Typically, they are one or two story houses that become a reminder of the splendid style and history of the Old World while offering a touch of elegance and refined style. Generally grand in size and well-suited for large lots, European home designs feature an exterior finish of two or more materials such as brick, siding, stone or stucco. Varied rooflines deliver the look and feel of a castle while rich ornamental detailing adds a touch of beauty and splendor. There are many noticeable exterior characteristics of these Old World designs including copper roofs atop bayed windows, stylish keystones and quoins accenting the corners. Swooping rooflines with flared corners at the eaves are commonly recognizable with European home plans. Also, their steep rooflines provide space for the second story “in the roof” adding living space that is not easily seen from the exterior. This additional space could be a full second story or just a bonus room. Often the floor plan is as grand as the home appears from the exterior. Rooms of large proportions and volume ceilings in some or most of the gathering areas lend to spaciousness inside. Though most are generously sized homes, small homes can offer some of the same notable design elements. Some Craftsman home plans, Luxury designs and Mediterranean house plans incorporate elements of the European house plan style.