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28th Jan, 2022

Cottage Duplex Plan with Unique Floor Plan Columbine 60-046

At first glance, the cottage-style Columbine appears to have mirrored units, but this duplex plan offers unique floor plans between the units. What each unit has in common is an attractive exterior where gables filled with shingles, horizontal lap siding, and tapered columns lend a Craftsman feel to this multi-family design. Step inside and the floor plans show that each unit offers something different.

Inside Unit A, the entry offers a coat closet immediately to the right along with a half bathroom, laundry room (with direct access to the attached tandem bay garage), and to the left the great room. Traveling to the great room, a set of stairs leading to the second floor rises to the right.

The great room in Unit A is completely open – living room, dining room, and kitchen are combined in a nearly seamless space. The kitchen has an eating bar that extends out increasing the available counter space while providing some visual separation from the dining room. At the back of the kitchen a door opens to the back covered patio. A cased opening off the dining room leads to the main floor master bedroom complete with private bathroom with dual vanities and a walk-in closet.

Unit A, offers a two-story floor plan where two additional bedrooms are on the upper level along with a full bathroom and some storage closets.

Unlike Unit A, Unit B offers a one-story floor plan. With similar great room style living, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are all open to each other. A short hallway off the kitchen leads by a sliding glass door that opens to the back patio and ends at the laundry room and access to the attached one car garage. Filling the right side of the floor plan are two bedrooms. The bedroom at the back of the unit offers a step-in closet. The single full bathroom is nestled between the bedrooms and is shared.

The Columbine 60-046 is created by Associated Designs, Inc.’s talented team of residential home designers.

21st Jan, 2022
Articles, House Plan of the Week

One Story Ranch House Plan Anacortes 30-936

Clean and simple lap siding graces the front of the nearly symmetrical Anacortes ranch-style house plan. Those who enjoy outdoor living will appreciate the two large, vaulted covered spaces on the front and back side of the home. 

Inside, double doors open to the vaulted great room where living room, dining room, and kitchen are all part of a seamless room. A fireplace is tucked in the corner and can be enjoyed throughout the living area. Between the kitchen and dining room, a large island with prep sink and eating bar provide some visual separation of the kitchen in addition to boosting the available counter space. Through a cased opening is the step-in pantry along with a half bathroom, laundry room and access to the attached, side entry two car garage. Back in the great room, sliding glass doors between the kitchen and dining room lead to the back covered patio.  

On the opposite side of the central great room are the Anacortes' three bedrooms. The two secondary bedrooms share a full bathroom with dual vanities. If the additional sleeping areas are not needed, these rooms offer homeowners the flexibility to furnish them a home office, exercise studio, hobby space, guest room, or whatever else suits. The owners’ suite is at the end of the hallway and boasts a generous sized walk-in closet, private bathroom with twin sinks, and exclusive access to the outdoors. 

The Anacortes’ casual floor plan can work as a year-round residence or as a vacation home. 

The Anacortes is created by Associated Designs, Inc.’s talented team of residential home designers.

 

20th Jan, 2022
Announcements, Articles

While we love a good snow day, we are equally excited for the sunny days ahead. To celebrate longer days and sunshine we've got two updated renderings for our sunny Mediterranean designs the Navarro and a detached garage!

Navarro 11-061

Mediterranean House Plan Navarro 11-061

The Navarrow is a small, one story house plan at 1352 square feet. The floor plan offers great room style living and 3 bedrooms with good separation. The master suite fills the entire right side of the floor plan.

Garage with Shop 20-016

Detached Garage Plan 20-016

This detached garage plan offers room for 2 cars and offers a generous sized shop with utility room.

14th Jan, 2022

Unique Split Level House Plan Ossage 31-295

A delightful blend of horizontal siding, stone accents, and vertical cedar siding blend to give the Ossage a truly modern look. Opposing shed roofs add to the visual interest of this house plan designed for an uphill sloping lot.

From the street the home appears to have three partial levels. The two-car garage – located under the main living area – is front facing towards the street. From stairs either accessed from the back of the garage or from the driveway, the main living area is about a half flight of stairs up from the street level.

A vaulted covered porch greets family and friends. Inside the alcove layout of the foyer offers privacy from the front door to the living area that fills most of this level. To the left of the front door is a coat closet and there is enough space in the foyer to add a bench if desired. Through the cased opening on the right, the floor plan opens to the vaulted great room.

The informal yet open great room offers soaring vaulted ceilings and a floor plan layout that allow people and conversations to move freely between the living area, dining room, and kitchen. In the corner is a cozy gas stove to bring in extra warmth and light on colder winter days. The island with built-in eating bar offers some visual separation between the kitchen and the rest of the great room.

Through a cased opening off the great room is a short hallway with the step-in pantry, a full bathroom, plus a flex room. The flex room could be furnished as a home office, exercise studio, guest suite, or whatever else suites.

The stairs to both the garage level and the second floor are grouped together near the foyer. Upstairs is the second-floor laundry room just steps away from the owners’ suite which boasts a private bathroom with dual vanities and a walk-in closet.

The Ossage is created by Associated Designs, Inc.’s talented team of residential home designers.

 

 

7th Jan, 2022
Articles, House Plan of the Week

Victorian House Plan Gibson 10-030

Soaring roof planes, double chimney, ginger bread details blend to give the Gibson its distinct Victorian style. While Victorian is an architectural style that many find to belong to yesteryear it is making a comeback with their unique and bold exteriors.

A large L-shaped covered porch greets you from the street and is large enough to support patio furniture or a porch swing for those who enjoy catching up with neighbors as they pass by. Inside the front door opens to a spacious, two-story foyer. To the right, a staircase sweeps up to the second floor where all three bedrooms are tucked away from the bustle of the living areas. To the left, the foyer opens up to the living room which is naturally bright from the window bay. A cozy two-sided fireplace can be enjoyed from the living room or the dining room which is just on the other side of the pocket door. For mor formal dinners, a built-in buffet is nearby.

At the back of the dining room is the kitchen which is open to the family room with only a conversation bar to provide some visual separation. The Gibson’s second fireplace is in the family room and can be enjoyed throughout the nook and kitchen as well.

This two-story house plan has all three bedrooms on the upper floor. At the top of the stairs a balcony runs in front of the jack-and-jill suite bedrooms which share access to a full, compartmentalized bathroom. Between the two bedrooms is a storage closet along with a separate laundry chute making it a breeze to send the wash down to the first floor utility room. The rest of the second floor is filled with the owners’ suite. Filled with natural light from the three bay windows, the owners’ suite offers a comfortable sized walk-in closet (with pull down attic access for additional storage) and a full private bathroom featuring a spa tub, separate shower, and twin sinks.

Completing the Gibson house plan is the attached 2-car carport. For those looking to build in areas with more inclement weather, the carport could easily be modified to an enclosed garage.

The Gibson is created by Associated Designs, Inc.’s talented team of residential home designers. To learn more about the Petaluma visit www.AssociatedDesigns.com.

4th Jan, 2022
Articles, Blog

Although home design and building trends don’t typically experience monumental change year after year, The House Plan Company in Eugene, Oregon has recognized shifts in home buyer requests that align with nationwide trends that are expected to continue in the new year. From expanded outdoor living to finding new opportunities to reduce energy demands, to placing a greater importance on dedicated workspaces designed for spending more than just a few hours in at a time, homeowners are evaluating a variety of ways to “future proof” their homes.

“The past two years have demonstrated the need for homes to be flexible. Being able to adapt to work from home, develop hobbies, express oneself creatively, gather or find personal space—all of these needs have proven to be important considerations,” said Rick McAlexander, CEO of The House Plan Company. “Green building is also enjoying a resurgence in popularity as more homeowners are asking what can be done to improve energy efficiency and to ensure the home is ‘solar ready’.”

Some of the major home design trends to watch in 2022 include:

Sustainability Matters

A priority for homeowners who want to live by their sustainability-minded values, a push to achieve higher energy standards will continue to influence building and buying decisions. The House Plan Company’s Wheatland 74801 plan blends modern farmhouse style featuring an open, family-centered floor plan designed to offer energy compliant, cost-conscious living.

Vintage is the New Modern

As younger homeowners seek the familiarity and comfort, their design choices are reflecting those of their family homes, though with a modern twist. For a blend of past and present, Plan 28039 offers a three-bedroom ranch with an open concept floor plan. A large bonus room over the garage offers flexibility to customize its finish.

Space for Mind and Body

In addition to looking for flexibility in a floor plan and dedicated home offices, homeowners want retreat spaces to unwind and meditate or to exercise. Whether a home offers a fourth bedroom, a basement level or a bonus room, flex space is key. The Telluride Gable FB 36193 plan offers convenient main level living with separate spaces on basement and second floor levels.

Functionality for Fido

Pet friendly features continue to be in demand, whether design elements are as simple as having the ability to accommodate a dining nook for food and water bowls, creating a cozy alcove under the stairs, or dedicating an entire room to our pet friends. The Wesson 97194 plan features a dedicated “dog room” with direct access to and from the outdoors.

The biggest lesson learned over the past year? Consider future needs alongside current needs. Home buyers are encouraged to give thought to how they might see themselves living in their home under evolving conditions. While anticipating a global pandemic, shelter in place or remote work may have been impossible to imagine or plan for in 2019, considering how a home might be lived in five to 10 years in the future is important.

When asked what building decisions could start to generate traction in 2022 and beyond, McAlexander noted that “as the concept of net zero housing advances, we will likely see increased interest in these types of homes. That said, achieving net zero is not something that can be done without specific site considerations and adaptation. It will require participation by a large number of specialties to be implemented.”

 

31st Dec, 2021

With the New Year comes new beginnings. In honor of the tradition of taking this time to reflect and refresh for the new year ahead we have given a few popular designs from 2021 a fresh look. Take a look at these long standing trending designs and their new looks for 2022!

Garage 20-002

4 Car Garage Plan 20-002

This detached garage offers storage for up to 4 cars. Filling the right side of the floor plan is a studio with full bathroom.

Garage 20-115

Sloped Lot Detached Garage 20-115

Garage access on this sloped lot detached garage plan is underneath the main floor recreation room. This tandem garage can hold up to 4 cars.

Westborough 30-248

2 Story Cottage House Plan Westborough 30-248

Charming small bungalowh house plan, the Westborough, offers a main floor master suite and open floor plan. Ideal for a lot with alley access the attached 2 car garage is accessed from the back.

Garage 20-039

Grand RV Garage with Living 20-039

A car collectors dream, this grand detached garage provides a large shop area, RV storage, and a tandem garage bay. Two story living fills the left side of the floor plan and offers a full bathroom.

 

Stay tuned for more rendering refreshes in 2022 along with completely new garage, home, and duplex plans.

From all of us here at Associated Designs, thank you for your support this year - Happy New Year! 

30th Dec, 2021
Front Elevation of Northwest Style House Plan Petaluma 31-011

Eye-catching and bold king posts frame the front door of the luxurious Petaluma house plan. Passing through the French entry door the vaulted foyer creates a grand first impression. Immediately to the right a coat closet offers guest a place to store their belongings. A double set of pocket doors to the left open to a cozy den with one of four fireplaces found in this floor plan. For those working from home the den would make a regal home office.

The foyer seamlessly transitions to the vaulted great room. A fireplace is framed with built-ins. Along the back of the great room, a double sliding glass door opens the room up to the vaulted rear covered patio allowing the room to completely open to the outdoors. There is light separation between the great room and the kitchen and dining. Two larger cased opens allow for people and conversations to flow between the gathering areas. The kitchen is spacious boasting a large center island and walk-in pantry with space for an optional freezer. Those who enjoy entertaining will appreciate the wet bar in the dining room. A 3-panel sliding glass door opens the dining room to another covered patio.

Around the corner from the dining room is a vaulted media room with built-in entertainment center. Great for informal gatherings with family and friends. A hallway off the media rooms leads to jack-and-jill suites, sharing a compartmentalized bathroom with dual vanities.

This three-bedroom house plan offers plenty of separation between the secondary suites and the master bedroom. The owners’ suite is tucked away on the far-left side of the floor plan and makes a wonderful retreat. A cozy fireplace (the Petaluma’s third) is centered on the back wall with a set of French doors to the right that lead to the owners’ suite private covered patio. Additional features include a luxurious, private bathroom with spa tub, walk-in shower, dual vanities, and large walk-in closet.

Just outside the owners’ suite is a family room. A fireplace is framed by a pair of windows and a set of French doors leads to another outdoor space. Adding to the Petaluma’s flexibility is the second-floor bonus room and loft which is built out over the attached three car garage.

Other floor plan features of note are the hobby room just steps away from the kitchen that offers ample shelving and a storage hutch. The main floor laundry room is large with an additional sink and three walls with counterspace and is just steps away from the garage. With a bench and storage just outside the laundry room it is easy to keep yardwork layers and shoes from traveling through the house.

The Petaluma is created by Associated Designs, Inc.’s talented team of residential home designers.

23rd Dec, 2021
Front Elevation of Craftsman House Plan Winterhaven 31-303

A classic trio of lap siding, shingles, and stone blend to give the Winterhaven it’s timeless Craftsman charm. Dressed up for the winter season, this delightful one-story house plan is bound to keep you and your loved ones warm and cozy all year round.

The large, covered porch that spans the front of the home can be easily decorated with seasonal greetings along with space for a porch swing or chairs to sit and watch passersby. Framed by tapered posts the front door opens to a roomy entry furnished with a bench and coat closet. At the end of the entry the floor plan opens up to the great room.

Living room, dining room, and kitchen are all open to each other with only visual clues to each room's boundary allowing conversations and people to flow freely in the space. At the back of the home is the vaulted living room. The double sliding door allows the great room to spill outside on bright summer days and on to the vaulted covered patio. Slender posts and a drop in the ceiling mark the shift to the dining room. Between the kitchen and the dining room is an island with an eating bar that not only adds to the available seating during family gatherings but helps to separate the two rooms.

A long-standing design trend is separated bedrooms, where the master suite and secondary bedrooms are either located on different sides of the home or have separate access hallways. The Winterhaven delivers on this trend. The tranquil owners’ suite fills the left side of the floor plan with a private hallway off the living room. Owners’ suite features of note include a private vaulted, covered patio, generously sized walk-in closet, and private bathroom complete with dual vanities, soaking tub, and walk-in shower. On the opposite side of the great room are two additional bedrooms which share a compartmentalized bathroom.

Rounding out this single level house plan is the laundry room which is neatly located between the kitchen and attached two car garage.

The Winterhaven is created by Associated Designs, Inc.’s talented team of residential home designers.

17th Dec, 2021
Front Exterior of Modern Accessory Dwelling Design Iris Cottage 31-283

From the street view, the Iris Cottage is a modern country-inspired design. The clean lap siding combined with a rich display of windows makes this small house plan an attractive option for a variety of uses. With the demand for housing in urban areas at an all time high the Iris Cottage could be constructed as a secondary dwelling unit. Backyard cottage (granny flats, or carriage houses) have all seen increased demand as homeowners’ look to leverage their larger lots or get into the rental market. Or for those looking to escape the concrete jungle the Iris Cottage is comfortable enough to serve as a standalone cabin plan for either a vacation home or year-round residence.

The large, covered patio makes a welcoming first impression and is an ideal location for patio furniture. Through the front door the floor plan immediately opens to the great room. A bright and open, informal gathering space which is filled with natural light from the large sliding glass door and clerestory above. A double sliding glass door opens the great room back to the front covered patio where an outdoor living room could be set up for warm summer days. When the season transitions and the days grow shorter and darker a fireplace at the end of the great room warms the space and can be enjoyed throughout the living area.

An island with an eating bar provides some visual separation of the kitchen, which is well-appointed with modern appliances and a small wall pantry. Hidden behind a pocket door off the kitchen is a closet with stacking washing and dryer.

Towards the back of the floor plan the ceiling drops as it transitions to the bedroom hallway. Between the two bedrooms is a full, compartmentalized bathroom. The slightly larger bedroom has direct access to the shared bathroom giving it the feeling of a master bedroom.

While the Iris Cottage is a small house plan at 800 square feet, it is a flexible design equally well suited for urban or rural settings.

10th Dec, 2021
Front Exterior of Craftsman Home Design Kinsale 31-142

The exterior of the Kinsale blends a classic trio of shingles, lap siding, and stone together to create an eye-catching Craftsman-inspired exterior. Tapered columns with stone bases frame the cozy front covered porch where a porch swing or patio set would be a charming addition for those who love to catch up with neighbors as they stroll by.

Stepping through the front door, the entry offers soaring 2-story ceilings creating a grand and welcoming first impression. Directly off the entry, French doors open to the den. This space offers homeowners flexibility depending on their lifestyle or life-stage. The proximity to the front door makes the den an ideal place to set up a home office. Larger families or those who entertain frequently may want to furnish this space as a fourth bedroom or guest room. At the end of the entry, the floor plan offers three choices.

To the right, is the owners’ suite whose location on the main floor is a trending and desired floor plan feature.  With dual walk-in closets and a private en-suite the owners’ suite is a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day.

Straight ahead, the floor plan opens to the vaulted great room. A rich display of windows along the back wall floods the room with natural light. And when the days grow short and dark the fireplace takes over, filling the room with light and warmth. A ceiling transition helps to provide some feeling of separation between the dining room and the living area. A sliding glass door extends the dining room to the covered patio for outdoor living on warm summer days. Between the dining room and the kitchen is an island with eating bar. The well-appointed kitchen offers a corner walk-in pantry along with ample counter space. Great rooms have been a highly sought-after floor plan feature for years now. Their informal nature allows people and conversations to flow freely and no one feels left out.

Back at the entry hall, turning left will bring you to the stairs that run up to the second floor. On the upper level are two additional bedrooms which share a compartmentalized bathroom that offers dual vanities, a separate shower, and soaking tub. Extended over the garage is a bonus room. For families needing remote work or learning space the bonus room has a cozy corner for a built-in desk. Steps away is a beverage bar for those who might want to furnish the bonus room as a family or game room.

Other floor plan features of note are the main floor laundry room located between the kitchen and garage. Across from the laundry room is a half bathroom and drop zone for organizing the family electronics, bags, shoes, and coats.

The Kinsale is created by Associated Designs, Inc.’s talented team of residential home designers.

3rd Dec, 2021
Articles, Blog

You have made the decision to build your dream home. Countless hours have been spent pouring over countless interior design articles and photographs. You can now see each room of your home beautifully decorated. The first step in bringing your dream home vision to life will be creating a custom floor plan that is laid out to support your lifestyle and tie these wonderfully envisioned rooms together.

Each family is unique and your home should reflect that and by investing in a custom home plan you have the opportunity to experience an unparalleled living experience. How the home transitions from the entrance to the living areas to the kitchen, or even the garage can increase convenience and overall quality of life.

Rick McAlexander, president and owner of Associated Designs in Eugene, Oregon, believes that a family who choose to build their own home should carefully select their designer. A professional home designer can help guide you in creating a very special plan to call home as well as help prevent costly mistakes or problems after construction begins.

“It isn’t uncommon for many clients to underestimate the complexity of the design phase and what it takes to be an expert in this field. After designing thousands of homes, I’ve come to realize how important it is for a homeowner to feel comfortable with their designer before the process even begins,” says Rick.

Thorough research is an important first step before choosing a designer for such a big investment as a home. Many will start their search online but don’t be fooled by the look of the website. A flashy or smart looking website does not necessarily equal an experienced home designer. To assist you with your quest to find the right home designer for your project, Rick has compiled six key characteristics to consider before hiring a qualified professional.

Personality – The process of designing a home is a very personal project. The designer will be working closely with you and exploring your day to day living experiences which should be an enjoyable and comfortable experience. While it seems simple, it is important for you to like the designer as they interpret your goals.

Experience – How many projects has the designer completed similar in nature to yours? Experience isn’t just number of years in the industry but extends to the type of design work they have been involved in. A professional who has experience creating office buildings or hospitals will not have the same set of skills or insight as a professional who has focused their practice on residential design. Similarly a designer who has been involved in a lot of entry level production housing may not have the skill set for creating a unique estate-sized home, and vis-a-versa.

Reputation – Obtain a list of references, including past clients and construction professionals. Inquire about the design experience – was the designer quick to respond to calls and emails, did they deliver the project on time, were the fees charged far? Check-in with contractors about the quality of the construction documents. Taking additional time to check-into the designers record is worth the effort and increases the likelihood of having your home built on time and on budget.

Design Philosophy – Some home designers approach a project with a “you dream it, we draw it” style of communication. Others feel their experience dictates what is best. Does the designer exhibit a more collaborative style, offering their insight and advice while allowing for input and your personal preference? Considering these different styles and what will be fit with your communication style and comfort level is key to reducing friction and frustration during the design phase.

Level of Service Provided – The home design industry runs the gamut from “drafter” to “full service”. A drafter can take a floor plan and create the construction documents, typically the minimum required to obtain a build permit. A full service designer will provide a tailored approach, staying involved in the project from initial design, to completion of the construction documents, and is available to provide support and assistance through construction. Most firms will fall somewhere in the middle; providing complete construction drawing sets with a level of detail that the contractor can build with confidence, while allowing for consultation time as needed during construction.

Costs  - The design is the most critical element of a successful project. Cutting corners or selecting a firm based on their low cost could compromise the build. While designers will charge for their services in a variety of ways, the most common are hourly, cost per square foot, or a percentage of construction costs. Normally the rates are commensurate with the level of experience, complexity of the project, and the level of service provided.

“Choosing a good residential home designer is the most critical phase of the entire new home construction process,” says McAlexander. “Working with an experienced, professional designer should be a pleasure and result in a beautiful dream home that brings joy to the whole family for years to come,” he added.

Now that you can confidentially vet the home designers you are considering, check out our article on essential questions to ask a home designer before making your final decision, 5 Essential Questions to Ask Your Home Designer. Ready to hire a contractor but need some help? Check out our article How to Avoid Bad Contractors.

1st Dec, 2021
Articles, Blog

Both figuratively and literally, the open floor plan design of the Great Room has become the center of the home and what many home buyers believe they want. While it certainly can make a small home feel spacious, and it offers families the ability to stay connected while a multitude of activities take place at the same time, it can also present functional issues. How do you hide kitchen messes from view? Where can you go when you want a quiet place to read, work, or give kids space to play?

“The decision about whether or not to incorporate a Great Room really depends on the home buyer’s preferred lifestyle, and the size of home being considered,” said Rick McAlexander, CEO of The House Plan Company. “Great Rooms are fairly informal and have very little separation of space. This tends to work well for people who like to stay connected with the household and aren’t concerned with occasional spillover between the functions of the space. Spaces with formal separation that offer dedicated functionality make it easier to keep activity in one area from interfering with another.”

Over the past 40 years, home design has evolved to position the Great Room as the primary room configuration. The layout has also been adjusted to offer options that more closely align with home buyers’ goals. The galley-style Great Room defines the space in a linear fashion, offering the most open living and flexibility, while an “L” shape can provide some separation while maintaining an open feeling. Rectangular Great Rooms provide the most informal living, with multiple rooms combined into one large, open space.

Before committing to an open floor plan centered around a Great Room, home buyers should ask themselves:

  • Do I want to be able to see all spaces contained within the Great Room at the same time?
  • Is formal separation preferred to keep activity in one area from interfering with another?
  • Is a Great Room needed to make a small house feel larger or to accommodate a variety of uses and occasions?
  • Is there room for other, non-connected areas that can provide adequate space and separation when user needs conflict?
  • Will a Great Room help people stay connected with each other while multiple activities are taking place at the same time?

Four designs featured by The House Plan Company that offer open floor plans centered around the Great Room include:

Design #15187

Offering modern cottage living in 3,254 square feet, this two-story design features 855 additional square feet of covered porch for those who prefer to extend their living space outdoors. An open, casual living room separates the main floor primary suite from another bedroom, while an upstairs bonus space that can be used as a den, office or library leads to two additional bedrooms.

Design #19651

Featuring a farmhouse design with 2,491 square feet of living space and expansive covered front and rear porches, this two-story design offers an open floor plan with high ceilings in the combined kitchen and living room. The Great Room separates a main level primary suite from the home office and guest space, while additional bedrooms and bonus spaces are located upstairs.

Alder (Design #34956)

The modest, craftsman-style floor plan of the Alder design features 1,621 square feet of living space, with three bedrooms upstairs and an open floor plan downstairs. The kitchen, dining and family room space offers great connection, while a separate space that can be used as a formal living room or parlor is positioned close to the home’s front entrance.

Sunny Haven 3 (Design #40533)

The modern design of Sunny Haven 3 incorporates the Great Room into the center of the house by opening the living room, dining room and kitchen to each other. All three bedrooms are upstairs, while a home office accessed from a the side entry near the garage offers distinct separation for a home-based business. Flexible space in the basement can be configured to the homeowner’s preference.

When asked if there are any other everyday life considerations that should be thought through when evaluating whether a Great Room is right for a specific buyer, McAlexander noted that “a common request from home buyers is to separate the primary suite from the secondary bedrooms. In that case, the Great Room becomes the space to provide that separation, pushing it to the center of the home.”

 

26th Nov, 2021
Articles, Blog

You’ve made the decision you want to take on a construction project. Whether or not that is your next home or a detached garage addition to your existing property, knowing how to study floor plans to determine if the design is right for you is an important tool to have.

“Whether you are looking to work with a professional designer to create a custom design or are walking through open houses, you need to evaluate each room and how the layout of the home comes together. What you are seeing may not be the ideal way the floor plan should be laid out. The key is bringing in your lifestyle and how you and your family use a space to make sure it is right for you.” – Rick McAlexander, CEO of Associated Designs.

While this may seem daunting, Associated Designs has put together four tips and tricks that will have you reviewing floor plans like a professional designer.

Movement

A home design needs to allow for easy flow. What does that mean? The flow of a floor plan is all about movement. Is there a reason for a wall to be where it is? Are there dead ends? How rooms transition and are connected is key to a good fit.

“Measuring the natural flow of a design can be as simple as counting how many steps between the kitchen and dining room,” says McAlexander. “For instance is the dining room is a fair distance away from the kitchen, there is something wrong with the floor plan. How you move from room to room and how you move within a room matters.”

As your study floor plans, try to envision moving through the different rooms. Also give consideration to how you live in your current home. What elements do you like? If you like having your bedroom removed from the hustle and bustle of the living area then make sure the design you are looking at has a similar layout. Just as important as what you like about your current home are what elements would you change? If you dislike having your laundry room between the kitchen and garage make sure that the floor plan you are considering has it located near the bedrooms.

Outdoor Living

A frequently overlooked design feature is the outdoor space. We’ve seen over the last year a spike in the desire for outdoor living proving that living space isn’t just limited to the living room. Consider how you entertain, do you spread out and allow guests to mingle in the living room, dining room, kitchen, or backyard? If outdoor entertaining is in the mix than making sure your patio or porch is built with that functionality in mind.

“Make sure to consider how much outdoor living or entertaining space you will need,” said McAlexander. “A reoccurring piece of advice to keep in mind regardless of the space being considered is – if there is something about your current home’s outdoor space that you like, be sure your new home has the same qualities. You want to have an equally comfortable exterior when compared to the interior.”

For example if the beautiful farmhouse you are looking at offers a thin front covered porch and expansive back covered porch with outdoor kitchen. If you love grilling and preparing meals while enjoying the outdoors and can picture sunny, summer dinners with friends and family here than this feature is a good fit. If you enjoy a warm beverage on the front porch enjoying the sunrise or greeting neighbors out on a stroll you may find that thin covered space isn’t big enough for your favorite chair or porch swing. A simple modification to the floor plan may be required to make the front covered porch a more usable space.

Natural Light

Just as important as the size of the kitchen is how much natural light will shine in. A home design that does not offer ample light can feel dark and dreary. Each room should have a window as natural light has a large impact on the feel of your home.

“As you consider floor plans you want to make sure that you consider where the sun will be. A design may appear to be filled with windows but if the direction of your home or lot is not considered you may not get the full effect of those windows,” says McAlexander.

Natural light is a simple but powerful influence when it comes to long term happiness in your home. Too little light and your modern prairie home will feel like a cave so don’t forget to give special attention to windows.

Labeled Spaces

The final tip for studying floor plans is about flexibility. Many of the pre-designed floor plans you’ll find online offer a labeled floor plan telling you what each room is intended to be. Keep in mind these labels are insight from the designer about how they saw the space being used but that shouldn’t limit the potential of the room.

If you need a home office or exercise studio and the floor plan you are considering has a formal dining room you don’t see using then that space can be turned into what you need. Similarly four bedroom house plans are not just for large families. If you desire a guest room and two home offices than a four bedroom house plan could be your solution.

“Remember as you study different floor plans the design is open to interpretation, specifically your interpretation,” says McAlexander. “You can decide how that extra room should be used regardless of how the space is labeled on the floor plan.”

For more design trends and pro tips check out other great articles on our House Plan Blog!

5th Nov, 2021
Announcements, Articles, Blog

There has been a lot of buzz around how will urban areas continue to grow and provide an array of housing opportunities. In an effort to take a step towards solving this question many cities are looking to accessory dwellings or secondary dwellings, but what exactly is an ADU?

Secondary dwellings can come in a variety of types from attached dwellings located above a garage or in the basement level of the primary home; Associated Designs has seen a raise for detached dwellings more commonly referred to as backyard cottages, granny flats, or carriage houses. ADUs come in a range of sizes from 250 square feet tiny homes to 800 or 1000 square foot cottages. They are constructed on lots that already have a primary residence and are a great option for those looking to generate extra income from rental property or are looking to help adult children or aging parents.

Highlighted are three trending secondary dwelling plans created by Associated Designs talented team of home designers.

Iris Cottage 31-283

Country Iris Cottage ADU Exterior

Modern elegance blends with country simplicity to create an eye catching exterior to the Iris Cottage. At 800 square feet this backyard cottage offers an affordable design with its open floor plan and shed roof. The great room has a vaulted ceiling that opens to a clerestory, flooding the room with natural light. On warm summer days the double sliding glass door opens the great room to the large covered patio. An island with eating bar provides some visual separation between the kitchen and the living area while adding to the available seating. The ceiling drops towards the back of the cottage where two bedrooms are located that share a compartmentalized bathroom. One of the bedrooms has direct access to the full bathroom giving it the feeling of a master suite.

Birkland 31-186

Birkland Modern ADU Exterior Rendering

A trio of textures graces the front of the Birkland secondary structure. Vaulted ceilings add to the spaciousness of this otherwise tiny house plan. At 460 square feet this modern design offers a living area that can be shielded from the front door by a sliding bar door. The entry opens up immediately into the kitchen which offers ladder access to the attic that is open to the living area below. Tucked away in a hallway closet is a stacking washer and dryer which is just steps away from the vaulted bedroom.

Aspen Cottage 31-290

Craftsman Aspen Cottage Secondary Structure

A delightful blend of country and Craftsman styling work in harmony to create this charming 795 square foot accessory structure. The Aspen Cottage is a two-story accessory dwelling unit offers a pleasant separation of living and sleeping areas. On the first floor is the open great room which extends to the kitchen and is only separated by an eating bar. Steps away from the kitchen are a couple of storage closets – one of which could be utilized as a pantry. A full bathroom with corner shower is also on the main floor across from the stacking washer and dryer tucked under the staircase. On the second floor are two bedrooms with 9’ ceilings that share the homes second full bathroom.

These three charming accessory dwelling units give an idea of the diversity in style and floor plan layout. Each building jurisdiction has different requirements so it is important before starting on your own backyard cottage build to check-in with your building jurisdiction to make sure they allow secondary structures and what requirements the design will need to meet. If you fall in love with one of Associated Designs accessory dwelling designs their modification or custom design services can help you tailor the design to your property and goals. Check out the entire collection at www.AssociatedDesigns.com.

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