The Drawing Board

How to Design Your Dream Outdoor Space

Rick McAlexander

As people have spent more time at home over the past year, interest in usable, comfortable outdoor living spaces has soared. Functionality has proven to be important as many have opted to use outdoor areas as remote workspaces, classrooms, or simply to relax and connect with family and nature.

The desire to have a multi-functional outdoor space is a trend The House Plan Company, a house plan marketing firm based in Eugene, Oregon has verified based on the interest in has seen in house plans with extensive or comfortable outdoor living spaces. Four of the most popular designs offer...

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Design Trend: Hillside House Plans with Walk-Out Basement Floor Plans

Rick McAlexander

Over the last few years the desire for hillside house plans has skyrocketed. With more subdivisions and city growth occurring in hillier terrain or those building on rural property looking to get the most of your lots views – homes with walk-out basements are becoming increasingly popular.

Home designs with walk-out basements come in a variety of sizes and styles. Before we dive into some of our favorite house plans with daylight basements let’s take a look at the advantages of a walk-out basement floor plan.

While construction may be tricky don’t let this scare you. By...

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Multigenerational House Plans and In-Law Suites

Rick McAlexander

There are plenty of reasons to think creatively when it comes to building the perfect home plan. A dream design can be tweaked to help generate extra income as a primary residence or investment. And owners with a bit of room to spare can create spaces for beloved parents or grandparents to live in comfort while maintaining independence for the rest of the family.

Owners are increasingly eyeing plans built with the versatility of in-law suites, duplexes and multigenerational homes in mind. From cottages and farmhouses, to craftsman and hillside homes, there are numerous designs to...

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Searches for Southern Living House Plans Have Increased 500% Over the Past 12 Months

Rick McAlexander

Online search data reveals Southern style house plans are surging in popularity, with major search engines showing a 500% increase in searches for the design style over the past 12 months. This emerging trend has been validated by The House Plan Company, a house plan marketing firm based in Eugene, Oregon that has watched five of its southern-inspired home plans grow in popularity over the past year. The designs offer a mix of modern, hillside, palatial estate, vacation home and urban living architecture.

“Southern living plans may be growing in popularity because of their eye-...

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Pandemic Home Trends Emphasize Flexibility While Maintaining Comfort

Rick McAlexander

The past year has taught homeowners everywhere the value of a little extra space. With families spending more time than ever in their homes, bedrooms have been turned into offices or classrooms, while bonus rooms have been converted to living spaces for extended family.

Though the pandemic will eventually fade into memory, these home trends show signs of enduring for the long term. Numerous plans available through The House Plan Company reflect these changing preferences, with buyers increasingly placing an emphasis on flexibility and efficient, creative use of spaces. And those...

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The Evolution of Country-Inspired Design

Rick McAlexander

Country-inspired design can mean different things to different people. Depending on who you ask—builders, architects or home buyers—it may include traditional Ranch, Country and Farmhouse designs. For design purists, each of these design themes has specific elements that make them stand apart. As the popularity of home design and renovation shows has exploded over the past decade, the definition of “country-inspired” home design has been unofficially modified, and now includes interpretations that blend the different style elements.

“Often it’s a sense of nostalgia that draws...

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Building a New Home? Here’s What Contractors Want You to Know About Design & Construction

Rick McAlexander

Homebuilding offers the unique ability to create a custom living space suited to your needs and design tastes, but the process is rarely a simple one. Knowing what to plan for can ensure the end result is a home that matches your vision and will be a place you will love living in for years to come. But what are the most important things to consider before committing to a new build? What steps are overlooked or often unanticipated by homeowners interested in building for the first time?

The House Plan Company , asked builders to...

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