If you're looking to build homes that convey a sense of ease and timeless style, take a look at these designs from the Donald A. Gardner Architects collection. Boomers and Gen Y alike will appreciate the eye-catching gables, interesting details (like touches of stone and decorative trusses), and contemporary open layouts.
This graceful one-story home opens out to an impressive back porch area that’s ready for different seasons. The screen porch protects against chilly breezes and includes a fireplace. On warmer days, the open porch with skylights beckons. Back inside the home, another fireplace warms the great room, which opens to the dining area and kitchen. Decorative ceiling treatments draw the eye up and add rich-feeling detail. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
This 2,151-square-foot design features graceful curb appeal with triple gables and paired porch columns. The layout inside prioritizes the open great room and kitchen, with access to the deck for outside entertaining. The master suite and a flexible study/bedroom are easy to reach on this level, while two additional bedrooms offer use of a hall bath and a bonus room upstairs. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
Busy families will appreciate the generous storage and open layout in this chic modern farmhouse. On the way in from the garage, a mudroom includes closet space and a bench for taking off shoes. More storage (including the walk-in pantry) lines the way to the master suite, where a huge walk-in closet can handle extensive wardrobes. For relaxed entertaining, the screen porch invites everyone to gather around a fireplace. Three more bedrooms occupy the upper level, along with a media room and bonus space. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
With an adjacent full bathroom, the study can easily serve as a guest suite in this one-story home. Walk-in closets add storage space to the other three bedrooms, especially the master suite (where owners will also enjoy the five-piece bathroom and a decorative tray ceiling in the bedroom). Instead of a traditional breakfast nook and separate (and in many cases, rarely used) dining room, you’ll find a large all-in-one eating area next to the kitchen. For extra storage or future expansion, the bonus room sits upstairs. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
