Wide-open family room makes the Phoenix feel big

A family room at the back gives a spacious, open feeling to the compact Phoenix, a ranch-style home that fits on a standard lot. This single level plan is well-suited to the needs of empty nesters, young families or singles.

The U-shaped kitchen is completely open to the family room, so the cooks and clean-up crew need never feel left out of family activities. Counter and cupboard space stretches along one wall and a pantry provides additional storage capacity. A cooktop and oven are built into a central work island that adds more counter space. Bring in a few stools and the island does double duty as an eating bar.

Stacked windows brighten the living room, a quiet space at the front of the home. The corner fireplace serves as a focal point in winter, and its mantel offers a display area for family mementos.

Owners' suite and utilities are to the right of these gathering spaces. The walk-in closet is much larger than one expects to find in a home this size, and the private bathroom has a luxurious oversized shower.

Utilities are in a pass-though space, convenient to the kitchen, owners' suite and garage. Secondary bedrooms are on the left side of the Phoenix, served by a bathroom with combined tub and shower.

If a basement is desired, stairs will be on the front wall of the family room, adjacent to the living room, decreasing the size of the family room.