The Drawing Board

2022 Home Design Trends

Rick McAlexander

As the end of the year approaches, reflection over the last year begins. What architectural styles faded or continue to dominate? What size or floor plan arrangement held homeowners’ preferences? The House Plan Company has taken a pause to reflect on the top design trends of 2022.

The top trend for 2022 was Barndominium plans. This modern style draws from the past with heavy...

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Space for the Holidays: 4 Bedroom Floor Plans

Rick McAlexander

With the holiday season upon us, celebration planning is underway and many homeowners ponder how to accommodate friends and family. Are there enough chairs at the dining table, is there room to add extra seating, and for those traveling to visit where will they stay? Lofts, bonus rooms, and living rooms morph from gathering spaces to bedrooms but with careful planning a home can more easily adapt to the demands of the holidays.

Homes with four bedrooms have been a rising trend in the residential design industry. The House Plan Company has a complete collection of designs dedicated...

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Work from Home with Pocket Offices, Dens, and Backyard Cottages

Rick McAlexander

As more and more companies make the shift to remote work permanent; homeowners are looking for solutions to move their impromptu kitchen or dining room office spaces to private or more out of the way areas of their home. To accommodate the additional use, home design trends have shifted to designs with four bedrooms to provide this added functionality as a short-term change. With the shift to long term remote working, homeowners are looking for their office space to feel more specific to supporting their new work environment. The House Plan Company has a diverse collection of homes with...

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Take it Outside - Homes with Floor Plans that Extend Outdoors

Rick McAlexander

While the peak of summer has slipped into the past, fall’s cooler temperatures can make spending time outside more enjoyable. The scorching sun no longer driving activities into the air-conditioned spaces, friends and family gather to enjoy the last rays of sun and what better way than to spend time outside. Over the last few years, the desired to incorporate more of the outdoors into living spaces has been a leading design trend. To help inspire others to extending their living outside The House Plan Company has highlighted five plans from there collection – large and small homes – that...

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Beyond the House: Barns, Sheds, and Workshops

Rick McAlexander

Summer is the time for improvement projects around the house and property. The question to move or stay and upgrade comes up often. For those who love the community they are in or property they have it can be difficult to choose. The House Plan Company has put together a collection of designs that help you think outside the house and out into the yard. Fall in love with where you live all over again with these barns, sheds, and workshops that will breathe new life and functionality to any property.

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Cabanas and Pool Side Additions that Make a Splash

Rick McAlexander

With summer in full swing the team at The House Plan Company has put together a collection of plans that would make a fantastic addition to any backyard. Whether you are looking to up your pool side experience with the addition of a cabana or create the ultimate outdoor living room these designs are sure to make a splash!

Mountain Casita (shown above)

Designed with the sunny southwest in mind the Mountain Casita design #85405 offers 1580 square feet of...

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Pro Tips for Building in Today's Market

Rick McAlexander

For those building in today’s market, the process of getting a project off paper and under construction can be daunting—regardless of the size of the build and whether it’s a first venture into a construction project or not. Considerations from the availability of designers and architects to builders and construction supplies can impact not only how soon a project may be started, but how long it will take to complete.

“Even if you are fortunate enough to find your perfect plan, engineering and permitting will usually take several months,” said Rick McAlexander, CEO of The House...

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