan.
Two more bedrooms share a bath to the left of the home, while two bonus areas on the second level grant owners even more livable space. The great room has easy access to the large lanai and outdoor kitchen – perfect for entertaining friends and family during the Christmas season.
Hello curb appeal! A welcoming front porch adds farmhouse flair to plan 1067-3 and would make a superb picture spot. Open and bright, the interior features an easy flow between the great room, island kitchen (which includes a large walk-in pantry), and dining room. Owners will love the privacy of their master suite (with a claw foot tub, separate shower, dual sinks, a large walk-in closet, and a laundry room) located to the right rear of the floor plan.
A mudroom off the two- garage includes a closet and lockers for easy storage. Two more bedrooms and a bathroom (with dual sinks) reside to the left of the floor plan, while a convenient home office is located next to the foyer.
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