Bungalow House Plans

Bungalow house plans emphasize handcrafted beauty, detailed architectural design, and quality workmanship. There is a respect and deliberate use of natural materials including wooden shingles and clapboards, cobblestones and rough-faced brick, porch columns, and chimneys. Many have great, wide verandas. Bungalows are similar to Cottage house plans and Craftsman house plans. They are similar to Cottage house plans in architectural square footage and size, and many Bungalows have Craftsman style facades. From the19th century Arts and Crafts movement and Arts and Crafts movement revival that is currently occurring largely due to the economic and housing situation, Bungalow house plans are a very cost efficient home plan and offer complete use of the total living area square footages. “A Bungalow house plan is a type of house plan with varying meanings across the world. The term originated in India, deriving from the Gujarati બંગલો baṅgalo, which in turn derives from Hindi बंगला baṅglā, meaning ‘Bengali’ and used elliptically for a ‘house in the Bengal style’. “ (credit Wikipedia). Bungalow house plans are relatively small and a detached single family residence. They may be either one story or a single story with a loft. The loft, or partial second story, is built into a sloping roof usually accommodating dormered windows. Full vertical walls are therefore only seen on one story, at least on the front and rear elevations. Bungalows have a horizontal exterior design with asymmetrical, yet welcoming, front porches. Solid and compact with front and side gables, low pitched roofs, and exposed beams are definite Bungalow style. Bungalows have open living and dining areas with efficient use of all living space. Bungalows are considered very cost effective to build. Typical Bungalows are very convenient for the homeowner in that all living areas are on a single story with no stairs to navigate. A Bungalow is well suited to persons with impaired mobility, such as the elderly or those in wheelchairs. There are different types of bungalows. A Ranch Bungalow is a bungalow architecturally organized so that the bedrooms are on one side and the living and dining areas are on the opposing side. A Raised Bungalow is one in which the basement is partially above ground. A Chalet or Dormer Bungalow is a bungalow with a second story loft. So, if you are searching for that ideal home plan that offers loads of style and character with total use of living space at a cost efficient ratio, the Bungalow house plan may be right for you! Search www.houseplancentral.com today for your perfect bungalow house plan!

Cottage House Plans

The word “cottage” may evoke images of charming storybook homes. Cottage Style House Plans may indeed mimic these fairytale homes in size and design style. They are generally one story and on the smaller side but may have square footages ranging from cozy on upwards. Cottages are thought to have been popularized by American pattern books from the 19th century. These small, quaint Cottage house plans are informal yet have unmerited attention to detail. Dormered windows and expansive bay windows with picturesque balconies add to this charm. Unique and quite often diamond shaped, decorative patterns, exquisite woodwork trim, and elegant arches are common Cottage components. Cottage house plans feature batten walls and vertical boarding. Paint combinations complete the Cottages’ style. Romantic and/or Victorian style flourishes with flowing, sweeping lines keep with the Cottage theme. Asymmetrical plans accented with individuality just make the Cottage.

So, whether YOUR Cottage is small and cozy or large and open, the attention to detail is a commonality. Find YOUR perfect Cottage House Plan here at www.houseplancentral.com!

Retreat Homes

Retreat house plans are quite varied in style and even building location. The Retreat home plan search begins by answering, “What does retreat mean to you?” Retreat is defined as a get-away, a refuge, a place to take time out for reflection, to draw back, to move back, to recede. So, Retreat house plans reflect what “retreat”means to the home planner. The Retreat plans are as distinctive as the lots on which they are built. These home plans range from a cozy log cabin nestled on a wooded, mountain valley lot with a stream flowing by to a luxurious Spanish villa on a wild flower covered hillside gleaming golden in the sunshine to a Coastal pier and piling glass windows all around stunner on a beach-front lot with refreshing sea breezes. A Retreat style home plan may be a main residence, a vacation home, a second residence, a weekend home, or even a retirement home. With all the differentials, there is a common denominator—bringing the splendor of the outdoors and retreat location in! Great, picture-perfect windows are a retreat must! Open air living areas that constitute exceptional outdoor living areas are a signature of the Retreats. These outdoor living spaces include decks, porches, and lanais. All of which are perfect for enjoying the retreat views. Graceful flowing floor plans that have open living and dining areas with cozy to gourmet kitchens and soaking tub baths to luxurious spa-like baths add the touch of comfort and elegance to a Retreat home. These distinctive design features make the Retreats remarkable for both relaxing and entertaining. The welcoming, whether warm and/or stunning exteriors, may be combinations of brick, stone, stucco, shakes and even rough sawn timbers. Each construction material blends into the natural landscape of the Retreat adding the completing touch for the ideal Retreat house plan.
So, please remember! If you are searching for your perfect Retreat Home Plan, first define what “Retreat” means to you! Start your search for the perfect retreat home at www.houseplancentral.com!

Neoclassic House Plans

Neoclassical House Plans, or Neoclassics, were inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. These classical architectural reflections have given the Neoclassics a sense of beauty and a dash of elegance. Two of the main architectural characteristics are the grand two-story porches with columns and the stately symmetrical design. Neoclassic styles have distinguished lines and are proportional. These homes are generally two or two and one-half stories. They may be constructed of brick, stone, stucco, or wood siding. Drawing upon a sense of simplicity, although it be on a grand scale, they still maintain stately dignity. Two-story porches with porch-supported columns are typical on Neoclassical homes. A prominent full width portico supported by classical wood or stone columns or Corinthian style pilasters are an identifier as they generally extend the full two stories. Symmetry is exhibited by the centered front door (or doors, as double doors may be used at the main entrance), balanced windows, matching winged porticos, and side and wing porches. Neoclassics incorporate double hung multi-pane, and of course symmetrically placed, windows that are conducive for great natural light flowing into the expansive square shaped rooms or rectangular shaped rooms. Neoclassical plan roofing is often a simple side gabled roof that includes roof-line balustrades. The interiors generally feature the elegant formal areas, the formal living room and the formal dining room on the front part of the home at the main entrance and the relaxed, private areas of the family room or den and the kitchen on the back. Ornate features such as, dentil molding below the cornices and detailed pediments at the doorways and windows keep with the design theme of stateliness with elegance. These dignified, classical touches decorate the exterior façade and transfer in the interior as well.
Neoclassical House Plans are grand, yet welcoming with the columned two-story porches. Neoclassics are symmetrical , yet stately with a touch of elegance. If these properties fit the criteria for your dream home plan, then the Neoclassic House Plan may be right for you! The Neoclassic’s architectural style of stately symmetry and clean lines are indeed beautiful and timeless!

Recycled Glass Kitchen Countertops

Recycled glass, or exquisitely repurposed glass, is a great idea for kitchen countertops. You can express your own design style while respecting the earth with a green choice! These artful, artistic surfaces are incredibly strong and durable. The color palettes range from brilliant cobalt blues to shimmering champagne flints! These beautiful, durable, unique materials may be used anywhere natural stone is used including: countertops, vanity tops, tabletops, bar tops, tub decks, shower surrounds, hearths, fireplace surrounds, architectural wall cladding, and many more. Recycled glass is combined with a binder of cement, additives, pigments and other recycled materials. Most recycled glass countertops contain at least 85% of glass from recycling that uses glass from bottles, drinking glasses, automotive glass, stained glass, laboratory glass, post-industrial glass and many others (just picture that recycling bin!). The great element of these recycled glass countertops is that no two pieces are, nor ever will be, the same. It is a definite one-of-a-kind design feature. With the various hues, it is a home’s piece of art. Recycled glass countertops are comparable in strength, scratch resistance, thermal resistance, durability, and care and maintenance to granite. The porosity is generally better than that of marble, concrete, and some granite. The 85% composition of the countertops is impervious to staining thanks to the recycled glass component. The other 15% (the binder, concrete elements) just needs to be wiped away at the time of the spill. Acids like red wine, lemon juice, citrus juice, and vinegar may etch the matrix of the surface (the concrete, binder elements) if left for long periods of time and staining agents like coffee, tea, cola, and berries will leave traces if allowed to remain on the surface. These “signs of everyday living!” can actually enhance the character of the surface (consider that beautiful aged butcher block!). The darker pigmented mixes and those with patinas generally camouflage these signs better. To clean and care for the surface, it should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For rings and dried spots, use a mild liquid soap or mild detergent with a damp cloth. Consult your professional as to which finishing polish should be used and how often. Also, your professional will instruct you as to the guidelines for resealing your countertops every year or two to keep it like new. It is generally a simple process of applying the sealant, leaving it for 20 minutes or so, and wiping it off. These countertops will likely exhibit variations in color, shade, glass size, and glass particle distribution that are part of the inherent character and beauty of mixing post consumer and/or post-industrial recycled glass. It is extremely durable and strong, and it is quite resistant to chipping and cracking. In the unlikely event chipping or cracking does occur, simply consult your fabricator. This recycled glass surface handles heat and hot cooking and baking pans extremely well and even further adds to its value in the kitchen! It is also quite durable to high traffic and use.
When choosing your dream home plan and mapping out that great kitchen, consider the beautiful earth-friendly, green choice of recycled glass countertops!

Contemporary Plans

Contemporary House Plans are known for more modern architecture and unusual, distinctive design features. Contemporary house plans are typically asymmetrical, and they have mixtures of textures and building materials. Unique exteriors with finishes that combine wood, stone, brick, stucco, and even metal complete the home’s facing. Multiple rooflines and lines that intersect form a distinctive, one-of-a-kind look. Contemporaries may even have low pitched or flat roofs or roof sections. Large overhangs and split level designs are common to the Contemporary home plans. With the Contemporary home plan, there are no defined, distinct design rules. The architecture may be fanciful to whimsical and may even have a touch of traditional. These home plans vary in size and shape. Large expanses of fixed glass including grand, oversized windows, transom windows, light, open floor plans with high ceilings and lofts add to the Contemporary feel. Clean, straight line designs complement the Contemporaries. Modern railings, geometric shapes, and glass blocks are popular features. Low ornamentation is a definite identifier of the Contemporary; however, low ornamentation does not mean dull or boring! Some decorating features of the Contemporaries incorporate some modern amenities of skylights, stainless steel, and thickly varnished wood. There is just something about the Contemporary home plan that exudes unique simplicity with an air of luxury!

Coastal House Plans

Coastal Home Plans are open, light, and airy. They are ideal for most any waterfront lot—coastline, seaside, lakefront, or riverside. They range in plan size according to the building lot size and are commonly built tall and narrow just to accommodate that lot. The lot may even be suited for your own pool—maybe even a saltwater pool! The Coastal home plan style ranges from cottage to modern. Special attention to detail is a must with the Coastal home plans due to the elements of where the home is constructed. Coastals are often built with piers or pilings to protect from rising surfs and to withstand coastal winds. Surf, higher winds, and inclement weather all impact the codes of construction for the sake of safety. Strict codes and guidelines set standards for pilings, roofing, exterior components, and all areas of construction.
The architectural design is typically two or more stories. With this design style, there may be dramatic two-story foyers, open areas from the floor above and below, and of course, lots of windows! Coastals incorporate open air living and open air dining areas. Many Coastals have the family rooms or living rooms on the second floor to maximize the amazing views of the coastline and to enjoy the ocean breeze. Sunlights and sunrooms are great fits with the Coastals. Open air kitchens and grilling porches with outdoor ovens and barbecues are perfect for preparing meals while enjoying every moment of the scenery. These “outdoor in” areas include decks and porches that tend to wrap around the house. The porches may be covered, screened, front, back, or sun! Covered balconies, lanais, verandas, patios, porticos, pergolas, gazebos, terraces, and open sundecks offer many choices for the outdoor living that is right for you. Adding a hot tub or Jacuzzi and a ceiling fan for the hot days and fireplace for the breezy evenings makes for complete relaxation. Double master suites with each suite having a bedroom and bathroom are a good choice for lots of family and friends visiting and vacationing! Lofts are quite popular to add to the living space, yet still keeping with the open feel. For the logistics, easy access laundry facilities are a good component to consider. Tile is a popular choice for the interior flooring to make dealing with the sand and water quick and easy (but isn’t it so worth it?!) Inclined, vaulted, and cathedral ceilings add to the element of openness. Exposed beams add a dramatic flair. Interior paint colors may range from warm neutrals to pleasant pastels to Caribbean brights! Diverse architectural features such as lookout towers, widow’s walks, and spiral staircases up to the lookout add excitement to the Coastal home plan.
Dormers, tin roofs, shingle siding with fish scale accents add the perfect seaside touch. Garages and carports offer parking underneath the house. This makes for great storage for bikes, rafts, kayaks, surfboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and any other outdoor items. Elevators may be necessary and convenient for some family members and for shopping trips. Colors for the exterior range, just like the interior, from the warm neutrals to the pleasant pastels to the Caribbean brights.
Obviously, there is a bit more “red tape” when building a Coastal style home plan, but being in that setting is definitely worth the extra effort!

Red Doors

There are many design choices and decisions when choosing your perfect house plan and building your dream home. Has a Red Front Door ever caught your eye? Did you wonder what does the color red mean, and what does painting your front door red signify?

Red is one of the primary colors. This bold, vivid hue is said to be welcoming. It is commonly associated with the attribute of strength. Red is highly linked to the meaning of love (i.e. just picture the color of hearts and roses and valentines). It is recognized as a stimulant color. Red is inherently considered an “exciting” color thus related to “energy”. It is believed that red signifies a sense of protection. What qualities (welcome, strength, love, energy, and protection) to grace the entrance of your home. Red is the color worthy of just such a task.

The history, origin, and significance of a home’s red front door definitely varies. Here are a few suggestions found:
1.) (Just) Loves Red. For starters, it just may be that the homeowner loves the color red! What a bold color to brighten the entrance to your home.
2.) Provides Protection. In Biblical times, a Red Door provided protection. The Hebrews placed the blood of a lamb on the front door to show that the home was covered by the blood to protect their first born child from the angel of death. If the home had the marking on the door, the death angel literally passed by. Also, in Catholic churches long ago, the front doors of the church were painted red to represent the blood of Christ. Since the red paint signified the blood of Christ, it meant that the parishioners were on holy ground. These interpretations then spur on the belief that a red door protects the home’s occupants from evil.
3.) Shows Welcome. A red door in early American traditions meant a warm, welcoming place to rest for the night for weary travelers journeying by horse and buggy. When they saw a home with a red front door, they knew they would indeed be “welcome”!
4.) Means Welcome. In the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, a red front door also means “welcome”! Feng Shui defines that the front door, also called the “Mouth of Chi”, is where the energy enters the home. So in this Chinese philosophy, painting your front door red means “welcome” as well.
When deciding on your dream home plan, give some thought to a Red Front Door to compliment your perfect house plan!

Soapstone

Soapstone, also known as steatite or soaprock, is an advantageous choice for kitchen countertops. Beautiful and practical can best describe soapstone and the character and utility it adds to your new home plan. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock (This talc-schist is largely composed of the mineral talc and is in turn, very rich in magnesium.).
Soapstone does not need to be chemically sealed liked other natural stones. It doesn’t harbor bacteria, so it is perfect for kitchen counters. Soapstone’s anti-absorbance of bacteria aids in keeping the food preparation area safe and sterile. Soapstone is stain resistant. This feature takes the worry out of spills and makes clean-up quicker and easier. It is extremely durable and strong. Hot cookware, pots, and pans may be placed directly on the surface without causing damage. In fact, soapstone is so substantial that chemistry lab tables are made of it, and fireplaces may also be constructed of soapstone.
There are no two pieces of soapstone exactly alike. Each section or piece is totally unique, and there is not another one formed or will ever be formed like it in the world. It is truly a one-of-a-kind work of art from God! Simply treat the soapstone with mineral oil to bring out the hues of color and details of the veining.
The cost of soapstone solid surface countertops does generally run higher than other stone or solid surface countertops; however, the benefits and beauty bridge the gap between price and worth!

Ranch House Plans

Ranch style home plans are indeed practical and functional. They offer quite efficient use of the living and dining area arrangement. The Ranch style house plans were made popular during the pre-depression housing boom of the United States. The name “Ranch” also identifies their origin in the western part of the U.S.
Ranch style homes are characteristically single story or one level house plans. They are built narrow, long, and close to the ground. Ranch homes have low-pitched overhanging roofs with deep-set eaves. They may be constructed in a rectangular shape, L-shape, or U-shape design. Ranch plans offer an efficient use of the living space and dining areas and may have sprawling floor plans. The interior design has few interior walls making a great open, airy living, kitchen, and dining area. This design is perfectly conducive for allowing lots of natural light. There is usually a separate formal living room or a formal dining room to accommodate those more structured occasions like holidays or celebrations. Generally, the Ranch home is reflectively simple in architectural appearance with clean, straight design lines. However, simple in design terms never indicates boring! These open floor plans incorporate double French doors, full-glass paned doors, and even sliding glass doors that open onto a deck, patio, or porch that leads out into the backyard. The exterior is usually brick or wood siding or even vinyl siding and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical in design. Simple facades complete the Ranch style house plans. Large, fixed picture windows, double windows, triple windows, and sometimes even bay windows are a common design element on the front exterior. Ranch style house plans are recognized as one of the first home plans to incorporate an attached garage.
Ranch style house plans are light and open and offer efficient use of living space. If you are looking for an open, light, airy floor plan, the Ranch style home plan may just be your perfect dream home plan.