Two Story House With Balcony Tags

Each area should have a statement element. Create a Feature in Each Area. Creating a standout design feature in each area will not only help to define each space but also make your room shine.

If you plan on revamping a kitchen, the dimensions of workspace and appliance real estate are very important. Don't try to eyeball it or you'll end up paying for it later in time, additional work, or wasted purchases. By trying to define the scope of the work on paper first,...

Noise tends to travel in an open floor plan: For those who love to listen to their surround system televisions in the family room while the kids play in an adjacent room, talking on the phone could be a challenge. Open floor plans allows for visual connection and also allow...

Advice, "If I were to make any major changes, I would get rid of the fireplace. It just ended up being a huge hassle with everything that goes into building a gas fireplace -- the gas lines, etc." Dean's key recommendation: "Never hire anyone on time and materials. Always do...

Choose a floor plan that works with your budget now. One mistake homebuyers often make when looking at floor plans is over spending for the future, rather than planning for the present. You can always upgrade your home. From finishes and innovative additions to possibly adding area and amenities. Don’t...

But now merchant builders are using shiplap siding in family rooms, stucco to frame showers in Mediterranean designs, and concrete block to form the interior walls of contemporary homes. Plan 888-3 uses board and batten siding on the walls of the second living room to reinforce an indoor-outdoor feeling. In...

Specialty Storage One of homebuyers’ biggest regrets is that they didn’t get enough storage space. Astute designers have answered that demand with over-sized utility rooms and pantries, big walk-in closets, and garage storage systems. Now they are including custom storage spaces everywhere. You can find storage for wine (Plan 888-17),...

Too many parties begin and end in the kitchen. One way to keep everyone from congregating there is to put food and drinks in other rooms. Bars, which are making a comeback in new home design, though they tend to be smaller today than they were 50 years ago, can...