Home > Blog > Home Design & Floor Plans > The Advantages of a 4-Bedroom House

The Advantages of a 4-Bedroom House

Go For Space Efficiency and Flexibility with These Homes

 

The “traditional” single-family home with more than 2,000 square feet lives on!

Just think of the wonders of an open floor design, a spacious kitchen, covered front porch, rear patio, backyard, multiple bedrooms, and bathrooms.

While the Tiny House movement captured the attention of the American population, it will not replace the solid foundation (no wheels), comfort, flexibility, and efficiency that a conventional home can offer to a family and its various needs. So given the option of living in a larger home, it’s “adios, tiny house” and hello again, space and comfort of a big house.

1-story white-and-wood European style home with 2,373 sq. ft. of living space

Bigger is definitely better, as seen in this strikingly well-designed 1-story white-and-wood European style home with 2,373 sq. ft. of living space. The fantastic home has an inviting front porch, covered rear porch, large glass windows with attractive wood shutters, an open floor plan with a huge Great Room, four bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms (Plan #142-1204).

 

And as reported in the recently published study of the residential building industry by the U.S. Census Bureau - 2018 Characteristics of New Housing – the median size of a completed single-family house was 2,386 square feet. Of the 840,000 single-family homes completed in 2018, 376,000 had four bedrooms or more. 

Let’s take a look at 4-bedroom house plans, their many features, and what they offer in space, comfort, and flexibility for families. 

 

Why Four-Bedroom House Plans Make Sense

Because the average American family has increased in size to include at least three children, homeowners are faced with a new set of present and future needs. For a growing family looking for the right amount of living space for everyone, there’s nothing like the 4-bedroom house for flexibility and versatility. 

Even Gen Xers and millennials enamored of tiny houses may reconsider their initial impression of larger homes and admit that 4-bedroom homes may be the ideal size for them as they start their families. Just imagine how that Great Room and the extra bedroom can come in handy when they host get-togethers and entertain overnight guests or weekend visitors. 

The four-bedroom house offers more choices in special features. In some situations, the fourth room can serve as a multi-purpose room – from a guest room to a hobby/crafts room, den, media center, exercise/yoga space, and more.

1-story 4-bedroom, 2,329-sq.-ft. Craftsman-style home with brick and wood siding

This charming 1-story 4-bedroom, 2,329-sq.-ft. Craftsman-style home features a split master bedroom, 2.5 baths, covered front, and rear porches, laundry room, and mudroom (Plan #142-1173).

 

Features/Design Options

Some of the typical features of four-bedroom homes include open floor plans, Great Rooms, high vaulted ceilings, two or more bathrooms, outdoor spaces, and attached garages. Let’s focus on other design options.

 

1.  Eat-in Kitchen

The comfort, efficiency, and informal design of an eat-in kitchen are one of the appealing features of a four-bedroom home. You don’t need a gourmet kitchen to whip up your signature dishes and desserts – and have fun with family and friends.

Attractive, roomy eat-in kitchen with center island and well-lit breakfast nook

Timeless in white: A 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 2,880-sq.-ft. Farmhouse style home includes this attractive and roomy eat-in kitchen with a center island and well-lit breakfast nook. Dark-wood floors, bar stools, chairs; a stainless-steel vent hood; and hanging lights in copper tones impart a pleasing contrast to the white palette (Plan #189-1016).

 

A kitchen with ample space for two chefs to move around and a kitchen island with an easy-to-clean countertop, cabinets, and pull-out drawers for storage will do the trick. In fact, the kitchen island can double as additional prep space and counter dining. Throw in a sink or cooktop on the island – and you have the convenience of being face-to-face with your family and guests while cooking.

Last but not least, think of adding a breakfast nook with cozy chairs where you and the family can relax and enjoy your morning “cup of joe” or tea.   

 

2.  Mudroom

How many HGTV shows have we seen where a mudroom is on the “must-have” or wish list of homebuyers, particularly those with children? It makes excellent sense – and can be added easily to a four-bedroom home.

All families need a place to get dry, shake off mud or sand from the beach, the snow, and the rain before going into the main house. A mudroom provides a place where the family can hang umbrellas, jackets, winter and rainwear, backpacks, sports gear – and bins for shoes and snow boots. And this desired space is doable in a four-bedroom plan.

Mudroom that is equipped with lockers, built-in cabinets, and areas for storage

Enter a comfortable 1-story, 4-bedroom Country style home from the garage through this mudroom, equipped with lockers, built-in cabinets, and areas for storage. There are hooks on the wall for umbrellas, hats, coats, and other outdoor stuff. The house has 2,219 sq. ft. of living space, screened-in porch, master suite with master bath, walk-in closet, and kitchen with a pantry (Plan #142-1193).

 

3.  Laundry Room

Another “must-have” for families looking for a four-bedroom home is a dedicated laundry room. Since this is one of the most used spaces in a home, you have to give its design and location serious thought. Whether the laundry room is on the main level or the second floor next to the bedrooms, be sure it is situated away from traffic paths and outfitted with counters for folding, cabinets, drawers, and/or bins for storage. 

A far cry from a basement laundry room, this space on the main level of a 2-story, 4-bedroom, 3-bath Contemporary style home is vibrantly colorful with its blue built-in cabinets, drawers, and uniquely-designed art piece on the wall. Doing laundry in this room will be no chore (Plan #153-1746)!

 

4.  Bathrooms… and More Bathrooms

One can never have enough bathrooms in a home. And four-bedroom plans provide ample space to have from 2.5 bathrooms to as many as four-and-a-half baths (that’s a private bath in every room and a powder room for day guests). You can’t ask for more than that.

Modern, sleek bathroom with glass-encased shower and tub

Half bath with wood-slab vanity, vessel sink, and interesting mirror

One of the four full baths in a 1-story, 4-bedroom, 2,593-sq.-ft. Contemporary home, this modern, sleek bathroom (top) features a glass-encased shower and tub. A uniquely-shaped mirror is the focal point of this half bath (bottom) in the same home (Plan #161-1085).

 

5.  Bonus Room

Oh, the things you can have with a four-bedroom plan! For starters, a bonus room gives homeowners the ability to deal with unexpected living situations. Whether used as the fourth – or fifth – bedroom, the bonus room can be a dedicated guest room/in-law suite with its own bathroom and separate entrance.

In other situations, a bonus room can be converted into a number of combinations as a multi-purpose space that serves as a hobby room/home office; playroom/den/media room; a sitting/reading room/library; or an exercise room/yoga/meditation area.

And in today’s environment, that extra room can be designed and furnished as the ultimate Man Cave or She Shed.   

Bonus room that serves as media room and sitting area

Here’s a perfect and relaxing bonus room in a 1-story, 2,686-sq.-ft. 4-bedroom Country style home that is designed primarily to serve as a den/family/media room. Then check out the sitting area near the window. With the cushions on the bench and against the wall, any family member can sit with a good book, stretch, and just relax (Plan #142-1169)

 

6. Outdoor Living Spaces

From courtyards to covered front and rear porches, decks, and patios, outdoor spaces are a big trend in the architectural landscape. With the available square footage in 4-bedroom plans, these outdoor “rooms” can be designed in style - with all the modern amenities and creature comforts, and still be cozy, warm, inviting, and appealing.

Covered rear porch, perfect spot for relaxing

Time to relax in the cozy covered back porch of a 4-bedroom, 2,686-sq.-ft. Country house. From the light fixtures to the furnishings, this space is a perfect spot to sit back and unwind (Plan #142-1169).

 

7.  Attached garage

Always a convenient feature, especially in cold climates that get a lot of snowfall, an attached garage provides seamless access to the house. Think how easy it is to unload groceries and packages from a garage that leads directly to the main house. The attached garages are also less expensive to build and can raise a property’s value.

4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Contemporary style home with 3-car garage

A 3-car garage is part of the exterior façade of this stunning 1-story, 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Contemporary style home. From the garage, one goes through a mudroom into a short hallway leading to a walk-in pantry (Plan #161-1085).

 

Advantages of Four-Bedroom Plans

1.  Lots of space for everyone -  whether it’s in their bedrooms, in the living/dining areas, family room, and outdoor living spaces

2. Flexibility of design – There are options for split-bedroom layouts in one-story plans, with the master suite at one corner and the other bedrooms at the opposite side. In two-story homes, the master suite is usually on the main level and the three bedrooms on the second floor.

3.  Versatility – Four-bedroom plans provide more options when it comes to special features and other amenities. They can be modified to construct outdoor living spaces like porches, decks, patios, and balconies to suit their lifestyle. Extra rooms can be renovated or converted into special areas like craft/hobby rooms, exercise corners, studies, dens, entertainment centers, etc.

 

Style Choices and Layouts

Perhaps, the best thing about 4-bedroom homes is that they come in many architectural styles: ranch, country, Craftsman, modern, contemporary, traditional, European, and more. In addition, these plans allow for different variations and configurations, such as one-story, 1.5-story, and two-story layouts.

In a single-level home, bedrooms flank the Great Room (kitchen/living/dining areas). And in a traditional two-story layout, bedrooms are on the second floor and the living/entertaining spaces on the first level. There are other plans where the extra bedroom is an apartment built atop a garage – and most often used as a guest house or an in-law suite.

Here are examples of several four-bedroom houses in various architectural styles:

 

One-Story Plans

Craftsman Style

Craftsman home with mix of brick, stone, and wood for its exterior facade

This fabulous transitional Craftsman home with unmistakable curb appeal features a mix of brick, stone, and wood for its exterior facade. There’s an inviting vaulted front porch, large windows around the house, a Great Room, a spacious master suite, a walk-in kitchen pantry, a laundry room, and a mudroom. The house is spread over 2,641 sq. ft. of living space and has 2.5 baths (Plan #142-1170).

 

• Ranch Style

Ranch style home hip and gable rooflines, the brick facade, and covered front porch

From its hip roof, the brick facade, and covered front porch to the rear porch, outdoor spaces, and everything inside, this charming Ranch style home checks all the great features and amenities anyone can desire (Plan # 142-1151).

 

• Mediterranean Style

Mediterranean style home with courtyard, portico, patio, lanai,  4 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms

This magnificent Mediterranean style home includes a courtyard, portico, patio, lanai, four bathrooms, and four bedrooms. The home features an open floor concept with a split-bedroom layout, luxurious master suite with master bath, spacious kitchen with a walk-in pantry, dining room, outdoor kitchen, family room, home office, and laundry room (Plan #175-1086).

 

1.5-Story Plans

• Farmhouse Style

Transitional Farmhouse style home with wraparound front porch and landscaped yard

The classic wraparound front porch and landscaped yard of this delightful 2.5-bath Farmhouse style home add to its charm and curb appeal. With its Great Room, modern kitchen with eat-in peninsula and breakfast nook, game room, and grilling porch, it has all the amenities and features of an ideal “forever” home (Plan #153-1940)

 

2-Story Plans

* Country Style

Country home with white columns on stone pedestals, shutters, and stone accents

Start with the eye-catching white columns on stone pedestals, then check out the decorative shutters and stone accents that complete the attractive exterior of this Country style home. Inside are a Great Room, four-season porch, luxurious second-floor master suite, three bedrooms, laundry room, mudroom, and den. The house has 2,697 sq. ft. of living space and 2.5 baths (Plan #146-1495).

 

• Colonial

Stucco-sided Colonial home with covered front porch narrow white columns

This spectacular 3.5-bath Colonial home has a stunning covered front porch adorned with matching narrow white columns. The house has a main floor master suite with two walk-in closets, a master bath, morning room, family room, study, main floor laundry room, and spacious kitchen with a wet bar (Plan #180-1018).

 

* Victorian

Victorian classic with gable roof, corbels, arched windows, and decorative shutters

From its gable roof to the corbels and arched windows adorned with decorative shutters, this 3.5-bath Victorian classic will stand out in any neighborhood. There’s a welcoming front porch, a foyer that leads to the family room, and a dining room, sunroom, and kitchen. The master suite is located on the main level, with the other bedrooms on the second floor (Plan #198-1021).

 

Imagine all the wonderful architectural designs and layouts at your fingertips when you choose a four-bedroom home. Just be sure that it meets all your space and creative needs – and, more importantly, that it suits your lifestyle!

 

Footnote: The lead image in this article is a stunning 1-story, 2,525-square-foot ranch style home with four bedrooms and three baths. For more details on the house and its features, click here (Plan #153-1210)

 

VIEWS: 25113