Building on the West Coast? Here are a few of our favorite designs, from Craftsman to Contemporary. Bonus: three of them are under 2,000 square feet.
This elegant one-story Southwestern design celebrates the landscape with two lanais, a courtyard, and many curving walls of windows that fill the home with light. The super-open layout begins at the gallery, continues into the combination dining/great room, and flows through to the intimate family room and breakfast nook. A side courtyard shares an innovative double-sided fireplace (there's storage in the middle) with the great room. In the deluxe master bathroom, a large curving shower echoes the shape of the bedroom. Two more bedroom suites occupy another wing. Don't miss the practical details: a walk-in pantry on the way in from the garage, lots of storage, and plenty of counter space in the kitchen. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
At just 38 feet wide, this charming Craftsman plan would fit nicely on a not-so-big lot. Double porch columns and a warm mix of materials add major curb appeal. Inside, the streamlined layout makes it easy to converse with family and friends while cooking; just seat them at the kitchen's snack bar or at the table in the open dining room. The master suite is easy to reach on this level and features a large walk-in closet, two sinks, and extra bathroom storage. Two more bedrooms share a bathroom (also with two sinks) upstairs.See more images, information, and the floor plan.
This sleek design features a smart open layout that does a lot with 1,719 square feet. From the foyer, your eye is drawn through the vaulted living room to the disappearing wall of windows in back. The island kitchen easily serves the nearby dining nook, where corner windows let in plenty of sunshine. Sleeping quarters occupy the left wing, with the master suite enjoying privacy (and a modern bathroom with two sinks and a large shower) in back. Bedroom three is well-positioned to serve as an office if needed. Check out the mud room near the garage entrance. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Efficient Layout with Relaxed Vibe
Tawny stucco, gorgeous columns, and arched
windows define the Mediterranean facade of this design from the Energy Saver
Plus Home Plans Collection. A private master suite envelops one side of this
well-designed, open layout. Guest bedrooms share a large bathroom on the
opposite side. In the heart of the home, the kitchen’s spacious snack bar and
open dining nook feel fresh and contemporary. Pocket doors section off the den
for peaceful working from home. See more images, information, and
the floor plan.