With the living room generally positioned at the front of the house, the porch extends the living room making the floor plans seem larger than they actually are and serves as a transition between the indoors and outdoors. Country living floor plans typically have large family gathering areas such as a country kitchen, while bedrooms are clustered together and separated from the living areas for privacy either on one side of the home or on the second level. Generally, the living areas flow together providing flexible space to accommodate a variety of activities, and a characteristic fireplace for cozy warmth. Typically, exterior features include a gabled roofline running parallel to the road, dormers and window shutters. In some instances, country designs reveal touches of elegance commonly found with their Victorian home plan cousins. The most identifiable characteristics of these more distinguished designs include spacious, covered wrap-around porches with an open railing, turrets and ornate details and trim. In other instances, country and European flavor mix. Country French designs are fashioned with a touch of European flair while still providing comfortable and relaxing accommodations. One of North America’s most popular home plan styles, Country house plans are closely related to Craftsman designs, Southern home plans and Victorian house plans.