House Plan Blog

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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!