Today’s families come in all sizes and configurations, from grandparents raising their grandkids (a group 2.7 million people strong, according to recent Census data) to the growing ranks of people who live alone. So why should all layouts assume that the owners are partnered and have (or will have) children? These outside-the-box layouts might be just the ticket for your less-traditional buyers.
Two Master Suites Open Up Possibilities
A second master suite makes this home a great choice for
variety of living situations: perhaps your buyers are taking care of an elderly
parent, are two friends looking to share a home, or simply would like
extra-comfortable accommodations for guests. Either way, this smart plan is
designed to maximize passive solar opportunities while featuring an open layout
and an abundance of natural light. High and low windows are intended to take
advantage of passive cooling. The layout wraps around a courtyard for private
outdoor living. The ultra-open living room flows effortlessly into the dining
area and then to the island kitchen. Each suite includes a walk-in closet,
private bath, and spacious bedroom. See
more images, information, and the floor plan.
Perfect for a Childfree Couple
This striking home includes outstanding details that an
individual or couple without children (or with just one) will love. Take the
flex room: with an adjacent bathroom, it makes an equally great guest suite or
handy home office. A semi-open library exudes coziness with its two-sided
fireplace and room for books (more shelves sit in the master foyer). Meanwhile,
the spacious master suite shows off a large shower and separate tub. A mud room
and special recycling zone in the garage keep everything organized. The open
island kitchen makes it easy to interact with friends when they come over. See more images, information, and
the floor plan.
Versatility for
Blended Families
This intriguing layout would work well for a family with children of different ages: a young adult can live in the suite upstairs and use the office there to job hunt, while younger kids can occupy the wing close to the master suite downstairs (they’ll love their private loft). Many details of the home are geared towards a large, active family: the kitchen’s practical island, the spacious laundry room, and a three-car garage. A walk-in pantry can hold lots of groceries. In an alternate scenario, older buyers raising grandkids might want comfortable accommodations (the upstairs suite) for their adult child. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Hints of classic Prairie style grace the exterior of this
special plan. Inside, the spacious kitchen includes a curved island that
overlooks the great room and provides a direct view of the fireplace with
built-in cabinets. The spacious master suite encompasses the entire right side
of the home and includes a massive walk-in closet (opening directly into the
laundry room!), dual sinks, and a separate tub and shower. Another spacious
suite sits on the opposite site, offering plenty of privacy to an in-law or
special guest. A computer nook and walk-in closet near the garage entrance make
it easy to hang up your coat and plug in your phone. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
