Outdoor kitchens that are as fabulously furnished as their indoor counterparts are today’s “in” spots for house plans where summer entertaining is important. But they’re expensive! Take heart if you have a limited budget. Here are some ideas in putting together a “not-so-bare-essentials” outdoor kitchen that is stylish and appealing.

Your newly built home is not complete until you dress up the outside with the raiment of landscaping. The bare earth around the foundation and along the walkway and driveway calls out for flower beds and beautiful plantings of shrubs and trees. Here’s what you need to know.

From the sun-drenched porch to the casual deck, courtyard garden, cozy outdoor fireplace, quaint tree house, and fire pit in the backyard – outdoor living never looked so good! Get ready for a spring adventure, and prepare to create interesting, appealing, and comfortable outdoor rooms for your new home plan.

With spring on its way, our top tips for preparing your home to welcome the new season include banishing dark winter hues, casting out the cobwebs, and filling your shelves with vases of fresh flowers as the sun begins to shine.

You’ve likely heard that the kitchen is the most important room in the house. But how do you make the kitchen great? Flooring and cabinets are important, but for most people, the “make or break” part of a kitchen is the countertop. Here’s a look at some popular countertop materials.

What is it about Halloween that makes children and adults await its arrival with excitement? It’s not all about frightening images of haunted houses, ghosts, goblins, and witches—or candy and costumes. With Halloween fast approaching, here are fun facts about the holiday, which dates back to the ancient Celts.

The man cave has been steadily gaining popularity in home building recently. Today some man caves even feature amenities such as a separate shower, media display, gym equipment or a full bar. Keep in mind, having one’s own personalized space is actually often psychologically good for everyone!

One of the biggest perks of purchasing a custom house plan is that you get to create a space that is unique and personal to your family and lifestyle. Today’s home building trends include homes with basements or terrace level spaces that can be customized into anything from fitness rooms to offices to wine cellars or bars.

And baby makes three! Finding space in your small apartment or house for the little one is the immediate challenge. Whether it is a corner in the master bedroom, a converted walk-in closet, or a spare bedroom, you will want to be sure to create a baby nursery that is fun, comfortable, and safe. For many it is also the time to consider a new home, and new parents should have a list of what to look for in a floor plan that is both baby—and family—friendly.

From the coast of California to the Northeast to the mid-Atlantic states – and on to the East Coast, hardwood floors remain the most popular flooring for homeowners. Why? Because hardwood is hard wearing, stylish, and renewable. Here's what you need to know before choosing yours.