The House Plan Shop Blog

Log cabin house plans are rooted in America’s history being built first by settlers and pioneers along the American frontier during Westward Expansion. At that time, they served as a simple source of shelter and were constructed with logs from trees native to the area. Log cabin home plans became popular again near the end of the 20^th century offering a rustic alternative to modern living. Many of today’s homeowners build log cabins as a secondary residence, such as a hunting or fishing retreat or a vacation getaway. Like the log cabins of old, today’s designs are primarily built with white pine longs or logs native to the region. They showcase a rustic exterior blending well with their natural surroundings, and some may include the use of other natural materials such as stone. Cabin designs like those offered at The House Plan Shop generally offer less than 1200 square feet of living space. Due to their small size and their ability to fit into the surroundings almost anywhere, log cabin house plans are closely related to vacation homes, mountain house plans, log homes and other cabins and cottages.

Most log cabin floor plans are fairly simple featuring one or two bedrooms or a bedroom and a sleeping loft along with one or two baths. Typically, the kitchen is a compact design providing just the basics and the living and dining areas are combined. Occasionally log cabin house plans include a few thoughtful extras like a stackable washer and dryer unit, a fireplace and a covered porch or deck. 

Whether you are looking for a hunting cabin for you and your buddies, a peaceful fishing retreat near your favorite lake a vacation cabin for outdoor and adventure sporting trips, log cabins are practical, cozy and comfortable accommodating your needs no matter what they might be.

Tags: cabin home plans, Cabin House Plans, cabin plans, log cabin plans, log cabins, log home plans, Log House Plans

Cabin house plans are small in nature and are often used as vacation homes or secondary residences, perfect for weekend getaways. They are generally known for their rustic appearance and ability to blend with their natural surroundings. Many times, cabin home plans are built as a hunting or fishing retreat and work well in the mountains, beside lakes and in wooded areas. The exterior finish and trim often consists of natural materials such wooden siding or shingles and stone. Outdoor living spaces such as covered or screened porches encourage the enjoyment of nature. Inside, cabin floor plans deliver the basic amenities. They usually provide one or two bedrooms (or maybe an upstairs sleeping loft), a full bath, an efficiency kitchen, and an open floor plan with the kitchen and eating space adjoining the living area. Sometimes, cabins even include a fireplace and a stacked/washer dryer unit. The interiors are usually finished with wood continuing the rustic feel inside the home. Log cabins are perhaps the most well known cabin home plans. The designs in The House Plan Shop’s cabin house plan collection are typically less than 1220 square feet and do not have a garage. Due to their small nature and ability to fit into the surroundings almost anywhere, cabin floor plans are closely related to cottage home plans and vacation house plans.

Tags: cabin floor plans, cabin home plans, Cabin House Plans, cabin plans, cabins, fishing cabin, hunting cabin, vacation homes, weekend retreats

Traditional house plans are found throughout the United States and Canada topping the list as the most commonly built style of home. They appeal to all ages and lifestyles from singles and new families starting out to growing families, retirees and empty nesters. Traditional home plans are designed to satisfy the needs and preferences of the typical American lifestyle. Below are 10 characteristics of these popular designs:

1.    They are sometimes referred to as American house plans or American style floor plans.

2.    Traditional house plans are available as Ranch house plans and Two-Story homes.

3.    The exterior and floor plan of these designs incorporate a unique mix of architectural styles and features from styles throughout history.

4.    Simple rooflines, covered entries and at least one front facing gable are characteristic of most traditional style houses.

5.    There are no specific guidelines regarding the size and shape of these houses. They can range from a simple starter home to an expansive luxurious residence filled with state-of-the-art amenities.

6.    The exteriors of traditional house plans are warm and inviting while the interiors offer practical features and layouts suiting the needs of a broad range of homebuyers and builders.

7.    Traditional floor plans blend familiar features with modern and up-to-date elements while satisfying the requirements of everyday living.

8.    Functionality is key. Open floor plans with the kitchen overlooking the family room or great room creates a functional and central gathering area. A meal prep island and walk-in pantry are practical kitchen features than lend functionality and efficiency.

9.    American homes plans often include convenient elements such as a home office for the work-at-home-parent or built-in cabinets in the family room.

10.  Traditional floor plans are available with a variety of foundations including basement, walkout basement, crawl space and slab foundations.

No matter what size or what features a traditional home design includes, one thing is certain, they deliver comfortable and functional living for today’s busy lifestyles.

Browse The House Plan Shop’s collection of Traditional house plans.

Tags: home plans, house plans, traditional floor plans, traditional home plans, Traditional House Plans

European house plans are exemplary reminders of the splendid style and history that our ancestors brought with them from the Old World. Today, they continue to display touches of elegance and refined style reminiscent of the past. Showcasing a variety of European influences, these Old World home designs encompass a broad range of architectural styles including English, Italian, Tudor, Spanish, French and Mediterranean. Ranging in size from cozy chalet home plans to majestic chateau floor plans, most European house plans have a few common characteristics.

• Though some European home plans are small, most are grand in size making them a perfect fit for large lots.
• Swooping rooflines with flared corners at the eaves are often one of the most recognizable characteristics of these designs.
• The exterior of these houses commonly features a façade of two or more materials such as stone, brick, stucco or siding.
• European house plans are often recognized for the exquisite ornamental detailing highlighting the façade such as copper roofs topping bayed windows, stylish quoins accenting corners, decorative keystones, turrets and towers.
• Varied rooflines frequently portray the look and feel of a storybook castle.
• Many of these houses have steep rooflines which provide space “in the roof” for a second story living area that cannot easily be noticed or seen from the exterior.
• European house plans with an upper level may offer a full second story or just a bonus room.
• The floor plans of these homes are often as grand and luxurious inside as their exteriors appear.
• European floor plans frequently incorporate rooms of large proportions, spacious gathering areas and volume ceilings.
• Other interior design elements include rich detailing, decorative trim and fanciful ceiling treatments.
• Due to numerous design styles and varying exterior looks, these homes are found throughout the United States and Canada.
• Small European home plans offer the same notable design elements as the more generously sized luxury homes.

Large or small, one-story or two, European designs deliver a striking combination of comfort and refinement making them popular among a wide range of home buyers. Visit The House Plan Shop to view a grand collection of European floor plans, many with photos.

Tags: European floor plans, European home designs, European home plans, European House Plans, European houses, house plans

Modern day log home floor plans have come a long way since their primitive log cabin cousins once dotted the American frontier. Today, many home owners dream of having their very own log home. For some, the rustic styling and architecture is appealing. For others, log homes are more environmentally friendly than those made of manufactured materials. Still others have their own unique reasons for wanting to build a log house. If you are considering building a log home, take some time to review these thoughts covering a broad range of topics from energy efficiency to décor. Then, browse The House Plan Shop’s extensive collection of floor plans ranging from log cabin floor plans to robust dream log homes. 

·         Today’s log homes are generally comfortable and spacious, sometimes elegant. Those of the 1800s reflected the hardships of life on the North American frontier.

·         Log homes are built with natural materials including logs and stone that allow the home to blend seamlessly with nature and the surrounding landscape.

·         Log house plans encourage the enjoyment of nature and often incorporate decks, screened porches and large windows for taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

·         They are typically built on wooded lots and properties with natural views.

·         Log homes are often built to enjoy surrounding natural beauty, so skip the window treatments and let nature spill inside. If you absolutely must have window coverings, consider built-in blinds and simple cornices that will not detract from or block stunning views.

·         Consider energy costs before purchasing a floor plan. Choosing a log home plan with fewer intricate or special design features, such as two-story ceilings, will reduce energy costs.

·         Log home designs with a simple roofline and few corners and angles will reduce material and construction costs.

·         Log home floor plans with smaller square footages and efficiently divided rooms are more economical to build.

·         Log homes require regular maintenance to protect the logs and ensure structural integrity.

·         Natural décor and furnishings enhance the rustic living experience of a log home such as wood furnishings and log furniture, antler chandeliers, stone fireplaces, wood flooring and woven rugs.

·         Accent your furniture with various textures such as a leather pillow, a cedar chest or wool throw blanket.

·         Natural decorating themes are common in log homes such as wildlife, pinecones and water.

·         These homes offer all the modern day amenities of traditional houses from walk-in closets and gourmet kitchens to private master baths.

·         Log home plans offer a distinguished look far from the cookie-cutter homes predominant in most neighborhoods.

·         Log house are mighty, sturdy and enduring – timeless when compared to today’s trendy building and decorating fads.

·         If you’re not quite sure if a log home is for you, consider staying in a vacation rental for a couple of nights such as a long weekend to experience what it is like to live in a log house.

Taking time to consider various aspects of log house plans and log home living will help you decide of what size and style log home will be right for you.

Tags: Home Decorating, log home floor plans, log home plans, Log House Plans