New for November, is the Bahama Breeze house plan, which was inspired by the casual elegant resorts of the Caribbean. This European-style, two-story home was designed with lots of large windows and sliders to capture the outdoors. There’s plenty of curb appeal with its beautiful mahogany and gas lantern entrance, front porch and balcony featuring large decorative columns and double entry doors. The grand room is magnificent with its wood beamed ceiling and staircase. When it comes to entertaining you have a large kitchen with island and open dining space. There are plenty of outdoor living spaces with the enclosed veranda, front and rear porch and balconies.

As for pampering and privacy, the second floor master suite has a see-thru fireplace into the spa-like bath retreat with garden tub and walk-in shower. The ceiling is vaulted with beams and there’s a large 20 ft wide window seat. There’s a wet bar and private access to a home office.

Additional amenities include a wet bar, elevator, exercise room with morning kitchen, 2 laundry rooms, second floor media room, a veranda with retractable screens and much more.

Capture the elegance and pampering of the Caribbean with this new house plan.

If you are looking for a small house plan with big curb appeal and an open floor plan, they you’ll want to check out house plan 7739. This two-story Colonial is ideal for a narrow lot and still includes a two-car garage (which can alternate with a breakfast room). Inside this 1,553 square foot home you’ll find a spacious kitchen with a large walk-in pantry that flows into the dining area and living room with fireplace. Upstairs is a master suite with a tray ceiling, garden bath and walk-in closet. Two ample size bedrooms are also located on the second floor.

Free flowing design makes this two-story home feel larger.

I was looking for a unique mountain house plan so I could finally start building on my Vermont property and came across the Candlewood. It had everything I was looking for and more. I definitely wanted a 2 bedroom house and couldn’t believe this floor plan, which had 3 bedrooms and 3 baths…AND a private master suite on the top floor. My husband and I were so excited to know that we would enjoy our privacy while entertaining family and friends. Other great features to this home are the two-story great room and wrap-a-round deck. And did I mention the master suite has a balcony. When I called to order this plan, I was told that it was an exclusive design to THD and that I would be receiving a $50 discount off the house plan. Thanks THD!!! I’ll send photos when it’s finished.

This spacious two-story is the perfect mountain getaway.

Our eco-friendly, small house plans have a wide range of energy saving elements, including ENERGY STAR® details that can help you save 20% to 30% off your energy costs. Our green home plans have all been selected from our best-selling collections and architectural styles, which include everything from tiny house plans, country home plans, fabulous kitchens to luxury one story and two story house plans. Check out our some of best selling green, small home plans in this weeks issue of Dream Designs.

One of our more popular green designs is the Shelton Road House Plan, THD-1858. This beautiful traditional green design is easy-to-build and features a flexible floor plan. The great room has 11’ 6” trayed ceilings, built-in cabinets and large energy-efficient windows to let in natural lighting. A well-equipped kitchen offers easy access to the formal dining room as well as the casual breakfast area. The expansive and well-appointed master suite features a 10’ trayed ceiling, his and hers walk-in closets, an oversized jet tub, separate shower, compartmentalized toilet and dual vanities. This home plan also comes with a 240 square foot unfinished bonus room.

Traditional and flexible floor plan.

A staircase is an integral part of any two-story home. When it comes to design and style, stairs can be steep or gradual, narrow or wide, purely function or grand and showy. Some staircases are built in place by stairmakers, carpenters or woodworkers, while others are prefabricated and shipped to your home, where it will be installed onsite by your builder.

You should take into consideration the function of your staircase before you choose your design. If it is an entry stairway that will handle a lot of foot traffic and be highly visible from your foyer, than you will want to choose a beautiful, yet durable staircase. For out-of-sight stairways leading to the basement and/or attic, then think economically and choose a pre-built staircase.

Here are a few tips to find the right design for you:

* Match your staircase to the style and décor of your home.

* Consider whether or not you want to use the underneath of your staircase for storage space.

* Allow for natural light by positioning your staircase near windows, since staircases generally can be dark.

View the entire article, as well as get inspired by some of our elegant stairways in our newest issue of Dream Designs.

When customers call into our office they are usually looking for a few specific things that they want in a house plan. I got a call this week from a couple who was looking for a master suite on the first floor and a large family room, but they needed to keep the size of their home to under 2,500 square feet.

They wanted a two-story home, so their children could occupy the second floor and they could enjoy their privacy. I had remembered looking at the Bayside Cottage and thought what a great, mid-size home for a family of four. Like all great plans I come across each day, I put them in my favorite plans folder so I can easily find them when a customer calls.

This plan had everything they wanted and more. The family room was 17’ 8” x 23’ 3” with a hearth and vaulted 18 foot ceiling that opened into the living room and had access to the rear covered porch. Tucked behind the kitchen is a laundry room, storage space and yes…an elevator.

They were so happy with all the additional features to this plan, that they ordered the plan immediately and said they would begin building in the next three months. I hope they remember to send us pictures of their new home.