Selecting House Plans: Holiday-Friendly Features to Look For
Article by Robert Digby
When considering what floor plans to use for a new home, it's important for people to think about not only what their daily lifestyle needs entail, but also how holiday traditions and family gatherings will come into play. With the holiday season upon us, this is the perfect time to test the overall functionality of one's house plans for entertaining.
Home plans for your new house should have space for all the action and festivities that come along with the holidays. Here are some things to keep in mind when in the process of selecting plans for your house:
Overnight Guests
You may find yourself inviting guests to stay in your home overnight, especially during the holidays. In order to make them feel both welcome and comfortable, it's a good idea to have an extra room or guest suite included in your floor plans to be prepared for this kind of situation.
Many house plans incorporate a guest suite on the first level of a home with room for a closet, bed and some sitting room. Some go as far as including a private bathroom. For guests with children, home plans that include a den or daylight basement are great as they allow an out-of-the-way sleeping area for the children.
Dinner Parties
Whenever there is a gathering, the most popular place for guests to congregate always seems to be your kitchen. Instead of shooing your guests out, look at floor plans that would allow them to sit, chat and not block your path to the oven. Such home plans can include a large breakfast bar or an island with stools; you may also want to consider an open floor plan in which the kitchen seamlessly opens into a family room.
The dining room is just as important as your kitchen during the holidays, as it needs to fit all of your guests effortlessly and comfortably. Look at floor plans that have dining rooms large enough for your dining table when the extra leaves are in place. Guests should be able to slide their chairs in and out without hitting a wall or bumping into other furniture. Additionally, consider house plans with dining rooms large enough to fit your China cabinet or buffet in the same space. A dining room next to the kitchen is also nice because you do not have to walk back and forth while setting up or cleaning.
The Christmas Tree
Look for floor plans that will meet your year-round decorating needs. Take the Christmas tree, for instance. Size and placement of your preferred tree are good things to keep in mind when you are on the hunt for home plans. If you like a nice tall tree, make sure your house plans include vaulted ceilings in the living room. If you like the world to see how lovely your tree looks adorned with decorations, consider plans with large picture or bay windows.
Chestnuts and Stockings
Fireplaces aren't solely a source of heat, but also a place to gather around with your family and build Christmas memories. Think about including a hearth in your home plan for hanging stockings. If you are not comfortable operating a wood-fueled fireplace, there are always gas-powered options to consider.
Peace on Earth
Sometimes holidays and a multitude of guests can be overwhelming. Think about adding a private room or area for yourself in your home plans to allow you a place of escape. This can be as simple as a reading room, large bathroom (with a tub to soak in) or private study.
About the Author
Houseplans.co not only offers a fantastic selection of unique stock floor plans, but also caters to custom house design projects. Visit www.HousePlans.co to learn more about how to create a custom home design that fits all your needs.
