The way we live today has changed dramatically — not just compared to previous generations, but in the past five years alone.
Our homes need to keep up. That starts with the floor plan.
So, what sets a modern home floor plan apart from alternative floor plans? While we offer dozens of floor plans, each uniquely designed for different family needs, many share a few fundamental characteristics. Floor plan DNA, if you will.
Gathering Room & Family Room
Hectic schedules define modern living. We’re all busy, all the time. “Let me check my calendar” has become a reflexive response, with work, school, appointments, and other responsibilities filling nearly every spare moment.
When we do find time to be with friends and family, we want to be together. Fewer people today want homes with formal living rooms or dining rooms. We’ve shifted away from floor plans with separate, defined spaces like these toward open concept floor plans designed for more casual living.
We call it the gathering room for a reason. Whatever your family structure, when everyone is gathered here, you can truly relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Mudroom
Back in the day, what we now call the mudroom used to be simply known as the laundry room. (Or the even more mundane-sounding “utility room.”) A space for the washer and dryer, maybe an ironing board, drying rack, and shelves or cabinets to store detergent. Yawn.
The mudroom, on the other hand, is like a do-anything-and-then-some room.
Home from work? Sit down, kick off your shoes, hang up your coat, and exhale. Does the dog need to be taken for a walk? The leash is on a peg by the door. Going out for a date night? Grab the tickets off the board on your way out. Weekend tournament? Every uniform, glove, and mouthpiece is ready and waiting.
The mudroom keeps all the things your family needs to function on a daily basis in one organized drop zone. Oh yeah — you can do laundry there, too. As part of a modern home floor plan, the mudroom has become a versatile space that shines.
Home Office
The home office really came into its own during the recent pandemic. Since adjusting to the new normal, we may not be working from home full-time anymore. But even in hybrid work situations, it helps to have a dedicated space where you can focus and be productive.
Some prefer the privacy and extra space of an enclosed office. Others prefer a more simple desk area near the gathering room that perfectly serves their needs. The key is having a floor plan with a workspace that works for you.
Once again, the versatility of a modern home floor plan allows you to be creative in using your space in a way that works best for you and your lifestyle. People do use home offices differently — as playrooms, art studios, meditation rooms, or some combination. (Imagine getting in a quick yoga session between virtual meetings without having to go anywhere.)
Garage
If you think of your garage as where you keep your car, you’re not thinking big enough.
The modern garage is home to stuff galore. In addition to the two vehicles that are part of most households, chances are you’ll also need room for an incredible array of gear. Including, but certainly not limited to:
- Lawn and garden. Mowers, trimmers, blowers, rakes, snow shovels.
- Deck/patio. Furniture, cushions, seasonal lighting/decor.
- Hardware. Tools, ladders, saw horses, generators, compressors.
- Outdoor recreation. ATVs, bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, tents, coolers, camp chairs.
- Sports. Golf carts, golf clubs, skis, snowboards, boots, balls, bats.
You get the idea. For most homeowners today, you don’t have to own multiple cars to justify having a large garage.
What’s Your Floor Plan DNA?
We’re always thinking about how every square foot of your home meets your unique needs. You could say that’s part of our DNA. Let’s talk about the floor plan that’s right for you.
