Four Plans: Retire in Style

Filed under Four Plans, Home Design by on February 11, 2012 at 2:10 pm {no comments}

These smaller but well-appointed homes give empty-nesters a reason to move. Smart storage? Check. Luxurious master suites? Ditto. Designed for aging in place, these layouts feature either single-story layouts or an elevator to make getting around easier.

Warm and Inviting

This luxurious two bedroom bungalow features a welcoming front porch and a rear-entry garage suitable for alley-access neighborhoods. Inside, the open kitchen offers a large island and a convenient pantry. Fireplaces warm the great room and both bedrooms. Buyers will appreciate the amenities in the secluded master suite, including a walk-in closet, seated shower, and separate tub. Upstairs, the bonus room is flooded with natural light through three skylights and provides a flexible space for an office, hobby studio, or media room. For more images, information, and the floor plan,click here.

Storage, Sun, and More

Downsizing buyers are sure to appreciate the abundant storage in this two-bedroom home. A sun room offers a comfortably sheltered spot from which to enjoy nature. Much of the plan is devoted to the well-appointed master suite, which boasts a large, divided walk-in closet and even a small morning kitchen. The guest suite is designed with a space-saving Murphy bed in mind and built-in shelving. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Stylish Serenity

Evoking a sun-drenched Mediterranean villa, this clever narrow design makes excellent use of space with an open floor plan. Double arches in the portico and a red tile roof give stylish impact to the exterior. Inside, the kitchen, dining room, and great room open completely to one another, with a warming fireplace in the great room for chilly evenings. A study provides a quiet space for reading or hobbies. The master suite features a walk-in closet, his-and-hers vanities, and access to the rear veranda. The guest suite enjoys a full bath, giving visitors their privacy. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Elevated Living

For the buyer who wants to maintain a high level of comfort and luxury, this gorgeous stone-adorned three-bedroom plan is a great choice. It lends itself to aging in place, with most rooms on the main level and an elevator to access the second-floor guest suite. Open, light-filled spaces include the great room, generous dining area, and amenity-filled master suite (which features a bow window). For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Taken from: Builder Online

Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of Classic Kitchen Style

Filed under Kitchen Projects, Remodeling Ideas by on February 9, 2012 at 5:59 pm {no comments}

Timeless but fresh, a classic kitchen can be the perfect starting point for your own, individual look

Many people are at a loss when it comes to defining their style. Some people know what they like but are afraid of getting the terms wrong, or they’re afraid of being pigeon-holed into one style when they feel like they’re in between a few different ones. The truth is, most spaces have elements of different styles and aren’t all one way.

To sort all this out, join me on a tour of kitchen styles and sub-styles, from Classic to Modern, Industrial to Cottage, and lots in between. Today we’ll start with the most approachable of styles, classic style.

Classic kitchens are timeless and flexible. This comes with other givens, such as neutral color palettes and simple, unfussy details. Sure, a classic kitchen can be deemed too safe for the individualist and too ornate for the purist, but for me it’s like jeans and a white t-shirt: add a beaded necklace and heels or tennis shoes and black blazer and you can make the look your own. (And so can the next homeowner if you’re concerned about resale value.)

Click here for 8 basic elements of a classic kitchen, and how to adapt it to your personal style.

Four Bedroom for Today’s Family

Filed under Home Design, Plan of the Week by on February 9, 2012 at 3:03 pm {no comments}

Make a statement with this attractive brick house. The modern layout eschews formality in favor of an open layout with the island kitchen in the middle of the action. A screened porch creates a comfortable and bright place to relax. Upstairs, the master suite boasts a corner tub, separate shower, and walk-in closet, and along with three secondary bedrooms, accesses the convenient upper-level laundry room. As a contemporary touch, homeowners will enjoy the extra storage in the mudroom and nearby closet just off the three-car garage.

Quick Facts:
2,683 Sq. Ft.
Stories:              2
Bedrooms:       4
Baths:                2.5
Width:               59′
Depth:              48′

Four Plans: No Wasted Space

Filed under Four Plans, Home Design by on February 3, 2012 at 11:56 am {no comments}

Why should buyers pay for square footage they won’t really use, such as superfluous hallways and lofts? These four smart designs trim the fat, allocating resources instead to where homeowners will spend the most time, such as spacious open family rooms and generous master suites.

Open Spaces

Attractive vertical siding and a columned porch with stone accents draw attention to this lovely small home. Enter directly into the vaulted great room, where a gas fireplace invites cozy evenings. This area opens to the island kitchen and an eating area with access to the back porch. The split-bedroom plan puts the luxurious master suite far to the left (don’t miss the his-and-hers walk-in closets or corner tub) and two secondary bedrooms on the right. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Narrow Escape

The graceful columned porch adds curb appeal to this family home which, at just 29 feet wide, easily fits onto a narrow lot. The hearth-warmed living room opens completely to the island kitchen, where an eating bar and dining area add mealtime seating options. The master suite resides on this level; its private bath features a separate tub and shower and a walk-in closet. Two family bedrooms upstairs share a game room and a full bath. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Bring in the Light

Upon entering this efficient yet surprisingly roomy cottage, enjoy unimpeded views straight back through the living room to the covered rear porch. The island kitchen also opens up to the gathering area, with the dining room just steps away. Homeowners will appreciate the privacy afforded by buffering the comfortable master suite from secondary bedrooms via a large walk-in closet. An additional 328-square-foot bonus room allows expansion over the garage. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Compact Country

Just 34 feet wide, this attractive country cottage offers a simple yet thoughtful layout. The great room, dining area, and kitchen all flow into each other without interruption, with the fireplace located against a side wall to keep the back view clear. Placing the comfortable master suite on the first floor facilitates aging in place. Upstairs, two generous secondary bedrooms share a full bath, and hall space is kept to a minimum. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Taken from: BuilderOnline.com

Creating a Masculine Bathroom

Filed under Bathroom Projects, DIY Projects, Remodeling Ideas by on February 1, 2012 at 5:37 pm {no comments} 
Taken from: BuildDirect.com

A man may be the king of his castle (ed: or think he is!), but he also has very different decorating and design needs than a woman.  Creating a masculine bathroom is a great place to start, design-wise.  The bathroom has to combine form and function with style to create a space that reflects his personality and lifestyle.

Conservative colors in the masculine bathroom

It is important to understand the man’s style.  Is he conservative and traditional, laid back, or modern and sophisticated?  Once you have a feel for his likes and dislikes you can begin selecting bathroom tile in shades that match his personality.  Black onyx tile offers a very modern, urban look.

Stone tile speaks to sophisticating and traditional styling.  Brown tiles are especially good for the masculine bathroom, because they offer both the darker, more masculine look while also providing a warmth and sophistication to the space.  Whatever look he is after, use tile colors that reflect that and provide a firm foundation for the rest of the room’s palette.

What to include in the masculine bathroom

A toilet and vanity are a must, of course.  Whether you add a walk-in shower or a tub will, again, depend on the man’s preferences.  If the budget allows, add both.  There is nothing more masculine than a stone tiled walk in shower with multiple spray-heads and deep, rich colors.

A jetted tub can add that touch of luxury for unwinding after a hard day at the office. Selecting the right vanity is also an important job.  The size of the vanity must be proportional to the size of the bathroom while also providing enough space for storage and easy access of the most used items.  If there is not a lot of storage, consider adding a towel shelf that is done in metal or wood tones that compliment the style of the tile.

Musculine bathroom accessories

 

Accessorizing the masculine bathroom requires the use of textures that capture personality of the man who will be spending time there, while also adding visual interest to the space.  White framed floral prints are a definite no, but an abstract metal wall hanging might be just the thing to add that burst of color to the room without overdoing it.

The metal look can also be carried through in the soap dish or dispenser, the towel racks, and the knobs on the shower and tub.  Be consistent with the metal material to get the look and style you are after.  Too many different metals will make the room look mismatched instead of elegant.

Towels and toiletry organizers are other things that you might want to consider when designing the masculine bathroom.  If the room is dark in color, match that with the color of the towels.  Be sure that the texture of the towels, no matter what their color, is luxurious and plush.

Bathroom that reflects style of the man

Ultimately, the goal of the masculine bathroom is to create a room that reflects the style of the man and addresses his needs in the space.  With the right materials and design, it may very well become the favorite room of the house.

Four Plans: Colonial Heritage

Filed under Four Plans, Home Design by on January 30, 2012 at 12:05 am {no comments} 
Taken from: Builder.com

Combining the undeniable appeal of traditional architecture with a contemporary layout produces a winning plan. Each of these homes showcases a graceful, Colonial-influenced exterior paired with a modern, open interior that buyers are unlikely to find in older homes.

Welcome Extras

Extra storage in the garage, a private powder room, and snack-bar seating are just a few of the special details in this four-bedroom plan. The charming, Colonial-influenced exterior fits in well in many neighborhoods, with a side-entry garage that preserves curb appeal. An open layout eliminates barriers between the kitchen and great room, with a study tucked away to the side. Upstairs, the master suite features a huge walk-in closet and a bathroom with dual sinks that buffers the bedroom from children’s rooms. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Modern Family

This compact yet open plan offers plenty of room for a growing family. The foyer introduces a turned staircase with wood trim and a large great room with corner fireplace and windows to the rear yard. The great room opens to the dining area and snack bar for a spacious look and feel. The kitchen offers an abundance of counter space, cabinets, and a pantry for added storage. The second-floor master suite showcases a raised ceiling and dressing area with whirlpool tub, double bowl vanity, shower enclosure, and two walk-in closets. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Updated Classic

This beautiful home opens up to a surprisingly modern open layout. Step past the wide, welcoming porch into the foyer, where an open stairway rises to the second floor. Beyond the stairs is a large family room with a central fireplace, plentiful windows, and two doors to the deck. This room is open to the kitchen and breakfast area, facilitating maximum family interaction. Upstairs, the master suite and one of two bedrooms access the upper porch. A bonus room invites expansion. For more images, information, and the floor plan,click here.

Lovely and Practical

This stately, two-story beauty offers the utmost in style and livability. Formal space resides at the front of the plan, with a living room and dining room flanking the foyer. Secluded behind the staircase is the elegant master suite, with a huge walk-in closet and private bath. The hearth-warmed family room flows into the island kitchen and breakfast nook, making this space the comfortable hub of home life. Upstairs, three bedrooms all have access to separate baths and share space with a future recreation room. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Connecting on the Front Porch

Filed under Home Design, Remodeling Ideas by on January 26, 2012 at 6:42 pm {no comments} 
Taken from: BuilderDirect.com

There is no doubt the front porch will continue to be a building trend in 2012. Front porches are popular on new homes and are being added to existing homes. People feel a need to connect with their neighbors and create community, especially as they move to urban areas.

Large porches extend living space to the outdoors, too. People have meals on the porch or just hang out in a comfy rocker and invite passing neighbors to join them.

Depending on your locale, you may need to screen your porch in to protect yourself from insects. A porch may or may not be covered. Some serve the homeowners year round.

I am fortunate to have covered porches on the north and south sides of my house (that’s one main reason I bought this house!). I sit on the north side in summer and on the south side in winter. Most sunny winter days are warm enough to pull out the camp chair and relax with a cup of tea or a beer.

Examples of front porches

Here are a few examples of front porches, new and old.

Victorian homes are well known for their large wrap-around porches.

I recently wrote about Craftsman bungalows, which have grand porches with large pillars. Here’s a photo fromAmerican Bungalow Magazine.

A 1919 farmhouse in North Carolina has been renovated, and, of course, it has a front porch.

My parents retired to the Piedmont of North Carolina, and I saw plenty of run down houses like this one, which still sports a front porch.

Some areas need screened porches, and this one is luxurious.

The whole family can sit on this porch and talk to passersby and the next door neighbors!

On the porch Connecting on the Front Porch

The front porch reminds me of a time before technology, riding our bikes in the road, visiting with our neighbors and enjoying the outdoors. I think this is what people are yearning for as most of us sit in front of computers at work all day. Connecting with others and creating community makes a good balance in our hurried lives. The front porch helps with that!

Four Plans….Homes with Integrated Courtyards

Filed under Four Plans, Home Design by on January 20, 2012 at 1:39 pm {no comments} 
Taken from BuilderOnline.com

These clever plans create outdoor living space, even on a lot with limited or no yard. Each layout wraps around a courtyard, letting light in and offering an alternative place to relax outside.

Built-In Side Yard

Working with a small lot without much room for a backyard? No problem! A side veranda brings abundant light inside this comfortable Mediterranean design that fits a narrow lot beautifully. A large corner shower and walk-in closet enhance the master suite, tucked away from the open main living area. Guests will enjoy the full bath and walk-in closet in their wing. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Center Court

This smart plan, ideal for a small lot without much yard space, features a central courtyard that offers a private outdoor retreat for the family and lets light into the surrounding living areas. A two-sided fireplace warms both the courtyard and the great room. The master suite enjoys dual sinks and a walk-in closet. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Narrow Escape

With its alley-loading garage, slim dimensions, and side courtyard, this plan is ideal for a narrow lot in a traditional neighborhood. Bright, open living spaces wrap around the side yard to let lots of light into the house. The luxurious master suite enjoys privacy away from secondary bedrooms. Buyers will appreciate the extra seating at the kitchen’s snack bar. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

Flower Porch and Two Terraces

With a truly special layout, this country home offers a variety of relaxing spaces, most notably the luxurious master suite with dual bathrooms. The lovely exterior lets in lots of light through many windows. Upon entering the home, enjoy an excellent view straight back through the curved row of dining room windows. Head left for the living room and pretty flower porch with skylights, or right to the informal kitchen/breakfast nook/family room area. Both the breakfast nook and family room open to the play terrace, so kids can enjoy being outside and you can see them from inside. For more images, information, and the floor plan, click here.

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