Arts and Crafts-Inspired Home, "The Lofton"

by AlanM (Designer) 17. September 2009 08:12

Beautiful windows seize the eye on the exterior of this Arts and Crafts-inspired home (aka “The Lofton”, Plan#AM-2383). Banks of triple windows and a strip of stationary windows above the front porch gleam with a crisp welcome and offer hints to the light-filled interior. The front porch, anchored by flared pillars atop ledgestone pedestals offers a transitional respite. Beyond the front door, the dining room, great room, and kitchen draw you in to the open living areas. Light spills into the dining room from windows on two walls, dissolving any hint of stuffiness.

Casual Sunday brunches and elegant holiday parties are equally at home in the kitchen, where a long island delineates work and eating areas and a large pantry provides plenty of storage. A bump-out window in the breakfast nook can include a built-in seat or simply provide extra floor space. From the nook, a set of French doors opens to the back porch, which includes an outdoor fireplace.

The master suite wing joins the living areas on the main level. The bedroom and an office flank a private hallway. Built-ins—a desk in the office and bookshelves in the bedroom—supply focal points in each room.

Three additional bedrooms, two baths, a storage area, and a bonus room are on the upper level. The bonus room has many options: it can become a hang-out space for the kids or an exercise room for the whole family.

House Plan AM-2383

Exterior Rendering of “The Lofton”, House Plan AM-2383. See plan details here.

Rustic Hillside Retreat

by AlanM (Designer) 17. August 2009 08:21

House Plan AM-1411 will indulge anyone who’s ever fantasized about living in a rustic hillside retreat. With its lavish appointments and spacious living arrangements, the home has everything you need, whether you desire to settle in or entertain. But beware: your guests may not want to leave either!

Rear view of Plan AM-1411. (See the PHOTO GALLERY online for many more pictures of the fully decorated home!)

The artful use of stone and generous application of decorative brackets on the exterior draw together architectural elements such as the angled, oversize four-car garage and the substantial roofline. The sprawling exterior is refreshingly coherent. A prominent stoop with flared stone columns clearly marks the entrance as it carefully balances a pair of wing extensions. The stoop expands into a front porch and points the way to the front door.

Inside the foyer, one immediately surveys the openness of main living areas, which are topped with vaulted ceilings. The great room is the hub, anchored with a large stone fireplace at one end and a formal dining area at the other. Spectacular windows on each side of the fireplace display views of the backyard. Arching in a curve to one side of the great room, the kitchen completes the open layout and provides for logical traffic flow, which is critical when entertaining. The serious cook will appreciate accommodations for an oversize range, the walk-in pantry, as well as the baking and food prep zones. Whether entertaining or merely relaxing outdoors, the outdoor kitchen bestows a welcoming environment. Its appointments include a cooktop, sink, and corner fireplace.

Columns along one side of the foyer delineate the home’s public and private zones. A built-in media center and double doors separate the home office from the great room. The hearth, the bookshelves, and the built-ins in the office are beautiful and functional. Down the adjacent hall is the master suite. Soothing features in the bedroom include a corner fireplace and a bump-out window that views that backyard. The suite’s pair of walk-in closets is nothing short of extravagant. Both include built-ins and double doors. The larger of the two is a spacious dressing room that includes a built-in ironing board, a mirror, and two alcoves with built-in chests. Separate vanities, a spa tub, laundry facilities, and a walk-in shower round out the master bath.

Three additional bedrooms are on the lower level, privately clustered near a pair of baths. Bump-out windows in each room ensure plenty of light. One of the bedrooms has a private bath, making it ideal as a guest suite. Another treat is the home theater with built-in viewing screen, fireplace, and access to the backyard. With nearby wet bar and wine cellar, the spacious theater will be a great place to host sports parties.

Among the most appreciated aspects of this home may be the organized utility areas next to the garage. A dog shower and grooming station are convenient for taking care of canine family members. Its hard-surface floor and built-in drain make clean-up easy. A mudroom, featuring a powder bath, laundry facilities, and coat closet, makes a great place to freshen up before entering the home. Tools can be organized along the back wall of the garage work bench.

View into the Great Room.  (See the PHOTO GALLERY online for many more pictures of the fully decorated home!)

What a Lovely Cottage!

by Customer Service Team 12. August 2009 08:57

We had to share this adorable cottage plan with you. It was recently added to our website and is already turning heads.

House plan AM-1151 fits into several categories: cabin, Craftsman, vacation home. From its covered front deck to its light-filled dining area, it’s full of pleasant surprises. With 1225 finished square feet and an extra 225 unfinished in the lower level, it’s a compact and efficient design that could work well on a narrow or hillside lot, yet it certainly has enough living space for comfort.

The exterior is constructed of cedar shake shingles and stone (on the chimney stack) for a charming, natural look. Inside, find a vaulted Great Room at the center of the main level, flanked by two decks and warmed by a fireplace. The kitchen and airy dining area are close by. A bedroom with window seat in a box-bay window and full bath are at the front of the main level. Just step downstairs for two more bedrooms with plenty of closet space and another full bath. Walk out of the lower level to a lovely covered patio. This plan includes special space-saving touches like storage under the stairwell.

Exterior of House Plan AM-1151

Main Floor AM-1151

This cottage plan was created by designer, Alan M. See all of Alan’s plans here.

Livin' Is Easy on this Wrap-Around Porch

by MarkE 21. July 2009 09:09

House plan LS-2921-HB makes for easy summertime living! A wraparound porch gives this home a farmhouse feel, although its architectural style is more Craftsman-inspired.

On the main level, a restful study is accessed via French doors from either the porch or the entry hall. The spacious great room adjoins the L-shaped kitchen with an island for prep work, storage and seating. There’s even a second porch – this one’s enclosed by glass for enjoyment in all weather conditions.

Upstairs, a second (optional) fireplace warms the owner’s suite. The deluxe bath boasts a whirlpool tub. Second floor laundry makes for easy access from the four bedrooms and two and a half baths.

Blueprint packages, including a PDF option, are available for this home design at Homeplans.com.

House Plan LS-2921-HB

Feature House Plan LS-2921-HB

Main Floor Plan

Main Floor Plan

About This Blog

Contributors to this blog include Homeplans.com designers and architects, plan modification specialists, and other home plan experts. Meet them below! We'll share commonly asked questions from customers, along with our answers. We'll also post thoughts and advice on anything and everything related to house plans --  house style information, advice on selecting a plan that's right for you, building cost information, construction tips, new home products, and more.  Enjoy! And feel free to post a comment or question anytime; we'd love to hear from you.

Meet AlanM (Designer)

For over 30 years, Alan's deep commitment to architectural excellence has made his a trusted name among home buyers and builders. His capable staff are dedicated to innovating design and producing beautiful homes that are easy to build and a pleasure to live in.

See Alan's home designs on Homeplans.com!

Meet the Customer Service Team

Customer Service RepOur customer service team consists of Sharon, Heidi and Angela. They have 17 years of combined customer service experience in the home plans industry. The team specializes in deciphering home blueprints, helping customers to find the perfect home plan, and fielding all questions related to Homeplans.com’s house plans inventory. They can be reached at 1-888-447-1946.

Meet EdselB (Designer)

EdselB (Designer)

Edsel, FAIBD, is founder and president of a successful Mississippi design firm. He's also held leadership positions in the Home Builders Association and AIBD. Edsel draws on his Southern heritage to create homes with the nostalgia of the past and the efficiency of the future.

View all of Edsel's designs on Homeplans.com!

Meet JimV (Modifications Expert)

Jim is the managing partner of LifeStyle HomeDesign. Jim has over 14 years of experience in the home plan business and has been involved with over 5000 house design projects.

Learn more about house plan modifications here.

Meet JimW (Designer)

JimW (Designer)

Jim is founder and President of a prominent Atlanta design firm. With thousands of their plans built across the U.S. and around the world, Jim and his partners continually strive to provide quality house plans, with innovative designs and unsurpassed service.

See Jim's house designs on Homeplans.com.

Meet LarryG (Designer)

LarryG (Designer)

Larry is an award-winning, Texas-based home designer. He's been a home designer for more than 30 years, and is a member of the American Institute of Building Design's College of Fellows. Larry shares frequently-asked customer questions, along with his answers, in this blog.

See Larry's house plans on Homeplans.com!

Meet MarkE (Designer)

MarkE (Designer)Mark is an award-winning designer from Minneapolis, MN. With over 25 years of national home plan design experience and an inventory of over 2000 plans, Mark is a frequent design commentator and speaker on TV and radio.

See Mark's house plans on Homeplans.com.

Meet MarkM (Designer)

Mark is the president of an award-winning Mississippi home design firm specializing in affordable stock house plans that include today’s most popular floor plan features and amenities. The best-selling architectural styles for Mark's firm include Traditional, Country, Craftsman, Southern, French Country, European and Ranch.

See Mark’s full collection of house plans online!


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