These home designs stand out. Look for modern farmhouse exteriors, social kitchens, in-law suites, innovative storage, and spa-like master bathrooms.

Farmhouse with Modern One-Story Layout

This exclusive plan takes the modern farmhouse form and gives it a fresh, soft look. The one-story layout makes it easy to age in place and grants each bedroom plenty of space and a walk-in closet. In the middle of the home, the living room opens out to a rear porch and then a screened porch with an outdoor kitchen for fun grilling parties. Everyone can gather around the kitchen’s island, where an eating bar sits just steps away from the open dining room. Don’t miss the master suite’s spa-like bathroom and huge closet. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Practical Amenities

G. Frank Hart Photography.
G. Frank Hart Photography.

Inside this 1,905-square-foot design, the everyday entrance from the garage takes homeowners past a convenient mudroom, where the pantry waits to receive groceries, a seat makes it easy to remove shoes, and closets stand ready for coats. Two walk-in closets add more storage to the master suite, which also features a well-equipped bathroom that boasts plenty of counter space, a tub with a view, and a large shower with a seat. Skylights bring natural illumination to the screen porch. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Two Master Suites for Multigen Families

An extra master suite on the main floor gives families tons of versatility in this home. In-laws or visitors will appreciate the comfort and accessibility of the second master suite, which features a contemporary large shower, two sinks, and a walk-in closet. Owners get to relax in the even-larger master suite across the home. The open layout of the gathering spaces encourages mingling, especially around the kitchen’s island and the cozy fireplace in the great room. Just 42 feet wide, the narrow footprint fits a tight lot. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Barn Doors and Big Kitchen

This modern farmhouse features tons of details to make everyday life easier. Check out the barn doors throughout, leading from the great room to the study (which makes a handy home office) and on both sides of the generous pantry. A large island in the kitchen includes room for seating on two sides, so it’s easy for friends and family to relax and talk with each other. The open dining room is a modern touch. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Guest Apartment Available

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 plans.

Optional Fourth Bedroom

This versatile floor plan puts three bedrooms and all living spaces on the first floor, but also gives owners the option to expand onto the second level with a fourth bedroom and a bonus room. Guests, live-in relatives, or older children will appreciate the extra privacy. On the main level, the ultra-open layout feels fresh and contemporary. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Remarkably Open Layout

Photo courtesy of Todd W. Reed
Photo courtesy of Todd W. Reed

Bright and relaxed, this four-bedroom home boasts an open layout and some surprising amenities. In the great room, three sets of French doors create indoor-outdoor flow between here and the patio. A pocket office sits behind barn doors for a charming spot to study or work from home. On the left side, the master suite offers owners a huge walk-in closet, access to the screened porch, and a deluxe bathroom with two sinks and a separate tub and shower. Another bedroom on the opposite end of the home makes an easy-to-reach suite for an in-law or visitors. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Super-Social Kitchen

Photo courtesy of Visbeen Architects
Photo courtesy of Visbeen Architects

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. A guests apartment above the garage offers living space for visitors, grown children, or perhaps even renters. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Flexible Guest Spaces

Photo courtesy of Skycastle Construction
Photo courtesy of Skycastle Construction

Clean-lined and cool, this modern design features an open layout that feels both relaxed and luxurious. The main gathering areas revolve around the kitchen, where a huge island will become the preferred hangout spot. A guest bedroom and full bathroom are tucked away in the back right corner, close enough to the rec room to use it as a private living space if desired (especially welcome for an elderly live-in relative to enjoy some independence). See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Popular Modern Farmhouse

Already a hot seller, this sleek design features a one-story layout that will fit many different lifestyles. The master suite connects from its large closet to the laundry room, making chores easier. On the opposite side, three more bedrooms (one a private suite) hold kids, visitors, or both. Note the extra storage in the garage and the bonus room upstairs. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Showpiece Walk-Through Shower

A metal roof and clean lines give contemporary sleekness to this design. The front-loading garage helps the home fit on a not-huge lot, while large lanais in back create impressive outdoor living areas. Inside, the open layout creates excellent flow between the kitchen, great room, and dining area (the latter opening out to the lanai via a sliding wall of glass). Owners will appreciate the spa-like master bathroom, where a walk-though shower and central tub steal the show. Each of the secondary bedrooms also accesses a full bathroom, giving grown children plenty of elbow room. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Barn-Inspired Style

This modern farmhouse features sleek, barn-inspired styling and an open layout. The kitchen displays a large island and overlooks both the casual dining area and the great room. Lanais on the back and side of the home encourage outdoor living. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Makes the Transition to an Empty Nest

The master suite and guest suite both are located on the main level, making it easier to age in place and host elderly relatives. The open kitchen flows into the dining room and great room, and also out to the back porch. Upstairs, two large bedrooms (one a suite) and a large bonus room give older kids room to stretch out. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Stylish, Sort-of-Tiny Home

While tiny homes capture everyone's attention, a couple of hundred square feet probably isn't enough for many people. This cool design offers a more reasonable amount of space with 899 square feet on one level (no climbing up into a loft necessary). Whether built as a stand-alone residence or as an accessory dwelling unit (perhaps as an in-law unit), this little house shows big style. See more images, information, and the floor plans.

Outdoor-Focused Farmhouse

The Briarcliff presents a slight twist on the modern farmhouse, with several of the bedrooms in the finished daylight basement. On the main level, a variety of outdoor living areas (including a terrace and covered patio) give owners options for lounging outside. The kitchen island seats a total of six people on two sides, so conversation is easier than if all seats were in one row. See more images, information, and the floor plans.