Long gone are the days of walking through a cramped laundry room on the way in from the garage. In keeping with the modern focus on convenience and utility, it’s more likely that the laundry room presents owners with a spacious and organized area for chores. These designs push the concept even farther by placing the laundry room right next to bedrooms, making it easy to throw in a load of sheets without taking more than a few steps.
This modern farmhouse feels fresh and sleek with vertical siding, abundant windows, and two eye-catching gables. Inside, the sightline directs your gaze from the foyer all the way through the great room and out to the rear porch, where an optional outdoor kitchen invites everyone out for barbecues. A snack bar in the kitchen creates a fun hangout zone, with the sink on the island so owners can face guests while rinsing veggies. The master suite features a large walk-in closet that opens directly to the laundry room. Other thoughtful features include lockers near the powder bath, extra storage in the garage, and a generous bonus suite upstairs. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
Photo by Josh Garretson
This sleek design incorporates outdoor living into the footprint of the home, with a fireplace-warmed space just outside the great room. The kitchen’s island holds seating for four and an adjacent open dining room. For working from home or holding guests, the den near the front stands ready with a full bath attached. Upstairs, the master suite offers a huge walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom. Three more bedrooms share the hall bath with two sinks and convenient closeness to the laundry room. Corner windows in the bonus space make it a bright place for a future office. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
Lockers and Other Smart Storage
Photo courtesy of House Plan Zone
This relaxed, open layout features many practical amenities. In the master suite, a large walk-in closet provides plenty of room for clothing, with the laundry room just a few steps into the hallway. Lockers greet family members returning home through the garage entrance, making it easy to drop backpacks and stash other school supplies. The island kitchen features an eating bar and a sink that faces out, along with a walk-in pantry for big grocery trips. An open dining room feels casual and modern. On the right side of the home, three bedrooms share a large hall bathroom. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
Photo by Jerry Fedewa Homes of East Lansing, MI
Full of modern amenities, this stone-accented home is a great choice for a family. An island with a snack bar adds useful counter space in the kitchen. Head to the great room and relax by the fireplace, or find quiet in the den (make this a dining room instead, if owners choose). The first-floor master suite boasts a large shower and corner tub. Upstairs, three more bedrooms access the vast unfinished bonus space. See more images, information, and the floor plan.