Who says you can't have cool style on a budget? Here are some notable house plans that include tons of practical amenities that families will love.
One of the big advantages of building new from a house plan (as opposed to purchasing an existing home) is that you can pick an up-to-date style instead of wrangling with renovations for months. Chances are that you won't find style this sleek and interesting on the real estate market!
If you're a fan of the modern farmhouse look (it's extremely popular right now), check out plan 51-1132, above. White siding and dark windows feel fresh and current, while the shed dormer brings light into the upstairs spaces. Note how the garage doesn't draw your attention; it loads back around the side.
With 2,886 square feet and four bedrooms, the layout holds enough room for a family with several children (or anyone with a need for more than a few bedrooms). The kitchen showcases a big island with a casual eating table that seats five people. Enjoy snacks here or at the bright and open dining nook a few steps away. Barn doors on either side of the pantry add rustic flair.
Want something even more modern? This contemporary design, plan 1066-7, features a slim 33'6" width, making this home a good choice for a narrow infill lot. Large windows give a sense of lightness to the exterior, with a lot of clean, straight lines. A bit of stone adds extra texture around the garage and on the entry column. A vertical window on the left echoes the shapes of the home nicely.
Inside, a clear sightline directs your gaze from the foyer all the way back through the great room and out to the back patio. The kitchen invites everyone to hang out at the massive island. Like the previous plan, this one features a big open dining room instead of a formal, closed-off space.
Upstairs, all four bedrooms enjoy easy access to the laundry room, making it easy to throw in a load of sheets or clothing. The master suite encourages relaxation in the bathroom, where you'll find double sinks, a large tub, and a separate shower. Two sinks in the hall bath mean that two kids can brush their teeth at the same time.
If outdoor living is a big priority for your family, check out plan 48-476, above. Walls of glass in front and back integrate the home with the surrounding landscape and draw in tons of light. In fact, four sets of French doors lead to the backyard! That makes it easy to step out to the patio for a refreshing moment before the business of the day, or to unwind with a glass of wine after dinner. A fireplace out here adds cozy warmth for multi-season use.
The ultra-open layout puts all the living spaces on one level. If you're thinking that you'd like the house you build to be your home for decades to come, a one-story home is a smart choice because it makes it easy to age in place. Also, if you have elderly relatives coming to visit often (or even perhaps to live with you in the future), it's nice to not require them to navigate a lot of stairs. Speaking of easy living, take a look at how both the master suite and the office open out to the backyard. Imagine working from home and throwing open the doors to enjoy the day.
Do you have teenagers who are starting to drive, or who will in a few years? You're going to want a big garage. Plan 70-1284, above, gives you tons of room for parking or storage with a four-car garage that's divided into two two-bay sections. That minimizes the look of the garage to keep the focus on the elegant exterior. A hipped roof evokes classic Prairie-style architecture, while the oversize entrance adds drama.
Teenagers eat a lot, so you're also going to want plenty of pantry space. The pantry in this home is actually hidden, so you keep visitors focused on the contemporary open layout. A drop zone with lockers provides space for kids to drop backpacks and boots on the way in from the garage. Another nice touch: the master suite's closet opens directly to the laundry room.
If you're getting to the stage where you're ready for some privacy, plan 48-693, above, offers a good layout solution. But first, notice the sleek exterior that features simple slanted roof planes and stylish garage doors.
Now for the privacy! The master suite sits on the first floor, far from the secondary bedrooms upstairs and also at some distance from the great room. That means it's easy to relax at the end of a long day in your own private retreat. A large shower feels modern.
Love these looks? Check out more modern house plans here.
One of the big advantages of building new from a house plan (as opposed to purchasing an existing home) is that you can pick an up-to-date style instead of wrangling with renovations for months. Chances are that you won't find style this sleek and interesting on the real estate market!
If you're a fan of the modern farmhouse look (it's extremely popular right now), check out plan 51-1132, above. White siding and dark windows feel fresh and current, while the shed dormer brings light into the upstairs spaces. Note how the garage doesn't draw your attention; it loads back around the side.
With 2,886 square feet and four bedrooms, the layout holds enough room for a family with several children (or anyone with a need for more than a few bedrooms). The kitchen showcases a big island with a casual eating table that seats five people. Enjoy snacks here or at the bright and open dining nook a few steps away. Barn doors on either side of the pantry add rustic flair.
Want something even more modern? This contemporary design, plan 1066-7, features a slim 33'6" width, making this home a good choice for a narrow infill lot. Large windows give a sense of lightness to the exterior, with a lot of clean, straight lines. A bit of stone adds extra texture around the garage and on the entry column. A vertical window on the left echoes the shapes of the home nicely.
Inside, a clear sightline directs your gaze from the foyer all the way back through the great room and out to the back patio. The kitchen invites everyone to hang out at the massive island. Like the previous plan, this one features a big open dining room instead of a formal, closed-off space.
Upstairs, all four bedrooms enjoy easy access to the laundry room, making it easy to throw in a load of sheets or clothing. The master suite encourages relaxation in the bathroom, where you'll find double sinks, a large tub, and a separate shower. Two sinks in the hall bath mean that two kids can brush their teeth at the same time.
If outdoor living is a big priority for your family, check out plan 48-476, above. Walls of glass in front and back integrate the home with the surrounding landscape and draw in tons of light. In fact, four sets of French doors lead to the backyard! That makes it easy to step out to the patio for a refreshing moment before the business of the day, or to unwind with a glass of wine after dinner. A fireplace out here adds cozy warmth for multi-season use.
The ultra-open layout puts all the living spaces on one level. If you're thinking that you'd like the house you build to be your home for decades to come, a one-story home is a smart choice because it makes it easy to age in place. Also, if you have elderly relatives coming to visit often (or even perhaps to live with you in the future), it's nice to not require them to navigate a lot of stairs. Speaking of easy living, take a look at how both the master suite and the office open out to the backyard. Imagine working from home and throwing open the doors to enjoy the day.
Do you have teenagers who are starting to drive, or who will in a few years? You're going to want a big garage. Plan 70-1284, above, gives you tons of room for parking or storage with a four-car garage that's divided into two two-bay sections. That minimizes the look of the garage to keep the focus on the elegant exterior. A hipped roof evokes classic Prairie-style architecture, while the oversize entrance adds drama.
Teenagers eat a lot, so you're also going to want plenty of pantry space. The pantry in this home is actually hidden, so you keep visitors focused on the contemporary open layout. A drop zone with lockers provides space for kids to drop backpacks and boots on the way in from the garage. Another nice touch: the master suite's closet opens directly to the laundry room.
If you're getting to the stage where you're ready for some privacy, plan 48-693, above, offers a good layout solution. But first, notice the sleek exterior that features simple slanted roof planes and stylish garage doors.
Now for the privacy! The master suite sits on the first floor, far from the secondary bedrooms upstairs and also at some distance from the great room. That means it's easy to relax at the end of a long day in your own private retreat. A large shower feels modern.
Love these looks? Check out more modern house plans here.
