Who can resist a well-designed porch, patio, or deck? These house plans from Visbeen Architects do a good job of incorporating outdoor living into the layouts, with multiple access points to outside, large patios and porches, and (of course) relaxed open layouts. See a whole magazine of Visbeen plans here.
Designed with the modern family in mind, the Winston presents an open layout and seamless indoor-outdoor living. A variety of retractable glass walls open up the living and dining rooms to the back porches. Set three steps down from the living room, the screened porch is enclosed by a retractable screen system that allows the room to be heated during cold nights. A large island anchors the open kitchen, with seating for four and a nearby butler’s pantry for storage. Along the staircase, a wine room shows off collectible bottles in a floor-to-ceiling glass display room. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Outdoor Living on a Sloping Lot
Photo by Ashley Avila
Photo by Ashley Avila
The Ridgecrest gives a family plenty of room to spread out, with a finished walkout basement that includes leisure spaces. The main level holds the open kitchen, the fireplace-warmed living room, the open dining room, and a versatile study. Also on this level, the master suite gives homeowners a large shower, two sinks, and a walk-in closet. For older children or live-in relatives (or perhaps for renting out), a guest apartment can be finished above the garage. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Relax by the Outdoor Fireplace
Photo by Jeff Garland
The Waterside plan lives up to its name, with a variety of places for gazing out on the lake. But this modern farmhouse would also look great in a suburb, especially since it offers plenty of space for an active family. Highlights include the kitchen’s rounded bar table, which connects to the island and provides a fun, casual vibe, and the flexible study. Upstairs, the master suite features a large shower, two sinks, and two closets. Kids and visitors will enjoy the additional bedrooms, one with a connecting bunk room for sleepovers. The lower level can be finished to hold a family room and another bedroom or two for guests. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Photo courtesy of Visbeen Architects
The Thompson is ready for entertaining. The party’s in the kitchen, with a rounded bar table, a built-in booth, and openness to the living room. The master suite accesses a sunroom, which could also serve as an office or hobby space and leads out to a large wraparound porch. The lower level can be finished to hold an exercise space, family room, full bathroom, and more. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
