Modest Mattson has a welcoming facade

Wooden railings and posts extends a warm welcome to the Mattson, a small three-bedroom plan well-suited to the needs of a young family buying their first home. Empty nesters looking to downsize their maintenance duties might also find this plan worth considering.

Attractive shingles fill the triangles created by front and side-facing gables, while decorative corbels accent the highest and lowest points.

From the porch, you step into a foyer that opens into a good-sized living room on the right. Double multipaned windows brighten this space, which is partially open to the dining room.

Work space in the efficient kitchen is plentiful, with counters on both sides of the sink as well as the stove. While the counter extension bounding the dining room has overhead cabinets, the counter surface is open and could be outfitted with stools for use as an eating/conversation bar.

Utilities are mere steps away, hidden behind a pocket door. The closet here could be built with shelves, or left more open for hanging clothing fresh out of the dryer, before they wrinkle up.

This handy room has an exterior entrance, connecting it to the carport, so unloading groceries in inclement weather need never be a problem. The space also serves as a mud room, ideal for dealing with muddy paws, or taking off grungy foot gear after rainy walks or working in the yard.

Lawnmowers and other outdoor equipment can be stored in the fully enclosed storage room, accessible from the carport.

The coat and linen closets that line the hallway in the Mattson's bedroom wing are convenient to the bathroom and all three bedrooms.