5 House Styles for Homes Lover
February 11th, 2011 | 
Author: Colonialary House
The characteristics of colonial house follow to Georgian architecture is a square area house, that may have one or two story rectangular shape, roof dormers and eaves-front of symmetrical building with the central door. Straight lines of multi-paned windows with double-hung sash are on the first and second floor. The entry of the house is frequently decorated with classic style such as columns, pediments, pilasters, fanlights, etc. A colonial style house usually has a formally-defined living room, dining room and family room. The bedrooms are typically on the second floor and may have staircase at the center or to either side.
Modern House
The characteristics of Modern House Designs is the house that composed of geometric shapes suit for new technology and young adults, flat roofs and smooth wall surfaces. The windows are set flush with the walls with no decorative trim. The entrance to the house is asymmetrical. Decorate the front of the house with modern style architectures.
Country House
The country houses are usually built in rural areas outside of cities, suitable for people who love natural environment and beautiful view. The characteristic of country house styles are combine several traditional architectural details on their well-proportioned. The house always has gabled roofs higher in pitch than other home styles. Large wrap around porches, cozy facades, gables, lap siding, shuttered windows, and dormer windows. Inside the house, use tall ceilings for ventilate the air.
Thai House
The characteristics of Thai house are different from another style. Thai House use high floor level allowing an average height man to walk under the floor. The reasons of high floor level are safety from wild beasts during night time and used for producing handmade products. The other characteristic of Thai house is a high gabled roof and ample slanting eaves. Forty percent of the total floor area is a large platform area for receive to sunshine and good clean air. The major material of Thai house style is teakwood and decorates with Thai traditional potteries.
Cape Cod House
The Cape Cod house is the most common building type. The characteristic of the house is symmetrical design which front bay central entry, one and a half stories eaves. The roofs are usually low to moderately pitch and the dominant rooflines extend down the front and the back of the home to the first floor. The Cape Cod houses have side gables and a small overhang, a central door, multi-paned, double-hung windows and low ceilings. The floor of the house often uses hardwood.
The Importance of Universal Design
“Playing house” is one of most children’s favorite pastimes, especially when the weather is perfect enough to spend hours at a time in an outdoor playhouse. All the neighborhood children gather and want to play except for one of the children. This child is confined to a wheelchair and simply can’t fit inside the tiny plastic playhouse. Instead we have to play “house” on the patio or play other games. Although we try to accommodate this friend’s wheelchair, it is bothersome that this friend could not share my special playhouse.
Over a decade later, the confined spaces of playhouses everywhere are giving way to universally designed playgrounds and spaces. Universal Design (UD) is largely defined as the process of creating products that are usable by people with the widest possible range of abilities. Simply put, it is moving beyond making specific things adequately accessible. Now barriers are being removed completely and seamlessly by creating flowing spaces that can be utilized by any person with or without assistance regardless of age or ability. It is making life simpler and more enjoyable for everyone.
Having evolved from the Accessible Design Movement of the 1970′s to The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Universal Design of today has moved beyond public spaces and into the ranch style colonial house plans of the average homeowner. It is not necessarily a movement, science, or a unique lifestyle, though those are popular ways of defining UD, rather it is a constantly evolving awareness of the need to provide usability to a greater extent. The average home in the United States is best suited for a a6’2″ male around 25 years of age. Because of that, people have adapted themselves to these ill-fitting environments. However, Universal Design is better able to equip our homes to our needs. With life expectancies increasing world wide, now more than ever, people have the desire to age gracefully in their homes. Additionally, the average homeowner wants greater convenience, time efficiency and features that will integrate comfort and security.
Integrating Universal Design into your colonial home plan is not difficult. Start by simply reevaluating your home environment. Think about your every day tasks and what would make them easier for your family. Do you have a bad back that revolts every time the dishwasher needs emptying? What about when you trip on the front stoop every time you come home after dark? There are solutions to these common frustrations. Try incorporating slight design alterations such as the following into your home:
Installing front loading washers, dryers, and pull out dishwashers reduces strain and increases accessibility. Add efficient lighting: pathways, dedicated task spaces, nightlights, touch lights or rocker switches. Create a safe sloping walkway allowing seamless movement from the driveway to the interior of a home without the need to take a step. Make entrance spaces at least 5′x 5′ and doors 36-inch wide for uninhibited movement. Purchase and install fire alarms/smoke detectors that flash, as well as sound, to ensure awareness regardless of sight or hearing abilities. Lever handles on doors or faucets and ‘D’ and ‘C’ shaped handles on drawers/pull-outs increase manageability. Walk-in tubs and barrier free shower floors are safer and expand usability. Grab bars can be located anywhere in the home without detracting from the decor. Knee spaces under counters increases comfort and convenience when attending to tasks.
Adjustable heights for any household items (ex: closet rods, counter tops, shower heads). High color contrasting increases visibility (ex: counter tops from counter edges). Ovens and cooktops with front controls prevent the need to reach over hot surfaces during use.
These are just a few of the many Universal Design concepts readily available for home use. After reviewing these ideas and evaluating your home, you may want to speak with your contractor about incorporating Universal Design. Your design professional may have further suggestions and can help you contact a User-Expert Designer. A Universal Design User-Expert is someone who is well acquainted with Universal Design and can discuss with you what concepts would likely benefit your lifestyle the most. User-Experts consult regularly with parents of small children, those living with disabilities of varying degrees, elderly involved with the Independent Living Movement, or anyone who uses and benefits from Universal Design. User-Experts continually working for the advancement of Universal Design into standard craftsman style colonial house plans and can be extremely beneficial to your design process.
Flexibility is the most important aspect of Universal Design. Remember that technologies are always evolving and your lifestyle is similarly inclined to change at a moment’s notice. Universal Design allows your home to transition with you as life happens rather than forcing you to work around frustrating barriers.
Add To Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Many realtors think curb appeal is just as important as the location of a home. Some buyers simply refuse to even consider going to a showing of a home that does not “grab” them at first glance from the outside, so standing out among the sea of homes on the internet, newspapers and streets is essential. In this slumped housing market, you cannot afford to neglect curb appeal and its importance when selling your unique cottage colonial house plans house.
Curb Appeal 101 has taught us that the mailbox is the potential buyer’s first impression of a home. Your mailbox should reflect the style that your home evokes. For example, a modern home that has a lot of windows wouldn’t typically have an antique wooden mailbox; you would probably see a geometric metal mailbox with plenty of color. Remember your mailbox must “fit” your home.
The area of the home that a buyer will see is the doorway. It could simply be a concrete walkway to the door or an elegant stone path that leads to the front porch. Either way, the entrance is a part of your coastal cottage colonial house plans that every guest will see. The primary focus of the entrance is the door itself. Your door should match the color scheme of the rest of the house or be a contrasting color that still incorporates the color scheme in some way. Get a new lock and door handle to complete that new antique vibe that you created.
Framing your door with plants and adding symmetry to the doorway are aesthetically pleasing. One way to accomplish this is to put one light fixture on each side of the doorway or put a potted plant on both sides of the door, etc. People find comfort in seeing symmetry; so adding symmetry to your entrance makes it feel more inviting. Your landscaping should be soft to distinguish itself from the hard edges of your colonial house floor plan. This contrast creates a balance in the overall look of your home. Your landscaping should always be clean and well kept; otherwise your curb appeal may be ruined.
Adding a new roof, replacing your windows and installing window decorations, fixing up your driveway and revamping your front porch are all other ways to help increase your curb appeal. While these changes are more invasive than the others, they will pay off in the long run. All of these changes will be well worth your hard work.
Build a House With Good Home Architecture Style
A house is a good investment and it’s best to have a house of your own than rent because prices for house rentals are just getting higher and higher. If you have the budget for it, it’s best to have your own house. Building a house from scratch is still the best way to go because you won’t end up having routinely maintenance of the old house you bought.
In constructing your house, you must first know what home architecture you want depending on your needs and budget. With home architecture you can find different house styles that have been used for ages and there are many house styles to choose from. If you want your home architecture to be of an Asian influence, make sure to check the lists of home architecture used in Asia. If you want a colonial house, there are many colonial houses to choose from with features that fits the needs of every American household.
If you are unsure about the type of home architecture you need, better consult a professional and just give them information about what you want and how you want it so they could come up with the right home architecture for you. It would be best to consult several architects so you’d have several choices. Remember, perhaps this would be the biggest investment of your life so you can’t risk making a wrong decision. Your house should feel like a home and it would be a horror if you’d end up regretting the choices you made with its construction.
You must also consult your family members to know what they also like. It’s not just going to be your house but it will be theirs too so a family participation would greatly improve the outcome that will satisfy all your needs.
It would also be a great idea if you check out home architecture magazines or books for some insights. If there is a certain portion of the house that you want to replicate, you can cut out those photos and present it to your architect. Cut out as many designs that you like so your architect will have an idea of your style so they could come up with the right home architecture to fit your lifestyle, taste and needs.
It is best to be involved in every step of your house construction so you will absolutely get the house of your dreams. Guide your architect and designers all the way and not risk getting disappointed in the end.
In the end, you would be well satisfied with your very own new house.
Turning Your Unfinished Basement Into A Multi-Purpose Room
The allure of the home basement is a selling point of whether you built with cabin or colonial house plan.s Once finished, this space not only adds value to your home, but it will also be a great space for all of the family to relax.
This might not sound as exciting as a trip to the local hardware store, but before you get too deep into your construction colonial house plans for your basement, you probably are going to want to clean out the family Christmas tree and luggage that has been gathering dust in your basement. Don’t feel bad. It’s common for most people to turn the unused living spaces of their homes into storage whether it was their original intention or not.
Now that you have your house plans with basement in hand start thinking of how you want to use the area. Below are some ideas to get you thinking of how to maximize this space in your home.
Is your wife always dragging her stationary bike up the stairs of the basement when she wants to work out? Is your son clinking his free weights at night in his room when you’re trying to fall asleep? If so, you might want to consider turning your basement into a home gym. There are many benefits of the home gym, the primary being your heath. With a home gym you can work out at anytime of day, in all types of weather. After the initial investment, you can also expect to see savings by avoiding costly gym fees and contracts.
Do you love wine and worry about your favorite wine being stored in the wrong temperature? A wine room and cellar is a great way to preserve your favorite wine. It is also an opportunity to create a great, less formal space, for entertaining friends and hanging out with family. Don’t be surprised if your house becomes the most popular spot on the block.
Tired of tripping over video games while trying to find the DVD you rented? Does the sound of the television on in the other room keep you up at night? If so, you might want to consider turning your basement into a multi-media room. By putting your home computer, television, video games and stereo in one room of the house, you open up other spaces of the house for entertaining and quiet. You would be amazed at how much living space will be freed up with all of your electronics under the house.
Still can’t decide? Why not speak to a professional and inquire about combining elements of all or some of the above into one grand design? Depending on the square footage of your basement, every member of the family might have his or her own new space under the house.
Floor Plans To Avoid When Buying A Home
There continues to be a large inventory of homes for sale in nearly every market. One of the problems is that among the listed properties are many that pose less-than-ideal floor colonial house plas While long-time homeowners might immediately identify layouts that are poorly designed, first-time homebuyers may be less familiar with them. This can lead to mistakes they’ll regret years down the road.
With this in mind, we’ll take a closer look below at several floor house colonial plas to avoid when looking at homes for sale. Each of the following layouts can make selling your house more difficult in the years to come.
A Dominant Dining Room
Houses that force people to traverse dining rooms in order to reach key areas of the home are inconvenient. They also “feel” wrong. For example, someone who enters the house from the front entrance may be forced to walk through the dining room to access the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. The reason for this layout is uncertain, but it can – and likely will – make selling your property more difficult.
Inability To See Other Areas From Major Rooms
If you are sitting in your living room, you should be able to see other areas of the home through one or more doorways. For example, one doorway might lead to a family room while another opens into the foyer and entrance. The more you can see, the more expansive the house seems.
By contrast, a poor layout is one that prevents this level of visibility from major rooms. This has the opposite effect, making the house seem smaller.
Stairs Facing The Front Entrance
Many people are feng shui enthusiasts, and thus look for floor house plas that accommodate this system of aesthetics. The front entrance of a home is known as the “Mouth Of Chi.” It is through this opening that many people believe a house receives its energy. When stairs face the entrance, the energy is believed to flow immediately up them, leaving the ground level devoid of feng shui energy. For this reason, those who are devoted to feng shui design are unlikely to purchase a home with this feature.
Even for those who are unfamiliar with feng shui, however, the stairs can appear jarring. If they are positioned to one side, the effect is minimized, but still less than ideal.
An Isolated Family Room Or Living Room
Many houses are designed with the living room or family room set off to the side so they seem sequestered from the rest of the home. In most cases, these areas are attached to the main foyer or entrance, but otherwise remain isolated. From a practical perspective, the rooms maintain their usefulness. Family and visitors can still congregate in them. However, because they are remotely located from other rooms in the home, there is a pervasive feeling of detachment.
If you plan to use the family room or living room on rare occasions, this may not pose a serious issue. Keep in mind future buyers may feel differently.
Tight Hallways Leading Into The Home
When you walk through the front door of a house, and are greeted by a long hallway, the hall seems intimidating. It is unpleasant. Even if the hall is well-lit, the enclosed space might appear stifling. Contrast this with an entrance that opens into a foyer with the living room to the right and a path to the kitchen on the left. It is far more inviting.
Many homebuyers consider floor colonial home plas on an instinctive level. They may be unable to pinpoint the reason they feel unsettled about a given layout, but they can “feel” something is off. Moreover, this feeling surfaces within seconds. When you are looking at homes for sale, keep the above layouts in mind. Even if you are willing to overlook an unappealing floor plan, future buyers may be unwilling to do the same. When the time comes to sell your house, this can greatly influence the bids you attract.
House Plans – Selecting a Bathtub
One of the most significant additions to your new home is selecting your bathtubs. Choosing the proper tub for each bathroom is an important decision. Just as you had to choose amongst everything from luxury floor colonial house plans to traditional ranch colonial house plans bathtub options are plentiful. Bathtubs can be built-in or freestanding, soaking tubs, shower combinations, or tubs built for two. And each style is offered in an abundance of materials, shapes and sizes.
The size of your bathroom will set the stage for your options. Keep in mind that home style often guides but certainly doesn’t dictate bathroom size. Colonial colonial house plans for example, may often feature smaller bathrooms. Tubs can range from 40 to 85 inches in length and 22-72 inches in width and 12-32 inches in depth. Different sizes account for different functions. A deeper tub is more suitable for soaking, or for people of larger stature. In contrast, a petite person may be uncomfortable in a deep, larger tub. Design your bathroom to meet your needs and accommodate the home’s style.
Built-in and freestanding tubs are the two most common styles in most homes. Built-ins can either be alcove, drop-in or corner designs. Alcove tubs are the standard American bathtub. These frontal exposure tubs are on the shallow side, typically include a shower, and are available with limited customizable options.
Drop-in, or sunk-in, models are sunken into the floor or a tub deck and can also be described as garden tubs. The expansive deep spa tub makes them ideal for relaxing, especially in large bathrooms with a separate shower. The surrounding deck space is ideal for candles and soaking accessories for a spa-like experience. Corner models are similar, as they are situated to the corner of the bathroom with surrounds on the two sides.
Freestanding tubs include an abundance of styles, including the classic claw-foot, pedestal and other legged designs common in many country farm colonial house plan.s These models have exposed pipes so they are easier to install, require no additional framework and are often thought of as antique with a certain amount of charm. They are also typically deeper than standard built-in models to accommodate for soaking.
Bathtubs can be made from a multitude of materials. Porcelain on steel (POS) is the most common due to its resistance to corrosion, acid and abrasion. It is also lightweight and moderately priced in comparison to other materials. Fiberglass is also a popular choice because of its price. It is not the most durable of materials, but can be repaired fairly easily. Acrylic is also used, although are prone to wear and tear over time. Products are available to resurface acrylic and buff out any scratches. On the pricier side is enameled cast iron. With the high cost comes a very durable material as it is extremely resistant to chipping and scratching. Other “high-end” options include marble and granite.
Ranch Homes – Past, Present and Future
In 1932, the first ranch style home was built and designed by an architect named Cliff May. He built these homes with natural materials and wanted to make sure that they were easy to maintain. This simple, affordable and easily attainable style began sprouting up all over the country after the end of World War II and the baby boom began. There was a great need for more housing across the country and country ranch colonial house plans featured everything a family could want. There are still plenty of advantage of ranch living that have created resurgence in the one-story home of yesteryear and making it the home to build for the future.
With ranch homes you get a universal style design. A one-level home has a floor plan that offers accessible living for all ages. Whether you’re a new mother struggling with a baby and all the baby gear, or an elderly person trying to live on their own in their home for as long as they can; an open floor plan like most ranch homes have is the perfect solution for easy living. As baby boomers age, they are returning to the style they once had years ago when they raised their families because of its ease of livability and movement.
Walkout ranch colonial house plans are easily adaptable. Americans crave open spaces now more than ever, and the ranch home of today and its predecessors can provide that open feeling homeowners want. The ranch homes built today have been designed to feel open and airy, and those counterparts from the past are easily adaptable and can be reconfigured fairly easily by removing interior walls and creating usable additional square footage.
As Americans continue to deal with rising energy costs, living in a smaller, more efficient home has become even more important than ever. It is no longer about the quantity, but rather the quality of the space you have. So, living within fewer cubic feet will keep your energy bills down. Because ranch homes are usually placed on a larger lot, it is feasible to expand your living conditions by adding an addition to the existing Dutch colonial house plan quite easily right off the main level. You also have the ability to finish the basement or perhaps add a second story onto the home when additional square footage is needed.
Luxury Home Plans 101
Often your house is the largest asset you will ever own. You spend everyday in your home so it should fully meet all your basic needs. Luxurious homes with alluring amenities are more attainable than you think. You don’t have to be a wealthy celebrity or billionaire mogul to live in a luxury home. Customized floor colonial house plans make it possible to live your dream life without breaking the bank.
While posh homes are often spacious, any size home can include gracious amenities to improve your lifestyle. Sparkling bathrooms, a fantastic family room, a functional kitchen and plenty of storage space make any home more appealing. Of course larger homes offer additional opportunities for guest rooms, a library, a recreation room, outdoor living areas and other exciting additions.
There are a variety of beautiful luxury house colonial plans to choose from. Popular luxury home styles include Victorian, Mediterranean, European, colonial and traditional. Each type of home has its own unique design and features.
Victorian homes have multiple roofs, paned bay windows and dramatic turrets. The streets of many major cities throughout the United States are lined with lovely Victorian homes. Just as their name implies, Victorian homes named for Queen Victoria. Since the 19th century, Victorian homes have been associated with affluence and superior design. Gingerbread houses is a term often used to refer to highly decorated Victorian homes.
Mediterranean style homes emulate popular designs originating in Spain and Italy. Often you see Mediterranean homes in the south and southwestern regions of the United States. Mediterranean homes often have stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, columns and arches. Usually there are plenty of spacious outdoor living spaces such as wrought iron balconies and covered decks overlooking lush gardens.
European luxury house colonial plans feature high ceilings, fireplaces, open rooms, French doors, gourmet kitchens, master bedroom suites and plenty of open floor space. Architectural styles included in European colonial house plans include Tudor, Georgian, Italian and French.
Colonial homes originated in 1640 as early European settlers brought their various housing styles to America. Popular colonial home styles include Spanish colonial, Dutch colonial, French colonial, German colonial and Georgian. With clean, simple lines and quality craftsmanship, colonial homes remain a popular choice today.
Traditional homes appeal to every budget and taste. Based on a variety of architectural designs, traditional homes can be a ranch or two stories. Because of their versatility, traditional homes are easily customized to meet every possible desire. Add multiple car garages, outdoor living areas and a pool for completely gracious living.
Often contemporary homes are also consider luxury homes. With their signature oversize windows, contemporary homes offer the benefit of panoramic views from every room. Spacious contemporary colonial house plans also include all the modern amenities discerning homeowners crave.
What’s Your House Plan Style?
Whether you’re single, married or have a family, you have a lifestyle. Your house style should compliment your lifestyle so you enjoy gracious living everyday. Some people like to spread out while others enjoy being cozy and close. Other folks prefer to be right in the middle of natural, unaffected landscapes. Before you go shopping for colonial house plas consider what your house style is.
Do you like to live in a rugged environment amidst the wildlife, flora and fauna? Are you a person with a pioneering spirit who loves the great outdoors? A harmony mountain cottage home plan may offer the getaway you always dreamed of. Mountain cottage homes are actually built into hillside lots. Architecture and nature blend for a fusion of beauty and comfort.
In a mountain cottage home, you appreciate the rustic mountain setting with all the amenities you desire indoors. The interior floor plan can range from traditional to contemporary based on your personal preferences. When you step out your door, you’ll be right in the middle of a mountain or hill.
Are you a person who enjoys history, museums, antiques and old stories? Do you like a house with plenty of room and nooks to hide out? Review space saving colonial home plans to find your fantasy homestead. The original colonial American homes were built during the early 17th century. As the New World was developed, houses with clean, simple lines based on European design erupted across the land.
Over time, colonial homes were defined by region. In the South, colonial homes had higher ceilings so the occupants could stay cool because heat rises. Colonial homes in the North had lower ceilings to keep the residents snug and warm during cold weather. For awhile Victorian homes dominated the housing scene but colonial enjoyed renewed popularity around the time American turned 100 years old. This period is known as the Colonial Revival. Today colonial homes stand proudly across America and remind us of days gone by. Updated colonial homes are often breathtakingly luxurious. Multiple rooms, comfortable corners and lovely gardens make colonial homes a traditional choice for many.
Do you live a casual lifestyle and prefer to be surrounded by a few of your favorite possessions? Is coziness a top priority for your comfort? Do you have a slightly artistic flair? Check out bungalo colonial house plans for simple, affordable living with everything you need. Bungalows are one and a half stories with most of the living space on the first floor. Usually bungalows have a low roof and very efficient floor house plan.s Some bungalows have additional comfort zones such as a sunroom or covered front porch. Because of its price and charm, bungalows are a first home for many Americans. Bungalows are so welcoming and warm, a lot of people decide to stay in them permanently.