We are currently designing a home for a client in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. The "radical" new floor plan is based upon our Willowbrook Country House Plan; which we modified by relocating the front entry directly between the public and private zones of the house. We also placed a smartly sized two sided fireplace between the Living and Dining areas. This provides for more intimate space while maintaining visual connections and a predominantly open floor plan. Check out the interior house plan video below.
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Ok - perhaps the concept is not radical; however there is a technique to achieving successful "open yet connected" spaces. Design elements considered included size and location of fireplace, bulkhead and beam locations, built ins and display elements, material connections, window positions, furniture arrangements, etc.
Yesterday I posted a new house plan that we have developed. The "Pine Gables" design features a main floor master and one level living. The images below illustrate how the image can be adapted to nearly any aesthetic. I would love to hear your preferences - so please take a look and vote your favorite.
OPTION 1 - WHITE CLAPBOARD SIDING WITH SILVER METAL ROOF. SIMPLE YET ELEGANT.
OPTION 2 - GREEN METAL ROOF WITH WOOD TONED CLAPBOARD SIDING AND TRIM. A LITTLE MORE "WOODSY".
OPTION 3 - CEDAR SHINGLE ROOF AND SIDING WITH OFF WHITE TRIM. A MORE EASTERN SEABOARD BEACH HOUSE AESTHETIC.
OPTION 4 - STONE CLADDING WITH PAINTED BOARD AND BATTEN IN THE GABLES GIVE THIS THE FEELING OF A MOUNTAIN HOME.
OPTION 5 - CONTRASTING THE DARK CLAPBOARD SIDING AGAINST THE WHITE BOARD AND BATTEN AND THE RED ROOF GIVES THIS A SOPHISTICATED LOOK.
OPTION 6 - LOG COLUMNS AND LOG SIDING BENEATH BOARD AND BATTEN GABLES. THE GREEN METAL ROOF COMPLETES THIS CONTEMPORARY LOG CABIN.
The studies above illustrate a good point when you are looking for a new home design. If you find a plan that you like don't discount it because the exterior does not catch your eye. It might be possible to modify the design to reflect your own aesthetic desires.
