House Plans related articles from The Plan Collection

Relaxation - Craftsman Style!

2009-09-18T16:35:18Z

Check this out! This is HPG-2067, and it's got a lot to offer. You can tell that this home is one of a kind as you approach it from the street, but the more you get to know it, the better it is.

The first thing you'll notice is the clean Craftsman style. It has a quaint, "cottagey" feel to it that will put you at ease and make you feel right at home. You'll be tempted to sit and relax on the covered front porch, but we've got to keep moving -- you haven't even seen what's inside!

The great room is the central focus of the home. Its 11' trayed ceiling and tall windows give a great sense of openness and space, but at the same time, the gas fireplace gives it a warm and inviting character. HPG-2067 also has a rather luxurious master suite (also with a trayed ceiling), a relaxing master bath, main level laundry hook-ups, ample storage, two comfy bedrooms with a shared bathroom, and a bonus room above the garage, not to mention the handy flex space. But the feature I like the most has got to be the kitchen.

I absolutely love the kitchen! First of all, you've got a large breakfast area with windows on two sides, allowing plenty of wholesome natural sunlight. Or, for an even more informal and relaxing situation (such as a mid-afternoon snack), there is a very practical peninsula/eating bar. The kitchen itself is large and open, but in order for me to tell you about my favorite feature, I need you to use your imagination for just a moment...

It's Sunday afternoon. You've just finished a wonderful lunch with your family, and now all is quiet. Everyone else is taking a nap, but you've decided to resist the food-induced coma. You clear the table, and you're standing at the sink, scrubbing some dishes. You look out the window and see the early autumn rain falling gently on the front lawn. Some of the leaves on the trees are beginning to blush red and yellow. Rainwater is dripping from the eves of the roof onto your bright purple petunias in the flower planter right below the window. Perfect relaxation.

That's what HPG-2067 is all about. You ought to Check It Out!

Country Luxury

2009-08-17T22:45:18Z

The problem with most Luxury Homes nowadays is that they usually seem kind of stiff and cold. They may provide a lot of luxurious features, but the home itself just seems to create a rather uptight atmosphere. It makes it terribly difficult to be able to relax and live life at the luxurious pace you want.

Country Home Plans, on the other hand, are designed to provide you with a quaint, down-home lifestyle on any budget. Country Homes don't hold onto any false pretenses, they aren't out to impress anyone (although they are often quite impressive), and they allow you to be yourself and enjoy family.

So the solution seems pretty simple -- just combine the two styles to make a Country Luxury Home.

Thats actually easier said than done. Most of the time when trying to combine these two principles, you will find that the Luxury mindset overpowers the Country lifestyle.

Let me introduce you to one remarkable exception -- House Plan GMLD-323. This luxurious country home is simply amazing! The covered front and rear porches are relaxing and inviting enough for any country cottage, yet they have a certain dignity that is sure to turn some heads. The living spaces are open and spacious, and you're sure to love the beautifully sloped ceilings.

I could go on for hours about all of the charming details, but I'll leave them for you to discover on your own. You should really Check it Out!

French Country House Plans for Today's Family!

2009-07-31T21:46:18Z

French Country Déjà Vu

Does this Home Plan look familiar? If you recognize House Plan HPG-2200C, it might be because this is the second time we've featured it in a main article. Back in November 2008, House Plan HPG-2200C was one of our most popular designs; now, nine months later, it's still one of our best-sellers.

It isn't hard to see why people would be drawn to HPG-2200C. Its rustic appearance and thoughtful floor plan push this popular home design in a totally different league. The great thing about French Country Home Design is that it has a slightly aged and classy appearance, but it can also include a more modern twist.

More and more people are asking for a covered front porch, and House Plan HPG-2200C is happy to oblige -- exuding a more relaxed lifestyle and a return to traditional values. The tall arched windows and shutters, along with the wooden beams, really give HPG-2200C a distinct "cottage" feel. But let's not judge this book solely by its cover!

House Plan HPG-2200C was made to be lived in, not just admired from a distance. The large country kitchen with its raised bar, walk-in pantry, and cheery breakfast nook is perfect evidence that this charming design will cater to your everyday needs.

There are so many other features that I'd love to tell you about -- the trayed ceilings, storage space, split bathroom, walk-in closets, formal dining, bonus room, and main level laundry are just a few of the great features you can expect from HPG-2200C. But don't take my word for it; Check it Out!

Modern Comfort and Style

2009-07-16T22:21:57Z

As you can tell, this Modern Home Plan is the Skiatook. This is one book that is safe to judge by its cover. You can tell that it's got a lot of style just by watching the 3D video, but I want to take some time to tell you just how comfortable and livable it is on the inside.

The Skiatook is impressive from the very first moment that it comes into view, but it just keeps getting better. As a guest, you would immediately notice the awesome two-story glass foyer greeting you as you approach the house, but you would also find that the Skiatook is unique in several ways. Unlike many homeplans, the first story of the Skiatook is devoted mostly to bedrooms; Bedroom 2, in particular, is very nice. At 17' 6" x 13' 6", you definitely won't be feeling cramped; but you also get a monstrous walk-in clost, a private bath, and sliding doors leading out to a private porch.

There is a pretty big family room on the main floor, but most of the entertaining will be done upstairs. Since this is the case, older homeowners (and the occasional mother with her arms full of groceries) are sure to appreciate the elevator.

Like I said, the thing that really sets the Skiatook apart is the fact that the hang-out areas are all located upstairs, and they all have a very open, glassy feel to them -- especially the 25' x 22' living room; it even has an angled glass railing separating it from the dining room and kitchen area.

Speaking of the kitchen, it is very open and has a huge island -- perfect for informal family meals. The Skiatook also has an amazing sundeck/balcony on the second level.

The Skiatook is one of the few house plans that is able to successfully mingle great modern style with convenient modern living. It's not at all surprising to find out that the Skiatook was created by the same great designer who brought you classics such as the Barbados and all of its cousins. You should take some time to look at the entire collection. Seriously, Check it out!

Small Country House Plans

2009-06-29T22:02:14Z

There is just something special about Country Home Design.

It's hard to explain why, but Country House Plans innately offer a very comfortable and relaxed lifestyle. It might have something to do with the open floorplan, or it might be the covered porches, but whatever it is, Country Style Homes are amazing.

This little pearl is HPG-800-1, and it proves once and for all that size doesn't matter when it comes to country homes.

Like many Country House Plans, HPG-800-1 offers a covered front porch that just radiates comfort and relaxation. The open living room with its cozy fireplace seems to transport you back to a simpler day and time. The spacious kitchen has plenty of cupboard space, and it's all arranged strategically to provide you with the ultimate work area.

You'll really be hard-pressed to find a home that is more simply appealing than HPG-800-1. Its simple rectangular footprint and single gable roof make HPG-800-1 easy on the eyes and easy to build.

Because of recent economic trends, more and more people are choosing to build smaller, smarter homes. Small homes are less expensive to build, less expensive to maintain, and less expensive to heat and cool. That is why The Plan Collection is offering a wide variety of Small House Plans.

HPG-800-1 is just one of many great Small House Plans available here at The Plan Collection. You should really check them out!

Country House Plans = Relaxed Luxury

2009-06-19T17:29:14Z

Country House Plans

House Plans come in many different shapes and styles (Click Here for a complete list of House Plan Styles on The Plan Collection). You see everything from sprawling Mediterranean villas and European estates to cozy bungalows and Tudor-style cottages. With such a wide selection, people can often get a bit overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a style for their new home. No matter what style you choose, there is one fact that is simply undeniable -- it's hard to beat the relaxed luxury of a good Country House Plan.

Take HPG-2500-1, for instance. Imagine the smell of a family barbeque as you're sitting on the covered rear porch, complete with an outdoor kitchen, on a cool summer evening; or feel the warm sun trickle into the breakfast area as you read the newspaper on a cheery spring morning. Honestly, what is more relaxing than peaceful country living?

From the beginning, Country Home Design has kept beauty and practicality as its main focus. In fact, Andrew Jackson Downing, one of early America's premier architects really stressed this way of thinking in his book The Architecture of Country Houses. In 1859 he wrote that homes should always be useful, but warns that utility in itself is not enough. He described how homes can be useful, but have no beauty about them. Such buildings "completely answer the useful requirements of man, and give not a ray of pleasure or satisfaction to his heart or understanding." (p.7)

Fortunately, HPG-2500-1 provides both form and function. You should really Check it Out!

Luxurious Country House Plans

2009-06-11T20:36:57Z

Luxurious Country Home Design

This luxurious set of Country House Plans is called the Dover, and let me tell you -- it also knows a thing or two about luxury home design.

Aside from its attractive country craftsman style, the Dover is committed to providing you with the most open and spacious floor plan available. Each room is so large and airy, but the Dover is constantly finding ways to open things up even more.

For instance, check out the way that you get a straight shot from one end of the family room all the way over to the opposite wall of the country kitchen -- talk about "wide open spaces."

The Dover also does a fantastic job of using every available inch to provide you with the amenities you deserve. Let's take some time to explore the second story, shall we? Apart from the elegant master suite (complete with a fireplace, walk-in closet, and private bath), you are greeted by three additional bedrooms, two baths, and a handy laundry room. Plus you just can't possibly beat the classy style of the T-shaped staircase -- it's totally awesome!

Although the Dover offers all of the common, everyday features that you would expect from a typical Country House Plan, it also provides a few comforts that many people would only anticipate in a strictly Luxury Home Design. Formal living and dining areas come to mind, as does a secluded corner office. However, one feature that really stands out is the vaulted screened porch. What a delightful indoor/outdoor rec area!

The Dover really does offer a lot of luxurious features -- Check it out!

Garage Plans -- A Great Investment!

2009-05-29T21:49:18Z

Garage Plans

Garages are good. Period. Garages can be used for just about anything -- they provide you with a great place to dump all your junk; they keep your car(s) out of the elements; and they can make a great workshop or laundry room. Your garage can be as organized or as cluttered as you want. You can really tell a lot about a person by his or her garage.

Sadly, many older (and newer) homes don't have garages, but this isn't a reason to mourn! If you have the room, you can always build a detached or "stand-alone" garage, but you should definitely find a garage plan that will match the style of your existing home.

We at The Plan Collection have recently added over 30 new garage plans. We have plain and simple stand-alone garages as plain and simple as you can get but we also have a lot of great garage plans that focus on style and curb appeal. Many of them even feature upstairs apartments!

Garages with Apartments are great for everyone from visiting in-laws to college students that are home for summer vacation. You can even rent out the apartment to make a little money off of it. With all of these great benefits offered by a new garage, you really ought to look through our new Garage Plans. Check them Out!

A Nice Country Craftsman Design

2009-05-14T21:14:02Z

Check this out! This is House Plan HPG-2199. As you can see, it has a nice, clean Craftsman style exterior and an inviting covered porch, but that isn't all! The old adage may say "Don't judge a book by its cover," but one could also argue that you should never judge a house solely based on its exterior façade.

The great room is really cool with its raised ceiling. The fireplace and covered back porch are also a couple of nice features.

Some people might really like how the master bedroom is on the opposite side of the house, when compared to the other three bedrooms.

The flex space is pretty neat because you can use that room for any purpose you can think of: it could be a den/library, a formal dining area, a music room, home office, etc. You are only limited by your imagination.

Although everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, most home design enthusiasts will tell you that it is much more aesthetically pleasing to have the garage door face the side of the lot, rather than the front. This is just another of many great features offered by HPG-2199. It's also fun to have a bonus room above the garage. Your kids are sure to love that!

No matter what you're looking for, your chances are pretty good that you'll find it in HPG-2199. Check it out!

Vacation Plans and More!

2009-05-05T19:24:58Z

Vacation Plans?

This is House Plan GHD-2026. It has a contemporary cabin feel, and it would make a great vacation home; but GHD-2026 would meet the needs of a full-time family just as well.

Imagine walking up to this home. From the front, it appears to be a very neat and simple ranch-style rambler, but upon entering, you are sure to be amazed by the two story living room below. This loft/entry area offers the potential for some very good times indeed, but just you wait until you check out the lower level!

At 27'-0" x 12'-6", the kitchen can only be described as "behemoth." It is so big and offers so much cupboard space, but that's not all. There is a cozy little sun room nearby that is absolutely perfect for Saturday morning breakfast. Don't forget about the covered patios!

GHD-2026 has so many great extras that it's hard to pick my favorite feature. But don't take my word for it Check it out for yourself!

Passive Solar Home Design -- Beauty and Benefits!

2009-04-22T22:23:20Z

With today's energy needs and financial recession, we at The Plan Collection find more and more people asking about our Passive Solar Home Plans. It seems that both builders and homeowners are getting more and more enthusiastic about the benefits that come from Passive Solar design.

With this recent surge in popularity, people often ask us if there are any particular Passive Solar House Plans that we recommend. The answer is "Yes!"

Most of our best-selling Passive Solar House Plans have all been created by the same architect. You can Click Here to see his entire collection, or you can browse through our website and find them yourself. However, you might want to look at CKD688 first. This has been one of our most popular Passive Solar House Plans -- and for good reason!

The interior layout is uniquely angled to provide a smooth flow from room to room, but the roof is square, allowing for simple and less-expensive construction. The distinctive dormer with its clerestory window is a wonderful way to provide wholesome sunlight into the living and dining rooms. The living and dining area is very open, especially with its cathedral ceiling and optional den.

Everything about this house plan just "flows," but don't forget about the amazing energy-saving benefits provided herein. You really should Check it Out!

New Luxury Home Plans!

2009-04-08T22:17:04Z

We have recently added a few new home designs to our list of Luxury Home Plans. Allow me to introduce you to one of the most outstanding:

This is the Eagle. It is such a nice luxury house plan. It has a very appealing exterior. In fact, with all of the covered porch space, I'd be tempted to spend more time outside than I would inside.

Of course, that's just an exaggeration. Inside you also have some very relaxing areas. For instance, the Eagle provides a spectacular living room, a quiet den, and a casual living room (all on the main floor). There is even a separate home office, a lounge, and a library downstairs.

The Eagle also provides two areas for dining. There is a formal dining room, as well as a casual dining area. But don't assume that this home is only for proper, relaxing occasions -- check out some of the other options! There is also a kid's playroom upstairs, a rec room in the basement, as well as a bar -- good times all around!

Check it out!

Bungalow Style and So Much More!

2009-04-02T22:00:54Z

Bungalow Style and so much more!

Near the turn of the century, America seemed to be obsessed with one type of residential architecture -- the Bungalow! Although the craze has seemed to decline slightly, you can't deny the instinctive allure of a cozy Bungalow.

If you're looking for a home plan that offers the architectural charm of a classical Bungalow and the features needed to keep up with today's hectic lifestyle, look no further than HPG-2067.

Although it isn't a strict Bungalow, HPG-2067 has a beautiful Craftsman Design featuring all the things that make a house a home. One of the greatest features is the flex space. This is the perfect spot for a home office, playroom, or formal dining area. There is also a cheerful breakfast area and a raised bar which is great for family meals. Let's not forget about the great room with its fireplace and 11' trayed ceiling. The great room also provides a spectacular view of the backyard and beautiful views to the covered rear porch and patio.

Even with all of these great features, the thing that makes HPG-2067 really stand out is its overall flexibility. Take the bonus room, for instance. Its usefulness is only limited by your own imagination. You are also provided with plenty of storage space in the garage. Honestly, what more could you ask for?

Check it out!

French Country Home Design for Today's Family

2009-02-16T23:47:51Z

Do you appreciate the Old World feel of a French Country home? Well, have I got a houseplan for you!

This is the Weston, and you'll have a hard time finding another home that is this stylish and this versatile. This 3,500 square foot charmer can easily accommodate almost any lifestyle. A corner office on the main floor means that working from home won't be a problem; but even if you aren't in that position, you can still enjoy this area as a private den.

The living room is very open and spacious, but a warm fireplace ensures a nice "homey" feel. To the right of the living room, you'll find a brilliant sun room that would be perfect for enjoying a relaxing Saturday morning sunrise or a gorgeous autumn sunset. To the left is the stunning dining room. Here you can enjoy a hot, home-cooked meal under beautifully crafted decorative beams and appreciate an open view of the patio. The dining room is only feet from another wonderful outdoor/indoor area - the screened porch.

Upstairs, you'll enjoy four very large bedrooms and a useful kid's study. Each room offers large windows that help saturate this work of art with wholesome natural light. Every feature of the Weston is meant to help you enjoy the beauty of life more fully, but don't take my word for it - Check it Out!

Great Design from Inside - Out!

2009-01-28T00:01:01Z

This is CD-R3170A3F-OBD. It may have a somewhat lackluster name, but it doesn't skimp on curb appeal!

Stylish pillars, twin decorative dormers, and an attractive ornamental trellis are just a few of the features that make this home unforgettable. CD-R3170A3F-ODB has enough architectural quality to become an instant classic, but there is much more to this house plan than meets the eye.

One of CD-R3170A3F-ODB's most distinctive features is the master bedroom. There is no other way to describe it -- it's simply HUGE! You'll never feel cramped in this 15' x 21'8" behemoth. At the same time, the warm fireplace and picturesque windows keep everything feeling nice and cozy.

CD-R3170A3F-ODB has so much to brag about, but you can see for yourself. Check it out!

A Taste of Tuscany!

2009-01-09T22:54:58Z

It seems like every year around this time, everyone in my family gets a little bit of cabin fever. We've all been cooped up together for several weeks, and there are still several more weeks of cold, snowy weather ahead of us. We each feel restless and sometimes a little cranky.

This year, we decided to try to get out of the house a little more often. Now, I have to admit that your entertainment choices are somewhat limited here in northern Utah (skiing and snowboarding can get really expensive really fast!) That being said, our family has found itself browsing around several interior design shops and boutiques lately. The girls love that sort of stuff, and I can tolerate it.

In fact, there are a few current trends that I really enjoy. By far, the most common style I saw in those stores could be categorized as "Mediterranean" or "Tuscan". It seems that, in general, style is starting to move away from the sleek, ultramodern home. More people seem to favor a more rustic and classical feel.

After spending a good portion of my holiday vacation perusing through interior décor emporiums, I came back to work and found myself drawn to our Tuscan Style House Plans. I really do like the rustic aura and the Old World charm that they all exhibit. Just check out NDG-1142, for example.

I'm not going to go into detail about this wonderful Tuscan Home Plan, but I do want to encourage you to Check It Out! And while you're at it, why not go through the rest of our great Mediterranean and Tuscan House Plans?

Log Cabin Luxury

2008-12-17T21:25:36Z

Recently, my family and I spent a weekend just outside of West Yellowstone. It was amazing! We went to all the great tourist places: Yellowstone Park, Quake Lake, and Big Spring, to name a few. The crisp fall mornings were beautiful! But surprisingly, one of the highlights of the trip was the cabin we rented.

The rustic comfort of a cozy log cabin is something that has to be experienced. It has a feeling all its own. There is nothing quite like sitting down in front of a cheery fireplace with a blanket and a warm cup of hot chocolate. Equally relaxing is the pleasure that comes from taking a nap in a cabin loft with the rain falling gently on the metal roof.

The Plan Collection offers a large selection of Log Cabin House Plans big and small. The cabin above is GHD-1021. This wonderful Log Home Plan has almost the exact same layout as the one we stayed in. I can't tell you how much fun it was to go out and look at the stars from the upstairs balcony, or to laugh and enjoy the company of friends and family while sitting around the kitchen island/eating bar.

Log cabins aren't for everyone. One thing I noticed during our stay in West Yellowstone was that, due to the fact that heat rises, the second story loft and bedrooms seemed to get very warm very quickly while the main floor stayed somewhat chilly. That wasn't a huge problem (it gives you a good excuse to snuggle up close with someone you care about), but it is something you should keep in mind.

I hope everyone gets the chance to experience a log cabin themselves sometime. As for me, it definitely made me take a second look at our Log Cabin Collection. You really ought to check it out!

Small, yet Luxurious!

2008-12-03T23:20:51Z

Y'know, it's not every day that you come across a house plan under 2,000 square feet that can provide the amenities expected of a luxury home. That's why we're so pleased to present one of our newest additions to our Craftsman Home collection, the Canterbury.

Although the Canterbury may not offer any sprawling open expanses, its living areas are sufficient for almost any family. Just look at the living room and the master bedroom, for example. Both of these important rooms feel larger than they actually are because of their 10 foot tray ceilings and thoughtful layout. Every nook and cranny incorporates a useful design. Closets, pantries, and storage spaces abound in this stylish little bungalow.

I don't want to spend all day describing the little details found in the Canterbury - that would get pretty boring. But I do want to say that this plan provides a lot more comfort and livability than most 1,600 square foot homes; and it's also very stylish. I encourage everyone to Check it out!

Old World Style -- Modern Comfort

2008-11-18T22:36:48Z

French Country House Plans

The masterpiece you see above is a perfect example of the luxurious French Country Style. This is House Plan HPG-2200C-1, one of our newest home plans.

Aside from the ever-appealing French cottage style, HPG-2200C-1 also provides all the amenities you would expect from a home this classy. Allow me to take you on a little tour of this cozy charmer.

While approaching this home from the street, you are immediately struck by the stately appearance that accompanies every "Old World" home design. But as you draw nearer, the sense of awe soon gives way to a very comfortable and cozy feeling. As soon as you begin climbing the steps of the porch, you notice that you feel right at home.

The 11' high foyer provides a royal welcome to all who enter, and it isn't too hard to imagine all of the great and happy gatherings that could take place in the formal dining room, which is just a few feet to your right. The great room offers such a sense of openness with its 12' tray ceiling and a great view of the backyard, but it also has a warm cozy feel as you walk by the fireplace.

Three large bedrooms on the left side of the home ensure that everyone has ample room to sleep, but it's really the master suite on the other side of the house that sets this home apart.

In addition to all this comfort and style, HPG-2200C-1 also provides a lot of storage space and a future bonus room. There is always something new to discover with this gem. You really ought to check it out!

A Modern Delight!

2008-11-07T22:41:47Z

Have you ever fallen in love with a set of house plans, only to find out that they are too big for your budget? It seems like we talk to someone every single day that is facing that dilemma. Sadly, most of the time, there is nothing we can do to help them.

Let's face it; it is extremely difficult to reduce the square footage of a home without reducing the livability. You can't just reduce a plan by 25 or 30%, because that would mean that the ceilings, doors, and hallways would also shrink by 25-30%. You also can't just pick and choose a few rooms that you could do without -- this can either leave gaping holes in the floor plan or totally change the exterior style of the home. The only way that you can really get a smaller home with the same great style is to have the home entirely re-thought and re-designed, and that takes a lot of time and money.

We at The Plan Collection are happy to present you with a solution to this problem (at least for one of our most popular house plans) The Barbados and the Barbados Mini.

Now, with the Barbados Mini, you can get the same great modern style in a much smaller package! The original Barbados is one of our most sought-after Modern House Plans, but because of its monstrous size (nearly 5,000 square feet), people were always asking us if there was any way to shed a few thousand square feet. Now, thanks to a few thoughtful changes, we can offer you the more manageable 2,592 square foot Barbados Mini.

A careful look at the floor plans shows that a few options have been left out, but the overall quality and style of the home remains. I could go on for hours pointing out the subtle nuances of these spectacular house plans, but you might want to check them out yourself!