Bungalow house plans emphasize handcrafted beauty, detailed architectural design, and quality workmanship. There is a respect and deliberate use of natural materials including wooden shingles and clapboards, cobblestones and rough-faced brick, porch columns, and chimneys. Many have great, wide verandas. Bungalows are similar to Cottage house plans and Craftsman house plans. They are similar to Cottage house plans in architectural square footage and size, and many Bungalows have Craftsman style facades.

From the19th century Arts and Crafts movement and Arts and Crafts movement revival that is currently occurring largely due to the economic and housing situation, Bungalow house plans are a very cost efficient home plan and offer complete use of the total living area square footages.

“A Bungalow house plan is a type of house plan with varying meanings across the world. The term originated in India, deriving from the Gujarati bangalo, which in turn derives from Hindi bangla, meaning ‘Bengali’ and used elliptically for a ‘house in the Bengal style’. “ (credit Wikipedia).

Bungalow house plans are relatively small and a detached single family residence. They may be either one story or a single story with a loft. The loft, or partial second story, is built into a sloping roof usually accommodating dormered windows. Full vertical walls are therefore only seen on one story, at least on the front and rear elevations. Bungalows have a horizontal exterior design with asymmetrical, yet welcoming, front porches. Solid and compact with front and side gables, low pitched roofs, and exposed beams are definite Bungalow style. Bungalows have open living and dining areas with efficient use of all living space. Bungalows are considered very cost effective to build. Typical Bungalows are very convenient for the homeowner in that all living areas are on a single story with no stairs to navigate. A Bungalow is well suited to persons with impaired mobility, such as the elderly or those in wheelchairs.

There are different types of bungalows.

A Ranch Bungalow is a bungalow architecturally organized so that the bedrooms are on one side and the living and dining areas are on the opposing side.

A Raised Bungalow is one in which the basement is partially above ground.

A Chalet or Dormer Bungalow is a bungalow with a second story loft.

So, if you are searching for that ideal home plan that offers loads of style and character with total use of living space at a cost efficient ratio, the Bungalow house plan may be right for you!

The word “cottage” may evoke images of charming storybook homes. Cottage Style House Plans may indeed mimic these fairytale homes in size and design style. They are generally one story and on the smaller side but may have square footages ranging from cozy on upwards. Cottages are thought to have been popularized by American pattern books from the 19th century. These small, quaint Cottage house plans are informal yet have unmerited attention to detail. Dormered windows and expansive bay windows with picturesque balconies add to this charm. Unique and quite often diamond shaped, decorative patterns, exquisite woodwork trim, and elegant arches are common Cottage components. Cottage house plans feature batten walls and vertical boarding. Paint combinations complete the Cottages’ style. Romantic and/or Victorian style flourishes with flowing, sweeping lines keep with the Cottage theme. Asymmetrical plans accented with individuality just make the Cottage. So, whether YOUR Cottage is small and cozy or large and open, the attention to detail is a commonality. Find YOUR perfect Cottage House Plan here at www.houseplancentral.com!

Retreat house plans are quite varied in style and even building location. The Retreat home plan search begins by answering, “What does retreat mean to you?” Retreat is defined as a get-away, a refuge, a place to take time out for reflection, to draw back, to move back, to recede. So, Retreat house plans reflect what “retreat”means to the home planner. The Retreat plans are as distinctive as the lots on which they are built. These home plans range from a cozy log cabin nestled on a wooded, mountain valley lot with a stream flowing by to a luxurious Spanish villa on a wild flower covered hillside gleaming golden in the sunshine to a Coastal pier and piling glass windows all around stunner on a beach-front lot with refreshing sea breezes. A Retreat style home plan may be a main residence, a vacation home, a second residence, a weekend home, or even a retirement home. With all the differentials, there is a common denominator—bringing the splendor of the outdoors and retreat location in! Great, picture-perfect windows are a retreat must! Open air living areas that constitute exceptional outdoor living areas are a signature of the Retreats. These outdoor living spaces include decks, porches, and lanais. All of which are perfect for enjoying the retreat views. Graceful flowing floor plans that have open living and dining areas with cozy to gourmet kitchens and soaking tub baths to luxurious spa-like baths add the touch of comfort and elegance to a Retreat home. These distinctive design features make the Retreats remarkable for both relaxing and entertaining. The welcoming, whether warm and/or stunning exteriors, may be combinations of brick, stone, stucco, shakes and even rough sawn timbers. Each construction material blends into the natural landscape of the Retreat adding the completing touch for the ideal Retreat house plan. So, please remember! If you are searching for your perfect Retreat Home Plan, first define what “Retreat” means to you! Start your search for the perfect retreat home at www.houseplancentral.com!

There are many design choices and decisions when choosing your perfect house plan and building your dream home. Has a Red Front Door ever caught your eye? Did you wonder what does the color red mean, and what does painting your front door red signify? Red is one of the primary colors. This bold, vivid hue is said to be welcoming. It is commonly associated with the attribute of strength. Red is highly linked to the meaning of love (i.e. just picture the color of hearts and roses and valentines). It is recognized as a stimulant color. Red is inherently considered an “exciting” color thus related to “energy”. It is believed that red signifies a sense of protection. What qualities (welcome, strength, love, energy, and protection) to grace the entrance of your home. Red is the color worthy of just such a task. The history, origin, and significance of a home’s red front door definitely varies. Here are a few suggestions found: 1.) (Just) Loves Red. For starters, it just may be that the homeowner loves the color red! What a bold color to brighten the entrance to your home. 2.) Provides Protection. In Biblical times, a Red Door provided protection. The Hebrews placed the blood of a lamb on the front door to show that the home was covered by the blood to protect their first born child from the angel of death. If the home had the marking on the door, the death angel literally passed by. Also, in Catholic churches long ago, the front doors of the church were painted red to represent the blood of Christ. Since the red paint signified the blood of Christ, it meant that the parishioners were on holy ground. These interpretations then spur on the belief that a red door protects the home’s occupants from evil. 3.) Shows Welcome. A red door in early American traditions meant a warm, welcoming place to rest for the night for weary travelers journeying by horse and buggy. When they saw a home with a red front door, they knew they would indeed be “welcome”! 4.) Means Welcome. In the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, a red front door also means “welcome”! Feng Shui defines that the front door, also called the “Mouth of Chi”, is where the energy enters the home. So in this Chinese philosophy, painting your front door red means “welcome” as well. When deciding on your dream home plan, give some thought to a Red Front Door to compliment your perfect house plan!

Soapstone, also known as steatite or soaprock, is an advantageous choice for kitchen countertops. Beautiful and practical can best describe soapstone and the character and utility it adds to your new home plan. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock (This talc-schist is largely composed of the mineral talc and is in turn, very rich in magnesium.). Soapstone does not need to be chemically sealed liked other natural stones. It doesn’t harbor bacteria, so it is perfect for kitchen counters. Soapstone’s anti-absorbance of bacteria aids in keeping the food preparation area safe and sterile. Soapstone is stain resistant. This feature takes the worry out of spills and makes clean-up quicker and easier. It is extremely durable and strong. Hot cookware, pots, and pans may be placed directly on the surface without causing damage. In fact, soapstone is so substantial that chemistry lab tables are made of it, and fireplaces may also be constructed of soapstone. There are no two pieces of soapstone exactly alike. Each section or piece is totally unique, and there is not another one formed or will ever be formed like it in the world. It is truly a one-of-a-kind work of art from God! Simply treat the soapstone with mineral oil to bring out the hues of color and details of the veining. The cost of soapstone solid surface countertops does generally run higher than other stone or solid surface countertops; however, the benefits and beauty bridge the gap between price and worth!

European style house plans offer grand exteriors and exquisite ornamental details. This style offers as many architectural influences as diverse as the countries from which they originate. European house plans have quite a romantic feel that is reminiscent of castles of long ago. Luxury is implied at first sight. European style home plans offer a touch of elegance and refined style combined with large, oversized proportions. They are a reminder of the history and the beauty of the Old Country while exhibiting that old world charm. European house plans have a wonderfully centralized layout. European home plans may be 1, 1 ½, 2 and even 3 stories. The two story versions are the most common. The impressive exteriors are clad with brick, stone, or stucco with dramatic polished wood accents. The façade is elegant with rich ornamental detailing. Generally large, these homes work best on good-sized lots, where their grand facades can best be appreciated. Today, most European style plans have large attached garages as well. Multiple roof lines of the European style house plans tend to be hipped (a type of roof that all sides slope downwards to the walls) and steep. This hipped roof is ideal for the many gables. Copper-topped bay roofs are common. Keystones and elegant polished wood add to these outside design features. Subtly flared curves at the eaves complete that grand ornamental detail. These areas are faced with stucco and stone. The roof typically connects down to the windows. The second floor often is in the roof. As earlier mentioned, the European style house plans have a great centralized layout. The Living room is the main focus of the home and is on the first floor. The bedrooms may be on one side or on the second floor and the living and dining areas located on the other. Palladian windows (the three sectioned windows with the largest in the center and an elliptical above) and large vaulted or cathedral ceilings are perfect in these expansive, open homes—especially the foyer. Grand marble staircases and glimmering chandeliers transport you straight from the foyer to the old world! These large, open, airy areas allow for lots of natural light. Tile floors and regal, arched doorways add to this sense of luxury. Potfillers, stone ovens, and large islands make the kitchen warm and inviting. European style home plans offer a sense of luxury inside and out. If luxury and expansive living areas with a touch of elegance are your criteria for your dream home plan, then perhaps European style house plans are exactly your style.

Simply, a Victorian style house plan originally meant a home style built during the reign of Queen Victoria. Victorians may typically bring to mind story book images of a fairy-tale home. They are indeed famously known for quite ornamental facades. Picturesque, grand towers and steep, regal turrets are two of the most common features associated with the Victorian. However, today, Victorians may vary in many architectural styles and combinations of these diverse designs. These homes are asymmetrical. From romantic to cottage-like on to unique and even a bit whimsical, these can be a Victorian. Victorians may be one, two, or three stories; however, the two and three stories are the most common built. Exteriors may be wood siding, clapboard siding, or shingle-shake siding. They may even be brick or stone. “Gingerbread” trim work, fanciful dormers, decorative cornices, striking spindles, beautiful dentil moldings, grand gables, and florid brackets are some of the features of the Victorian. Roofs have multiple roof lines with varying roof pitches that are steep. Wood roofs or slate roofs with patterned shingles often decorate and define the Victorian’s roof. Exterior siding and trim work paints range from pretty pastels to bold, primary colors, and even to deep, jewel-toned colors. There are certainly no strict boundaries nor set limits to the exterior paint scheme. Decorative, detailed porch railings and intricate, turned posts make the wrap-around porches just perfect! Sunrooms and enclosed porches are also functional, visually pleasant traits of the Victorian. Interiors are similarly composed of diverse architectural styles. Octagonal rooms make a unique design statement. Bay windows and sash windows add to this romantic style. Stained glass windows are a beautiful addition. The paint scheme from the exterior may be transferred to the interior to carry on the design theme throughout. Creating the right balance of both color and texture between walls, moldings, ceilings, and woodwork further create the Victorian. Wallpaper and paint finishes in marbleizing, stenciling, and spattering add to this design style. Spiraling floral themes, Gothic inspired trellises, stylized leaf work, and even simulated wood grain textures are often found. Tin ceilings with hammered designed details complete the look. Wall sconces, claw foot bath tubs, and deep, dark hardwood floorings are complementary. Today, truly, a Victorian’s interior may range from old world charming to modern convenience to unique whimsy or a great combination of them all. When choosing your home style, consider the Victorian as a possible match to your perfect home plan!

Southern house plans bring to life a home that is an idyllic setting for that southern hospitality and genteel charm! Southern home plans were certainly designed to accommodate the warm, humid air of southern climates. They are symmetrically designed with decorative porches and balconies under a low pitched roof. Homes of the southern house plan style have tall ceilings, large wrap-around front porches, are generally built of wood, and are sprawling (southern plantation style!). The wrap-around porch takes the number one spot for a characteristic of a southern house plan. A wrap-around porch was and is perfect for enjoying the fresh, country air while providing shade during the heat of the day. Imagine enjoying a glass of sweet southern iced tea in a swing or rocker on that peaceful wrap-around porch. Great open spaces for entertaining and a huge kitchen for preparing meals for just such events are also design traits of these home plans. A hearth room or family room is quite common. What could be cozier than sipping a cup of hot cocoa and making s’mores by the crackling fireplace? High ceilings (that were useful in toning down the heat), crown moldings (that add a grand, finishing touch), and wide plank hardwood flooring (that add just the right amount of warmth) may compliment and complete this home. Generally, they are two stories (to accommodate that wrap-around porch or balcony) with pitched or gabled roofs. These roof pitches are usually shallow, low, or medium in height and quite often have dormers. This home style has similar design characteristics to plantation styles, southern colonials, also known as colonial plantation styles, and low country home styles. When considering your new home plan, take a look at our southern style house plans. The interior of our southern home plans include many modern amenities unavailable during those “days gone by”, but the open floor plans and design remains. Southern may just be your perfect dream home plan style!

Cork Flooring When choosing the flooring for your new home design or your home redesign, you may wish to consider cork. There are a variety of options in cork flooring including floating cork flooring, natural cork flooring, and bamboo cork flooring. The raw material used for the cork floor is a tree product. Basically, it is the bark shed by the tree every 9 to 15 years. Cork flooring is a green product and environmentally friendly (since only the bark that is shed is used). As an added benefit, cork flooring has anti-bacterial properties. A preferred quality is it’s resistance to mold, mildew, and even termites. In kitchens, baths, and basements, rooms where there are high chances of water seeping under the flooring and making it moist, using cork flooring is a wise choice. The cork flooring is springy and soft under your feet (which may be a pro to some and a con to others.). Cork flooring offers insulation properties. It prevents the heat of the home from escaping and seeping through the flooring. During the cold months of winter, and if you live in a cold climate area, cork flooring is an energy efficient choice. The insulating properties offer sound and noise insulation as well. Cork flooring requires very low maintenance compared to hardwood flooring and other types of flooring. To clean and maintain your cork floor, simply sweep or vacuum, and then use an only slightly water dampened mop. Be certain to check with your professional installer for a complete guide to cleaning and maintaining your cork flooring. It is extremely durable, but it is necessary to refinish the cork flooring with a polyurethane coat every 5-10 years depending on the amount of traffic and wear and tear. Cork flooring is available in many natural shades and tones. There are even artificially manufactured colors to perfectly complete your home’s décor. A few flip-side notes: Cork flooring is generally 3/16 of an inch thick and sanding and refinishing is not an easy task. With that thickness, there are a limited number of times that sanding and refinishing is possible as the flooring will crumble. Also, if you have pets, you will want to research the best cork option with an expert. Thirdly, if a chunk of the cork flooring is missing, this remains permanent. Lastly, never use a soaking mop nor harsh cleaners as these will permanently damage the cork flooring. As you select your perfect dream home plan, you may consider the innovative, green option of cork for your flooring.

Many homeowners are deciding to upgrade their garages when choosing home plans today. The garage is a functional part of the home. Storage cabinets and organizers in the garage have become quite the standard, and homes are being built with superior garage flooring. Paints, epoxy coatings, rubber mats, and interlocking tiles are a few choices for finishing your garage floor. Garage flooring was considered a high end feature that for years was reserved for car collectors and enthusiasts. Not so today! The majority of garage floor coverings go right over your base concrete flooring. Many of the finishes and coverings are able to have cars parked on them and other items placed on them in the very same day. Ultimately, you want garage flooring that protects your floor surface from oil spills, chemicals, dirt, and stains. So whatever your reason for installing garage floor coverings, whether it is easy to clean or simply decorating a part of the home, choose the finish that is best for you and your home design. Painting the garage floor is an easy solution that yields a quick result. Choose any color to compliment your home design and your garage décor. It is best to use a three layer system that includes a primer, a basecoat, and a clear top coat. You may choose an epoxy shield too. Some of these epoxies even include a 2-3 year warranty. Just check your local home improvement or paint store for exact details. To make your garage floor resist grease, acid, or oil, you need an effective finishing compound. These are what you call garage floor finishes and they maintain the look of the floor for years. These compounds are used to keep the floor protected from all liquids that may accidentally be spilled. This compound is necessary for homeowners who want to keep the garage floor looking new and pristine. If your goal is to just address those “trouble spots” in your garage, i.e. where the vehicles are parked or the work, tool, and cabinetry area, you may opt for mats. Many of these mats are designed with PVC non-porous surfaces. These components keep your floor protected from oil, fuel, grease, grime, salt, anti-freeze, and other debris. Mats come in many sizes and are easy to cut to specifications that are right for the area, and they are so simple to install. You can clean them with a simple water and soap mixture. Also, mats offer a great slip-resistant surface to keep the conditions safe while you are working and going in and out of the garage. Another option is the interlocking floor tile system. They are great for garage floors, because they are attractive and provide a non-slip surface for safety. These tiles come in wide variety of styles, patterns, and colors. The tiles are easy to install and/or remove. Some of the heavy duty garage tiles can even support up to 2500 lbs per square inch without cracking or fading. One great benefit with tiles is that you can always just replace a tile or two if you have a stain or problem without having to redo the entire floor. Garage floor tiles are generally less expensive than epoxy coatings and some other coverings. These interlocking tile floors in a garage will also hold up to oils, chemicals, grease, anti-freeze, brake fluid, and even kickstands!

The origin of the word pergola is from Late Latin pergola, and refers to a projecting eave (Wikipedia). A pergola is traditionally a feature that forms a walkway or passageway with columns and/or pillars that support cross-beams. Plants, ivy, grapevines, and flowers may trail over and across forming a tunnel of greenery. As a pro, vine-covered pergolas do offer some shade. As a con, pergolas not covered in greenery do not provide shelter from the sun, rain, or wind. Today many pergolas are simply the structure minus the greenery. Pergolas can truly define and outline an outdoor space without the constraints of a roof and walls. It is a wonderful architectural convergence that brings the inside outdoors! Pergolas can be installed on the patio, deck, porches, the front of your home, and even freestanding in your yard. They come in so many varieties and sizes. There are professional companies who specialize in building the pergolas according to your design needs. You can purchase pergolas at your local home improvement stores and discount stores, or it is a great do-it-yourself project. You may choose maintenance-free vinyl or wood. Redwood and cedar are common woods used to construct pergolas. Cedar is a good option because it does not decay; yet, it does gray as it weathers if it is left unfinished. Apply stains that come in a variety of shades to make your pergola complete your home’s look, and add a sealer that is for exterior use to help preserve and protect your wooden pergola. Pergolas add such beauty and architectural character to your home plan and your landscape

Spa Inspired Baths Do you need a spa getaway to reign in your stress levels and rejuvenate your spirit? Since it just isn't always practical or even possible to jet off to a resort for some much needed and well deserved pampering, create your own luxurious settings with your in-home, at-home spa-inspired bath! What more convenient place to get away from it all than right down the hall, in the comfort of your own home? When carefully and purposefully designed, your bathroom can serve as a relaxing retreat. Many homeowners today are mimicking the style of luxurious resort spas to “get away from it all”. By simply implementing a minimalist, clean-lined design, you can relax in your very own private retreat—your spa-inspired bath! When choosing your home plan, consider the design of the bath or your spa! “Minimalism was developed in the 20th century as an artistic movement whose principles stress using a minimum number of colors, shapes, lines, and textures.” (Wikipedia). Keeping your design simple and uncluttered, yet elegant, equals the perfect design equation. By choosing appropriate materials and accents, you are well on your way to unwinding in your own spa-inspired bath. A good rule is to maximize your space and minimize the clutter! Neutral colors like white, beige, or gray are soothing and peaceful. Nature is a wonderful inspiration when choosing your color. Sandy beaches, seashells, river stone pebbles, dessert rocks, and even clouds are good sources to inspire. Since clutter can indeed be overwhelming and distracting, use clean, sculpted lines. Fixtures, faucets, and hardware that are sleek, understated, and/or modern are options. There are numerous choices in simple architectural forms like geometric shapes. Showers with glass enclosures, massage jets, and multiple showerheads are visually quite inviting. A soaking tub or a tub with jets is certainly a great feature. Wall-mounted, space-saving sinks and streamlined, one-piece toilets (even tankless toilets are available!) are complimentary to your spa bath. Just a few of the right accessories like luxurious white cotton towels, fragrant candles and candlelight, soft rugs, glass shelving, and mirrors add the completing touch. Remember to keep your style consistent throughout. The beauty is absolutely in the details (and that is a good thought to consider when choosing your new house plan too!).

Just as important as deciding on that perfect house plan for you and your family is the decision of where to build your dream home! Begin by selecting a building site or lot that is compatible with your home plan, or choose the home plan that works great for your site. Would you like to live on a private lot or in a subdivision? Check with your town’s building department to confirm that your lot is zoned accurately and that your home will fit within the allowable setbacks. Also, verify any other restrictions that may be in place. You must decide the best placement of your home while following all codes and guidelines. Consider the conditions and the terrain. What are the levels of the land, and how does the movement of the water over the surface of the soil affect your home? What are the views of and from your home and the way it is built on your site. Another issue to weigh is the location in the general community you wish to live. Is it near work, schools, church, shopping, restaurants, activities and other places that are important to you and your family? You may want to check on the utilities for your area as well. Is public water available and in what capacity or is well drilling necessary? What are the choices for the electric and/or natural gas services? Are there sewer lines available to the property, or is it necessary to install a septic system? These are just a few factors to consider when deciding where to build your perfect house plan. A little pre-planning is a great idea and makes the exciting process of seeing your dream home come to life a little easier! So, start your search today!

Paint—Welcome to the Wonderful World of Color! Psychologists have long attested that colors signify meanings and effect peoples’ moods. There are so many colors and shades to choose from. How do you decide what is right for you? First, decide what mood or theme you want to set in each room of your new home. Also, you can use paint as a great way to accent a room just by painting one wall or trimming out the molding in a hint of color. Red: is a vibrant, rich color. It is stimulating and draws attention. Red even demands attention! Reds are used to accent doors, walls, niches, and shutters. It provides that perfect pop of color. If you are searching for the “wow factor”, red is your answer! Orange: is a warm, fun, splashy color. There are so many lovely shades from a pale peach to a perfect pumpkin! The tint of terra cotta is a most popular selection. Orange is just inviting! Yellow: is associated with sunshine. It is related to happiness and cheer. With a golden hue to an electric hue, yellow offers a wide range of choices. Yellow also is an energetic color. Blue: is calming and cooling, and it is fresh and clean. Blue is generally considered the most favored color. It is a favorite among men and women. Blue is associated with the awesome sky and cascading ocean. It is widely used in bedrooms, because it is restful. Green: is considered calming and relaxing and even soothing. It is ranked generally as the second most popular or favored color second only to blue. Varying shades of green (a natural forest tint) are tranquil and other shades (a hint of lime) are refreshing. Green is a color linked with harmony and even a sense of renewal. Purple: with it’s red and blue base evokes a sense of uplift or encouragement. It is full of vibrancy and life. Purple is considered a color of royalty as well. Brown: is often related to the colors of the earth. You may have heard the description of “earthy brown”. It is considered a color of stability and reliability. It is associated with organic, natural things. A “down-to-earth” color you might say! It is relaxing and peaceful too. Brown is a wholesome hue. White: (actually the absence of all color) is symbolic of cleanliness and purity. White reflects all the colors of light. It is both fresh and refreshing at the same time. White is neutral. Gray: is considered solid. It is a widely used base color in varying shades. It mixes well when paired with other colors and complements them too. Black: is actually not a color. It is the combination of all colors. Black absorbs all the other colors and light. It makes a bold, powerful statement and can be considered serious. Black is often a great choice for doors and shutters. When choosing your perfect house plan, consider your perfect paint to complete your new home design both inside and out! Start your search for your dream home plan today at www.houseplancentral.com. HousePlanCentral.com offers thousands of premier house plans!

Kitchens have long been acknowledged as the “Heart of the Home”! Kitchens are one of the most important features when building or buying your home. The kitchen is not only the work space for food preparation, but also today’s entertaining areas. This is where people take the time out of a busy, hectic day to share a meal and spend time with family. You could say the kitchen is where memories are made! Remember those wonderful Sunday dinners at Grandma’s?! Kitchens also offer a great benefit for a home’s resale value. So when choosing your house plan, choose the design with the kitchen--that is right for you! The most efficient design for a kitchen is to create a work triangle between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. This will give you room for food preparation, cooking, clean up, and storage. Islands are a great functional feature (with all the counter space, possibly including a vegetable sink, and extra cabinetry for storage )that also makes a perfect space for entertaining! Consider the following kitchen layouts so you can decide which right for you: Galley style: The corridor approach of a galley kitchen lengthens your available space, making it ideal for a small kitchen. This style provides lots of counter space around the sink and the cooking areas and enables the work stations to be placed together, usually on parallel walls. The best work arrangement for a galley kitchen places the refrigerator and sink on one wall and the stove on the opposite wall. L-Shape: The 2 adjacent walls in an L-shape kitchen form a natural triangle for your work space. An L-shape layout works well in almost any size kitchen. It has diverse flexibility in the arrangement of your sink, stove, and refrigerator. U-Shape: The U is an efficient design since it provides three walls for counter and storage space. It also prevents household traffic from interfering in the work space. If you have a large kitchen, you may want to consider adding an island to your kitchen for even more work space. The U is great for this! HousePlanCentral.com offers thousands of varying styles of kitchens. Please visit us today to start your search for your perfect home plan!

Go Green! We hear so much about “Go Green”. What exactly is going green? To “go green” simply involves environmentally conserving our resources and improving the state of our environment. One of the obvious great benefits of going green is to save our environment and resources making our earth a better, safer place to live now and for the future. There are so many items and categories that offer green choices today. These choices are smarter choices that offer an environmentally friendly advantage as well as money and resource savings. Energy efficient appliances, light bulbs and lighting, housebuilding materials and designs, bamboo and other types of flooring, window coverings of blinds and shades, furniture, solar powered fans and electronics, bedding, candles, clothing, cleaning solutions and yes, even personal hygiene products that are “green”. In any category that you may be needing an item, make a wise “green” choice! With many of the green products and services, you may receive an instant savings or rebate. So whatever product or service you are looking for, check on the “green” version. Make a wise, green choice today! HousePlanCentral.com offers many home plans with “green” consideration in the design and features. Feel free to visit www.houseplancentral.com to begin the search for your house plan that makes a green home today! We offer free ground shipping!

Custom Closets (A Functional Room Decorating Idea!) Create warmth, depth, and design in any room just by framing out your closets as cabinetry! The doors to the closets may be created with paneled blocks that resemble actual custom cabinets; yet, the inside of the closets are arranged exactly as you choose. With numerous wood, metal, and laminate finishes you are able to design the room exactly as you wish. By choosing the right finish and material, you are able to begin your decorating before adding a piece of furniture or stitch of material. A variety of trim patterns and hardware make you the interior designer indeed. Install custom shelving, rods, bins, and drawers to meet your individual needs. What a great way for organizing while decorating your room at the same time! Don’t forget your garage is a room too! Complete the look of the garage with cabinetry, shelving, and storage. You may choose to have the organizers installed at the time your home is built, or it is a great do-it-yourselfer project. Just visit your local home improvement store and select the pieces that appeal to you and your organizational needs. HousePlanCentral.com offers many house plans with customized features. When selecting the house plan that is right for you and your family, keep in mind the “living” features of the home. What house plan actually works for you? A home plan that offers what you need and the style you want is ideal! HousePlanCentral.com offers a modification tool that you can actually draw your proposed changes. Please visit www.houseplancentral.com today, and choose your perfect home plan. We offer free standard ground shipping as well!

Part II of the "Why buy stock house plans vs. custom" article has been posted on the site here....

New article has been added to the site here....

Part II of the article can be found here ...

Remember to always email us if a particular homeplan package is shown as being "Not Available" on the site....

Most house plan designers offer a variety of plan "packages" to better fit our customer's specific needs.

There are packages specifically meant to provide additional information, for review purposes only.....there are packages that allow you to obtain CAD file sets which can then be modified by a designer in your area, to exactly fit your specific needs....and there are many other "packages" that allow you to purchase the type that best fits your needs..

As such, we have developed a short article to better explain the different types of floorplan packages, and when to use each....

Part I can be found here

We've finished the third portion of the "Most Popular Homeplan Features" article , and you can view here

If you have ideas for other articles that you'd like to see, drop us an email at webmaster@houseplancentral.com

I wanted to let everyone know that we've just completed Part II of our article series on the "Most Popular Homeplan Features" . Be sure to check it out, as several of the items may be helpful as you look for features that you would like in your new home plan...

You can view it here

Stay tuned for part III....

One of the most popular questions, by far, that we receive from our customers is "What are the most popular houseplan features?"

This is a very difficult question to answer, since the most popular features vary so greatly between demographic groups....between different parts of the country, etc...

In any case, we thought it appropriate to develop a series of articles devoted to this topic, and here is part one of the "Most popular house plan features" series.

Stay tuned for part II and III....

Over the coming months, our team will be developing a series of educational articles focused on providing you with the information that you need...quickly and concisely.

As such, if there are any particular topics that you would like to see addressed, send us an email at webmaster@houseplancentral.com.

Thanks....