http://www.associateddesigns.com en-us Copyright 2008 Associated Designs February 26, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=7386914E-16E5-408F-84E19F9C3BE6D7C1 Elwood's nostalgic railed and covered porch extends a warm welcome, and Craftsman-style double-hung windows add to the appeal. An old-fashioned porch swing would fit in nicely here. This small three-bedroom, two-bath home is well suited to the needs of singles, young families, and empty nesters interested in reducing their maintenance chores.      Entering, you step into a surprisingly spacious room where the living and dining areas flow together and link to a partially open kitchen at the rear. Windows fill most of the front wall, and a set of wide sliders brighten the dining space while providing patio access.      Standing at the kitchen range, you can be fully engaged in conversations or activities in the large, open living area in front of you. And the long eating bar that rims the counter comes in handy for eating casual meals and snacks, supervising homework, and keeping people out from underfoot while they chat with kitchen workers.      Counters and cabinets wrap around three sides, and two corner windows brighten the kitchen sink. These windows provide plenty of natural light, and potted plants (perhaps even orchids or other tropical bloomers) thrive in this sunny spot. Utilities and a broom closet are nearby, about equally convenient to the kitchen and bedrooms.      Owners' suite amenities include a walk-in closet and a private bathroom with a large shower. Direct access to the garage is just down the hall.      Two more bedrooms are at the front of the Elwood. The front bedroom, or den, is slightly smaller than the other, but boasts a larger window with a view of the street. Light spills down into the shared bathroom through a large rectangular skylight. ]]> February 26, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F700BC20-2901-4222-A97B7B0E819A7F6F Hills Creek's exterior has the classic look of a European or prairie home, but its single-level interior has all the earmarks of an updated ranch.      Brick veneer, raised brick trim and corner quoins create an indelible impression of solidity and permanence, while decorative corbels highlight the posts that rim the wide front porch.      Inside, a slender sidelight brightens the vaulted entry, where a roomy coat closet spans the left wall. A pocket door on the right conceals access to secondary bedrooms and a shared bathroom. A high plant shelf overarches the entry where it angles off to the left.      From there, passageways lead off in three directions. On the left, double doors open into what could be a media room/study or home office. Straight ahead is an angled gallery kitchen, just past the high plant shelf on the right that crowns the opening into a bright and spacious great room.      Standing at the kitchen sink, you can look out across a raised and gracefully curved eating bar, into the dining area, great room and patio. Wide windows fill most of the rear wall. One set opens onto a wide covered patio that could be screened. Gridded windows, set high, flank the masonry fireplace. Shelves fill the spaces beneath them. The inner wall is designed to house a media center, accessible at the rear through a closet in the bedroom on the other side of the wall.      The Hills Creek's utility room and a well-appointed owners' suite fill the left wing. This large utility room sits conveniently between the kitchen and the three-car garage, offering easy access from both. In addition to a deluxe bathroom, the owners' suite boasts two large closets, one for clothing and the other lined with bookshelves. ]]> February 19, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=71214317-58C1-4728-809EB8CF7DB2413F Marseille has a decidedly French Eclectic flavor. Telling elements include: a steeply pitched hip roof, a wrought iron balcony railing, and shutters that flank arched, multi-paned windows. Popular from about 1915 to 1945, this style passed out of fashion for several decades. Neo-eclectic homes regained popularity in the 1960s, and the trend is still growing.      This plan is designed for construction on a lot that slopes up to the left. The garage is one level below the first floor.      Families who enjoy entertaining will delight in the large gathering spaces that fill the main floor. A dining room is to the right of the foyer, and a living room with a fireplace is to the left.      The kitchen, nook, and family room flow together at the rear. This window-rich space has a French door that opens onto a partially covered deck. Four sets of multi-paned windows sparkle across the back wall, and two more border the fireplace.      In the kitchen, a raised eating bar rims the lengthy work island. Cupboards and counters line three sides of the kitchen as well, and lazy Susan shelving makes corner access a breeze.      A handy powder room is near everything, and the generously sized utility room is also close, along with a large recreation room. This room could house a pool table, home entertainment center, etc. Each of the four bedrooms upstairs has direct access to a bathroom. Bathrooms for the Marseille's owners' suite and one additional bedroom are private, while the other two bedrooms share a two-section bathroom. Other owners' suite amenities include: a roomy walk-in closet, dual vanity, spa tub, and walk-in shower.]]> February 12, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=4D4A3BDE-5D6A-424B-B5F3702D224DAD4E Boulder Creek through a four-high stack of windows in its central A-frame. This roomy two-story cabin comes complete with entries on both the first and second floors, a two-car garage, a large utility room, and everything else a family needs to live year-round, if desired.      After parking in the garage, you can enter the home directly, coming into the kitchen via the pass-through utility room. But guests will enter the living room through an atrium door on the wide front deck. The vaulted ceiling there is a lofty two stories high near the stacked windows. About one-third of the way back, the wide loft that spans the room creates a drop in ceiling height.      To the right, the living room is open to the kitchen, across a long peninsular eating counter. Family and friends can sit here to chat with kitchen workers, when they aren't helping to cook or clean up. Counter-top workspace is well supplied here, with long and short segments located on all four sides. Warmth and flames in the gas or wood-burning fireplace can be enjoyed from the kitchen as well as the living room.      A mini-bathroom with a toilet and lavatory is right off the living room, next to the stairs. It's actually part of a two-section bathroom, in which the other section is directly accessible from the owners' suite. A tub/shower combo and another basin are in the owners' section, next to a roomy walk-in closet that has a large central cabinet with drawers.      Two more bedrooms and bathrooms are upstairs in the Boulder Creek, one set on each side of the spacious loft that overlooks the living room. Bunks for extra guests could be set up here, and/or this area could be outfitted as a library, office or study. ]]> February 5, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=75477EFE-01DF-4269-8EF448F7CB714000 Associated Designs' 2012 Home from the Heart survey form offers you the structure you need to get started.      First off, you'll want to mull over major choices such as square footage, exterior styling, number of private rooms, and layout of family living areas. After that, you can start filling in the details. You may even want to sketch out your ideas on graph paper to see how you'd like all the spaces to fit together.      Preferences are always evolving. At Associated Designs, we consider readers like you to be the true experts on what contemporary families really want. Some families like having formal dining and living rooms, while others would rather fill that space with a home office and an exercise room. Many now opt for a great room open to the kitchen as their only gathering area. Increasing numbers include home offices and prefer green building techniques and products.      Our surveys help us keep abreast of these changes. So when you finish filling out your form, you can help out by sending us a copy, along with any other ideas you have, in words or sketches. In past years, readers from every U.S. state and Canada have participated. Participants often thank us for the experience, noting that completing the survey was fun and helped clarify their thoughts.      You can also complete the survey online at www.AssociatedDesigns.com. And, if you'd like to see how preferences have changed from year to year, you can check out past survey results online as well.      Home designers nationwide will be interested in what the survey reveals, but Associated Designs takes it further. We will design a home based on the resulting preferences. The tallied results, plus the 2012 Home from the Heart will be ready for publication in this and other participating newspapers in three months.      So right now, pick up a pencil and your survey form or laptop, then find a quiet place to sit and think. Let the home that's in your heart take shape. We'd love to hear about the home of your dreams. ]]> February 1, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=08DE69F3-C4FA-4453-94CB63E5E65DAE01 Lamar, a compact home with a spacious great room at its heart. An arched window filled with glass blocks adds a unique dash of grace and charm to the front facade.      This low-maintenance home is ideal for young families, empty nesters and singles. Its one-level layout also makes it easily adaptable for wheelchair accessibility.      Entering, you step into a vaulted entry with a coat closet to the right, kitchen/dining room access on the left. A pocket door slides closed to conceal the cooking and dining area.      The great room, too, is vaulted, and open to the kitchen. At waist level, a peninsular counter marks the boundary. Overhead, a high plant or display shelf spans the juncture, where the vaulted ceiling transitions to an eight-foot-high kitchen ceiling.      Sliding glass doors at the rear open into a wide screened porch, ideal for outdoor dining. Potted plants thrive in this sunny space, and it's a great place to sleep on summer nights when the air inside is too hot.      The Lamar's kitchen/dining room is surprisingly spacious. Plenty of room here for family and friends to hang around and chat with the cooks or clean-up crew. Utilities are handy, but out of sight, tucked in a pass-through space that connects with the garage. Groceries can be unloaded safely and conveniently, moving directly from garage to kitchen.      Owners' suite amenities include: twin linen closets and a large walk-in closet. Soft light filters into the bathroom through glass blocks. Secondary bedrooms, or a bedroom and a study, share a bathroom on the opposite side of the house. ]]> January 29, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=7AFB7900-39D2-43C8-A517777029F951A4 Rock Creek is a town home that looks small from the front, but extends quite a ways back behind its charming front façade. A stucco exterior and gracefully curved entry arch give this contemporary plan a decidedly Mediterranean look. The home would be an equally good fit in a Southwestern or Florida neighborhood.      A welcoming front porch spans the front, next to the entry arch. Double doors off the porch open into what could be a home office, study, or your choice. Natural light spills into the foyer through a sidelight, panes at the top of the door, and a wide window on the right. An entry bench or a hutch nestles into the opposite wall.      Just past a flight of stairs, the entry opens out into a large space that comprises the dining room, living room and kitchen. A large work island rimmed by an eating bar helps delineate the L-shaped kitchen on the left side of this spacious area. Flames dancing in the gas fireplace can be enjoyed from anywhere in the room.      From the dining area or kitchen, you can walk out onto a small, partially covered patio, which is also close to the owners' suite. An abundance of light washes into the utility room through one of the inner windows that outline the patio. A door opposite the windows offers direct access to the two-car garage.      Amenities in the owners' suite include a deep walk-in closet, a double vanity, and a separately enclosed toilet and shower area.      Two more bedrooms, a three-section bathroom, and a loft are upstairs in the Rock Creek. The loft overlooks the entry and is in an ideal location for a shared library/study area. ]]> January 22, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=045A8879-A102-412B-802FB20246440FC0 Northshire is a spacious prairie-style home designed for construction on land that slopes up at the rear. The home is actually cut into a hillside. Its driveway climbs to the garage, near the entrance on the upper level. Family members can enter through the garage.      Two-story stone veneer columns highlight the covered front porch and deck that span most of the front facade. Guests step onto the porch from the left side, then turn left to enter the foyer. Light spills into the foyer through sidelights, a transom, and glass in the upper half of the door. An opening on the foyer's left leads to a small bathroom, a large utility room, and the three-car garage.      Gathering spaces are to the right, just past the descending stairs. A fireplace angles across one front corner of the great room, next to a home entertainment center that fills an entire wall. Glass doors there open onto the front deck.      The great room is completely open to an even larger room that comprises the dining room and kitchen. A generously sized work island expands the gallery kitchen on the left. Standing at the kitchen sink, you face into the dining area across a flush, gently curved eating bar. Natural light washes in through sliding glass doors at the rear, plus windows in the cozy octagonal nook.      An extra-roomy walk-in closet anchors the right wing, where the owners' suite and a den/office link up via a spacious bathroom. The den/office features a convenient computer nook with a built-in desk.      Two bedrooms share a two-section bathroom on the Northshire's lower level. A large recreation room with a wet bar is also below, along with a second utility room and plenty of storage space. ]]> January 15, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=75B368A8-1D7E-4B1E-87452975847290CC Torrington would fit nicely in a beach setting, and has some upscale features not usually found in a duplex. Its owners might enjoy keeping one unit as a vacation retreat for themselves, and renting the other out. The cantilevered set back is visually interesting, and the recessed porches are widely separated to enhance the sense of privacy.      Double walls, also known as party walls, provide extra sound buffering between the two units, and an exterior wall separates the covered patios. Bedrooms line up along the outer edges, thus assuring totally private sleeping environments as well.      A description of one will serve for both, since the units have identical but reversed floor plans. Standing in the entry, the living/dining area is on one side, a coat closet and passageway to the bedrooms are in front, and direct access to the garage is on the opposite side.      Few duplexes boast a lofty, vaulted living and dining area such as this. The high ceiling creates an expansive sense of openness, with natural illumination during most daylight hours. Plenty of natural light washes in through a wide set of windows up front, plus a smaller dormer window higher up.      In the kitchen the ceiling is flat and lower. An overhead plant shelf and raised eating bar also mark this boundary.      Stove, sink and refrigerator cluster in a tight, step-efficient triangle here, convenient for meal preparation and clean up. Cupboards and work surfaces are in good supply. Counters wrap around three sides, while a floor-to-ceiling pantry boosts available shelf space.      More storage is found in the hallway to the Torrington's bedrooms and a two-section bathroom. The rear bedroom is slightly larger. ]]> January 8, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=13E92608-1EE0-4D87-83754B9B35D1633F European-style Littlefield is downright enjoyable. Rectangular stacked stone veneer covers much of the front facade and flanks the garage door. Soldier courses of raised brick contribute outlining and textural contrast, as does the wavy wrought iron railing that rims the porch. Classic keystones accent the arches that highlight two front windows, the widest of which boasts a particularly graceful gothic transom.      Natural light washes into the foyer through slender sidelights. French doors on the right swing open to access a room that could be a dining room, parlor, or perhaps a home office.      Straight ahead is a richly windowed gathering space that comprises the great room, kitchen and nook. The gas fireplace offers warmth and color on dark days and chilly nights. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can chat with folks at the conversation bar, enjoy the fireplace flames, serve informal meals on the raised eating bar, and keep tabs on activities inside and out.      Via the transverse hallway right past the dining room, you can reach any room in the house. Three bedrooms, including the owners' suite, are to the left, along with a two-section, general use bathroom. The owners' suite, of course, has its own private bathroom, complete with a dual vanity, deep soaking tub, towel hutch and large shower. The suite also boasts a roomy walk-in closet.      Heading down the hallway to the right brings you to the Littlefield's kitchen and a pass-through utility room that links with the two-car garage. At the rear of the garage is an exceptionally deep storage/workshop area, and stairs to the upper level. A recreation room, bathroom, and walk-in storage closet are upstairs, over the garage. ]]> January 1, 2012 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C6AB5589-A3FE-4643-9AA545BC61331FD2 Cortez is a contemporary stucco home designed with a zero lot line concept in mind. It is only 38 feet wide and has no windows along the right side.      This design concept is brought into play when additional privacy is desired along one of the lot lines, or when a builder wants to construct two mirror-image units in a duplex configuration. This allows each of the units to have one wide side yard instead of two narrow ones.      If these concerns aren't relevant, windows could be added, but the home is already richly glassed. The rear of the Cortez has more windows than walls, facing out across a covered terrace that can be screened. Sliding glass doors provide access from the kitchen/nook area and owners' suite.      And from the dining room, you gaze into an enclosed courtyard through wide windows, crowned by an arched transom. Inside, a columned archway echoes the graceful curves of the windows and defines the boundary between the dining room and the airy, vaulted living room.      Counter and storage spaces are plentiful in the kitchen. A powder room is centrally located, close to the front door and a pass-through utility room that opens into the garage.      Amenities in the Cortez's generous owners' suite include a walk-in closet, linen storage, oversized shower, twin basins and an enclosed water closet. A small arched window brightens the stairwell leading upstairs to two more bedrooms that share a compartmentalized bathroom. ]]> December 25, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=AFDE3DAC-0CBD-4D59-9F0DE92340AD2027 European ambiance to the Landry. This home offers more than 3,300 square feet of indoor living space, plus three outdoor patios, and a three-car garage.      A recreation room over the garage is the only living space on the second level, so the rest of this plan could easily be adapted for wheelchair accessibility.      Ceilings are lofty, starting with the 12-foot-high covered porch, foyer, and dining room, to the foyer's right. Both the foyer and the dining room flow into the even loftier vaulted living room. Light washes down into this large open space through skylights, and more spills in through a stack of wide windows.      A long conversation bar rims the kitchen, which is otherwise open to the living room. Working at the kitchen sink, you can talk with people seated at that bar or in the living room, while keeping an eye on the nook, patios and backyard as well. Other kitchen amenities include: lazy Susan shelving, a work island with built-in cook top, and two pantries.      In the nook, a desk and shelves hide behind folding doors. Nearby are another deep storage room, a large utility room, a full bathroom and a guest suite with a walk-in closet. A door into the three-car garage is through the utility room at the end of the hall.      On the opposite side of the Landry, the owners' suite fills the rear, and secondary bedrooms are up front. In addition to a luxurious bathroom with a spa tub and oversized shower, the suite boasts two large walk-in closets, one nearly twice the size of the other. A French door leads out onto a covered patio that could be private.]]> December 18, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=99483C9F-BFE0-42D4-B2582BE687C1BE02 Sandpoint, families will want to chose their lot with care. Canyon walls, streams, seascapes, lakesides, rolling hills and/or soaring mountain peaks can be fully appreciated from inside this home.      The most expansive are views from the vaulted hexagonal great room and the wide deck that spans the entire rear and segues into a large screened porch. But the visual fields are also splendid from the office/bedroom, the kitchen, and both bathtubs.      Built-in benches rim part of the entry deck. To enter this shingle-style lodge, you walk between slender twinned posts set on tapered stone veneer bases. The vaulted porch opens into an even loftier vaulted entry inside double doors. The entry is part and parcel of the hexagonal great room, where six ceiling segments soar to a central apex high above.      At floor level, the entry is separated from the great room by an eight-foot-high section of wall or shelves. On the other side, a freestanding wood stove backs up to that wall, which could be bricked, tiled or whatever suits. Bookshelves and a home entertainment center line the wall to the right of the entry. Two rooms are down the hallway on that side. A generously sized vaulted kitchen is to the entry's left. Skylights spill more light into the Sandpoint's already bright kitchen. Counters wrap around three sides, and an abundance of cabinets line two of them. Laundry appliances and a deluxe owners' suite are just a few steps down the hall.      Owners' suite amenities include a vaulted ceiling and walk-in closet. The spacious bathroom boasts a dual vanity, roll-in shower, and a deep tub with what could be a wonderfully relaxing view. ]]> December 11, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=29CCB6DC-975C-4B83-A5A01F55107A76F1 Aldridge is surprisingly compact for a four bedroom home. Its footprint, measuring a mere 38 feet wide and 40 feet deep, allows it to fit on a small city lot.      Another plus factor, if built in close proximity to other homes, is that the plan has no side windows. This feature maximizes privacy. At the same time, numerous windows on the front and rear provide an abundance of natural light throughout.      Family living spaces and the owners' suite fill the lower level. Three more bedrooms and another bathroom are upstairs. Entering, you have two choices: climb the stairs, or go into the living room, which flows on into the dining room and kitchen. A coat closet nestles under the stairs.      Designed for efficiency, the C-shaped kitchen makes cooking and clean-up easy. The sink, stove and refrigerator are set in a tight triangle so nothing is more than a few steps away. At the same time, cupboard and counter spaces are quite ample, wrapping around three sides of the room.      Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze out the rear window to appreciate the passing seasons, or keep an eye on youngsters at play. The kitchen is also entirely open to the dining room, where sliding glass doors provide patio access.      The Aldridge's owners' suite has a step-in closet and direct access to a bathroom with combination tub and shower.      Laundry appliances and a walk-in storage closet line the passthrough space that connects the house to its two-car garage. This arrangement comes in very handy for entering safely at night, or unloading groceries in stormy weather.]]> December 4, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F5ECBB02-1712-432B-A9B01F0CB912F981 Southwestern-style Santa Rosa. Designed for construction on a slope, this home has three levels. Gathering spaces are on the main floor, and bedrooms are above. A roomy two-car garage and two large storage areas are below, and some of those spaces are windowed.      An inviting arched opening leads from the garage on the right to the handsome railed staircase that climbs gently to the main floor. A wider arch, opening onto the entry porch, frames the front door, along with a windowed bench to the door's left. Inside, art niches on both sides of the door flank the short passageway into the foyer.      After entering, you have three choices. To the right is a den or home office. Straight ahead, an arch marks the passageway that leads to a spacious dining room, windowed on three sides. That hallway also runs past a large utility room, which, in turn, accesses a covered patio with skylights. Sliding glass doors in the dining room open to the patio as well.      To the left of the foyer is an arched opening that leads into a foyer extension outfitted with a coat closet and a bench for shoe removal. The next arch opens into the welcoming living room, which has a corner fireplace and recessed home entertainment center. This space is open to the gourmet kitchen, and also offers access to a side deck.      Upstairs, owners' suite amenities include a railed balcony, a large walk-in closet and a bathroom with a shower, spa tub, dual vanity and private toilet. Each of the Santa Rosa's other two bedrooms has direct access to a private basin, then on to a shared toilet and shower. ]]> November 27, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=16362F73-A93A-46AD-8973FE438E034EDC Woodcliffe's porte cochere and entry, what springs to mind is an upscale hunting lodge. Or maybe a Northwestern-style chalet. Either designation could easily fit this sprawling Craftsman-style home. All 3,500+ square feet of it are on one level.      Behind the vaulted porte cochere is a vaulted breezeway that leads to an even loftier vaulted porch. Handsome squared wooden posts support and accent the entire passageway. Entering the home, you step into a breath-taking vaulted great room, richly windowed at the rear. A fireplace and home entertainment center line one wall.      Two of the great room?s five window sets slide open to provide air flow and access to a patio, part of which is covered and vaulted. On the left, an unusually long, multi-angled eating bar marks the kitchen's boundary.      More light washes into the kitchen through a skylight. Working at the cook top or handy prep sink, you face into the great room and can enjoy the rear vista as well. A bayed nook is at one end and a roomy pantry is at the other, right around the corner from a large home office with a free-standing woodstove. Counters, shelves and a desk with file drawers are all built into this skylit space, as is a wide closet that fills the rear wall.      Storage closets line the hallway on the right, which leads to a vaulted den and the Woodcliffe's deluxe owners' suite. Luxuries here include a double-wide walk-in closet and a skylit bathroom with a deep soaking tub and an oversized walk-in shower. Two more bedrooms, a vaulted family room and a double-entry bathroom are in the left wing.]]> November 20, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=BD4D4E3F-F175-4EF9-BB4675FB3A7EFF39 Russellville. This single-level Craftsman cottage is only 41 feet wide, yet its vaulted family gathering area is refreshingly bright and spacious.      Shake-textured siding fills the upper triangles of the three variously sized gables that line up along the right. In characteristically Craftsman style, a decorative corbel accents the apex of each. Multipaned uppers highlight the gently arched front window.      Entering, you step into a 12-foot-high entry bathed in muted light that spills in through a sidelight, transom, and small panes in the upper door. An opening on the right leads to the main bathroom and secondary bedrooms.      Just past the bedroom arch in the entry hall, an arch with shelves above leads to a small art gallery. Display shelves line the left, and a much narrower art niche fills the right. The coat closet is directly ahead, on the other side of the next arch. The utility room and garage are also accessible from here.      Light spills into the kitchen through a large skylight and a window that fronts the sink. A roomy pantry fills one corner. A raised eating bar rims the wide cook-top island that provides partial separation between the kitchen and the rest of the expansive vaulted living area. This makes it easy to keep your eye on everything while you cook, including dancing flames in the Russellville's fireplace, and activities on the patio outside.      The owners' suite is also vaulted. It boasts an exceptionally deep walk-in closet and a bathroom with a double vanity and spa tub. Shower and toilet are enclosed for privacy and steam containment. An arched transom crowns sliding doors that offer direct patio access.]]> November 13, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=7D12714C-C9D6-4563-9B3E92ADBCF5D99F Northlake is a minimalist's dream. This cozy vacation cottage would be at home on a lake, ocean beach, or tucked into a mountain grove.      Slender wooden posts support a gabled entry porch, while perennially charming craftsman-style windows sparkle across the front. Cedar shingles fill the two front-facing gable ends, both of which are accented by decorative supports.      Abundant natural light spills into the vaulted entry and living room through a transom and clerestory windows. This room has a surprisingly spacious feel. The ceiling line rises up from the front, peaks, then slopes down at the rear. Even the lowest parts of the ceiling are several feet higher than average.      Natural heat emanates from a clean-burning, low maintenance pellet stove that nestles into a brick lined alcove by the stairs. The built-in cabinet that fills most of the rear wall has a display area on top. This could serve as shelving for books and games, while housing a home entertainment center as well.      Sliders on the left access a screened porch, ideal for bug-free outdoor meals.      The kitchenette is directly to the right of the entry. Its ceiling is lower, but otherwise this space is totally open to the great room. Cupboards, counters and appliances rim two walls. Twin windows fill half of the third, creating a delightful view from the kitchen table.      A combination bathroom/utility room, and a storage room fill out the rest of the Northlake's main floor. Washer and dryer are stacked, to maximize space usage. Additional storage is also available under the stairs. Double doors in the vaulted loft upstairs open onto a front-facing balcony with a wooden handrail. ]]> November 6, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C246E500-65B8-4580-A45CB50D8A9910B5 Southaven's dramatic arched portico, giving this contemporary Southwestern-style home an air of graceful elegance. Some of that elegance spills over into the interior, especially in the living room, dining room and owners' suite. But the rest of the home is clearly designed to fill the needs of a busy, informal modern family.      The spacious kitchen/family room comfortably handles day-to-day living activities. An eating bar long enough to accommodate five or six stools partially separates the two areas.      Range and oven are located in a large work island that adds counter space, and a step-in pantry increases storage capacity. A sunny bayed nook faces the rear, providing an ideal vantage point for keeping an eye on a backyard pool, if the owner so desires. The long wrap-around screened porch is accessible from both the family room and the nook.      Ceilings in the entry and family room are a lofty two stories high, while 12-foot ceilings enhance the feeling of spaciousness in the living room and dining room. Columns support a high plant shelf that defines the two areas. On the second level, an open balcony spans the passageway between entry and family room, offering overlooks in both directions.      Features in the Southaven's sumptuous owners' suite include a bayed sitting area, huge walk-in closet, enclosed water closet, dual vanity and a tub brightened by glass blocks. Two additional bedrooms and a guest suite with private bath are upstairs. ]]> October 30, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=95152046-46A4-4F00-BF1D74A17C75244A Canyonville a distinctly European look. Its lofty, gently arched opening links bold columns that flank the entry portico. More stone veneer wraps across the front as wainscoting, and fills the entire face of the gabled extension closest to the street.      Sidelights brighten the foyer, which ends at a wide coat closet and an arched passageway leading to the family room. A hallway to the deluxe owners' suite and a convenient mini-bathroom is around the corner to the left of the foyer. The wide opening on the foyer's right feeds into what could be a hobby room, library, or whatever suits.      Windows fill most of the rear wall of the vaulted great room at the heart of the home. A fireplace nestles into a corner by the windows, and a home entertainment center lines the inner wall.      From the kitchen, you can watch TV or converse with family and friends in the great room or the dining room. A wrap-around counter is the only separation. The raised outer rim of the counter provides a visual barrier which hides the inevitable clutter of an active kitchen. The section that fronts the dining room widens out into an eating/conversation bar.      Counters wrap around all four sides of the gourmet kitchen, anchored by a large cook-top work island. Second floor stairs climb up from a juncture on the edge of the kitchen, which also has links to a large utility room, a guest suite, and a two-car garage with extra space for storage or a workbench.      A bedroom, den and full bathroom are upstairs in the Canyonville, plus an unfinished bonus room over the garage.]]> October 23, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=DF773C42-51AE-4EC8-85B5613692096120 Fern View's front porch spans the front facade of this contemporary ranch-style home. Slender posts provide graceful accents.      Having a basically rectangular footprint makes this home economical to build, heat and maintain. For young families, this makes a stunning starter home. For empty nesters it promises lower maintenance chores and costs without any downsizing of life styles. It could be furnished with three bedrooms, or have two bedrooms and a study/home office, whichever suits.      Light spills into the vaulted entry though a sidelight plus a row of panes near the top of the door. A coat closet is on the left, just before the entry hall angles off in that direction. Double doors open into the window-bright room that could be a bedroom, home office or study.      Continue to the left and you step into the kitchen; going straight ahead brings you to the vaulted great room, after passing the bedroom and bathroom on the right. Linen and towel closets are tucked into alcoves there.      Light washes into the vaulted great room through wide windows that fill most of the rear wall, plus the slender windows flanking the gas fireplace. Sliding glass doors in the dining area open onto a wide patio.      Standing at the kitchen sink, you can look out across the raised eating bar into the great room, keep your eye on the patio, or enjoy watching seasonal changes outside. All appliances are built in, and a roomy walk-in pantry fills one corner. Laundry appliances are stacked right around the corner in the Fern View's pass-through utility room, which provides accesses the garage.      The owners' suite is surprisingly luxurious for a home this size, boasting a spa tub, oversized shower and dual lav.]]> October 16, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=885801A7-B4DF-42D1-849F1E8BF756CF96 hexagonal great room at the center of the Blue Creek serves up a panorama of stunning views. And the vistas from inside this lodge are yours to enjoy from the moment you step inside.      The main floor has a ground level entrance, but is one story above the ground at the rear. Hefty log posts highlight the entry. A king post and struts highlight its lofty vaulted porch. Double doors open into the expansive great room, which is richly glassed in the three back wall sections. Tall windows flank the mess-free gas fireplace centered in the section to the right.      Across the room from the entry, twin sets of sliding glass doors open onto a vaulted and covered deck that is a near reflection of the front porch. A log handrail rims the wide deck that wraps around the rear, creating an extensive outdoor living area.      Wings extend out to the left and right of the great room. On the left, a peninsular eating bar bounds a roomy kitchen with plenty of cupboard and counter space, including a central work island. The owners' suite, with its twin lavs and large walk-in closet, is just down the hall. A second bedroom and bathroom fill the opposite wing.      Outside, on the basement level at the rear of the Blue Creek, hefty posts support the main floor deck above, creating a covered colonnade below. A hexagonal two-car garage with plenty of extra work and storage space sits below the great room. Basement rooms, which could initially be finished or unfinished, extend off of the hexagon in the same configuration as above. ]]> October 9, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=50F666E9-67D3-411A-B1DA8C0C01475F88 Ardella is a uniquely versatile and multi-faceted home. Technically, it's a single-story ranch-style plan, but the custom brickwork that covers the front façade gives it a much more traditional appearance. What's more, it could be viewed as either a five-bedroom home with excellent separation of space, or a three-bedroom home with a linked mother-in-law unit behind.      Raised brick detailing highlights both the chimney and the bold column that supports a gently arched entry porch. Inside, the bedroom wing is straight ahead. An arched opening on the left feeds into the vaulted living room, where a gas fireplace graces the exterior wall. A wide passageway at the rear flows into the dining room.      That opening also runs past a raised pass-through counter that fronts the kitchen sink. The counter then segues into an eating bar that bounds part of the dining room. A large skylight brightens the kitchen, which has counters on three sides. Laundry appliances and a roomy pantry are mere steps away. The utility room offers direct access to a covered patio, which can also be reached through the dining room's double doors.      In the bedroom wing, a vaulted ceiling expands the owners' suite. It boasts a his-and-hers walk-in closet, a private sitting area, and a bathroom with a dual vanity. Two more nearby bedrooms share another bathroom.      A covered walkway links the main house to the guest cottage and three-car garage. The Ardella's guest cottage has its own covered porch. One door there leads into the garage, and another opens into the cottage's great room. An eating nook and kitchen are at the rear of this open space, while a bathroom and two bedrooms are off to the left. The larger bedroom has a walk-in closet. ]]> October 2, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=E334122E-A672-401A-BA691DF83F4185A0 Balentine. Stone wainscoting, slender porch posts and varied window treatments further enhance the appeal of this large contemporary home. Families who enjoy entertaining will appreciate the abundance of generously sized gathering spaces.      Light spills into the expansive foyer through sidelights and transoms. Gallery walls fill the right side, while a wide opening on the left leads into a sun-washed, vaulted living room. Straight ahead and past the stairs, you emerge into a naturally bright great room, open to the dining room and kitchen.      Windows fill most of the rear wall here. Entertainment cabinets (or bookshelves) flank a fireplace that can be appreciated from anywhere in this wide open space, even standing at the kitchen sink. A long eating bar rims the peninsular counter that borders the dining room. Work space is plentiful, with counters on four sides and on a central work island with a built-in prep sink.      Mere steps away, in the J-shaped utility room, a laundry chute delivers soiled laundry from the second floor. The room is outfitted with a pull-down ironing board, a long counter for folding clothes, a window-lit sewing desk, and lazy Susan shelving.      The Balentine's luxurious owners' suite has a vaulted ceiling, two roomy closets and a deluxe soaking tub. Shower and toilet are separately enclosed for added privacy and steam containment. The suite also offers direct access to a private patio, creating an ideal location for a spa.      Three more bedrooms and a bonus room are upstairs, along with a study alcove and two bathrooms. Vaulted ceilings expand the bonus room and front bedroom. ]]> September 25, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=B0F2AF29-F499-45ED-B5363874828051F4 duplexes, four bedroom units are rare. The Toliver has four bedrooms, plus a whopping three bathrooms as well! Family living spaces are on the ground floor; bedrooms, along with two of the bathrooms, are upstairs.      This two-story duplex works well as a townhouse. The plan is as economical to build as it is to maintain, and its compact footprint fits neatly on a narrow lot. Multipaned windows give the building a charming cottage look.      Each of the mirror-imaged units offers nearly 1,300 square feet of living space, plus a deep one-car garage. Since they are mirror images, only one will be described.      Living, dining and kitchen areas flow together at the rear, where glass fills much of the wall. Sliders in the dining room open onto a patio. The kitchen is enclosed on three sides, but totally open to the dining area at the rear.      Counters and cupboards are amply supplied in this step-saving floor plan. The big three--refrigerator, stove and sink--are set in a tight triangle, so it's easy to move from one to the other.      Laundry appliances are nearby as well, in a pass-through utility hallway that links the house and garage. The powder room there is as handy for a quick dash in from playing, as it is convenient for the main floor rooms.      Upstairs, a surprisingly large walk-in closet hides behind a pocket door in the Toliver's owners' bathroom. The other three bedrooms share another bathroom, which is outfitted with a combination tub and shower. Linen storage is in good supply, with one closet in the upper hallway and another in the shared bathroom. ]]> September 18, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=043F3592-6257-4410-95921A20AEA64A2B Camas makes an ideal starter home, but might be equally attractive to retirees wishing to minimize their home care responsibilities. Its compact size makes it economical to build and maintain. Classic Craftsman features set it apart from most other contemporary ranch-style homes.      Shake-textured shingles add visual appeal to the framed-out bases beneath tapered porch supports. Eye-catching Craftsman windows add more interest, as does the grid-paneled garage door. Shake-textured shingles also fill the front gable that spans the garage and entry. A decorative gable end accents the apex.      A lengthy foyer leads past the coat closet and into a large open gathering space at the rear. The living room, dining room and kitchen flow together there, and natural light spills into the entire space through two wide windows. A rectangular bay expands the dining area, which offers easy access to the partially covered patio.      Counters and cupboards run along two walls of the kitchen, creating a tight, step-saving quadrangle that links the sink, range, refrigerator and work island. The work island provides more of both counters and storage cabinets, and is rimmed by a raised eating bar.      Right around the corner is a roomy walk-in closet/pantry. It sits at the juncture of the secondary bedrooms and main bathroom. Storage shelves in a triangular alcove just inside the bathroom can hold plenty of sheets and fluffy towels.      The comfortable owners' suite is off in a wing by itself, well isolated from the other bedrooms. But it's not entirely alone. A large utility room, with cabinets and a wide counter, feeds off of the same short hallway, as does a direct access door to the Camas' two-car garage. ]]> September 11, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=9C051F78-C871-436F-87660284FFDC9DA9 Craftsman-style cottage. Basically, the Springbrook is a single-level home. But it does have a skylit bonus room over the garage, which could be used as an artist's studio, music rehearsal space, writer's retreat, workout room, or whatever suits.      An iron railing rims a front porch wide enough to accommodate a porch swing or other outdoor furniture. Inside, natural light spills in through sidelights on both sides of the front door.      Vaulted ceilings expand the sense of spaciousness in the foyer, along with many other rooms. The vaulted den to the right of the foyer is in an ideal location for a home office. Secondary bedrooms and the main bathroom are to the left. The bedroom closest to the street is vaulted.      Windows and a corner fireplace fill most of the rear wall in the vaulted living room, which is fully open to a richly glassed dining room with a flat ceiling. Glass doors at the juncture of the two spaces slide open to access a wide covered patio.      From the kitchen, cooks can supervise homework or chat with people seated along the raised eating bar. The pass-through laundry room that links with the two-car garage is conveniently close, as is a deep pantry. Pocket doors access both spaces.      Shelves fill the slender cabinet nestled into an alcove at the opening of the passageway to the Springbrook's owners' suite. The door to the suite is just a few steps further down the hall. Luxury amenities include: a roomy walk-in closet, deep soaking tub and double vanity. The toilet and shower are separately enclosed for added privacy and steam containment. ]]> September 4, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D0D5CD26-FEA2-4960-B50027D6D5D3C6AB country-style Ambrosia, which has homestead symmetry accented by a chimney. Window shutters, gables, and wooden handrails all add to this home's comfortably traditional welcoming look. Slender posts frame the entry, while king posts and struts dramatize the vaulted entry porch.      The foyer ceiling soars to a lofty two stories. Around the stairway to the right is a hallway that feeds into the family room and kitchen.      On the foyer's left, a wide opening leads into a large, bright living room. That room transitions into the dining room behind it, which links with the kitchen. Families that enjoy entertaining will appreciate the spaciousness and ease of movement between these four large gathering spaces: family room, kitchen, dining room and living room.      A sunny window bay expands the family room. Across the room, a woodstove stands ready to provide welcoming warmth on chilly days and nights.      Counters and cupboards span two walls of a kitchen with a large cook-top work island and a roomy walk-in pantry. A gently rounded conversation bar fronts the work island on the family room side. Double doors on the right open into a large vaulted play room, and the single door next to it leads to a partially covered patio out back. This could easily be screened, if desired.      A guest room is also on this level, as are two bathrooms and a utility room. Three more bedrooms, including the Ambrosia's deluxe owners' suite, are upstairs. Amenities include a fireplace and a private bathroom with dual vanity, spa tub and large shower. Bonus and storage rooms are over the garage and shop below. ]]> August 28, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=556B82EC-F18F-4224-828CFD04A57E5338 Fairview, a mid-size multi-level home with a detached garage.      As drawn, the main floor of the garage is one floor lower than the main floor of the house. If built on a flat lot, the breezeway would connect to the garage's ground level instead of the roomy upper storage area.      Designed for a single or couple, this plan has only one bedroom. The entire second floor is dedicated to a large vaulted Owners' suite. Light washes into this spacious sleeping and sitting room through numerous windows, plus three large skylights. Other amenities include an extra-large walk-in closet, dual vanity, spa tub and custom shower.      Vaulted gathering spaces fill most of the ground floor, and the kitchen is very much at the heart of everything. Working there, you can look out across both arms of the L-shaped eating bar into the dining room or living room.     Four skylights, along with plenty of windows, naturally illuminate the living room on all but the darkest of days. When those shorter days and long nights come, a masonry fireplace stands ready to provide warmth and color.      One of the rear corners houses a complete home entertainment center, and wide sliding glass doors offer access to a large deck bounded at the corners by raised brick planters.      Standing on the Fairview's covered entry porch, you have two choices: proceed ahead to the main entry, or walk through sliding glass doors on the left, into a room ideally situated to serve as a home office. Of course, it could also be furnished as a den, second bedroom, hobby room, or whatever suits. ]]> August 21, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=8DC2D07C-C1C1-4035-AC8DD28E13BBAC71 Navarro isn't a large home, which some people find quite attractive. This Mediterranean-style plan is well-suited to the needs and pocketbooks of first-time home buyers. Empty nesters looking to downsize their maintenance responsibilities may also find what they're looking for here.      Gathering spaces fill the center, bedrooms are on the outer edges, and the kitchen is at the heart of everything. Standing in the kitchen, you can gaze through the dining room to the front yard, or through the great room to the back yard. This feature is particularly useful for the parents of small children, but it also illustrates the essential openness of the floorplan.      Two huge windows bathe the airy, vaulted great room in natural light. One of the windows is actually a sliding glass door that opens onto a wide screened porch at the rear. Sink and dishwasher are built into a long counter that doubles as an eating bar. Utilities are just a few steps away, tucked in a pass-through space that opens into the garage. A coat closet is just inside the front door.      The Navarro's owners' suite is more luxurious than you might expect to find in a home this size. It has a huge walk-in closet and a large tub and shower combination tucked into an alcove illuminated by an arched opening filled with glass blocks.      On the opposite side of the house, the two secondary bedrooms share a bathroom. A large linen closet is in the hall. ]]> August 14, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C64A14AB-608E-4901-95F4429A6C1CE34A Lupine an intriguing Georgian look. Gridded garage doors echo that theme, while raised brick trim rims the upper limits of the garage doors, underscores windows, and accents graceful arches on the brick veneer front facade.      This single-level plan offers plenty of room for an active family. It also can be easily adapted for wheelchair accessibility and aging in place.      Double doors in the vaulted foyer open into a vaulted dining room with a roomy step-in closet to one side. This space links with the vaulted living room further back. A 10-foot-high display shelf provides definition at the juncture of the two spaces. The living room can also be entered by proceeding straight ahead along the foyer, passing through an arched opening and under a similar display shelf there.      Banks of windows fill most of the rear wall in the living room and nook. An arched window crowns a wide trio of windows, near a fireplace that fits neatly into one corner. A sunroom and den/home office fill out the opposite side of the of this expansive space, while the kitchen sits at its heart.      Standing by the kitchen sink or working at the peninsular counter, you have a panoramic view of the entire area, as well as the partially covered patio outside. The cook top is built into a central island, and a roomy walk-in pantry nestles in one corner. A large utility room with a toilet is nearby, along with a door to the three-car garage.      Bedrooms fill the Lupine's right wing. The owners' suite boasts two large walk-in closets, a posh bathroom, and direct patio access. Secondary bedrooms share a two-section bathroom. ]]> August 7, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=77F9F577-61B9-452A-91BBCFD54A05F9B2 Alder Springs great room through the self-same windows that offer great views to the rear. This home is designed for construction on a lot that slopes down at the left and back.      While its neo-classical Georgian front facade gives it a traditional look, the interior floor plan is totally contemporary. Outside, smooth columns frame the lofty covered porch; raised stone bands accent the bold brick-veneer-covered columns that support and highlight the porte cochere.      Expansive and richly windowed hexagonal rooms form the core of the interior on two levels. Both have wings. On the main floor, a wide covered deck wraps around three sides to offer the same fantastic viewing options as the great room. Doors in the central wall section provide deck access. At the basement level, similar doors lead to a covered patio that also wraps around three sides.      A gas fireplace sits at the center of one wall section in the great room. The kitchen, which carves out a place for itself on the opposite wall, has two peninsular counters, which you can look out across into the great room and beyond. The counter that fronts the sink is rimmed by a raised eating bar.      Two bedrooms and a bathroom are in the wing behind the kitchen. This wing also links to the porte cochere and its storage cabinets. A large utility room and the deluxe owners' suite fill the opposite wing, along with a private screened porch that opens onto the deck.      At the basement level of the Alder Springs, a large recreation room fills the hexagonal core, sharing space with a kitchenette, play room, and shop/storage area. A guest suite, bunk room and bathroom are also on this level.]]> July 31, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=08E457E8-A3FB-40C5-8D4E5F1521FA6618 Claredon.      This traditional American country-style home has yet another inviting feature: a large front porch that spans the front and wraps around to the left. There's plenty of room here for a set of wicker or other outdoor furniture to enhance summer relaxation.      Entering, you step into a vaulted foyer. Double doors on the right open into a den/study/office with plenty of storage at the rear. This space could double as a guest room, if needed. A cased opening on the foyer's left leads into a dining room, which links with the kitchen through a passageway with a pocket door.      Vaulted ceilings expand the sense of volume in the great room and kitchen as well. These two areas are totally open to each other, bounded by the kitchen's long, J-shaped island, rimmed with a raised eating bar. A built-in desk fits neatly into a corner alcove at the end of the counter, near an atrium door that accesses the covered patio.      The owners' suite has direct patio access as well, which would be particularly handy should they decide to install a spa. Other amenities include: oversized shower, dual vanity, private toilet, and roomy walk-in closet.      Two more bedrooms are upstairs, along with a large, two-section bathroom, a storage room, and a deep bonus room over the garage. The front bedroom is vaulted and has a walk-in closet.      A powder room and good-sized utility room are just off the great room. The utility room connects to the Claredon's two-car garage. Next to this garage is another, way deeper, RV garage.]]> July 24, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=98DF0259-EFC3-4B17-A6D08BADCE17860B Craftsman-style home. Measuring in at slightly more than 1600 square feet, the Easthaven makes an ideal starter home for young families. Being a single level home, it is equally well-suited to empty nesters who wish to age in place while downsizing their maintenance responsibilities.      Craftsman accents include the iconic gridded window uppers, a matching door, and three low-profile front-facing gables. The porch is easily large enough for a relaxing porch swing or other outdoor furniture.      From the entry vestibule, you can proceed directly ahead into the great room, or hang a right into the richly windowed nook. A sliding door offers separation between the nook and kitchen, when desired. Counters wrap around four sides of the kitchen, which is open to the dining area, across a peninsular counter with a raised eating bar.      Natural light washes into the dining room through a set of Craftsman windows on the right, as well as the wide sliding glass doors at the rear. These offer access to a partially covered patio. The left side of the dining room is entirely open to the great room, where more light spills in through wide windows that fill most of the rear wall.      Closets for coats, general storage, and linen line the hallway leading to the Easthaven's bedrooms and a pass-through utility room with garage access. The owners' suite boasts a two-section bathroom and a walk-in closet.]]> July 17, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=87353984-0D91-419D-A1C67BF2B934873A Mediterranean look to the Roselle. A raised stucco planter wraps around the inner front corner of the garage, accentuating its arched windows. Foliage and flowers will be see in their best light here, against the uncluttered stucco backdrop.      This mid-size home is all on one level, so it could be easily adapted for wheelchair accessibility. It has four bedrooms, plus a vaulted den or guest room that could be used as a home office. If desired, a door can be added for direct access from the front porch.      Natural light illuminates the entry, spilling in through a sidelight and transom. An arched opening on the left leads into a room that could be furnished as a parlor or dining area.      The centrally located bathroom is convenient to everything. Next to it, a second arched opening feeds into the combination family room, nook and kitchen. Family and friends will love spending time in this window-rich, spacious area.      Sliders in the nook offer patio access, handy for outdoor meals when the weather is congenial. A fireplace fills one rear corner of the vaulted family room. Its colorful flames offer a warm, relaxing balm on dark nights and dreary days.      Two or three cooks can easily combine culinary efforts in this large kitchen. Counters and cupboards are in abundant supply, including a walk-in pantry. The long work island across the room is rimmed with a raised eating/conversation bar.      Double doors open into the Roselle's large owners'suite. Luxuries include: a roomy walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with dual vanity, cultured marble walk-in shower, and enclosed toilet.]]> July 10, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=276AE3EA-0CCF-448C-A9628BF8E6A347F3 Summerfield is a country Craftsman home that offers families plenty of room to spread out. Square footage measures in at more than 4,500. Nearly 700 more is available for office space over the three-car garage.      Craftsman styling shines through in the windows, decorative gable accents, and cedar-shingle siding, along with the river rock veneer post supports and chimneys. A long procession of posts supports the covered porch that spans the entire front facade, and wraps around a bit on each end. On the left end, it continues on as a breezeway that links the house to the garage.      Passing under the richly glassed arched transom, you step into a naturally bright foyer with a parlor to the left. Straight ahead is an expansive great room where six quadruple window sets fill the rear wall. A masonry fireplace is set into the right wall, next to a stairway and access to a large guest/hobby room with its own bathroom.      On the opposite side, a peninsular buffet marks the passageway to the dining room. The mirror-image stairway there, as on the other side, climbs up to a vaulted gallery/balcony and bedrooms on the second level.      In the Summerfield's kitchen, a masonry oven surround wraps around three sides of a six-burner range with ovens below. Another, even larger, island holds a prep sink, marble pastry counter, and an eating bar. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze out at the rear landscape, or keep an eye on patio activities. Two cozy window seats flank the nook's built-in desk.      Upstairs, the large, luxurious, vaulted owners' suite boasts yet another fireplace, plus a posh bathroom, extra-roomy walk-in closet, and private deck. Secondary bedrooms share a two-section bathroom. ]]> July 3, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=4DB598F0-A7AD-4E67-A6A3CF940F4EA87F Freemont, a contemporary country style home designed with family living in mind. And once the kids leave home, the owners need rarely climb the stairs. Upstairs bedrooms can be kept ready for grandchildren and other visitors.      Stand in the vaulted entry and you are right in the center of the home. French doors on the left open into a vaulted living room brightened by a wide window bay. To the right, another set of French doors open into a vaulted dining room, with a smaller bay window and an arched window higher up.      Directly ahead, a polished wooden staircase curves up to a second floor bridge that overlooks both the entryway and the family room. This bridge offers a vantage point for observing the scenes below. If you're quiet, maybe nobody will notice you're there.      A powder room is conveniently close to the front door as well as to all the other rooms on the ground floor.      Two more bay windows brighten and expand the family room and eating nook. Both include French doors which open onto a huge deck. The family room also has a fireplace.      Large and luxurious, the owners' suite has a walk in closet, separately enclosed water closet and a raised, oversize spa tub. A window over the spa bathes the area in natural light.      Upstairs, the bedrooms share a two compartment bathroom with vanities in both sections. The front bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, a half-round window and larger closet.      A wide country style porch wraps around most of the Freemont's front facade. ]]> June 26, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=6FA98A1F-409A-4F01-A140D94D16F95407 Rothbury's two units looks like a single, charming Craftsman-style cottage. And in fact, each is. This is a duplex where only the garages share a common wall. Each two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit is a mirror image of its opposite, so only one will be described.      Two gables face the street. The lower one highlights the entry porch, which is supported by handsome wooden columns. The posts, in turn, are supported by larger, squared bases covered with lap siding. This porch is large enough for hanging an old-fashioned wooden swing, great for enjoying a warm, breezy afternoon.      The upper gable has a steeper slope, but nicely echoes the gable below while accentuating the multipaned windows on the second floor.      A coat closet is just inside the door. Family gathering spaces are all on the ground floor. The living room up front flows seamlessly into the dining area, which is open to the kitchen. A raised eating bar marks the juncture.      Appliances are built into the galley kitchen. The dishwasher is right next to a kitchen sink with a window in front of it, and the refrigerator is only a step or two away. Range and oven are on the opposite side of the room, as is a pantry.      Laundry appliances are nearby, where they share space with the powder room. A covered patio is also at the rear, where it's ideally located for enjoying meals outside when the weather is inviting. Each patio is well-isolated from the other unit's patio, so even outdoor meals can be private.      Upstairs, wide rectangular window bays in the Rothbury's bedrooms provide plenty of light and a feeling of expansiveness. ]]> June 12, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=290EE67F-5EFE-420E-A16B6DAF838A59D0 Calabro, a small three-bedroom home with a wide open feeling. Interesting windows, stucco detailing and a hip roof add street appeal to this contemporary Mediterranean-style plan.      As a change from homes with a clear delineation between living areas, there is no formal living room or dining room in this plan. But people who regard formal rooms as wasted space might find a relaxed, comfortable gathering area such as this one quite appealing.      The great room is totally open to the kitchen and offers sliding door access to a wide screened porch. The L-shaped kitchen has everything: oven and microwave, built-in cooktop, a corner appliance center, dishwasher, and pantry. An angled combination work island/eating bar provides minimal separation, and the great room has a wet bar with a counter and overhead cabinets.      Laundry facilities, including a utility sink, are but a few steps away. The utility room is also directly accessible from the garage, which comes equipped with a long workbench.      Amenities in the master suite are surprisingly luxurious. You enter through French doors, the walk-in closet is huge, and the bathroom has twin vanities and an oversized shower. Glass blocks create a short privacy wall. The other bathroom is just inside the entry, handy for children dashing in from play. A pocket door allows two to use the bathroom at once, both in complete privacy.      Bedroom three in the Calabro can be used as a study, and bedroom two boasts a vaulted ceiling and dramatic boxed-out window -- an ideal location for a window seat. ]]> June 12, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=2A3DC5FA-B56E-462A-BA91FB628782CF11 Goldenheart is a mid-size home with a wealth of options, starting with the front porch.      Spanning the entire front facade, it can easily accommodate a porch swing or a suite of outdoor furniture. That's not unusual, but two sets of front-facing doors are. The entry door, of course, leads into the foyer. The atrium doors to its left lead into what could be a study, home office, guest room, or a combination of these functions.      The two-story narrow lot design works well in a town home setting. Savings on infrastructure and land requirements thereby make this layout greener than the average home. Clean exterior lines and a simple roof profile also create construction and maintenance efficiencies.      Isolated and on the ground floor, the owners' suite allows single-floor living for the primary owners. While somewhat compact, the bathroom there has both a tub and a separate shower, and the walk-in closet is roomy.      Children can take the upstairs rooms plus the large loft, ideal for a shared computer/study area. Once the children move on, these rooms can be kept ready for grandchildren and other guests. And as for long-term guests (in-laws, adult children, etc.), this plan may be built with (or without) a guest apartment that extends over the garage.      The Goldenheart's great room offers yet another choice; it is designed with two possible layouts. In both, the kitchen is open to the great room, but one provides a little more separation, while the other has a truer great room feel. Utilities are near the kitchen, and a door in the dining area opens out onto a large screened patio. ]]> June 5, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=03EFBEC2-2C3C-4B7D-9BB118741A33A3A4 Oakshire, a single-level shingle-style home with plenty of room to spread out. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including the luxurious owners' suite, fill the left wing.      This plan is ideal for families that like to entertain. The large great room flows into the dining room, with only a change in ceiling height to mark the transition. Then the kitchen is open to the dining room across a gracefully curved and raised eating/sitting bar.      When the weather is mellow, meals can move out onto the partially covered patio. It is easily screened, to keep out pesty insects.      Chilly days allow appreciation of another notable feature: a two-sided fireplace. The warmth and color of its flames can be enjoyed from either the den or the great room. The den, immediately to the right of the front door, is also in an ideal location for use as a home office.      Both the great room and dining room are richly windowed at the rear. Standing at the kitchen sink or cook-top range, you can keep an eye on the gathering areas, both inside and out. The cook top is built into a long work island, rimmed on the dining room side by the eating bar.      A large utility room and a small bathroom are right around the corner, along with a mud hall that links with the garage. The hall's bench is ideal for shucking off muddy foot gear. Storage cabinets or shelves fill the walls to the left and right of the bench. A workbench could be built into the extra space at the rear of the Oakshire's garage, or it could be used for storage. ]]> May 29, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=94E27CC4-D5EC-4732-96B6B5F73B8230F6 Topeka, the word "magic" springs to mind. But it's actually quite real and functional. The steeply pitched gables and intricate detailing of this Gothic revival home are so fascinating you'll want to run your eyes over all of its various embellishments for a long time, just as guest designer Rodney Pfotenhauer intended.    With a compact 1000 square feet of living area, this home is well-suited to the needs of singles or small families. It also makes a delightful mother-in-law cottage, or vacation home.    Graceful turned posts support both porches. One shelters the front entry, and the other is on the side, accessed via the living room. Either porch is a great location for suspending an old-fashioned cushioned porch swing for summer use.    Entering, you step into the dining room, which is partially open to both the kitchen and the living room. A bathroom complete with shower nestles into an alcove just around the corner, convenient to all of the ground floor rooms.    A fireplace warms the vaulted living room, which is two stories high at its apex. Light spills in through one large multipaned window on the ground level, plus two on the upper level that fill most of the triangular wall spaces on either side of the chimney.    The remaining main floor room could be used as a bedroom, home office, hobby room, or whatever suits. Its boxed bay window can be built with window seats at both ends, or left open. It's a pleasant spot for a desk or sewing machine.    Laundry appliances are upstairs, along with the Topeka's owners' suite. Amenities here include a spacious bathroom, walk-in closet, and cozy window seats.]]> May 22, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=DBBF00FF-2B9A-4B56-8761D5DDEB019F34 Logan, but you could also make a case for it being an updated ranch home. The plan's compact footprint makes the home economical to build and maintain, while the wide-open gathering space inside is designed to enhance family living.      Three tapered columns outline the porch, each firmly seated on a framed-out base with a central panel of shake-textured siding. Shake siding also covers the triangular fronts of the two street-facing gables, both of which are highlighted by decorative corbels at their peaks. The hallmark Craftsman windows that look out onto the front porch are echoed by rows of small panes at the tops of the entry and garage doors.      Proceeding down the foyer, you pass by openings that lead to bedrooms on the left and a coat closet on the right, before stepping into the bright and spacious family living area. Wide windows fill most of the rear wall, where a gas fireplace nestles in one corner. The dining room windows slide open to access a covered patio that could be screened.      A raised eating bar rims the peninsular counter that bounds the kitchen. Friends and family seated here can chat with kitchen workers without getting in the way, and individuals who are cooking or cleaning up can keep tabs on activities throughout the gathering space. Laundry appliances are nearby, in a pass-through utility room linked to the garage.      The owners' suite is also at the rear. It boasts a deep walk-in closet and a two-section bathroom with an oversized shower and dual vanity. The Logan's secondary bedrooms, too, line up on the left, where they share the main bathroom. The front bedroom is the larger of the two.]]> May 15, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=021BD8D9-1BBE-4703-BB282816FFA87483 Brynwood, creating a visually intriguing front facade. Decorative gable supports and Craftsman-style windows add to the allure.      Bright and spacious gathering spaces fill most of the ground floor in this estate-size, three-level plan. Bedrooms are upstairs, and a three-car garage, plus a wealth of extra storage space, are below, accessed via a down-sloping driveway on the left.      Natural light washes into the lofty foyer through sidelights and an elliptical arched transom. Straight ahead is a vaulted, richly glassed great room. On the foyer?s left side, a wide opening leads into a large dining room. To the right, an alcove holds a large, walk-in coat closet and convenient powder room, which is linked to a larger bathroom, and a hobby or guest room.      Pocket doors at the rear of the dining room can reveal or conceal a passageway to the naturally sunny kitchen. The bayed nook is more window than wall, and additional glass in front of the sink offers views of the patio and rear yard. A cozy window seat fills one side of the nook; a pantry and built-in desk nestle into the other.      This area is also richly supplied with storage and counter space. Utilities are nearby, along with a toilet and an even larger pantry.      Upstairs, skylights brighten the Brynwood's luxurious vaulted owners' suite. Amenities here include: a huge walk-in closet, posh bathroom, a private balcony deck with hot tub, and a study.      Two more bedrooms share a two-section bathroom. A vaulted loft with a balcony provides ample separation between the owners' suite and secondary bedrooms. It could be outfitted as a study. ]]> May 8, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=4E445FFF-5626-48EC-9A8EB5ED2DEC8CEF Craftsman-style front dormer, handrailed front porch, tapered columns and porte cochere all add to the nostalgic charm of the Blue River. This two-story Craftsman bungalow would be equally at home in a suburban neighborhood or a retreat setting.      It's easy to imagine relaxing on the porch in summer, sipping iced drinks, chatting with friends, or waving to neighbors passing by. Soft light spills into the vaulted foyer through sidelights and glass near the top of the Craftsman door. The stairway that angles up the right wall leads to three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Straight ahead is a coat closet, which makes good use of the under-stair space.      Family living areas fill the main floor. A wide opening on the left side of the foyer feeds into a large living room with a wide triplex of windows facing the porch, and two standard-sized windows arrayed along the other outside wall. Slender wall segments mark the juncture of the living room and dining room.      The dining area is also naturally bright, due to matched windows that flank its gas fireplace. An opening on the opposite wall provides access to a convenient powder room, and a good-sized hobby room, or home office, windowed on two sides. A pocket door in the hobby room opens into a utility room, fully outfitted with a utility tub and a wide folding counter. Another door leads out to the porte cochere.      A second set of slender wall segments marks where the Blue River's dining room segues into the C-shaped kitchen. A conversation bar rims one side of its central work island. The roomy and partially recessed walk-in pantry is next to a door leading out onto a cozy covered patio. ]]> May 1, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=B1CAA324-1486-4592-947004344F3B81A6 Topaz is a compact, economical no-frills plan, with just under 1,100 square feet of living space. It makes an ideal starter home for a young family, but might also suit the needs of singles or couples who don't want to spend their spare time taking care of a big house.      Tile roofing, varied rooflines and stucco detailing combine to create an interesting yet uncluttered exterior. A single square column supports one corner of the front porch, adding a touch of classic elegance.      The floor plan is laid out in a perfect rectangle, another affordability factor. Family living spaces dominate the right side and sleeping quarters are clustered together on the left.      In the living room, light washes in through two large multi-paned windows that face the street, and a third window on the side. This space, which flows into the dining area, has a bright, open feeling. The dining room, too, is filled with light. Sliding doors at the rear open on a large screened porch, and there's a side window as well.      Standing at the kitchen sink, you gaze out through the screened porch and into the back yard. The galley kitchen is efficient, with sink, stove and refrigerator arranged in a tight working triangle. Washer and dryer are tucked in an alcove, hidden behind pocket doors.      Bedrooms in the April 24, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=7351E786-6595-4CA9-94A83D57B53A920B Albany is a midsize home designed to meet the needs of a growing family. The unfinished bonus room over the garage offers space for expansion, should you need a fourth bedroom. Or you can outfit it as a home office, a hobby room or whatever suits your needs.      A vaulted great room is at the heart of the home. This large, naturally illuminated area is spacious enough to accommodate a couple of couches, an easy chair or two, and a home entertainment center. Maybe even a desk for the family computer. The second floor landing is open, so from this vantage point you can watch the goings-on below.      Cupboard and counter space in the country kitchen is more than ample. It wraps around four sides and includes a step-in pantry. In the nook, an alcove near the sliding glass doors could serve as a desk.      You'll never feel shut in, working in this kitchen. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze out a window. Range and oven are just a few steps away and the view there is even better. You can look across the eating bar, into the nook, out through the sliding glass doors onto the deck, and beyond.      A pocket door separates the kitchen from a bayed dining room with a high ceiling. Utilities and a small bathroom are convenient to both the garage and the entry.      Amenities in the Albany's owners' suite include a huge walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom with twin vanities, oversized shower, spa tub, and private water closet. ]]> April 17, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CC34A6DC-4B2A-4D48-88A5E210C13D6B29 ranch style West Creek. This large home offers plenty of private spaces as well.      Slender posts highlight the high-ceilinged covered porch, which extends to the right. Muted natural light washes into the entry through sidelights and a high window in the front door.      Double doors on the entry's right open into what could be a dining room, parlor, or home office. Light washes in through a rectangular bay. The opening to the hallway and kitchen at the rear could have a sliding door.      Angling off to the right, the entry leads into a kitchen and nook that flow on into the spacious great room. At that same juncture, a left hallway leads into the bedroom wing. Another hallway, on the right, heads to a guest suite, bathroom, garage access, a utility room, and a huge hobby room.      A roomy walk-in pantry fills one of the kitchen's corners, and a nook extends out on the left. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can keep tabs on activities outside on the partially covered patio or gaze out across the flush eating counter into the great room, where tall windows flank the gas fireplace.      The spacious owners' suite fills half of the bedroom wing. Amenities include two basins, a walk-in shower, private toilet, and walk-in closet. One of the other bedrooms also has a walk-in closet. Built-in desks line two side walls of the front bedroom, joined by a hutch on the front wall.      These two bedrooms share a full bathroom that is available for all to use, while yet another general use bathroom is adjacent to the West Creek's guest room. ]]> April 10, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=20705B39-DA0F-49A5-AF257E079FE653CB Baltimore's vaulted hexagonal core, where all six ceiling sections sweep up to a lofty central apex. Richly windowed and completely open on the entry side, this expansive space is only slightly less open further back in the kitchen. Sleeping areas and other less public rooms fill the two wings that extend off to the rear.      On the exterior of this Prairie home, four sculpted posts highlight the front facade. Slender and graceful, yet firmly seated on the tapered stone veneer bases, their open inviting look extends a gracious welcome to family and friends.      Two coat closets flank the entry passageway that leads into the great room. The expansive great room encompasses the living and dining areas as well. A gas fireplace and a home entertainment center nestle into the rear wall of the living room, next to sliding door access to a patio that sweeps along the exterior of that side. A similar patio wraps across the opposite side, and is accessed through matching sliders in the dining area.      Standing in the kitchen, you can keep your eye on that patio, and tend to goings-on in the great room and dining area. The long raised eating bar that rims the kitchen's peninsular counter is perfect for homework supervision. And, of course, it's also just right for informal meals or chatting with family or friends while working in the kitchen. A central work island adds to the counter and storage space, and a roomy step-in pantry is off to the side.      The Baltimore's owners' suite is designed to provide a secluded adult retreat. A small gas fireplace graces its sitting area, and sliding doors provide access to a deck that could be private. ]]> April 3, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F189E31F-DEFD-4260-B492DF4E7404674E Hopewell is a minimalist's dream. Besides being on the small side, its basically rectangular shape makes this compact Craftsman cottage as economical to build as it is to maintain. While equally appealing to young families and empty nesters, the plan is also designed with the idea of leaving a smaller carbon footprint than many newly constructed homes.      Slender posts set on brick veneer bases highlight a porch that sweeps across the front and wraps around to create an alcove on the right. Other Craftsman features include gridded window uppers, variously sized front-facing gables, a Craftsman door and a sidelight.      Inside, the entry is suffused in natural light that washes in through the sidelight and upper section of the door. A convenient coat closet and access to the two-car garage are straight ahead. The utility room to the right is outfitted with cabinets and a folding counter.      Turning left brings you into a bright and spacious informal gathering space where the living room flows into the dining area. And that?s not the end of it.      A peninsular counter rimmed by a flush eating bar is all that separates the dining area from the kitchen, giving the large gathering space an even more expansive feel. A roomy walk-in pantry sits at the juncture of the kitchen and dining room. The covered patio off the opposite side of the kitchen could easily be screened, if pesky bugs are a persistent problem.      Bedrooms fill the rear section of the Hopewell. The owners? suite has a large walk-in closet and a private bathroom with a dual vanity and an oversized shower. Secondary bedrooms share a two-section bathroom, allowing two people to use it at once.]]> March 27, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=B0910F21-3772-41D5-9D55089A0A119887 Philipsburg is a duplex with all the charm, and most of the privacy, of a country cottage. Garage walls are the only point of contact between the units, and even the covered patios are completely secluded. The two-story units are mirror images of each other.    Slender posts set on wood-framed bases highlight and support an entry porch capped by a low profile gable. Wooden siding covers a half wall that creates another secluded area in the porch section extending from the door to the outer post. It's easy to imagine sipping lemonade here while lazing away a summer afternoon relaxing on wicker furniture or a wooden porch swing.      Inside, a handy coat closet hides in an alcove hidden behind the front door. The living and dining areas are all of a piece, and open to the kitchen across a raised eating bar. Light washes into the living areas through wide multipaned windows on the right. More beams in through a smaller window over the sink. Kitchen counters and cabinets line two walls, plus the peninsular counter/eating bar. A combination utility room and powder room is at the rear, along with access to the covered patio.      The patio makes a cozy spot for outdoor dining when the weather is warm. Walled on two sides, it provides some protection from the wind, and could easily be screened, if flying insects are a problem in the area.      Two bedrooms and a full bathroom with linen storage are upstairs in each of the Philipsburg's units. Both bedrooms are expanded by rectangular window bays, which could easily be built as cozy window seats with storage beneath. The rear bedroom is slightly larger, as is its closet. ]]> March 20, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=52417CDA-1519-4893-BB829B3CEACFC345 Casselman is a large family's dream. And every bedroom boasts a roomy walk-in closet, to boot! Gathering spaces, too, are expansive enough to accommodate the entire crew, and the three-car garage offers plenty of storage.      In this updated craftsman-style home, a characteristic low-pitched, hipped roof overhangs rows of sparkling clerestory windows on two sides. Abundant natural light washes down through those high rows of glass to naturally illuminate the vaulted, two-story great room.      In the kitchen, an extended conversation bar rims a sizable work island outfitted with a six-burner cook top. Counters and storage spaces line three sides and include a walk-in pantry. The fourth side is completely open to the great room.      Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze out over the covered patio. If desired, this area could be screened for bug-free outdoor dining.      The roomy dining area is windowed on two sides and can easily accommodate a long table. Down the hall is a den. Some families may prefer furnishing it as a library, office or home entertainment center.      The Casselman's spacious owenrs' suite is at the end of the hall. Its huge walk-in closet and luxurious bathroom do double duty, buffering sound from the great room. Diffused light washes into the bathroom through high windows and glass blocks.      Upstairs, a flat ceilinged, open balcony overlooks the vaulted great room, while linking two sets of bedrooms. Each set shares a handy two-section bathroom. Conceivably, two people could be brushing their teeth while a third uses the toilet or bath in complete privacy. Bedroom three has a cozy window seat with built-in storage. ]]> March 13, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=0917FE78-3DB8-4991-91954C56AD7080FA Gladstone, through uniquely stacked windows that face the street. Openly linked gathering spaces form the core of this contemporary, cottage home, which is equally well-suited for empty nesters or families with children. Being all on one level (excepting the bonus room over the garage), this plan easily adapts to wheelchair accessibility.      After passing under the gentle arch that highlights the porch, you step into a foyer. Arched openings there continue forward and to the right. A parlor and two bedrooms, each with a direct entry bathroom, fill the right wing. The great room is ahead, and a hallway heads off to the left.      First along the hallway is convenient coat closet, and access to a mud hall with a long bench is next. This is a handy place for shucking off muddy footgear and stowing items out of sight. The mud hall also provides a direct link to the three-car garage.      Past the mud hall, the hallway comes to the kitchen, then continues on to a utility room and the owners' suite. In the kitchen, cabinets and counters wrap around three sides of a central work island with a flush eating counter fronting the dining area. Windows fill most of the rear walls there.      More windows run along the back wall of the great room, next to a gas fireplace nestled in the corner. Access to a wide covered patio sits at the juncture of the Gladstone's great room and dining area.      Amenities in the roomy owners' suite include a deep walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom with twin vanities, a deep soaking tub, and a separately enclosed toilet and shower. ]]> March 6, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=649FC6D2-AD18-4B7B-A4BD6CF440AA0470 Elsberry such an intriguing appearance that you can't help but take a second look.      Most interesting, perhaps, is the hidden sun deck, recessed into the roof of the covered front porch. A French door links this sunny space to the vaulted owners' suite on the second floor.      This small home is particularly well suited to the needs of a couple, single, empty nesters, or small family. It also lends itself to construction as a vacation get-away. The wide rear deck and front porch provide plenty of space for appreciating the out of doors.      Entering, you step directly into the heart of the home. It?s mere steps to the kitchen and your panoramic view encompasses the living room, dining room and deck. Standing in the kitchen, you?ve got that same great view, though a raised eating and conversation bar does provide some separation.      Ceilings are high and vaulted in the living room and dining room. Sunlight washes in through wide rear windows, and a circular fireplace radiates warmth and color on gray days. Sliders in the dining area access the rear deck, and double doors open into the den.      The main bathroom has two entries. You can get there from the den, or from a hallway on the other side that runs past a bedroom (or study), and a utility room with a handy exterior access. This feature enables it to double as a mud room, when needed.      Another vaulted ceiling adds volume to the Elsberry's owners' suite upstairs. In addition to its concealed deck, this large space has a roomy walk-in closet, oversized shower with seat, double vanity and private toilet. ]]> February 27, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=DCE0B42A-AA89-4F20-9465A65929B1681C Crownpoint as a contemporary Prairie-style home. Frank Lloyd Wright is the acknowledged master of the Prairie house, one of the few indigenous American styles.      Families who enjoy attracting and watching wild birds will particularly appreciate those wide eaves. Feeders hung there are safe from the rain and all but the trickiest squirrels.      Immediately after entering, you pass double doors that lead into what could be a dining room, parlor, or home office. A conveniently located half bathroom is directly ahead, bedrooms are to the left, and the great room is ahead and slightly to the right.      The great room fills the heart of the home and is open to the kitchen and nook as well. In the G-shaped kitchen, an array of counters, cupboards, and built-in appliances wrap around all four sides. From at or near the kitchen sink, you can serve informal meals and snacks to family and friends seated along the raised eating bar, enjoy watching flames dance in the gas fireplace, or keep track of activities on the partially covered patio.      A good-sized utility room is right around the corner, along with indoor access to a two-car garage. The bench by the door is designed for shucking off messy footgear, which can then be stowed out of sight beneath the seat. A shelved storage closet lines the hallway leading to a guest suite, which could do double duty as a home office or hobby room.      In the spacious owners' suite, amenities include a walk-in shower, private toilet, two vanities, a deep walk-in closet, and direct patio access. The Crownpoint's other two bedrooms share a bathroom that has a combination tub and shower. ]]> February 20, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=B7DEF1A4-4D71-4600-A28CD26679C2C756 cottage. Specifically, notice the gridded window uppers and the stone veneer clad post supports. An old- fashioned wooden porch swing would be a nice fit on the Belknap's covered porch, as would a suite of wicker furniture.      On the ground floor, formal and informal gathering spaces fill the left wing. A den, utility room, half bath, and luxurious owners' suite are on the right side, along with direct access to the garage. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a study are upstairs.      The living room and den are well separated from the more relaxed family living areas at the rear. The foyer is totally open to the living room, while den access is around the corner to the right. Moving forward from the foyer takes you directly to the kitchen, while turning left at the stairs brings you into a bright and expansive two-story great room. Craftsman windows on two levels flank the fireplace.      Twin sets of continental columns line the wide opening between the great room and vaulted dining room. During the warmer months, sliding glass doors at the rear of the dining room offer increased air circulation, plus easy access to a covered patio.      An open passageway and a long raised eating counter bound the dining room and step-efficient kitchen. Standing at the cooktop, you can talk to people in the dining room and see out onto the patio. The kitchen sink offers a wide view of the Belknap's rear yard.      The vaulted owners' suite, too, has windows that face the back yard, along with three slender side windows. Luxury amenities include a deep walk-in closet, dual vanity, a shower, spa tub, and totally private toilet.]]> February 13, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=6121B908-A9CD-4A40-B85F1D04F5AFE4EC Lone Rock, a bungalow designed for construction on a lot that slopes down at the rear. Craftsman windows on all sides add their characteristic sparkle.      To enter, you climb a few wide steps. These lead to a welcoming covered porch with stone veneer bases accented by tapered columns that are linked by nostalgic wooden railings.      The entry opens directly into a vaulted great room with a masonry fireplace. A wide arched opening at the rear leads to a vaulted country kitchen that expands out on the right. The mud hall straight ahead leads past a storage closet and a coat closet before opening onto a covered porch with a sun porch to the left. Basement stairs are nearby.      Counters and cupboards wrap around three sides of the kitchen, which is richly windowed on two sides. Near the apex of the vaulting, two transom windows crown the four lower-level windows. The informal dining area is completely open to the kitchen, and a sliding glass door opens onto the side deck that links with the front porch.      A vaulted owners' suite with a full bathroom fills out the left side of the home along with the den. The small powder room across the hall is convenient to the kitchen and family room as well as the rear porches.      While most of the home is on one level, a bedroom, bathroom and spacious utility room are located in the finished half of the Lone Rock's daylight basement below. As space needs expand, the owners might want to finish the other half. A convenient pet door accesses the utility room there. The downstairs bedroom has a roomy walk-in closet and offers direct side patio access. ]]> February 6, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=45EA9445-6B6A-4DC7-9BD3410F813AF87F Willamette takes its name from one of the great rivers of the Northwest. This cottage would blend in well there, or just about anywhere else. Nearly 3,000 square feet of living space is on the ground floor, while a window-bright recreation room with storage sits over the garage.      Craftsman windows and door with sidelights grace the front facade. Slender columns seated on bold stone veneer bases flank an arched entry porch with a lofty 12-foot ceiling. The foyer ceiling is equally high, as are those in the den, dining room, and living room.      Double doors on the foyer's right lead into what could be a den or home office. The built-in work desk there is centered on one wall, between a wealth of storage cabinets. A wide opening on the foyer's left opens into a richly windowed dining room. At the rear of this octagonal space, another wide opening feeds into the living room, which can also be reached by walking straight ahead through the foyer.      Four informal gathering spaces flow together at the rear, if you count the covered patio. A transom caps the wide Craftsman windows on both sides of the gas fireplace, and another bank of windows fills most of the nook's rear wall.      From the kitchen, you can look out across the eating bar to keep an eye on everything. Other kitchen features include a roomy walk-in pantry and a work island with a built-in prep sink.      Secondary bedrooms are to the left of the Willamette's gathering spaces; the posh owners' suite is to the right. Luxury touches here include a large walk-in closet with a hutch and a bench, plus a private bathroom with a dual lav and step-in shower. ]]> January 30, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=3DAE41FF-9C91-447D-A8A9375DDB490D9A Bandon. Economical to build, heat and maintain, this single-level plan is also easily adaptable for wheelchair accessibility.      Craftsman detailing adds its nostalgic charm to the front facade, where slender columns support and highlight a wide covered porch. Decorative corbels accent the apex of the gable above, as well as a wider gable behind. Cultured stone veneer fills the wainscoting that spans the front, and two hallmark Craftsman windows add their own textural variety to the visual appeal.      Entering, you pass through a foyer that leads by a bedroom and coat closet before opening out into the living room. If three bedrooms aren't needed, this one could be used as a home office.      Families will appreciate the sense of openness in the large gathering space at the rear, where the living room, dining room and kitchen flow together almost seamlessly. Natural light washes into this expansive area through wide windows that fill much of the rear wall. One of the windows in the dining area slides open for easy access to a covered patio that could be screened, if desired.      A raised eating bar rims the kitchen's work island, where it adds both counter and storage space. Just off the kitchen is a generously sized storage pantry/broom closet combination. The full bathroom across the hall is conveniently placed for quick access from both the family area and the Bandon's two secondary bedrooms.      The owners' suite, utility room, and a two-car garage fill the right side. Suite amenities include a roomy walk-in closet and a private bathroom with a dual vanity and separately enclosed shower and toilet. ]]> January 23, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=353F2EC8-ED71-42C3-8DB8E4375B8A99B3 Cibola, a mid-size family home with a sunny Mediterranean flavor. A wealth of windows line the rear-facing walls, creating exceptionally bright family living areas.      At the heart of the plan is a wide open great room with a fireplace. Light streams in through French doors, slender windows flanking the doors, and through an expansive window bay in the kitchen. Transom windows cap these and most other windows throughout the house.      If your family likes to cook together, this kitchen is a dream. It's got counter space on four sides, and a work island with built-in cook top right square in the center. The sink faces onto a court that spans most of the rear. Other features include: a built-in oven, microwave and dishwasher, a long eating bar and a step-in pantry.      Sunlight spills into the vaulted sun room from three angles. The two exterior walls are more glass than anything else, and the room has five skylights. French doors separate the sun room from the formal dining room.      Outfitted with a secluded sitting area, the owners' suite serves as a welcome adult retreat. Other amenities include a huge walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with a skylight, two basins, a shower and a soaking tub.      Utilities and a small powder room are adjacent to a three-car garage with shop and storage. The Cibola's three secondary bedrooms share a bathroom. The room closest to the entry could be used as a home office, study or guest room.]]> January 16, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C7B39E40-DD78-46B6-AADE6B777DA16396 estate-size contemporary chalet a treat for the eye. King posts and gently curved struts highlight the Barrett's four front-facing gables, while shingles and stone veneer wrap around the entire exterior. Diamond-shaped and Craftsman windows add their sparkle outside, and admit abundant light inside.      Arrays of slender posts flank the lofty entry portico. Sidelights and a wide transom wrap around the Craftsman door. Inside, closets line the vaulted entry that leads directly into an expansive hexagonal great room.      Drop beams outline the six pie-shaped ceiling panels that meet at a central peak. The three rear walls are richly glassed, and the center section there is almost entirely glass. Its lower windows are crowned by two more levels of gridded glass that highlight the triangular apex.      A fireplace graces the right rear section, designated as a living room; the dining area is in the left section. Both offer access to wide decks. A long conversation bar rims the work island in a kitchen that is partly open to the dining area. Its roomy pantry fills one corner.      Bedroom suites fit neatly into wings on both sides of the central hexagon. A powder room along the hallway to the guest suite is available for general use. The large utility room further along that hallway also serves as a pass-through to the three-car garage. Luxury features abound in the spacious owners' suite that fills the left wing.      A bunk room and yet another bedroom are in the Barrett's daylight basement below, to the left of a huge recreation room that accesses covered patios on three sides. The roomy workshop on this level also has double door access to the exterior. ]]> January 9, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=68611436-02D4-4403-A719EF0D3BEFF290 Ambridge puts the viewer in mind of simpler times. More than anything, it's probably the full front porch, accented by slender wooden handrails and columns. If a porch swing suits your fancy, this is the place for it.      The plan's symmetrical design and central dormer also add to the Craftsman bungalow effect. But this midsize home is larger than it looks from the front. Indoor living space comes close to 1,800 square feet, not including the larger bonus room over the garage.      Family gathering areas fill the main floor, circling around a central stairway. Parlor and dining room are on the right, family room and kitchen on the left. Storage closets, utilities and a small powder room are in the middle, easily accessed from every direction.      Dining room and living room flow together, minimally bounded by slender wall sections that could be joined by an arch or exposed beam, if desired. The fireplace provides warmth and color when skies are dark.      An eating bar with overhead cabinets is all that separates the kitchen and family room. Working in the kitchen, you are never isolated. From here you can keep tabs on activities in the family room, front yard, covered patio and front porch. Sliders brighten the family room and provide access to a covered patio.      Upstairs, the Ambridge onwers' suite boasts two good-sized walk-in closets, and a private bathroom with dual vanities. The front bedroom is smaller but brighter than bedroom two.      Access to the large bonus room is through a hallway just past the bathroom, or via a second staircase entered through the garage. ]]> January 2, 2011 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C568C8FA-FFC1-4D3E-BC5EE7B4A3015F21 Trinity, a midsize country-style home with four roomy bedrooms. Family living spaces, along with a generously sized owners' suite, are downstairs. The other three bedrooms are on the upper level.      From the second floor bridge, you can overlook both the dining room and the family room. The apex of the vaulted ceiling that spans dining room, entry and family room, is overhead, parallel to the bridge.      Multipaned windows brighten the dining room, and a wide bay expands the living room. Both rooms look out across a nostalgic shaded porch that wraps around to the right. But most of the main floor is devoted to the kind of spaces families use day to day -- a large family room, L-shaped kitchen and bayed nook.      This comfortable area has a centrally located wood stove, and is wide open. Nothing more than an angled island with a raised eating bar breaks up the space. A built-in cooktop makes it easy to serve soups and other hot edibles directly to waiting eaters. The step-in pantry provides additional storage space. Utilities and a small bathroom are close by, equally convenient to the garage.      Amenities in the owners' suite include a large walk-in closet, oversized shower, spa tub and twin vanities. All of the Trinity's upstairs bedrooms are spacious, but the room overlooking the street is the one the kids will fight over. The half-round window crowning its lower windows is similar to the one in the front door, and adds a touch of elegance to the bedroom.]]> December 26, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D24AA21C-0E17-4907-A989443C1F451D23 Southwest, the Mesa Verde exudes an air of freshness and simplicity. Its bright, stuccoed walls are softly rounded at the edges. The flat roof is rimmed by eye-catching stepped parapets, and accentuated by decorative log ends. Exposed lintels and smooth posts add additional eye appeal.      Inside, the sense of openness is totally contemporary. Light washes into the high-ceilinged great room through a wealth of windows at the back, and another on the side. If desired, a fireplace could nestle into the far corner, and a wet bar could extend along the nearby wall. Triple sliders access a covered patio that spans most of the rear.      A two-foot drop in ceiling height marks the transition from great room to kitchen and dining room. In the kitchen, a long work island fronted by a raised eating bar also provides partial visual separation. Other than these two indicators, this spacious room is entirely open.      Standing at the cook top, you can stay fully involved with family activities, and keep tabs on backyard goings-on as well. Laundry appliances are mere steps away, in a fairly large utility room that connects to the garage. A generously sized pantry adds to the storage space, and a utility sink can easily be built into the long counter.      Bedrooms and bathrooms line up along the left side of the home. Interesting angles shape the Mesa Verde's owners' suite. Sliders offer direct patio access, which will be even more appreciated if the owners install an outdoor hot tub or spa.      Bedrooms two and three share a two-section bathroom that can also be reached from the entry. ]]> December 19, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F1CA47E9-D7EB-492C-E1D22BFD566EE6B0 Cape Cod-style beach cottage, the main floor is one flight up from ground level. A double garage with plenty of storage space fills the Snowberry's lower level, along with an unfinished family room. Additional storage space is also located here, and the area is plumbed to simplify the later inclusion of a wet bar and compact bathroom.      The vaulted entry porch is a half flight up from the ground. Inside, at the top of another half flight, are three linked interior gathering spaces, and one exterior. The vaulted living room is open to the dining room on the right, where glass sparkles across most of the rear wall. The stunning trio of windows in the living room have the characteristic Craftsman gridded uppers. A smaller transom window crowns the threesome at the vault's apex. Wide sliding glass doors in the dining area open onto a partially vaulted deck, which could be screened.      An eating counter is all that stands between the dining room and kitchen. Its location near the range makes it a breeze to serve up steaming soups and snacks. Counters wrap around sections of all four sides of the kitchen, and the assortment of cabinets on three of the sides include a roomy pantry.      Rooms to the left of the Snowberry's stairs are more private, though the den could function as a shared space as well. It could be a study, library, or home office, if not needed as a third bedroom. The owners' suite is vaulted and boasts a large bathroom with a walk-in closet. A pocket door seals the closet off from a bathroom with a deep soaking tub. Another pocket door slides closed to offer toilet privacy and shower steam containment. ]]> December 12, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=AEE06BEE-B1CA-27EB-C0EC14F7968190A5 Hillcrest ideal for aging in place as well.      Exterior textures are intriguing. Most of the walls are an unusual split face concrete block, except for the cultured stone veneer that covers the chimneys and the largest triangular gable front.      Inside, classic hardwood floors are the norm, with a few practical exceptions. A large library/den is to the right of the high-ceilinged entry, and a vaulted living room is to the left, where it is brightened and expanded by a rectangular window bay. Near the window, a freestanding woodstove offers warmth when the weather turns chilly.      Arched openings at the rear of the living room open onto a transverse hallway. Matching arches on the opposite side feed into an expansive vaulted dining room. Its window bay makes an excellent location for a wide window seat.      A kitchen with a generously sized walk-in pantry is right around the corner. All appliances are built in. A raised and angled eating bar bounds the kitchen and the comfortably large family room. The family room and eating nook are vaulted and richly glassed. Nestled into the back corner is a fireplace with a TV niche above the mantel, but owners might prefer to locate their main TV in the large media room on the right.      A third fireplace graces the owners' suite. The bathroom in this adult retreat boasts a spa tub and an oversized shower, plus a deep walk-in closet. Double doors offer direct access to the Hillcrest's wide rambling patio.]]> December 5, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=AEDE0DC7-CE95-0B86-6A556AC481F09A59 Lewiston a feeling of substantiality. Hipped rooflines add yet another element of visual appeal.      This three-bedroom home is designed for families who have little use for formal living spaces. The functions generally served by a living room, dining room and family room are combined here in one large, bright and uniquely shaped great room. It boasts a 9-foot ceiling, gas fireplace, and a richly windowed rear wall. One set of sliding glass doors provides access to a large patio. Interesting angles characterize the walls opposite the windows.      The kitchen, too, is angled. Amenities here include a step-in pantry, extensive counter space, and built-in appliances. A large utility room with plenty of storage space is just steps away. The utility room has garage access as well, handy for unloading groceries in inclement weather or after dark. The garage is large enough to shelter two cars and still have space for storage and a workbench.      Another one of those angled wall spaces is the owners' suite's spacious walk-in closet. Other luxuries in the owners' suite include: a small private patio with space for an outdoor spa, and a private bathroom with oversized shower, spa tub, and separately enclosed toilet.      Secondary bedrooms share the central bathroom and are well-isolated from the owners' suite. Linen closets line the hallway plus there's a large linen closet in the bathroom as well.      Double doors open into the room on the left side of the entry, which could be outfitted as the Lewiston's media room, study, library, or home office.]]> November 28, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=AEDB73B0-B444-83BB-B6748F208B69FD55 Pearson's lacy trim creates an eye-catching front facade. Delicate spindles rim the second floor balcony, scallops outline the eaves, and gingerbread cutouts serve as ornamental supports for the porch roof. Guest designer Rodney Pfotenhauer created the plans for this update of a small Queen Anne-style Victorian.      It's easy to imagine taking it easy in an old-fashioned wooden swing on the Pearson's porch, sipping a drink and reading a book, or simply watching the world go by.      Slender multipaned windows flank wide multipaned double doors that open into a living room only partially separated from the kitchen/dining area at the rear. Stairs to the upper level are to the left, just inside the door, and a woodstove or gas fireplace nestles into a corner near the kitchen.      Family and friends can enjoy the warmth and flames while seated at the raised eating/conversation bar that extends the kitchen's peninsula counter and houses the sink and dishwasher. Washer and dryer are close at hand, but easily hidden behind accordion doors. A broom closet is tucked between this alcove and the back door. The owners could build a deck or patio, if desired.      A bay window expands the Pearson's owners' suite, the only main floor bedroom. This window bay makes an ideal location for a window seat, desk, or display area. Other features here include a walk-in closet, plus a fully enclosed shower and toilet. The lavatory is separate, allowing two people to use the facilities at once and still have privacy.      The two bedrooms upstairs each have a walk-in closet and share a bathroom outfitted with a combination tub and shower. ]]> November 21, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=5217A4DA-E006-4CD7-484A1FCF5736D2A8 Springwood's open and relaxing ambiance begins before you even step inside. For starters, the covered porch of this traditional ranch-style home measures in at a lofty 11 feet high. Inside, the expansive vaulted entry is awash in natural light that filters in through sidelights, a transom and a window grid in the upper section of the door. And that's just the beginning.      Vaulted ceilings are generously supplied throughout. Double doors on the left side of the entry, for example, open into a vaulted room that could be a study, home office, or media room. And at the far end of the entry hall, you step into a spacious great room, which is also vaulted.      A gas fireplace nestles into one corner, near windows that fill more than half of the rear wall. One in a trio of tall framed-glass panes opens out onto a partially covered patio, which could be screened.      The kitchen, with a 9-foot-high ceiling, is also a part of the great room. Standing at the sink or its long counter, you can keep a running tally of goings-on in the great room, patio and beyond. At the same time, you can chat with family or friends ranged along the lengthy eating and conversation bars. Appliances are built in, and a roomy walk-in pantry nestles into one corner.      An arched passageway leads into the left wing, which houses the deluxe owners' suite plus a pass-through utility room that links with the Springwood's 3-car garage. A coffered ceiling adds a touch of elegance to the owners' suite, which has its own private access to the rear patio. Two more bedrooms and a bathroom fill a wing on the opposite side of the home. ]]> November 14, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=3D4BBA54-D8E0-F9DF-324A78D5D2429F98 Breckenridge. This contemporary European chateau is designed to fulfill the fantasies of families who enjoy living large.      Decorative struts, beams, and shake-textured siding are a treat for the eye, spotlighting gables at four levels. Intricate Craftsman-style windows, many of them arched, create a graceful counterpoint, while stone veneer wainscoting adds to the country manor ambiance.      At its core is a lofty, vaulted great room, accessed via a vaulted foyer with an equally high ceiling. The wide alcove at the juncture between the two spaces is designed to house a grand piano. Music created here will resonate throughout.      Cabinetry for a home entertainment center flanks the stately gas fireplace, and windows fill most of the rear wall. Across the room, another fireplace and TV hutch extend the nook that expands the roomy kitchen.      A long conversation bar bounds the kitchen, with wings stretching out in two directions from the sink. The pantry is larger than most, adding to the already plentiful storage space.      A den/guest suite is right off the kitchen. A powder room and gracious dining room with built-in hutch and buffet are also nearby, down a short hall.      Twos are the norm in the Breckenridge's luxurious owners' suite. That goes for the walk-in closets, lavs, and even the shower entrances. Everything but the toilet.      Upstairs, a bridge across the vaulted foyer/great room links two large bedroom suites. But there's more-much more! A huge indoor recreation area is at the rear. features includes a roomy theater, complete with soda fountain and conversation bar; and next door is a vaulted exercise room with space for numerous work-out machines, plus a spa. Relax and enjoy! ]]> November 7, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=3D48244E-E28A-C540-402B67D0897F72F4 Charleston, a country-style home complete with gables and a wrap-around porch. The placement of parlor and dining room on both sides of the entry is traditional, but the entryway, with its lofty two-story ceiling, is not. The great room and dining room have high ceilings too, in the 12-14 foot range. Clerestory windows in the entry and dining room provide extra illumination.      Columns and arches mark the boundaries of the bayed dining room. Double doors close to provide complete privacy in the parlor, which could just as easily be furnished as a home office. Shelves and a desk are built in.      Informal living spaces are at the rear. Two sets of French or atrium doors brighten the great room all year round and can be left open in summer. A fireplace, flanked by built-in shelving, provides warmth and color in winter.      The large country kitchen has all of the most popular amenities: large work island, walk-in pantry, built-in appliances, windowed eating nook, and a corner sink with a view. The three-season porch is perfect for protected outdoor dining. Utilities, basement stairs, and a small powder room are close to the Charleston's center of activity.      Double doors open into a good-sized owners' suite. Features here include a huge walk-in closet, a small deck, and a two-section bathroom with dual vanity and oversized shower. Two upstairs bedrooms share a bathroom. The front-facing room has a walk-in closet and an arched window that could be outfitted with a window seat.]]> October 31, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=3D458696-F9F7-4083-2097D95321D887FD Lander is a midsize ranch home with a window-bright cluster of large, open gathering spaces filling the entire left side. Designed for construction on land that slopes to the left and rear, this single-level plan can easily be adapted for construction on a flat lot as well.      Entering, you step into a vaulted entry which opens into a vaulted dining room and living room. A wide bay window expands the sense of spaciousness in the dining room, while more windows and a glass door offer views of the landscape behind the house.      No matter where you are in the kitchen, you can keep tabs on activities inside and out. Corner windows in front of the sink allow you to look out over the street. Working at the counters or range, you can observe and interact with family or friends in the dining room or living room. The eating bar also serves to keep folks who just want to chat out of the way of the cooks.      The Lander's dining room has a built-in hutch and buffet. In the living room, a direct-vent gas fireplace provides warmth and color. Alternately, the home could be built with a fireplace that burns wood and has a chimney. Bookcases are on one side and a home entertainment center is on the other.      Owners' suite amenities include a deep walk-in closet and a private bathroom with double vanity. Laundry appliances are nearby in a utility room outfitted with plenty of cupboard space, shelves and a handy counter for folding clothes and linens.      If a home office is needed, the front bedroom is an excellent location.]]> October 24, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C57BB6AF-F99E-8C95-7CB54644A662C6A2 Strasbourg, a midsize contemporary home with a large bonus room over the garage.      The great room is huge, and the vaulted ceiling makes it feel even larger. Tall slender windows flanking the fireplace provide plenty of natural light. Storage is also more than ample. A wide, deep closet is tucked under the stairs, and another nestles into a nearby nook.      An open wall bounds the great room and kitchen. Windows on two sides brighten the nook, with the rear sliders opening onto a partially covered patio. The raised eating bar is handy for ladling soup directly from the pot to waiting bowls. It can also double as a buffet, or serve as additional counter space when needed.      Here again, storage space is abundant, thanks in part to the large step-in pantry. A small bathroom and a large utility room are nearby. The utility room has direct access to the garage, which makes it a handy mudroom for taking off dirty footgear and/or drying muddy paws.      Amenities in the Strasbourg's owners' suite include his 'n' hers walk-in closets (one larger than the other) and a luxurious two-section bathroom. Glass blocks or opaque glass over the soaking tub provide soft, natural illumination, while a pocket door offers privacy and steam containment. Sliders at the rear open onto a private patio.      Upstairs, two more bedrooms share a bathroom with combination tub and shower. More storage space is available in the closet on the landing. The large bonus room could be put to countless uses. ]]> October 17, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C5783AD1-9E0D-1167-CE5329B13B540498 Winterberry well-suited for relaxed family living. From its large kitchen you can track goings-on in the vaulted living room and eating nook. Or gaze out the wide rear windows to observe the covered patio and beyond.      On the front facade, arched openings and gable-end corbels provide visually intriguing accents. These, along with the brick and cultured stone veneer cladding, imbue the home with a European flavor. Access to the three-car garage on the left is not visible from the front.      People pass by a handsome stone veneer column and under a graceful arch to step into the lofty covered porch. Inside the vaulted foyer, natural light washes in through sidelights. Double doors on the left open into a vaulted den with a good-sized walk-in closet. Access to secondary bedrooms and a two-section main bathroom are on the right of the foyer.      A high plant shelf crowns the passageway into the vaulted living room. Colorful flames and warmth from the gas fireplace can boost spirits during the darker months. On the opposite side, a set of double doors open into a large sunroom with cabinetry for a home entertainment center. Hardwood floors grace this space, along with the living room, home office and foyer.      The sunroom offers patio access on the left, as does the owners' suite on the right. The deluxe owners' suite boasts two walk-in closets, one larger than the other, plus a roomy bathroom with a dual vanity and deep soaking tub. A pocket door isolates the toilet and shower, for privacy and steam containment.      The Winterberry's deep utility room is conveniently situated at the juncture of the kitchen and garage. ]]> October 10, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C570F56D-AF3A-FADA-DCDDCCAE556FCFDC Alsea the comfortably familiar look of a nostalgic country cottage. This home is designed for construction on a lot that slopes down at the rear.      Bright and expansive gathering spaces fill most of the first floor. Families in need of a home office could easily adapt the den to that purpose, due to its ideal location near the front door. The finished portions of the home include three upstairs bedrooms. If needed, more sleeping rooms and other types of living space could be added in the large, richly windowed bonus room over the garage, or the daylight basement below part of the first floor.      Walking inside, you step into a two-story entry, naturally illuminated by sidelights and a large window on the second level. Wide openings on the right and left lead into a living room and den, respectively. Straight ahead, a stairway climbs halfway to the second floor, then takes angles to the left.      The living room flows into the dining room, which is partially open to the kitchen. But you can also get to the kitchen, utility room and half bath through a door at the back of the den.      A wide window bay expands the dining room. The sliding glass doors that fill its central section open onto a partially covered deck that echoes the shape of the window bay. A long eating bar, raised on the dining room side, marks the boundary between the dining room and kitchen.      Cabinets and built-in appliances wrap around four sides of the Alsea's spacious kitchen. The generously sized utility room and half bath are mere steps away, along with direct access to a two-car garage.]]> October 3, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=5F932E4D-D032-D558-80632FA3C909D461 Langford is a small, picturesque home that could be built as a vacation cottage, or a year-round residence for a small family. It offers a little over 1,000 square feet of living space.      Old-fashioned shutters flank the front windows as well as the door, and square posts branch into decorative threes that support the porch roof. Overhead, a trio of matching gabled dormers face the street.      The vaulted living room is open to the second floor and a fireplace nestles into the stairway alcove at its rear.      Light washes into the living room through stacked windows on the side of the house, plus multiple panes in the front door. The upper side windows are single panes, taller than the multipaned rectangles below, and angled in at the top to form a peak that accentuates the shape of the steep gable above.      To the left is the dining area, which is open to the living room but has a flat one-story ceiling. The kitchen is a room unto itself, with open passageways on each end that link to the living and dining areas. There is no wall in front of the kitchen sink, so kitchen workers can converse with people in those areas, or pass food through for placement on the dining table.      A powder room and utility room are at the rear. The utility room has exterior access, and can double as a mud room.      The Langford's owners' suite and sleeping loft share a bathroom on the second level. Cozy window seats could be built into one or all of the dormers, which also make pleasant desk, sewing or display alcoves. ]]> September 26, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=5F8F4ADE-03FF-5F7F-13D93191F362CEFC Jamison blends traditional and present-day styling in a plan that is at once elegant and informal. Traditional elements include a covered porch, arched windows, and a deck. Bold columns, a cameo window, and planters overflowing with vegetation provide contemporary flavor.      Vaulted ceilings create a sense of openness in the formal living spaces at the core of this plan. Widely spaced columns support plant shelves that delineate the boundaries of the dining room, living room and hallways. A small powder room, tucked into the passageway to the kitchen, is close to everything.      Everyday activities take place in the large, open family room/kitchen. The cooking island is set at a diagonal to create a uniquely shaped triangular kitchen. Having the vegetable sink right across from the range offers increased efficiency in food preparation.      The eating bar adds still more counter space. Utilities and a walk-in pantry are conveniently located between the kitchen and the garage. On the far side of the kitchen, a glass door in the nook leads onto a large deck.      Bedrooms are clustered together at the left. Luxury amenities in the owners' suite include: a large walk-in closet, a private bathroom with two lavs, and an enclosed toilet and shower. Glass block windows brighten the bathing alcove.      Each of the Jamison's secondary bedrooms has direct access to a dual-compartment bathroom. The bedroom closest to the entry porch could be outfitted with French doors and used as a den or office.]]> September 19, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=5F8C41A2-CA1B-29D5-191D3F816B948D3E Mediterranean style home add drama, inside and out, while capturing light from every possible angle.      In the front, stucco columns with arched openings separate the driveway from a lushly planted entry courtyard. Stately columns flank the lofty gabled entryway. Viewed from the rear, the Solano is equally attractive. The exterior of the hexagonal great room, graced by high arched multi paned windows on three sides, has a panoramic view. A patio adds to the effect, wrapping around the entire back expanse.      The spacious country kitchen is open to the vaulted great room, with only an eating bar between. Other amenities include generous counter and cupboard space, a step in pantry, built in range and oven, and an additional oven and microwave combination.      At the juncture of kitchen and great room, an open stairwell spirals up to a wide vaulted loft that is open to the great room at the rear and the entryway in front. It has a sloping ceiling with storage access on two sides. To convert this space to a cozy library retreat, simply bring in some bookshelves and a couple of easy chairs.      Bedrooms are located at opposite ends of the Solano. The sumptuous owners' suite features two walk in closets, spa tub, skylights, shower, private water closet and twin vanities. The other two bedrooms each have their own bathroom. Utilities are convenient to these bedrooms as well as the garage. ]]> September 12, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=5F7ECD51-BBDC-4165-34CCB33C496847DE ranch-style Granbury create a relaxing sense of spaciousness in a home with slightly more than 1,800 square feet of floor space.      Slender wooden posts support the inviting front porch, and painted shutters accent the multipaned windows. Taken together, they evoke memories of beloved homes from the not so distant past.      Inside, light washes into the vaulted entry through a sidelight and transom. The wide, arched opening on the left leads into a room that could be furnished as a den, parlor, library, or even a home office. The window bay that expands it toward the front lets in plenty of light, while a pocket door on the opposite wall links this space directly to the kitchen.      The entry ceiling slopes up from the front, then sweeps gently down into a vaulted great room with a wide window at the rear. A gas fireplace nestles into a corner opposite the windowed wall. Nothing more than a difference in floor covering marks the transition between the great room and vaulted dining room.      Windowed on two sides, the dining room is a naturally bright area. Sliding glass doors open onto a patio that could be screened and covered, if desired. A peninsular eating bar bounds a kitchen that's almost fully open to the dining room.      It's an efficiency kitchen, with the sink, stove and refrigerator set in a tight, step-saving triangle. Counters wrap around parts of four sides, and a roomy pantry fills one corner.      A skylight brightens the private bathroom in the Granbury's vaulted owners' suite. Other features include: a walk-in closet, dual vanity, and enclosed toilet and shower.]]> September 5, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C51AFD90-9C26-4CD6-81851707DC3F1770 Phoenix, a ranch-style home that fits on a standard lot. This single level plan is well-suited to the needs of empty nesters, young families or singles.      The U-shaped kitchen is completely open to the family room, so the cooks and clean-up crew need never feel left out of family activities. Counter and cupboard space stretches along one wall and a pantry provides additional storage capacity. A cooktop and oven are built into a central work island that adds more counter space. Bring in a few stools and the island does double duty as an eating bar.      Stacked windows brighten the living room, a quiet space at the front of the home. The corner fireplace serves as a focal point in winter, and its mantel offers a display area for family mementos.      Owners' suite and utilities are to the right of these gathering spaces. The walk-in closet is much larger than one expects to find in a home this size, and the private bathroom has a luxurious oversized shower.      Utilities are in a pass-though space, convenient to the kitchen, owners' suite and garage. Secondary bedrooms are on the left side of the Phoenix, served by a bathroom with combined tub and shower.      If a basement is desired, stairs will be on the front wall of the family room, adjacent to the living room, decreasing the size of the family room. ]]> August 29, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=B0B628E1-D8FC-CB45-04AE80C60DD621D9 Grand River's lofty vaulted entry porch. This neotraditional home is an up-to-date combination of traditional and contemporary design features. While it could be built as a retreat cottage, the home is also a good fit for a suburban neighborhood.      Natural light washes into the two-story foyer through sidelights and tall transoms above. The stairway that runs up one wall ascends to a balcony landing with a two-way overlook: a view of the foyer to the front, and the vaulted great room to the rear. Windows fill most of the great room's rear wall, and a wood stove nestles into the right-hand corner there.      Across the room, double doors open onto a partially covered patio, near where a gracefully curved eating bar bounds the kitchen. Counters and storage spaces are abundant. The central work island adds more of both, and the roomy walk-in pantry provides a major boost to storage capacity. A richly windowed dining room is across the hall, along with a powder room linked to a utility room. Storage closets line the walls in both.      The luxurious owners' suite fills out the ground floor's right wing. It boasts a huge walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with a spa tub. The shower and toilet can be closed off for privacy and steam containment.      Two more bedrooms and a good-sized bathroom are on the Grand River's second level, along with a wealth of storage. Tall windows brighten the large open two story foyer. Even more light spills into the bonus and exercise rooms on the left, which are over the garage. Windows there are located in each of the four gabled dormers, plus another on the left wall. ]]> August 22, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=B0B2CDDE-B3B7-2F3A-823CED3776BA218B Etheridge. The home's full spectrum of Craftsman detailing guarantees it.      Each of the numerous windows has Craftsman-style multipaned window uppers, and a slender row of them caps each garage door. Shake textured siding fills the gable fronts, while tapered columns support and highlight the front porch as well as the covered patio at the rear. Bold and handsome king posts crown the porch entry.      Entering via the vaulted porch, you step into a high-ceilinged foyer. A wide opening on the right leads into a living room with a fireplace, shelving and a computer desk. The smaller opening on the left brings you into an alcove with two doors. One opens a coat closet and the other goes to a powder room.      Large and naturally bright, the family room is at the heart of this home. Decorative drop beams run front to back, drawing eyes to the stone-lined woodstove alcove at the rear, and the transom-crowned atrium doors that flank it. This spacious area then flows into the nook and kitchen. Built-in seating lines the nook's rectangular window bay.      Cabinets and built-in appliances line the kitchen on three sides, while counters run along two. A raised conversation bar rims a work island with a prep sink, and a roomy walk-in pantry fills one corner. Laundry appliances are nearby in a spacious, well-appointed utility room with links to both the garage and a pass-through mudroom with backyard access.      The Etheridge's vaulted owners' suite is a secluded retreat. It boasts a fireplace, a luxurious bathroom, and two deep walk-in closets. Two more bedrooms and bathrooms are upstairs, along with a skylit bonus room and an attic-style storage room. ]]> August 15, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=B0ABDCC1-9B32-737D-B30406A58DB2006E Palermo is designed to suit families who prefer an informal lifestyle. Family living spaces flow together at the rear in the naturally bright vaulted great room. The room by the entry could be outfitted as a media room, study, or home office.      Storage space is generous throughout, with large cabinets and closets in the entry, great room, kitchen, owerns' suite, and utility room, not to mention the three-car garage.      The entry's lofty ceiling is 12 feet high, and begins sloping up as you move into the great room. A parade of windows spangles the back and side walls, while a gas fireplace fits neatly into a corner. Deep shelving is ample for housing a home entertainment center.      A long conversation bar with an overhead plant shelf marks the kitchen boundary without cutting it off from the larger space. Someone standing at the kitchen range can survey the entire room, or gaze past the skylit dining area through French doors to watch the changing seasons. A partially covered patio spans the rear.      Utilities and a compact bathroom are nearby, nestled in a pass-through space that leads to the garage.      French double doors in the lavish owners' suite offer direct patio access. A perfect spot for a hot tub is right around the corner. Other amenities include two huge walk-in closets, and a owenrs' bath with double vanity, enclosed toilet, oversized shower and deep soaking tub.      The front of the Palermo's two secondary bedrooms is vaulted. Its boxed bay provides an ideal location for a wide window seat with built-in drawers. ]]> August 8, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=B0A88A39-D8EB-0FAD-8CF0AAF2FD3B6401 Gerard's rear elevation has the richly windowed, A-frame look typical of a vacation retreat, its front fa?ade and full-featured interior make it equally well suited for year-round residency. ?????Painted shutters and a wide-railed porch give the home a welcoming look. An old-fashioned, wooden porch swing can fit in nicely here. The covered porch wraps around to span the entire left side, and transitions into a V-shaped deck at the rear. ?????If toddlers live here or come to visit, all or part of the porch and deck may be gated to create a safe outdoor play area. ?????Entering, you'll see a stairway on your right, and an expansive, vaulted, two-story great room to your left. A handsome square post connected to an exposed beam marks the passageway into the L-shaped kitchen, straight ahead. ?????Cupboards and counters wrap around two sides, and lazy Susan shelving provides easy access to the corner. A raised eating bar rims one side of a work island, and the island has a built-in range and oven. ?????Abundant natural light washes into the great room through a bank of sparkling windows, stacked three high, plus two atrium doors that provide deck access. Across the room from the doors is a home entertainment center. There's plenty of room for a wide-screen TV at center, over the direct-vent gas fireplace. ?????A nice-sized utility room and full bathroom are on opposite sides of the short hallway leading to two bedrooms at the rear. Utility room amenities include: cabinets on two sides, a deep sink, and a long counter, handy for folding clothes. ?????The Gerard's owners'suite is upstairs, as is a study linked to the vaulted loft. ]]> August 1, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=01A46685-0291-9AB4-F153936C68EE52D8 Mansura's stucco detailing that first catches the eye. Stately quoins anchor the corners, while bold bands of raised stucco outline an array of graceful elliptical arches and charming circular windows.      All rooms, with the exception of two bedrooms and a bonus room, are on the ground floor. This arrangement makes the plan particularly well-suited to empty-nesters and families with older children. Resident teens can enjoy their music without forcing you to hear it, and when the kids move on, those upper rooms can be kept ready for guests, converted to office space, or used for hobbies.      A lofty vaulted ceiling overarches the entry, breakfast nook and great room, and the entire space is awash with light. Sidelights and transom windows brighten the entry, where an elevated plant shelf extends over the coat closet. In the family room, elongated windows flank the gas fireplace. In the breakfast nook, an atrium door offers patio access, and more light spills in through a wide side window.      Yet another vaulted ceiling expands the bay-windowed dining room.      The roomy kitchen is conveniently located between the nook and dining room. A raised eating bar minimally separates it from the nook, and a pocket door allows total separation from the dining room, when desired. Counter space and cupboards are amply supplied here, including a large walk-in pantry with five shelves. Utilities and a small bathroom are nearby.      Notable features in the Mansura's owners' suite include: direct access to a private patio, two walk-in closets (one much larger than the other), and a luxurious bathroom softly illuminated by the light that filters in through glass blocks in the bathing alcove. ]]> July 25, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=01A1B741-92E9-8910-E53B03CCADBD5497 Picardie Villa's chateau exterior is a treat for the eye. Behind that fascinating facade, it's a luxurious, two-story spread designed for living large, both indoors and out.      Distinctly European influences are seen in the iron balcony railing, eyebrow arches, half-timbered entry detailing, and elaborate chimneys capped with decorative chimney pots. Inside, the home is totally contemporary.      To enter, you pass through a lofty, vaulted porch before stepping inside a grand foyer with a 24-foot ceiling. An opening on the right leads into a dining room with an attached wine room, while the opening on the left links with a vaulted den, complete with gas fireplace.      Straight ahead, the foyer opens out into a vast vaulted living room, where stacked windows flank a wide-hearthed, two-sided fireplace. The upper stack of windows culminates in a gothic arch. Near the windows, another opening leads into the sun-washed nook and gourmet kitchen.      A second two-sided fireplace brightens the nook. This one is flanked by two arched openings that flow into a high-ceilinged game room with its own wet bar. Fireplace flames can be enjoyed from either room.      The vaulted owners' suite boasts two bathrooms, each with a skylight and its own walk-in closet. An exercise room is down the hall, and the suite has two doors that access the covered patio and spa. This patio flows into two more outdoor living areas.      A porte-cochere links the Picardie Villa to a side patio and a garage complex that can shelter six cars. Two more bedrooms, a bathroom, and a skylit loft are upstairs, along with a catwalk and two large unfinished attics. One of the bedrooms has a balcony and the other has a deck.]]> July 18, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D8613843-0EDB-CD36-98BE28ACC8AC6182 Vista. This home was designed for maximum appreciation of a view - hilltop, river bank, lakeside, ocean, or what have you.      Every major room is rimmed with windows facing the rear. And to enhance the viewing possibilities, a wide railed deck spans the entire back of the dwelling, adding extensive outdoor living space.      A vaulted, hexagonal great room, windowed on three sides, is at the core. Two sets of sliding glass doors in the center section provide deck access and allow cooling breezes for air circulation in summer. When the weather turns gray and cloudy, you can kindle a fire in the fireplace and watch the flames.      The kitchen is large, with plenty of counter and cupboard space. Two or more cooks can work together in this kitchen, without getting in each other's way. Standing at the kitchen sink, or in front of the stove, you can gaze across the great room for full enjoyment of the panoramic view. Washer and dryer are close at hand, in an angled utility room equipped with a sink.      The owners' suite is well-isolated from the secondary bedrooms and boasts its own fireplace and sitting area. Other luxuries include a huge walk-in closet and a private bathroom with twin lavs, spa tub, oversized shower and separately enclosed water closet. Glass blocks over the tub provide natural illumination.      The Vista's other two bedrooms share a bathroom. One of the rooms is larger than the other and has a walk-in closet.]]> July 11, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D85DD61B-D09B-98E2-F79F467C290FAB7B Stapleton is a Craftsman-flavor, country cottage-style home that is equally well-suited for construction in a suburban neighborhood, or as vacation retreat with plenty of room for family and friends. It has a ground level owners' suite and three bedrooms plus a bath and bonus room the second floor.      Stone veneer bases draw attention to slender wooden posts that support an entry porch with a nostalgic stick-work gable. Craftsman windows, multipaned at the top, ornament the front facade, while shake-textured siding draws attention to the upper triangles of the side gables.      Family living spaces fill the entire front of the ground floor, with the foyer at center. The foyer is completely open to the living room on the left, while an arch to the right leads into the dining room and kitchen. Stairs to the upper floor are opposite the front door.      The Stapleton's large country kitchen creates a natural center for day-to-day family living. This layout is ideal for the multitasking required of contemporary parents. Kitchen workers can keep tabs on children playing out front, supervise the homework scene at the dining table, and tend to laundry in the nearby utility room, all while preparing the meals needed to keep everyone happy and healthy.      The centrally located bathroom and utility room do double duty, serving as sound buffers for the owners' bedroom at the rear. Sliders in the bedroom, along with another set in the living room, access a partially covered patio.      Three more bedrooms plus a bathroom, linen closet, and huge bonus room are upstairs. The bonus room could be used for storage, outfitted as music or art studio, or whatever strikes your fancy. ]]> July 4, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D8568182-BC03-9903-92F972A0DE2950A3 Bellaire is a large yet compact family home, designed for construction on a narrow lot. Arched windows, a tile roof, and stucco relief trim give the plan a contemporary Southwestern flavor.      Outside, hanging plants drape the upper edges of the balcony, preventing the stately stucco portico from appearing overly imposing. Inside the entry, sidelights flank the door, transom windows rim its top, and the ceiling stretches two stories up. More light spills in from a narrow arched window on the upper level. A built-in bench here comes in handy when shedding dirty shoes.      Graceful archways mark the entrances to the living room and dining room, large rooms ideal for entertaining and family events. But for everyday life, family members gravitate to the spacious and relaxed family room/kitchen at the back. Bay windows expand the nook and family room, creating an open atmosphere, filled with light.      Amenities in the comfortable kitchen include a walk-in pantry, built-in oven, microwave and dishwasher, plus a long work island with vegetable sink and range. Utilities, along with a sink and a counter for folding clothes, are just a few steps away. The utility room is also accessible from the garage. The long screened porch is large enough for outdoor dining and lounging as well.      In the Bellaire's luxurious owners' suite, the sleeping area boasts a large bay window. A spa tub nestles into a smaller bay with glass block walls. Another bay creates a bright sitting area. Flames from the see-through fireplace can be enjoyed from anywhere in the suite, and an L-shaped walk-in closet offers ample storage space for the most extensive wardrobe.]]> June 27, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D853C5BC-D258-D171-04A7D9247897025D Coburg has the warm, welcoming appeal of a traditional American country home. Short columns accent the pony wall that rims a front porch which spans the entire front and wraps around on both sides. A vaulted central section highlights the front door.      Natural light washes into the two-story foyer through sidelights, a transom, and an upper level dormer. Double doors on the left open into a room that could be used as a den, study, or home office. The opening by the stairs, just past the coat closet, leads into a large family room linked to the dining room and kitchen. Double doors in the dining room offer direct access to the front porch.      The vaulted living room is straight ahead, past the stairs and a hallway that leads to the owners' suite. Its gas fireplace is set between stacked windows and an atrium door with a transom. This door and another in the mud hall offer access to the patio and vaulted gazebo outside.      In the passageway between the living room and kitchen, an extra-large pantry fills the alcove opposite a long counter with cabinets above and below. Other kitchen features include: a sunny eating nook, built-in appliances, an eating bar, and a rectangular work island with a built-in cook top and prep sink.      Laundry appliances and a mud bathroom line the mud hall that links to a three-car garage. The owners' suite has a large walk-in closet, oversized shower and private toilet.      Three bedrooms are on the upper floor of the Coburg, along with two bathrooms, a bonus room and a balcony loft that overlooks the foyer and vaulted living room. ]]> June 20, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D851014B-BD94-0580-99DC9C45F9E9D956 Winchester make this home well suited to watching ocean sunsets, keeping tabs on forest and lakeside wildlife, or appreciating countless other natural environments.      Windows wrap around three angles of a cozy observatory, perched alone at the highest level of the home. Outfitted with bookshelves, this lofty hideaway could serve as a library. Add a convertible couch and it becomes a compact and unique sleeping space.      A vaulted bedroom with private bath is located on the next highest level. Group living areas, including a great room, sunroom and partially covered front porch, are half a flight down, and an extra long one-car garage is at ground level. Columns flank the garage door, adding visual interest.      Glass double doors open onto a wide deck from the bedroom, which features his and hers closets and a private bath with two vanities, oversized shower and compartmentalized toilet. Another bathroom, with an adjacent sauna and utility room, is conveniently close to the spacious great room, where most family activities will take place.      By day, the sky lit sunroom is ideal for soaking up the rays. By night, it converts to a sleeping space if needed.      Designed as a vacation getaway, this home is also well suited as a vacation rental. And outdoorsy empty nesters might even find the Winchester an attractive plan as a full time residence. ]]> June 13, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D84DF478-FF11-AC0B-FE03662FFFBF5C6F Heartview's window-bright interior segues nearly seamlessly into its wrap-around outside living area at the rear. And the exterior materials ensure an organic blending with the natural environment as well. In the right setting, every window can offer spectacular views.      Stone veneer-covered bases support slender posts that frame the front porch and garage overhang. These run a harmonious counterpoint to the shake-textured siding, wooden corbels, and Craftsman-style windows on all sides.      The use of natural materials extends throughout. Examples include handsome exposed drop beams in the great room and owners' suite, and wooden posts set on tapered stone veneer bases that flank the entry hall.      An expansive great room sits at the heart of the home. A kitchen fills one side, across a curved and raised eating bar. On the other inner wall, a stone veneer fireplace nestles between a home entertainment center and a stack of shelves. Sparkling glass fills somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of the two exterior walls. Craftsman windows flank atrium doors that access the patio, and each window set is crowned by a row of multipaned windows. This is a bright living area indeed!      Windowed hallways lead off to the right and left of the entry hall. The right branch goes to two secondary bedrooms, a bathroom, and a pass-through utility room linked to the two-car garage. The left hallway channels you into the Heartview's sumptuous owners' suite.      Drop beams create an interesting grid over the sleeping area, and a cushy window seat would fit nicely into the room's rectangular window bay. Other luxury touches include a deep walk-in closet and a two-section bathroom with a spa tub and double vanity. The toilet and shower are separately enclosed for privacy and steam containment. ]]> June 6, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D83E2D71-A9F4-85FE-C2626643BFD2DA4A Arvada's arched entry porch invites visitors to step inside this midsize contemporary home. Attractive turned brick caps rim the upper edge of the brick wainscoting, and multipaned windows add sparkle.      Light washes into the entry through both a sidelight and an arched clerestory window. Double doors on the left swing open into a vaulted living room expanded by a broad window bay. Step through the wide opening on the right side of the entry, and you find yourself in the dining room. A pocket door offers access to the kitchen, or, when desirable, separation from the noise and clutter there.      From the arched opening at the back of the entry, you can head into the kitchen and vaulted family room, or proceed on through double doors into the owners' suite.      This kitchen is larger than it seems, if you take the huge walk-in pantry into account. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can interact with family and friends at the eating bar, watch flames in the direct vent gas fireplace, keep track of activities in the family room, or gaze out the sliding glass doors.      The built-in desk makes a convenient phone location and comes in handy for keeping tabs on household finances. The overhead shelves can hold a library of cook books.      Laundry appliances are nearby in a pass-through utility room that connects to the garage. This space has a long folding counter, and can serve as a mud room, great for wiping muddy paws or shucking off messy foot gear.      Sliding glass doors in the Arvada's owners' suite offer direct access to the generously sized patio that spans most of the rear. Luxury features include: a large soaking tub, double vanity, spacious walk-in closet and separately enclosed toilet and shower. ]]> May 30, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D83ADCBE-0C80-958A-1CC6CAE34CBB00CA Monticello. This traditional estate home is as symmetrical on the exterior as it is spacious inside. Its gabled dormers echo the lower and larger front-facing gables, while the custom brickwork columns and raised brick window trim are crisp and intriguing.      The ground floor encompasses nearly 5,000 square feet of living space, not counting the patios. Another 1,300+ square feet are upstairs. Two large bedrooms, a loft, a recreation room and a three-section bathroom on the upper level.      Vaulted to the second floor ceiling, the expansive foyer is impressive. Whether you move around the stairs to the left or right, you can get to all of the interconnected gathering spaces.      A vaulted office is to the right, along with a generously sized utility room and a vaulted owners' suite. The suite boasts a deluxe bathroom and direct access to a covered patio. Heading left instead will take you to a vaulted sewing room with lots of storage, and on to a spacious four-compartment bathroom linked to a media room.      All of the rooms at the heart of this home are naturally bright and relaxingly spacious. The vaulted living room has a gas fireplace. Sliding glass doors at the rear feed out onto the partially covered vaulted patio. Passing through a pocket door on the left brings you into a large dining room where an arched opening links to the kitchen.      In the Monticello's gourmet kitchen, counter workspace is plentiful. A conversation bar rims the large center island, while an eating bar bounds the nook side of a peninsular counter. Standing at the corner kitchen sink, you have a great view of the patio and beyond.]]> May 23, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D835FC81-F7AB-184F-5CF8C3BC610F3503 Jacobson is a totally contemporary single-level plan with two distinct wings that wrap around a central courtyard with a large pool at center. Parents and guests can keep a watchful eye on that pool, whether theyre in the master suite, foyer, dining room, kitchen or living room.      Stucco columns and raised stucco trim accent the gently arched openings of the lofty entry and two front windows, each filled with a sparkling expanse of glass. Inside the majestic vaulted foyer, an abundance of natural light spills down through two arched transoms (front and rear). More washes in through double atrium doors that provide a view of, as well as access to, the pool.      Family gathering spaces and a utility room are to the left; sleeping quarters are to the right. The room closest to the entry could be used as a home office, den, library, or whatever is needed.      Dining room, kitchen and living room flow together, in a large room where ceiling variations help define the spaces. Kitchen features include built-in appliances, a walk-in pantry, garden window, and a large work island rimmed by a raised eating bar.      Laundry appliances and a powder room are just around the corner, off a hallway that links the kitchen to a two-car garage. The utility room is larger than most. A built-in desk on one side could house the family computer or a sewing machine, and the long counter next to the broom closet is perfect for folding clothes.      The Jacobson's owners' suite boasts an exceptionally deep walk-in closet, plus a skylit bathroom with a shower, double vanity, and separately enclosed toilet. Secondary bedrooms share yet another bathroom. ]]> May 16, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D8330170-BAC6-C3FA-25E4FF8A89BA2F62 Lorella, a small home with a surprisingly spacious living room. Its stately brick column works with the brick detailing on the garage to create an attractive frame for the front door and sidelight.      This plan's narrow footprint, a mere 40 feet in width, allows for construction on a small lot, deeper than it is wide. Parents with young children will appreciate the close proximity of the bedrooms, all on the right. Bathrooms, utilities and closets belting the middle do double duty, serving as sound buffers between the sleeping rooms and the typically noisier active living areas.      Standing in front of the living room's gas fireplace, you can gaze outside in three directions. Wide multipaned windows fill most of the front wall, sliders at the rear look out across a patio, and another set of windows flanks the fireplace. On days when you don't want to be reminded of the weather, you can lift your spirits by shifting focus to the colorful flames in the fireplace.      The kitchen is large enough to provide plenty of cupboard and counter space, yet small enough to be efficient. Counter space wraps around all four sides. The peninsula bordering the dining room could be outfitted as an eating bar, and the covered patio outside the sliding glass doors could be screened in, if desired.      Luxury touches in the Lorella's owners' suite include a roomy walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with oversized shower, double vanity, and display shelves. Utilities are close to both bedrooms and garage, located in a pass-through space that also serves as a mud room. ]]> May 9, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D82F3051-E165-2A95-622A3C04BC0ED603 country-style cottage is well-suited to the needs of a growing family. The Briarwood has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a den/home office, bonus room, and comfortably large gathering spaces. The bonus room could easily be outfitted as a fifth bedroom, if desired.      King posts with accent struts highlight the inviting entry porch. Passing through the vaulted entry porch, you step into an even more expansive two-story entry. Light washes into this impressive space through sidelights and a transom, while more spills in through three Craftsman-style windows on the second level.      Double doors on the left open into a den/office. Then, straight ahead and past the stairs, the entry flows into a two-story great room that is every bit as bright as the entry. A gas fireplace serves as a warm and colorful focal point. It's recessed in a rectangular window bay that is richly glassed on three sides.      The great room is open to the nook and kitchen. Nothing but a lower ceiling marks the boundary. In the nook, sliding glass doors lead out onto a partially covered patio, and a raised eating bar rims the peninsular counter between the nook and kitchen. Kitchen features include a roomy walk-in pantry, built-in appliances, and a garden window fronting the sink.      A powder room is just around the corner, along with a large pass-through utility room complete with folding counter. This room could also be used as a mudroom, and makes an ideal place for pets to sleep.      The well-appointed owners' suite is also on the Briarwood's main floor. Amenities include a large walk-in closet and a vaulted bathroom with a spa tub, dual vanity, shower, and private toilet.]]> May 2, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D8282E8B-ED97-1DD5-6758911740E8B7AC Metolius exhibits many of the classic features seen in the Prairie-style homes of the early 20th century. Noteworthy features are the massive rectangular porch columns, hipped roof, deeply overhanging eaves, and the emphasis on unimpeded horizontal lines. This single-level plan is easily adaptable for wheelchair accessibility.      Its interior, on the other hand, is fully attuned to the lifestyles of 21st century families. In the vaulted great room at its core, natural light washes down through three large skylights and spills in through the wall of windows at the rear. A stone veneer fireplace is accented by a high shelf with uplighting. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can scan this entire space across a long counter that wraps around to the rear.      A flush eating bar rims the counter's peninsular rear section where it bounds the bayed dining area. Wide sliding glass doors here offer access to a sunny and vaulted three-season porch. Doors open onto rambling patios on both sides.      In the kitchen, counters and cabinets run along one long wall, while a roomy walk-in pantry nestles into one corner. The large central work island has a prep sink and built-in cook top. Double doors open into an elegant half-oval library/study, brightened by a window bay that delineates the room's unique shape. This room can also be reached from the foyer, as can the office across from it.      Sleeping quarters are located on both sides of the gathering spaces. The owners' suite has a luxurious bathroom with a walk-in shower, walk-in tub, and large walk-in closet. A second bedroom, or guest room, is also in this wing. The Metolius' third bedroom is on the far opposite side of the home, close to the utility room. It boasts a walk-in closet and private bathroom. ]]> April 25, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D8257E3F-F6CE-20BE-E9F71E1F62EF9E7D Walcott, a midsize two-story home.      One unusual feature is that the plan's right elevation is equally attractive. Stepped gables there form a backdrop for tall multipaned windows that flank a handsome stucco chimney. Consequently, a prospective homeowner with a wide lot might prefer to orient the layout with the right side facing the street.      Richly windowed on all sides, this home is naturally bright and feels open and spacious throughout. More ambient light spills down through skylights, illuminating the upper-level balcony/landing, as well as the foyer, built-in desk and hutch below. The vaulted living room also has two skylights, along with dramatic quarter-round windows on both sides of the fireplace.      Kitchen, nook and family room are so marginally separated that standing at the kitchen sink, you can easily keep tabs on everything going on in this expansive space. The half-octagonal nook is as cozy as it is sunny, while a large work island and small pantry boost cupboard and counter space.      A generously sized utility room and a small powder room are nearby, off the hallway that connects with the garage.      Upstairs is the Walcott's vaulted owners' suite. Soaking in the deep spa tub, you'll feel like you've landed in the lap of luxury. Other amenities here include twin vanities, roomy walk-in closet and separately enclosed shower and toilet. The railed and covered balcony offers a refreshing and somewhat private getaway/lounging area.      Storage space lines the hallway to the secondary bedrooms and their shared bathroom.]]> April 18, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D82286A9-FD9E-E87B-46D8F1CDAFB9296A Stillwater is a contemporary log home with a wide, V-shaped deck that reflects the A-frame shape of its handsome front fa?ade. While its shape and structure put the viewer in mind of a vacation get-away, it could also be built as a primary home for a family that prefers living simply and keeping possessions to a minimum.      Covered porches extend out from the A-frame, on the left and right. The left porch and steps lead to the main entry, which opens into a two-story-high vaulted great room, richly glassed across the front. Wide sliders on the opposite wall provide additional deck access, while a brick or stone fireplace adds warmth and color when the sky is dark.      More natural light washes down into the great room through six skylights. Several of these are directly over the vaulted balcony/loft that overlooks the great room from the second floor landing. This loft is an ideal place for a shared computer.      Two vaulted bedrooms, a bathroom and a linen closet are also on this level. Each bedroom has two skylights, a private balcony and good-sized closet.      Cupboard and counter space are amply supplied in the kitchen, and a window in front of the sink provides natural illumination during daylight hours. Laundry appliances are conveniently close, too, in a proportionately large utility room outfitted with folding counters and a roomy pantry. A door at the far end provides exterior access.      The Stillwater's owners' bedroom is on the ground floor. Nonetheless, it's a quiet space because a closet and stairway serve as sound buffers between this bedroom and the great room. The nearby bathroom has a combination tub and shower.]]> April 11, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D81FB16F-FA2A-6DF6-0FE5B0177CDEB6F2 Stevenson's lofty and gently arched entry exude a distinctly European charm. While this contemporary ranch-style home was designed for construction on a lot with a rear down slope, it could just as easily be built on a flat parcel.      Natural light washes into the vaulted entry through an arched-top, gridded-glass transom that crowns the double-door entry. Even more striking, the rear wall of the home is more glass than solid walls, and almost all of the windows are capped by transoms. That makes for an exceptionally bright home.      On the right side of the vaulted entry hall, double doors open into what could be a study, home office, or even a fourth bedroom, if needed. A roomy coat closet is on the left side of the entry, just before a hallway that runs perpendicular to it. The owners' suite anchors the left end, family gathering spaces are straight ahead, and bedrooms are to the right. Storage closets, including a built-in china hutch just outside the dining room, line the hallway.      A wide arched opening leads into the vaulted great room. French doors on the far side open onto a deck that spans most of the rear. Flames dancing in the two-sided gas fireplace can be enjoyed from both the vaulted great room and the octagonal dining room.      In the Stevenson's kitchen, counters wrap around three sides of a wide window bay, while a centrally placed cook-top work island adds even more work space. A roomy walk-in pantry nestles into a corner next to the naturally bright vaulted sun room. Luxury amenities in the vaulted owners' suite include a vista sitting room and a plush private bathroom. ]]> April 4, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D81BC324-A30E-BE3F-E312377455FB2B90 Lindgren's bright and spacious vaulted great room. Windows fill much of the rear wall, and light beams down through several skylights as well.      Out front, bold stucco columns support the front porch, giving a stately look to this thoroughly modern home. Sidelights and a transom spotlight the door while brightening the interior. Double doors on the left open into a room that could be a home office, den, or bedroom--whatever is needed.      The kitchen has counters on four sides, and two of those sides are open to the great room above counter level. A long, raised eating bar rims the angled work island, and a good-sized pantry fills one corner. Standing at the kitchen sink, you have a panoramic view of the great room. Lift your gaze, and you can survey the entire back yard in all its changing seasons.      The nearby utility room is larger than one might expect in a home this size. Its window-brightened counter makes an ideal location for a sewing machine. The counter opposite is perfect for a deep sink. Stairs leading to the windowed and skylighted bonus room over the garage are also here, along with a door that leads directly into the garage.      Bedrooms cluster together on the left. Amenities in the Lindgren's owners' suite include: a huge walk-in closet, a skylit bathroom with dual vanity and shower with seat, and direct access to the patio. This feature is doubly appreciated if an outdoor spa or hot tub is installed.      Secondary bedrooms share a bathroom outfitted with a combination tub and shower. Both bathrooms have towel closets. ]]> March 28, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D8192799-C693-7CC3-8086F3C76A601987 Eddinger you can begin enjoying the panoramic view. Windows fill most of the rear-facing walls in the expansive hexagonal great room that forms the core of this handsome midsize home. A wide-hearthed fireplace stands ready to provide warmth and color when darkness falls.      Shake siding and tapered stone veneer masonry help this home blend easily into a forested or other natural setting. At the same time, the plan is equally well-suited to a wide city lot with an attractive back yard.      Families that enjoy outdoor living will find plenty of space to do it on the broad, partially covered deck that sweeps across the entire rear. Lounge chairs, picnic tables, porch swings, potted plants, a hot tub, you name it -- there's ample space for all of these and more.      Even from inside, it's easy to enjoy the view. The kitchen is fully open to the great room, separated only by a peninsular counter. Family and friends who aren't helping in the kitchen will enjoy hanging out along the extended conversation bar. Counter and cupboard space are amply supplied, and a generous walk-in pantry adds still more storage capacity.      Laundry appliances are nearby in a fully outfitted utility room complete with a deep sink, storage shelves, cupboards, and a counter for folding clothes.       The Eddinger's owners' suite is well-separated from the secondary bedrooms, and rich in amenities. It boasts a huge walk-in closet, twin vanities, oversized shower, soaking tub, and private water closet, plus direct access to the deck through a set of atrium doors.      The other bedrooms also have exterior doors that open onto the deck. ]]> March 21, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CE37B716-A82E-D7CC-E8C18E3DF22E6ADA Brookport as a vacation lodge on a lake, in the mountains, or along the ocean. But this spacious plan is equally well-suited for construction in an upscale neighborhood where acreage parcels are the norm.      The exterior exihibits the pleasing medley of textures typical of Craftsman homes. Shingles fill gable ends, and triplets of small panes highlight the upper edges of windows. Stone veneer bases support the handsome wooden columns lining the vaulted colonnade that leads to a double-door entry.      Inside, it's equally impressive. The vaulted living room has a central water feature. Natural light washes down through skylights, and more spills in through wide, high windows on both sides of the fireplace. Glass-centered double doors open out onto a covered porch at the rear.      The living room is open to a vaulted dining room with a built-in buffet next to a bank of display shelves. The gourmet kitchen's range-top work island has a rounded eating bar that faces into the dining room. The kitchen also boasts a wood stove, prep sink, extra-deep walk-in pantry, and skylit nook.      Access to the large family room is via an opening in the nook and a hallway near the eating bar. A spacious utility room is nearby, along with the luxurious owners' suite and a roomy guest suite. Owners' suite amenities include a large two-section walk-in closet, a sauna, and a deluxe bathroom. The two-sided fireplace can be enjoyed from the spa tub and/or the sleeping area.      Two more bedrooms are upstairs. Each has its own bathroom plus a balcony. A large bonus room and study with a covered balcony, fill out the rest of the Brookport's second floor. ]]> March 14, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CE34BFED-9678-989E-4DB54C91758EE38B Craftsman charm to this midsize cottage. The Elkhorn is equally well-suited for construction in either a vacation retreat setting or a suburban neighborhood. A suite of wicker furniture or an old-fashioned wooden porch swing would be right at home on the covered front porch.      Entering, you step into a foyer with a coat closet, stairway and powder room on the right, and a home office/den on the left. The expansive great room straight ahead is vaulted to the second story ceiling. This space is every bit as bright as it is spacious. Its mess-free gas fireplace nestles into a cozy corner opposite windows that fill most of the rear wall. Sliding glass doors open onto a covered patio that could be screened for bug-free dining.      An eating bar rims the interface between the great room and kitchen. Cupboards and counters line three sides, and a roomy walk-in pantry fills one entire corner.      The vaulted owners' suite is also on the ground floor. Amenities here include a private bathroom with a dual vanity and a deep soaking tub. The toilet and shower are separately enclosed for enhanced privacy and steam containment.      A loft and two bedrooms are upstairs, along with a two-section bathroom and a deep bonus room. One side of the loft overlooks the great room. Being centrally located, the loft makes an ideal location for a sitting area with bookshelves. It could be built with a long counter or built-in desks.      One of the Elkhorn's upper rooms has no closet. This room also makes an ideal computer room. Alternatively, shelves or closets could easily be built in, to outfit it as a bedroom, sewing room, or whatever suits. ]]> March 7, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CE2AEC1A-CBAC-28FF-0D57211D49062FAA Springwater is a single-story, Craftsman-style lodge. This rustically elegant home has more than 3,000 square feet of indoor living space linked to spacious patios on the side and rear. The abundance of indoor and outdoor living areas makes it well suited for entertaining on a large and lavish scale.      It was designed for a couple that needs two home offices and a guest room, but those rooms could be furnished as bedrooms.      Entering via the lofty, Craftsman-style porte-cochere and vaulted entry porch, you step into a wide, vaulted foyer where light washes down through a row of windows set high in the wall. The foyer is open to the dining area on the left and the vaulted great room straight ahead. Windows fill most of the dining room's front wall, while glass-centered double doors open onto a vaulted, covered patio.      Three evenly spaced wooden posts bound the dining room where it transitions into the great room and kitchen. One side of the kitchen's L-shaped island is rimmed by an eating/conversation bar and fronts the great room. This section has a built-in prep sink, while its other arm has under-counter veggie baskets on one side, and a four-burner range on the other. A huge walk-in pantry fills the corner next to the kitchen's built-in desk.      The covered and vaulted patio adds private living space outside a vaulted owners' suite that boasts two large walk-in closets, one twice the size of the other. Other luxuries include: an exercise nook, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower, dual vanity, private toilet, and direct patio access. The Springwater's outdoor shower would be particularly appreciated near a pool or spa. ]]> February 28, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CE259853-0117-3145-E54EA859E15EB3DF duplex nice enough for you to live in while renting out the other unit, the Krammer is worth serious consideration. Family members or long-time friends might also entertain the idea of building it jointly so they can live in close proximity. ?????Each of the units is the size of a standard home, with nearly 1,800 square feet of living space plus a two-car garage. The plan is designed for construction on a lot that slopes down at the rear, so each unit has an elevated deck off the kitchen, as well as a patio accessed via sliding glass doors in the family room below. ?????Unit A is set about two feet forward of mirror-image Unit B. Centrally placed garages offer a sense of privacy for the entry porches, while double walls provide sound buffering between adjacent bedrooms on both the main and basement floors. ?????Entering each, you step into a vaulted foyer with a coat closet just inside the door. The foyer ceiling slopes up to its apex at the end of the passageway, then begins sloping down as the space opens out into the dining area and living room. ?????A bay window brightens and expands the dining area, which is open to the flat-ceilinged kitchen with only a raised eating bar between. Kitchen features include a good-size walk-in pantry, a sink with a view, and counters on four sides. ?????The main floor bedroom has a walk-in closet and direct access to the bathroom. A door in the hallway across from the bedroom links with the garage. ?????Downstairs in each of the Krammer's units, are two bedrooms, a full-sized utility room, a bathroom, and a family room with fireplace.]]> February 21, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CE235C5C-90EE-FAF6-FD34C9A3B1C861D1 Eagle Creek is a country cottage with a Cape Cod flavor, it's an equally good fit for construction as a vacation retreat or as a year-round dwelling. Either way, this home is delightfully intriguing to behold.      One of its most notable features is that it has living space on five levels. Entering, you step into a cluster of bright and spacious gathering spaces that it's also the center floor.      A large basement is at the very lowest level. Secondary bedrooms and a bathroom are a half-flight up from the basement, and a half-flight down from the main floor. In the upper realms, the vaulted owners' suite is a half-flight up from the main floor, and the bayed observatory is the sunny crown jewel, set another half-flight higher.      You walk across an interestingly angled railed deck to reach the tiled entry, which is on one edge of the great room. A wide window bay brightens and expands the area to the left, while a masonry fireplace boosts the warmth and light on dark days and nights.      This large space links with the sun room and dining room at the rear, both of which are vaulted. Sliding glass doors in the dining area open onto a rear deck. A raised eating bar offers partial separation between the dining room and kitchen.      Counters wrap around three sides of the Eagle Creek's kitchen, which connects to a rear entry with a covered porch. This may be the preferred entry on rainy days. A handy powder room is just inside the door.      In the vaulted and well-appointed owners' suite, double doors open out onto a raised deck.]]> February 14, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CDFA91C9-0395-86C1-D2B940FFA074AA6D Applegate's harmonious medley of arched openings, multiple roof lines and stucco detailing create a lasting first impression. Multipaned windows fill most of the rear, allowing full visual enjoyment of a natural setting, be it lake, river, forest, desert, or artful landscaping. Stepped planters and covered walkway unite the house with its detached garage.      This plan is designed to please families who like a blend of formal and informal living environments. Informal spaces flow together on the left, sleeping areas fill the right wing, and formal rooms are at the center. Storage is ample throughout.      Hardwood floors and high ceilings grace all of the gathering spaces, with carpeting reserved for the den and bedrooms. If needed, the den could serve as another bedroom, or be outfitted as a home office.      Kitchen and nook are window rich, and the gathering room is expanded by a deep window bay. A butcher block work island adds to the plentiful work and storage space, which also includes food and dish pantries. The built-in desk and shelves are conveniently located for managing household business. Doors on two sides open onto two covered decks and the large utility room is mere steps away.      Half walls crowned by posts provide minimal separation between the naturally bright dining room and living room. The dining room boasts a built-in hutch, and the living room is warmed by a masonry fireplace nestled between bookcases.      Another wide window bay expands the Applegate's deluxe owners' suite. Other luxuries, in addition to a roomy walk-in closet, include twin lavs, private toilet, and a walk-in shower. ]]> February 7, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CDF43DA9-B8C8-3E45-3278E584384DC629 Houston is as economical to build as it is to heat. It's a fairly traditional plan, with bedrooms upstairs and family living spaces on the ground floor.      The front fa?ade is totally symmetrical. At center, classic columns support a balcony that doubles as a front porch. Tile crowns the hip roof while shutters add a dash of color.      Casual living areas are at the rear, formal spaces up front. The family room, nook and kitchen are bright and entirely open. There are no barriers here to block conversation or movement. A large bay window, ideal for a wide window seat, expands the family room. Sliders in the nook open onto a large and sunny screened porch.      The U-shaped kitchen has plenty of counter and cupboard space, including lazy Susan shelving that allows full use of the corner cabinets. Utilities are close at hand, in a pass-through to the garage. Dishwasher, range and oven are all built in.      A small wet bar, nestled in the alcove under the stairs, is convenient to both the family room and living room. The powder room is centrally located as well, close to everything on the ground floor.      The spacious owners' suite that dominates the Houston's upper level is more than twice the size of either of the secondary bedrooms. Luxury amenities include a sitting room, balcony, and private bathroom with double vanity, spa, oversized shower and huge walk-in closet. The other two bedrooms share a bathroom. Linen storage and another closet are in the hallway.]]> January 31, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CDFEB250-C5CD-7FDB-F6CB9ACA317855C3 Dogwood, a compact and charming home that fits neatly on a narrow city lot. This floor plan is equally well-suited to meeting the wants and needs of young families or empty nesters. And being all on one level, it's easily adaptable for wheelchair accessibility.      Stone veneer covers the squared post supports that outline the covered porch. It's easy to imagine relaxing on an old-fashioned wooden porch swing here, while reading a book and sipping lemonade. Other Craftsman features include the low-pitched front-facing gables and geometric gridding on the windows.      Inside, family and friends will appreciate the large informal gathering space, where the living room, dining room and kitchen flow together. Windows fill much of rear wall, and one set slides open to access a covered patio. This could easily be screened, if built in an area where flying insects would detract from the outdoor dining experience.      In the kitchen, a raised eating bar rims the central work island, which also provides a major boost to cupboard and counter space. The roomy storage closet nearby can serve as both pantry and broom closet.      The owners' suite is well isolated from the secondary bedrooms. Its two-section bathroom has a dual vanity near the large walk-in closet, while a separately enclosed toilet and shower fill the other end. Laundry appliances are also in this wing, in a utility room complete with a long folding counter. The counter also makes a handy location for a sewing machine.      Double doors in the foyer open into one of the Dogwood's secondary bedrooms. Because of its easy access to the front porch, it could be used as a home office.]]> January 24, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CDF0F40A-AD2B-595B-5EA1D6A5A3A72186 Timberfield, a country estate style home as spacious as it is well appointed. The gently tapered stone columns supporting this high entry gable are nicely echoed above by a similar gable.      In the wide vaulted foyer, double doors on the left open into a den with a pocket door that links it to the bedroom wing. Bookshelves line one entire wall. If desired, this room could be used as another bedroom, or a home office.      Straight ahead, an open bridge overlooks the foyer and the vaulted great room beyond. To the right, an arched opening leads to a powder room and another set of double doors that provide access to an elegant formal dining room.      The Timberfield's vaulted great room is great in every sense of the word. At the far end, transoms crown atrium doors that flank a traditional stone fireplace. More natural light washes in through yet another set of wide windows higher up on that same wall.      Standing at the kitchen sink, you face into the great room, though the spacious kitchen is not entirely open to it. A T-shaped work island houses the dishwasher, a vegetable sink and a long, two-sided raised eating bar. The informal family room is richly windowed and has a pellet stove. A circular staircase there leads upstairs to the luxurious master suite.      Amenities in the Timberfield's vaulted owners' suite include a fireplace, a balcony, and two huge walk-in closets. The naturally bright bathroom has a walk-in shower, twin vanities, and a fully enclosed toilet. Several large storage closets and a large exercise or bonus room are next to the suite.]]> January 17, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CDED95F9-F901-4E10-8C4EFD1F741DA524 Ravendale has the appearance of a rambling ranch-style home. But a quick glance at the floor plan reveals that it's actually three linked hexagons, two of them with daylight basements below. This plan is designed for construction on a hill that slopes down at the rear.      To enter, you step through French doors into a sky-lit, vaulted entry opposite another set of French doors that open onto the raised deck spanning the rear. This combination of doors and skylights creates an exceptionally bright space.      One large gathering space dominates the hexagon to the right. The ceiling there is vaulted, with each of the six pie-shaped segments rising to a central apex. The living room area has a gas fireplace, and its French doors provide another deck access. The dining area fills the other side of the room, while the kitchen juts out slightly between, offering a minimal sense of separation.      The long eating bar that bounds the kitchen and dining area has a counter on the other side of it, along with cabinets above and below. No area of the kitchen is cut off from interactions with the great room. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can also gaze across the deck to the landscape beyond.      Powder and utility rooms link the rest of the home to the third hexagon, an extra-roomy two-car garage.      Sleeping areas fill the Ravendale's left hexagon. The bright and spacious owners' suite has two large custom walk-ins: a closet and a shower. Another bathroom is next to the other bedroom.      Downstairs, a recreation room complete with fireplace and mini-kitchen fills one unit, and an exercise room, bedroom and bathroom fit neatly into the other.]]> January 10, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=CDE9C316-0BBF-D481-8530B79A20B35DF2 European cottage. While the Lakeside is designed for construction on a parcel of land that slopes down on the left, it could also be built on a level lot. The home's stone-trimmed entry arch adds to its yesteryear charm.      Light spills into the vaulted entry through sidelights and a transom. An arched opening on the right leads into the dining room and on to the kitchen. The arched opening on the left takes you into a vaulted living room with a gas fireplace. Proceeding forward, with a slight jog around the railed stairway and powder room, brings you into the vaulted family room. Windows fill most of the rear wall here and in the nook, where sliding glass doors open onto a side patio.      A multi-angled eating bar marks the boundary between the nook and kitchen. Cabinets run along overhead, capping the open space below. The kitchen's central work island has a cook top. Laundry appliances, along with a roomy pantry and a utility sink, are right around the corner in a pass-through utility room that links with the garage.      The spacious owners' suite is also on the ground level. It boasts a deep walk-in closet and a roomy bathroom with a spa tub and double vanity. Soft light filters in through glass blocks on two sides of the deep spa tub.      Upstairs, a railed balcony cuts across the upper air space of the Lakeside's vaulted entry and family room below. A bedroom and a deep, unfinished bonus room are to the right, while a two-section bathroom and a bedroom with a rectangular windowed alcove are on the left. ]]> January 3, 2010 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C2337579-1372-F7D3-E216EADDAE1B8A21 Caraville's small size and Craftsman bungalow charm make it equally alluring to young families looking for a starter home, and empty nesters who wish to minimize home maintenance, chores, and expenses.      Multipaned uppers on windows and doors typify the Craftsman style. Other telling features include the tapered columns, shingled gable fronts, and gable-end accents.      Natural light washes into the entry through slender panes of glass stacked up along the left side of the door, and more filters in through the transom. The foyer leads directly into the living room, after passing two bedroom passageways on the left, and a coat closet on the right.      The family gathering space at the rear is bright and open. The living room, dining room and kitchen flow together there, with a peninsular counter as the only boundary. The raised eating bar that rims the counter helps conceal the inevitable clutter of a busy kitchen. Light spills in through two wide windows, one of which slides open to access a partially covered patio.       Work surfaces are so amply supplied that two or three cooks can combine their culinary efforts without getting in each other's way. Cabinets line two walls, and laundry appliances are nearby in a pass-through utility room that links with the Caraville's garage.      The owners' suite, entered via a separate hallway at the rear, has more amenities than one might expect in a small home. It has a wide window, a roomy walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with a dual vanity and oversized shower. A floor-to-ceiling linen closet nestles into the entry alcove.      Secondary bedrooms are up front, where they flank the main bathroom. The front bedroom is slightly larger. ]]> December 27, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C227AFE3-1372-F7D3-E254A0824C42747D Aspen, a spacious vacation retreat designed to maximize appreciation of the outdoors. Windows, stacked two high, open most of the rear elevation to the view, and a wide deck spans that entire side of the home. Rain and snow slide easily off the long-lasting metal roof.      Log homes endure. Some built early in our country's history are still in use, with updated interiors.      This one has a bright great room at center, warmed by a free-standing woodstove. The ceiling at the rear rises to two stories high near the windows. Two good-sized bedrooms and a bathroom are on the second floor, along with a wide, railed loft that overlooks the great room.      You could actually live in this house year-round. It boasts close to 2,000 square feet of interior living area, more than many homes have, and the roomy deck adds hundreds more square feet of living area when days are warm. It even has three bathrooms, one upstairs and two on the main floor.      The kitchen has plenty of cupboard and counter space, along with a work island and a large walk-in pantry. The edge of the work island that faces the great room serves as an eating and conversation bar. Potted plants flourish in the small window bay in front of the sink, and a door to the deck makes it easy to move meals outside.      Utilities are nearby, in a full-sized laundry room complete with overhead cabinets and a deep sink.      The Aspen's owners' suite has a full-size walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with dual vanity, tub, and linen storage. ]]> December 20, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C20C9C83-1372-F7D3-E22B0006BAE4FAEA Glendora.      This contemporary cottage is designed for construction on a lot that slopes down at the rear, so it's much larger than appearances would suggest. Approximately 60% of the living space is on the main floor, while the other 40% is in the expansive daylight basement below.      Entering, you step into a vaulted entry that's partially open to the vaulted dining room on the left. Natural light spills into the dining area through its high, wide window bay, creating a room as bright as it is spacious. A pocket door on the opposite wall of the dining room can open or close the passageway to the kitchen.      The entry leads directly into a large and comfortable vaulted great room. Windows flank and crown a gas fireplace that creates a warm and colorful focal point. This room is open to the vaulted breakfast nook, where an atrium door opens onto a deck with a handrail. The nook is fully open to the kitchen, which has a raised eating bar to mark the boundary. Appliances are built in, while cupboard, pantry, and counter spaces are all in generous supply.      A powder room, utility room and owners' suite fill out the rest of the main floor. Owners' suite amenities include an extra-deep walk-in closet, and a luxurious bathroom complete with a spa tub, dual vanity, and walk-in shower.       Two more bedrooms share another full bathroom downstairs in the Glendora's daylight basement. One is slightly larger and has a walk-in closet. Several storage closets and a combination family and recreation room are also on this level. Sliding glass doors offer access to a covered patio. ]]> December 13, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C207100F-1372-F7D3-E2D89091E25BF8BC Hazleton is a front facade that exists on several different planes. An eye-catching custom chimney fronts the two-story center section, flanked by a recessed porch on one side and a balcony on the other. Twin sets of slender columns accent these recesses while providing roof support.      Happily, what you don't see is a wall of garage doors. They're around to the left side, out of sight.      Stepping inside the foyer, you see two arched openings. Doors to a coat closet and bathroom cluster together in a short hallway on the left, along with a room with a walk-in closet. This room could be a guest room, den, home office, or whatever suits.      The right-hand arch opens into a wide living room, which in turn flows into a dining room. Windows flank a wide-hearthed fireplace which could be fueled by either gas or wood. More light spills in through windows on two sides of the dining room. A pocket door slides open for access to the kitchen, but can be closed when more separation is desired.      On the opposite side of the kitchen, a peninsular counter houses a cook top, with ample counter space on both sides. In fact, this large kitchen has counters along all four walls, plus plenty of storage. And the view is terrific. You can keep tabs on activities in the two-story family room and nook, or lift your gaze to appreciate signs of the changing seasons outside.      The Hazleton's owners' suite is upstairs, an adult retreat well-isolated from the hustle and bustle of daily activities. Amenities include a spa tub, oversized shower, dual vanity and private toilet. ]]> December 6, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1FF3A70-1372-F7D3-E2F23831F559E225 Willow Creek has the look of a contemporary ranch-style home with a multi-angled crest at center. Highlighted by the side posts, king posts and struts framing the entry, that peak is an external reflection of the vaulted hexagonal living space at the home's heart.      Natural light washes into the vaulted foyer through wide sidelights and a gabled transom. A few steps past the wide coat closet, the great room spreads out under a soaring hexagonal ceiling. Windows fill most of the three rear wall sections. Double atrium doors at center open onto a wide covered patio that adds an abundance of outdoor living space.       Eye-catching stone veneer backs a free-standing gas fireplace to the left, next to a passageway that leads to the deluxe owners' suite and the utility room. A gourmet galley kitchen and sun-washed nook are on the right. They are delineated by a drop in ceiling height to a flat nine feet, but otherwise open to the vaulted great room. A raised eating bar rims one side of a work island with a prep sink.      Four deep rooms fill the Willow Creek's right wing. The first is a bedroom and the second is a bathroom with a clawfoot tub. The third could be either a bedroom or a home office. And the last is a spacious mudroom with a wide sink, a surprising clawfoot tub, and a long bench for removal and storage of grungy foot gear. This room has direct access to both the garage and the exterior.       Luxury appointments in the vaulted owners' suite include a gas fireplace, sitting area, deep walk-in closet, and posh bathroom. ]]> November 29, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1FA96C7-1372-F7D3-E2F81B002AA32BEE neo-traditional ambiance to the elegant and spacious Charlottesville. Families that love to entertain will find much to appreciate, and it's no stretch to imagine a glowing bride descending the foyer's curved staircase on her special day. ?????Raised stone trims the entry's stone veneer columns, accenting its lofty arch. Keystones highlight the front windows, adding to the European look. ?????Inside, the staircase sweeps up the right side of the two-story foyer. The balcony/landing overlooks both the foyer and the family room, and links at one end with a roomy loft. Three bedrooms, a two-section bathroom, a storage closet, and a large dormered bonus room are also on this level. ?????Back on the ground floor, passing under the balcony brings you into a bright, breath-taking two-story family room with a wide-hearthed gas fireplace. Of the four tall multipaned windows that fill most of the rear wall, the two at center open onto a partially covered patio.      The family room is completely open to the dining room, which has a lower ceiling. Natural light washes into this large area through its rectangular window bay. A generously sized work island is all that separates the dining room from the kitchen. Multiple chefs can easily combine their culinary skills in this inviting space, and when it comes to cooking, they'll have a whopping eight burners to choose from.      Owners' suite luxuries include a two-section closet, huge walk-in shower, and a two-sided fireplace. Flames can be enjoyed from both the sleeping area and the roomy spa tub. The Charlottesville's deluxe guest suite is on the opposite side of the foyer, near the large utility room, walk-in pantry, and three-car garage. ]]> November 22, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1F6A941-1372-F7D3-E2F563E1D3B34D38 duplex with four bedroom units, and that's just one notable feature of the Bergen.      The mirror-image units in this contemporary duplex are also spacious and attractive enough that its owners might wish to live in one of them while renting out the other. Widely separated entries and double-thick walls between them ensure plenty of privacy for two families. Because they are identical, one description will suffice for both.      A slender post accents the cozy covered porch. Immediately inside the door, a stairway to the second floor runs up the entry's outside wall. A coat closet is on the opposite wall, just past a short hallway that leads to a powder room, a laundry alcove, and the garage. Another storage space, this one much deeper, is tucked under the stairway.      Straight ahead is a spacious family gathering area where the living room, dining room and kitchen flow together. Light spills in through two standard-width windows on one side, and two much wider windows at the rear. The dining room windows slide open to provide easy access to a patio, which could be covered and screened, if desired, for shaded and bug-free outdoor dining.      Counters and cabinets line all three sides of the efficiently designed C-shaped kitchen. The refrigerator, stove and sink are laid out in a tight, step-saving triangle, yet counter space is ample for two people to work comfortably together without getting in each other's way.      All four of the bedrooms, including the owners' suite, are upstairs in both of the Bergen's. units. A wide linen closet is in the hallway, just outside the shared bathroom. The owners' suite boasts its own bathroom, plus a roomy walk-in closet. ]]> November 15, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1F14E8B-1372-F7D3-E278603A62465AA5 Whitmore, a single-level home with large gathering spaces at its core. A graceful keystone arch caps the front porch opening, which is supported by two bold columns. European-style shutters accent several multipaned windows facing the street.      From the entry, arched openings lead into the dining room on the right and the owners suite on the left. Straight ahead, the entry widens out as it flows into the spacious and naturally bright living room. Windows and a French door fill most of the rear wall, and more light spills down through three large skylights.      The high-ceilinged dining room is really quite open, while still providing a cozy sense of enclosure. Arched windows, wide and tall, face the street, and three arched openings lead into the entry and living room, each one crowned by a wide plant shelf. A fourth arched opening leads to the nearby kitchen and other rooms in the right wing.      A bayed nook expands the kitchen. This room has plenty of work and storage space, with cupboards and counters rimming the room on three sides. The wall section in front of the kitchen sink is open, allowing kitchen workers to converse with folks in the living room and keep tabs on activities there.      Laundry appliances are mere steps away, and close to secondary bedrooms as well, in a passthrough room that links to the garage.      A tray ceiling adds an elegant touch to the Whitmore's owners' suite. Other luxury amenities include a large walk-in closet, spa tub, separate shower and dual vanity. The owners' suite also offers direct access to the wide rear deck. ]]> November 8, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1ED4E86-1372-F7D3-E2F9621032532FAB Dalneigh. These Craftsman-style features give an intriguing look to this spacious contemporary cottage.      A gently arched opening invites you onto the high-ceilinged porch, where the doorway transom echoes the shape of the porch opening. Inside, light spills into the vaulted foyer through sidelights as well as the arched transom. Double doors on the left open into a vaulted den that could be a home office or even a fourth bedroom.      An extensive array of shared spaces fills the core and left side of the home; bedrooms line up along the right. To enter the vaulted living room, you pass by an art niche and under a display shelf set at a diagonal to the foyer. Windows fill most of the rear wall, and a gas fireplace angles across one corner. This generously sized space is fully open to the vaulted nook across the room, and visually open to the kitchen, above the counters raised rim and eating bar.       The kitchen has a wealth of counters and cabinets, including a central cook-top work island and a roomy corner pantry. A hobby room links with the large laundry room through one kitchen door, while access to the three-car garage is through the other.      Two sets of double doors angle off from the nook in an unusual V-shaped alcove. One set opens into a sun room with patio access, while the other brings you into the Dalneigh's dining room.      In the owners' suite, an arched opening leads past two roomy walk-in closets, one larger than the other, and into a bathroom with a dual vanity, private toilet, and step-in shower. ]]> November 1, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1E98DCD-1372-F7D3-E22F458741AF40FF Westwood is a modestly sized Craftsman bungalow with a big heart. It's equally well-suited to the needs of families at both ends of the spectrum: couples or small families buying their first home, and empty nesters wishing to downsize their living space and maintenance obligations.      Craftsman detailing includes the tapered columns set on stone veneer bases, shake-textured siding cladding the gable ends, multipaned windows, and decorative gable ends.      Vaulted ceilings increase the sense of spaciousness in the foyer and great room. Natural light washes into the foyer through a sidelight, a transom, and panes of glass near the top of the door. A triangular coat closet nestles into an alcove at the juncture of the foyer and living room.      The vaulted great room is even brighter than the foyer. Windows flank a gas fireplace at the rear, close to sliding glass doors that offer access to a partially covered patio. Light spilling in through another wide window on the side further illuminates this wide open gathering space, which is sure to be at the heart of family living.      A long raised eating bar bounds the kitchen and dining area. Counters wrap around three sides of the good-size kitchen, while cupboards line two walls. Windows in front of the sink offer a view to the side. A large walk-in pantry doubles the storage capacity. Laundry appliances are conveniently close in a pass-through utility room that links the house to its two-car garage.       Secondary bedrooms are up front in the Westwood, where they share the main bathroom. The owners' suite has a larger, more luxurious bathroom complete with soaking tub, shower, linen closet, and double vanity. The walk-in closet there is exceptionally deep.]]> October 25, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1E429FE-1372-F7D3-E26906C6251D11B0 cabin, a chalet or a lodge, the Elkton makes a handsome vacation home. Built in the mountains or by an ocean, lake or stream, it could easily be the getaway home of your dreams. The interior floor plan offers nearly 3,000 square feet of living space in a balanced mixture of common and private spaces.      Wooden railings and posts rim the wide porch that spans the entire front facade, while sidelights and a transom frame the entry. Vertical lines highlight the metal roofing, running an eye-catching counterpoint to the horizontal lines of the lap siding below.      Entering, you step into a vaulted entry that flows into a vaulted great room. Natural light washes into this space through wide windows along the front, and three-high window stacks that flank the woodstove alcove. Cultured stone veneer adds rustic charm to the wall behind the woodstove, just as it does to the entire chimney outside.      A single post and a drop in ceiling height accent the transition between the great room and dining room/kitchen. Standing at the stove-top work island, you can survey the entire gathering space, while dishing up informal meals at the raised eating bar. A roomy walk-in pantry is nearby.      The powder room and broom closet are just around the corner, as is the Elkton's large utility room. A mud hall links the utility room to the expansive three-car garage. Light spills into the mud hall through a wide window, and the space is lined with counters, cabinets and a bench.      Amenities in the ground-floor owners' suite include a deep walk-in closet and a private bathroom with an oversized shower. Two more bedrooms, a bathroom, a den and a vaulted loft are upstairs. ]]> October 18, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1E04DCE-1372-F7D3-E22B61F49A373F98 Elkheart's lofty front entry. Sidelights and an arched transom create a sparkling inner frame for the door, set further back in the recess created by the porch. All in all, it's stunning.      The door opens into a vaulted entry with double doors on the left that lead into a home office. Immediately after the first of two overhead shelves, a passageway to the right offers access to three bedrooms and a bathroom. The opposite hallway, on the left, goes to the powder room, kitchen, owners' suite, mud hall, garage, and stairs to a recreation room over the three-car garage.       Straight ahead, you step into a naturally bright and spacious vaulted great room. Light spills in through two skylights as well as two tall windows that flank a gas fireplace crowned by a gently arched, multipaned, clerestory window.      A large, L-shaped island with a raised rim bounds the kitchen and great room. The side that fronts the bayed dining area is a long eating bar. Other kitchen amenities include: a roomy pantry, cook top with hood, built-in appliances, and a desk.      Sliding doors in the dining room offer easy access to a vaulted and covered patio, that could be screened if desired. A deep utility room next to the kitchen also links with the covered patio. The toilet at its far end is conveniently placed for easy access.      Luxuries in the vaulted owners' suite include: a walk-in closet, walk-in shower, spa tub, private toilet, and dual vanity.      Over the garage, three skylights and two windows brighten the Elkheart's recreation room, which has its own bathroom and closet. ]]> October 11, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1DCBF02-1372-F7D3-E228B9BAF60CE314 Esterville is a transitional home, its exterior a judicious blend of traditional and contemporary. The overall shape is that of an up-to-date country cottage, with each of three front-facing gables set at a different level. Tapered keystones center on the arched lintels that crown several of the multipaned windows. The covered porch is framed by a wooden handrail and a handsome column with raised trim.  ?????Inside, the floor plan is comfortably contemporary. A rambling array of interconnected gathering spaces fills two-thirds of the ground floor, while a well-appointed owners suite claims most of the remainder. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a bonus room are upstairs. ?????Columns on the left of the two-story entry flank the dining room's arched opening. A narrower passageway on the right leads to the owners' suite. Straight ahead, past a flight of stairs and a gallery of high display shelves, is the bright and spacious vaulted great room.  ?????Windows fill most of the rear wall. A gas fireplace and roomy home entertainment center are on one side, while across the room an open counter with cabinets above faces into the kitchen. Family and friends will enjoy planting themselves on stools along this eating bar, or spending time in the sunny bayed nook. Sliding glass doors in the nook open onto a wide patio. ?????Other noteworthy kitchen features include a large cook-top work island with overhead skylight, built-in appliances, a built-in desk with overhead shelves, and a deep walk-in pantry. ?????The Esterville's owners' suite has an exceptionally large walk-in closet and a luxurious two-section bathroom with a spa tub and double vanity. Direct access to a partially covered private patio makes it easy to add a hot tub. ]]> October 4, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1D5196D-1372-F7D3-E2C5258FB9F7615C Florida-style Cloverdale. This large single-level plan offers a rich palette of living spaces: formal and informal, private and communal, indoors and outside. ?????The columns highlight a broad front porch that wraps across the bayed front windows of the living room and dining room. Inside, these rooms open off of an equally high-ceilinged foyer. ?????The bright and expansive family room is the largest and most central living area. Its richly glassed rear wall has sliding glass doors that lead out onto the partially covered patio. These doors are flanked by two equally large glass panels plus another set of windows on both sides. Then the entire glassy expanse is crowned by a multi-paned transom. The clean-burning gas fireplace, nestled into a corner by the windows, provides warmth and light on dreary days and dark nights. ?????Two arched openings lead to the kitchen, dining room, and a hallway to the owners suite. The family room also has a set of double doors that open into a study that links with the owners suite. ?????In addition to built-in appliances and abundant cupboard and counter space, kitchen amenities include: a deep walk-in pantry, cook-top island rimmed with a raised eating bar, appliance garage, and beverage bar with under-counter refrigerator. Natural light washes into its sunny nook through windows on four sides. ?????Two more bedrooms (or one and a hobby room) are nearby, along with a large utility room. The luxurious owners' suite at the opposite side of the house has a large walk-in closet and a smaller one. Bathroom features include a spa tub, walk-in shower, dual vanity, and private toilet. ]]> September 27, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1D19D2F-1372-F7D3-E203B3C234A770E9 Thomaston. Two tall, handsome, framed-out columns support the vaulted, covered porch, while highlighting its gently arched opening.      Comfortably roomy gathering spaces, plus a study, powder room and office/den fill the ground floor. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a utility room and a deep bonus room are on the second level.      Entering, you step into a lofty two-story foyer. A study is to the right, as is an open stairway that climbs to the second floor. On the left, an arched opening leads to a powder room and coat closet before angling toward the bright gathering space that fills most of the rear.      The dining area that sits at the center of this gathering space is totally open to the kitchen. On the other side of the dining room, twin sets of bold columns flank an arched opening that leads into the spacious, richly glassed family room. Slender windows on the side wall sit on both sides of a wide-hearthed gas fireplace that adds warmth and cheer on dark days and nights.      An eating bar rims one side of the central work island in the C-shaped kitchen. Storage and counter space are in good supply here, boosted by the pantry and work island. Direct entry from the three-car garage is conveniently close.      Upstairs, the vaulted owners' suite fills the right side. Luxury touches include: a large walk-in closet, spa tub, oversized shower, dual vanity, and private toilet. Two more bedrooms share a bathroom off of the Thomaston's balcony landing. The bonus room has a front window and, surprisingly, a spacious walk-in closet. ]]> September 20, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1CBA09B-1372-F7D3-E251E1F524094909 San Pedro is a contemporary Mediterranean-style vacation home designed for dual ownership. Mirror-image bedroom suites extend from opposite sides of a central hexagonal great room, providing a mix of privacy and shared living space. ?????Vaulted at the center, the great room is voluminous and bright. High arched windows fill most of three walls, offering a panoramic view of the vista to the rear. A pellet stove backed by a half wall sits on a hexagonal hearth at the center. ?????Sliding French doors on two sides of the hexagon (and in each of the owners' suites) open on a long patio that stretches along the entire back side of the home. The hexagonal spa, located at the center of the patio, is roomy enough to relax the owners and a few guests. ?????The large kitchen has ample counter space for two or more chefs to work at the same time without bumping elbows. Range and oven are in the wide island with work space on either side. The location of the sink and dishwasher, built into a long eating bar, allows the clean-up crew to chat with people sitting on the other side, or gaze out the window while they work. ?????A small powder room is to the left, and an equally compact utility room is to the right. Each of the San Pedro's bedroom suites has a walk-in closet and a private bathroom with a tub. ]]> September 13, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1C4EEDD-1372-F7D3-E2379BBEE4815075 country-style Bigsby. This four-bedroom plan has a footprint that's a mere 40 feet wide, so it fits neatly on a fairly narrow lot. ?????Family and friends will enjoy congregating in the vaulted great room. Natural light washes in through wide windows on two walls, and a gas fireplace nestles into a corner at the rear.  ?????This large space is open to the kitchen, where cupboard and counter space are both in plentiful supply. Counters span sections of four sides, while upper and lower cupboards, including a roomy pantry, are on three. Standing at the cook top, you can enjoy watching flickering fireplace flames, chat with family and friends, or let your gaze take in the covered patio and beyond. ?????Double doors in the foyer open into a bayed room that could be used as an office, den, or parlor. A centrally placed powder room is close to the front door and all other ground floor rooms as well. A large utility room with open shelves is just a few steps down the hall.  ?????A well-appointed owners suite fills the right wing. Features in its luxurious bathroom include a large walk-in closet, deep spa tub, dual vanity, and separately enclosed shower and toilet.  ?????Three more bedrooms and a two-section bathroom are upstairs in the Bigsby, along with a loft that overlooks the vaulted great room. This space makes an ideal location for a library, a desk or two, and a shared computer. Or it could simply be furnished with a couple of easy chairs and used as a quiet retreat. ]]> September 6, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1BC4DEF-1372-F7D3-E2D50531F253D35C Ramsbury. Stone veneer wainscoting and variously sized and shaped multipaned windows give this traditional ranch-style home a distinctively European flavor. Its lofty covered porch extends a regal welcome. ?????Muted sunlight spills into the high-ceilinged foyer through sidelights and a half-round transom. Slender arched openings to the right and left lead into the bedroom wing and vaulted den, respectively.  ?????After walking through the wider center arch, you pass by another set of opposing arches before the hallway opens out into an expansive great room. The right hand arch links to the kitchen, while the one on the left leads to the luxurious owners' suite.  ?????Great room, dining room and kitchen all flow together quite organically. A gas fireplace fills the great rooms rear corner, and wide windows fill most of its two exterior walls. The dining room is richly glassed as well, with windows on three sides. Two of those window sets are actually sliding glass doors. One set leads to a partially covered deck and the other to a partially covered patio. ?????Counters line four sides of the Ramsbury's unique five-sided kitchen, plus three sides of the large, central work island. An extra-large walk-in pantry fills one corner, and a long, raised eating bar bounds the dining room edge. ?????The owners' suite fills a wing to the left. Three more bedrooms, a two-section bathroom, and a large utility room are on the right, linked to a three-car garage with ample storage. Owners' suite amenities include a deep walk-in closet, posh bathroom, and adjoining vaulted den. ?????The large recreation room that caps the garage has dormer windows and a bathroom.]]> August 30, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1B63C6A-1372-F7D3-E2A7DC688AB729D0 Wichita visually appealing from every angle. Brick corner quoins add stateliness and impart a sense of permanence.       This plan has a side entry three car garage with a workbench and storage. What it doesn't have is a living room, but for many contemporary families that's no loss. Family members would likely spend most of their time in the bright and spacious great room anyway. Two sets of French doors provide natural illumination, and a vaulted ceiling enhances the sense of openness. Shelves flank the fireplace.      The bayed dining room also has a vaulted ceiling, and a pocket door allows you to shut out the noise and mess of the kitchen. Kitchen and nook have 10 foot ceilings. Cozy and inviting, the half octagonal nook is a great place to linger over a morning cup of coffee or tea. Sink and dishwasher are built into a long work island. A storage closet is under the stairs, opposite another storage area. Utilities and a small powder room with a shower are mere steps away, equally convenient to the garage.       The owners' suite serves as a quiet adult retreat. Its bayed sitting area is ideal for reading or sewing. Bathroom features include a soaking or spa tub, a large shower, twin lavs, a walk in closet and a private toilet. The adjacent room could be outfitted as a bedroom, study or office. It has a window seat, nestled between two closets.      Two more bedrooms are upstairs in the Wichita, along with a bathroom and a long storage closet. The front facing dormer window could be built with a window seat. ]]> August 23, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1B1A564-1372-F7D3-E217BE7F521188DD Crosbyton's lofty arched porch. The trim and brick veneer columns serve as an artful frame for the multipaned arched transom sparkling in the background. Taken together, these features give this single-level ranch-style home a European flavor. ?????Natural light spills into the high-ceilinged entry through the arched transom plus a multipaned sidelight. The short passageway there, angling off to the left, opens out into a vaulted great room that is open to the dining room and kitchen. The rear wall is richly glassed, and the dining room has a wide window bay as well. Sliding glass doors offer access to a wide screened porch, which allows pest-free outdoor living when the temperature climbs.  ?????An angled island partially separates the kitchen from the dining area, as does a flat ceiling. The raised eating bar that rims one edge of the island is a great place for family members to grab quick meals, and visitors to chat with kitchen workers. The counters and cabinets spanning two long walls provide abundant work and storage space. ?????Laundry appliances are conveniently close, yet hidden behind a pocket door. The pass-through utility room has a folding counter and a door to the garage. ?????Bedrooms cluster together on the opposite side of the house. The owners' suite is at the rear and has direct access to the screened porch, a pleasant place to mellow out before bed on a warm evening. The suite has a private bathroom, plus two closets, one of them a deep walk-in. ?????Two more bedrooms are at the front of the Crosbyton. The one closest to the front door is conveniently located for use as a study or home office. ]]> August 16, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F5B0F1F1-916B-99EC-85576F7003BB31A7 Wisteria's Craftsman bungalow charm. You can't miss the symmetrically spaced, tapered porch columns, multipaned window uppers, wide eaves, and decorative gable supports. An old-fashioned wooden porch swing would be right at home here. ?????When you step into the wide foyer, a display niche is directly ahead. On the left, the foyer expands out into a living room with a wide window and a gas fireplace. An arched opening there leads on into the dining room. ?????The dining room actually has openings on three sides, and a wide window on the fourth. The opening that links with the kitchen has a pocket door, which provides separation when desired. Opening number three is wide, arched, and offers easy access to the stairway, hallway, and great room. Another display niche nestles into an angled corner across the hall. ?????An expansive great room flows together with the spacious kitchen at the rear. Its long counter, rimmed by a raised eating bar, marks the boundary. Counters and cabinetry wrap around sections of four sides, and a roomy walk-in pantry is off the great room, just a few steps from the kitchen. ?????The great room is naturally bright, with one wide window at the far end, along with French doors and another wide window lining the back. A wood stove fills one corner. The French doors lead out onto a covered patio that spans the entire back. ?????Two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a loft are on the Wisteria's second level, while the owners' suite is on the ground floor, well away from noises that might conflict with peaceful slumber. Amenities include a large walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with deep soaking tub and dual vanity. ]]> August 9, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F59BF34A-C875-2E40-4BDB96E924853538 Oakley. Craftsman details are seen in the tapered columns, stone veneer wainscoting, shingled gable ends, and multipaned window uppers.      The spacious gathering areas at center are surrounded by four bedrooms, a home office and a study. Two roomy storage spaces are upstairs, along with a large recreation room that could be an artists studio, music rehearsal space, or whatever suits.      To enter the foyer, you pass through a nostalgic covered porch. A display niche lines the foyers right side. Double doors on the facing wall open into a home office with built-in cabinets.      Just past the double doors, the foyer angles off to the right, guiding your steps into a bright and spacious vaulted living room. Framed columns flank the wide opening. Tall windows, multipaned and triangular at their apex, flank the wide two-sided gas fireplace centered on the far wall. Its flames can also be enjoyed from outside, in the vaulted, partially covered patio.      Standing at the kitchen sink, you can join conversations in the living room and serve quick meals at the raised eating bar, while keeping tabs on activities in the patio and nook. A deep walk-in pantry fills one corner.      Right past the foyer, another angled wall clips a right-hand corner, easing movement into a long hallway that leads to the study and kitchen. Three bedrooms and a utility room are at the end.      The Oakley's luxurious owners suite fills most of the left wing. Notable amenities include a large double closet, walk-in shower, twin lavs, and private toilet. The direct patio access comes in very handy if a hot tub is installed. ]]> August 2, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=AF1CF417-9DE3-C4FE-1150EC215ACE5699 European flavor to the Lafayette. Families who enjoy entertaining cannot help but appreciate the generous array of formal and informal gathering spaces within.      Crisp, handsome stone veneer covers the front facade's central area and underscores the stuccoed sections as wainscoting. A raised stucco keystone accents one wide front window set, while wooden shutters accent a smaller set of windows on the opposite side. At center, a gracefully arched opening welcomes people onto the covered porch.      Inside, muted natural light enters the vaulted entry through a sidelight and transom. Arched openings on the left and right lead into a dining room and a vaulted living room with a fireplace, respectively. Moving forward, after skirting a stairway on the left, you find yourself in a spacious vaulted family room awash in light that spills in through a wealth of windows.      The family room is open to a large kitchen and a sunny nook with sliding-door access to a side deck. A multi-angled eating bar bounds the kitchen. Cabinets run along overhead. At center is a good-sized island with a built-in range. The nearby pantry is in a roomy utility room that links with the two-car garage.      Amenities in the owners' suite include a deep walk-in closet and a deluxe bathroom with a spa tub, dual vanity and oversized shower. Two more bedrooms and a bathroom are upstairs in the Lafayette. They are connected via a long balcony that overlooks the vaulted entry up front and the vaulted family room at the rear. Two linen closets are also upstairs, one near the two-section bathroom and the other one at the opposite end of the balcony.    ]]> July 26, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=A33395DF-9BB9-91D2-3C27596164CB838D Tupelo is a duplex? Two sets of porch steps and front doors are the only exterior clue. One faces the street; the other is around the corner to the left. This is an ideal set-up for a family that wishes to provide supportive but independent housing for an aging relative, or wants income from a rental they can easily supervise.      From its tapered porch supports to its low-pitched side gables and large centered dormer, the Tupelo's exterior styling harks back to Craftsman homes of the early 1900s. Inside, both of the duplexes have contemporary floor plans.      The ground floor unit is larger. In addition to the great room/kitchen, it has an owners? suite, two secondary bedrooms, and two bathrooms. A small utility room is tucked into an alcove just inside the front door. An eating bar defines the boundary between the kitchen and a great room with patio access and a large walk-in storage closet.      To enter the second floor unit, you step into a bright ground-floor foyer outfitted with a coat closet and a bench for removing and storing boots. Natural light streams in through sidelights. More light washes down from the dormer window above, brightening the staircase and spilling over into the great room as well.      Kitchen, nook and great room flow together, unimpeded by barriers of any kind. Next to the stairs is a pocket-sized utility room, designed to house a stacked washer/dryer combination. The small kitchen in the Tupelo's upper unit can be built with a door that opens onto a second-level deck, if one is desired. ]]> July 19, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=750EB90C-EE28-7573-80BDC441D8C2F57A hexagon with wings, the Sierra is bright, open and informal. Its wealth of windows allows full appreciation of a panoramic view to the rear. ?????Families that prefer an informal home, where living spaces are open and unhindered by walls, will enjoy this plan. Group living spaces cluster together in the great room where the vaulted ceiling begins high, and slopes up to a lofty central peak. Three sections of the rear wall are mostly glass. Arched clerestory windows crown six banks of multipaned windows, providing ample natural light to the great room. Two sets are actually French doors, which swing open to access the wide patio that spans the entire rear facade. ?????The kitchen has counters on four sides, but the two sides facing into the great room are open above counter level. Standing at the sink, you gaze into the dining room and by simply turning your head you can enjoy the full panoramic view out the rear. ?????The owners? suite is to the left, secondary bedrooms and garage to the right. Glassed-in display shelves are directly in front of the entry, ideal for displaying art objects or family mementos. Utilities are in the hallway that leads to the owners? suite, hidden behind folding doors. ?????In the owners? suite, the ceiling is vaulted and a sliding glass door opens onto the patio. Luxuries include a huge walk-in closet, oversized shower, double vanity and separately enclosed water closet. ?????Secondary bedrooms in the Sierra share a bathroom with a combination tub and shower. ]]> July 13, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=57A07971-A0E1-5822-BECEB52D996E8331 Pacifica is a large Craftsman bungalow designed for construction on a view lot that slopes down at the rear. This appears to be a single-level home, but another floor is below. Basement rooms are as richly windowed as the main floor living areas.      An eye-catching king post with angled struts accents the front porch gable, while tapered stone veneer bases support side posts that flank the entry. Stone veneer wainscoting spans the front facade, and an array of Craftsman windows adds to the overall charm.      Vaulted ceilings are found throughout. They start at the front porch and move inside to the foyer and great room. The den, owners? suite, and upper deck are also vaulted.      To the left of the foyer, double doors open into a den where windows fill most of the front wall. Built-in bookcases fill another wall and wrap around to a third wall that has a built-in desk as well. A wide opening on the right side of the foyer leads into the dining room. This room, too, is awash in natural light.      To get to the great room, you pass around the back side of the fireplace. Heading around it to the left puts you closer to the home entertainment center and window seat. Going around on the right takes you by the kitchen?s raised eating bar and on to the eating nook. Two sets of sliding glass doors at the rear open onto the covered deck.      Luxurious amenities in the owners? suite include a large walk-in closet, corner spa tub, walk-in shower, and totally private toilet. Two more bedrooms and bathrooms are downstairs, along with a family room with a fireplace and home entertainment center. ]]> July 5, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=579B7640-E13C-C99E-3E86226832005715 Kodiak amply illustrates, log cabins just keep getting better. This modern log home blends rustic appeal with all the amenities you?d expect to find in a contemporary home. The plan is designed for construction on a lot with a down slope on the view side.      An array of windows sparkle across the central section, which has a traditional A-frame shape. The home?s entry is on the opposite side, where you come in through a vaulted and covered porch, rimmed by slender log handrails. Entering, you step into the expansive great room, where an abundance of light washes in through windows on two levels. The room is vaulted on the vista side, and a free-standing wood stove nestles into the left corner by the windows.      On the right, the great room is open to a vaulted, C-shaped kitchen. Counters and cupboards wrap around parts of three sides, while a cook-top work island anchors the center. The kitchen offers side and rear views, while more light spills down through a skylight.       A kitchen door leads onto a wide suspended deck that spans the rear, ideal for outdoor living when the weather allows. The kitchen also links to an exceptionally roomy pantry and a utility room with direct access to the garage. A convenient powder room is right around the corner.      The vaulted owner?s suite fills the opposite wing. It, too, offers deck access and yet another set of windows with magnificent views. A skylight brightens the bathroom, which is located next to a deep walk-in closet.      Everything upstairs in the Kodiak is vaulted, including the loft, bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet. A richly windowed, unfinished daylight basement is below. ]]> June 28, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=5794E0A3-0035-4EDC-7AE4608B63F29A99 country-style home, or a farmhouse, the Peterson looks comfortably inviting. Its railed wrap-around porch is a major factor in creating that ambiance, but the generous scattering of Craftsman-style windows may be equally responsible.      Families with toddler children or grandchildren can easily create a safe outdoor play area for their tykes by gating the front porch at both ends.      Gathering spaces, including the entry, all have vaulted ceilings. Even the kitchen. An abundance of natural light spills into the great room through the window bay that wraps around to one side, while more washes down through two dormer windows, set high in the ceiling.      A peninsular counter with an eating bar is all that separates the dining room and kitchen. Storage cabinets and counter space in the kitchen are both well supplied. Counters wrap around four sides, while overhead and under-counter storage capacity is further boosted by a roomy walk-in pantry. Sliding glass doors in the dining area open onto a partially covered porch.      Direct access between the kitchen and garage will be especially appreciated when returning home after dark, and for unloading groceries in inclement weather.      Bedrooms and bathrooms cluster together on the right. The utility room is located there as well, conveniently close to the major sources of soiled laundry. Built-in cabinets fill the wall over the appliances; stacked shelves span the other wall.      The owners? suite is well buffered from the sounds of the Peterson's secondary bedrooms by the utility room, a large walk-in closet, and the main bathroom. The private bathroom has a dual vanity, and a pocket door that offers both toileting privacy and shower steam containment.  ]]> June 21, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=EB5EA236-1372-F7D3-E2BA1482E1C9CE1E Allison.      The vaulted entry, just inside the arched door, is open to an elegant coffered ceiling living room on the left. Doubled doors on the right access a home office with a window to the street.      Skylights and a gas fireplace add to the sunny warmth of the vaulted great room at the rear. Windows fill the back wall, where the space expands into a dining room with atrium doors that open onto a vaulted, partially covered patio.       The kitchen is partially open to the great room and fully open to the dining area. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can face into the great room or chat with family and friends in the dining room. An eating counter rims one edge of the rectangular work island at center, and a roomy pantry nestles into an inner corner. Counter space is in generous supply, allowing multiple cooks to combine their culinary efforts without bumping elbows.      Well-isolated from secondary bedrooms, the owners? suite serves as a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of family life. Its private bathroom boasts a deep soaking tub, dual vanity, and an enclosable toilet and shower. The walk-in closet is larger than most, and the sleeping area also offers direct access to the patio.      Two more bedrooms are on the other side of the Allison's great room. A full bathroom and a good-sized utility room are between them. The utility room comes outfitted with lengthy folding counters, overhead cabinets, and a storage closet. ]]> June 14, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D68D7030-1372-F7D3-E2543B65F630A2D9 Heartville?s front fa?ade. The shutters, windows, and cozy front porch give this ranch-style update a look that is at once nostalgic and inviting. Its four bedrooms and luminous gathering space are ideal for a growing family, but this home could also be easily adapted for wheelchair accessibility.  ?????Inside, daylight from overhead dormers spills down to naturally illuminate the vaulted foyer, which flows into an expansive great room. This large gathering space also comprises the dining area and kitchen at the home?s heart. Just inside the entry door, a transverse hallway runs right and left, linking with the bedroom wings.  ?????The left end of the hallway leads to the owners? suite, garage, and basement stairs. It also passes a large utility room and pantry on its way to the roomy kitchen on the left side of the great room. A long work island, rimmed on the dining room side by a raised eating bar, is but one example of the plentiful cupboard and counter space. A computer desk with shelves above is built in, along with all of the major appliances.  ?????Windows in front of the kitchen sink look out onto the patio and rear yard, as do an array of windows and sliding glass doors in the great room. A fireplace is on the far side of the gathering space from the kitchen, next to cabinetry that houses a home entertainment center. ?????Well isolated from the other bedrooms, the owners? suite also offers direct access to the patio. Luxury amenities here include a large, two-section walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with a spa tub, dual vanity and shower. One of the Heartville?s three other bedrooms could be furnished as a den, home office, or guest suite.  ]]> June 7, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=A6C6DF2D-1372-F7D3-E2BC3731E22B53B2 Mendocino puts the viewer in mind of sunny climes, like the Mediterranean, Florida, California, or the Southwest. ?????Cool-looking stucco covers most of the exterior, and bold stuccoed columns highlight a trio of lofty arches that frame the front door and windows. The porch ceiling soars to 12 feet. Immediately inside the door, ceilings in the dining room, foyer and parlor are equally high. ?????Formal rooms are on both sides of the foyer that channels people directly into a large, richly windowed living room at the rear. An arched opening on the left leads into a dining room. The parlor, on the right, is in an ideal location for alternate use as a home office. ?????Both the kitchen and nook are open to the spacious living room, where windows, high and wide, fill most of the rear wall. This will be most appreciated if the home is built on a lot with a view. ?????Standing at the kitchen sink, you can enjoy that view. Or you can look out across the raised eating bar into the large living area in front of you, check out activities on the patio, or watch flames dancing in the gas fireplace across the room. Other kitchen features include: a walk-in pantry, work island with prep sink, built-in appliances, and plenty of counter space. A door in the nook leads out onto a partially covered patio, perfect for outdoor dining. ?????Wide windows in the owners? suite also take advantage of the rear view. Other notable features include: a deep walk-in closet, dual vanity, spa tub, walk-in shower, and private toilet. Two more bedrooms and a bathroom fill the opposite side of the Mendocino. ]]> May 30, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=A2F9FB78-1372-F7D3-E292F9F634E7AF2D Wethersfield is a compact transitional home designed to fit neatly on a narrow lot. A slender post supports the porch roof, and two wide multipaned windows provide an attractive balance to the gird-patterned garage door. The windows are traditional, while the garage door is contemporary, and yet the two styles blend together harmoniously.       Transitional homes, by definition, combine old and new exterior elements such as these. The interior, on the other hand, is designed to satisfy the needs and preferences of contemporary families.       A two-story entry opens out into one large gathering space that fills the entire right side of the ground floor, front to back. The living room up front flows into the dining room and kitchen at the rear. Double doors in the dining area conceal a wide pantry, and nearby sliding glass doors open onto a covered patio that could be screened, if bugs are bothersome.      Counters and cabinets wrap around three sides of the step-efficient C-shaped kitchen. This arrangement maximizes both work space and storage capacity. Nearby, just off the hall leading to the owners? suite, are a powder room, broom closet, and a pass-through utility room that links the house to the garage. This feature provides both safety and shelter, which will be greatly appreciated when unloading groceries after sunset or in inclement weather.      Owners? suite amenities include a private bathroom and a surprisingly large walk-in closet. Three more bedrooms and a full bathroom are upstairs in the Wethersfield. The front bedroom is slightly larger than the other two, but bedroom two has the largest closet. A handy linen closet sits at the juncture of bedrooms and bathroom, opposite the stairway. ]]> May 24, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=54A62951-1372-F7D3-E2D1610913AF2C13 Porterville?s transitional exterior seamlessly integrates both traditional and contemporary styling elements. Traditional elements include the decorative porch columns, slender shutters, arched-top trim with a central keystone, and multipaned windows. The floor plan and overall shape of the exterior are much more contemporary.  ?????Unlike traditional homes, separation between gathering spaces is minimal. A great room with a window-flanked gas fireplace is the largest of three linked areas. It has a wide opening that leads into a naturally bright bayed dining room where sliding glass doors open onto a covered patio. ?????One kitchen counter also has a half wall in front, so that those who are standing at the kitchen sink face into the great room. In this efficient kitchen, all you have to do is turn away from the sink and take a step to reach the large cook-top work island. A raised eating bar that wraps around two sides does triple duty, serving also as a conversation bar and homework supervision station. ?????A good-sized utility room is nearby, down a short hallway and next to a garage access door. Around the corner, coat and storage closets fit neatly into alcoves on both sides of the opening that leads from the entry into the great room. The study off the entry is in a nice location for a home office, or it could be furnished as a third bedroom. ?????Another study area, this one a cozy nook with a built-in desk, is down the hall. It?s across from the Porterville?s main bathroom and close to both the owners? suite and bedroom two. Owners? suite amenities include a deep walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a large shower, dual vanity and private toilet. ]]> May 17, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=549E7B21-1372-F7D3-E28915443B8ECEE4 Crestview is intriguing to view from the exterior, while offering panoramic views from the interior. This Craftsman-style home is basically an expansive vaulted hexagon with wings extending off on two sides and a wide deck spanning the entire rear.       As you might suspect from the name, it?s designed for construction on a view lot that slopes down at the rear. This creates space for a roomy daylight basement below the ground floor. (Windows and doors are part of the plan for this nearly 1,900 square feet of unfinished space, with the interior design and amenities left up to the homeowner.)      The home has a small second floor as well. A graceful curved staircase climbs to a cozy vaulted loft centered over half of the great room. Open to the entry at the front and the great room to the rear, this inspirational space also offers striking panoramic views.      While working in the large modern kitchen, your gaze can take in the dining room, great room and deck, or enjoy the landscape beyond. Twin sets of atrium doors lead out onto the partially covered deck, which is equally ideal for sunning or dining. Near those doors, a free-standing woodstove adds warmth and charm to the living room area.      Another set of atrium doors in the owners? suite leads out onto the deck, as does a single atrium door in the adjacent den/office. Other suite amenities include a bright sitting area, a deep walk-in closet, and a deluxe bathroom complete with a spa tub, skylight, large shower, and dual vanity.      Two bedrooms, a bathroom, and an extra large utility room fill out the Crestview's other wing, where a breezeway connects with the detached garage.  ]]> May 10, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=030DF583-1372-F7D3-E21E4DD572FCE6DC Olivia?s welcoming front porch. This neotraditional home is a well-orchestrated melding of traditional and contemporary design elements. The posts, window treatments, interior floor plan and vaulting are modern, while the shutters and gables are more nostalgic. ?????Entering, you step into a high-ceilinged foyer, naturally illuminated by sidelights and skylights. The space opens out on the right into a vaulted living room, which flows into the dining room. A pocket door links the dining room to the kitchen. ?????If you head straight down the foyer?s hallway, you pass coat and broom closets on the right and a powder room on the left, before stepping into the relaxed and expansive family living area at the rear.  ?????Windows fill most of the rear wall, so this area is naturally bright on all but the darkest days. Cabinetry or shelves flank the fireplace at one end, while the nook and kitchen fill the rest of the space. Sliding glass doors in the nook open out onto a large patio. ?????The C-shaped kitchen wraps around three sides, while a large work island anchors the center. In addition to its central cook top, the island has under-counter cabinets and is rimmed by an eating/conversation bar. The sink corner is windowed on two sides, creating an environment where potted plants will thrive.  ?????Three bedrooms and two bathrooms are upstairs in the Olivia, along with utilities, a loft and a bonus room. In addition to its large walk-in closet, the owners? suite has a dual vanity, soaking tub, and enclosable toilet/shower section. The rectangular bay that expands the vaulted front bedroom could easily house a cozy window seat. ]]> May 3, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=EE41EC58-1372-F7D3-E26F61BAED2E00E3 Preston. This 1,500-square-foot Craftsman cottage is a mere 41 feet wide, allowing it to fit neatly on a narrow lot.      Multipaned window uppers and tapered columns are the most immediately noticeable Craftsman features. Wide eave overhangs and decorative gable accents are two more. The columns sit atop eye-catching framed-out bases with shake siding set inside the frames.      A multipaned sidelight runs along the right-hand side of a front door that has small panes of glass sparkling near the top, and a transom window above. All this glass makes for a naturally bright foyer. Bedrooms are located along the right side of the home, while a wide open gathering space fills the rear. You pass by the coat closet just before stepping into that space.      Light spills into the living/dining room through two large expanses of glass. The dining room windows are actually wide sliding glass doors that offer access to a partially covered patio, which could be extended and screened, if desired.      Standing at the kitchen?s gas or electric range, you can survey the rear yard and still keep tabs on activities in the gathering space. You can also serve up breakfast, lunch, snacks, and the like, to family and friends seated at the raised eating bar in front of you. It?s all very convenient.      Laundry appliances are nearby in the Preston's utility room. Because it?s also a pass-through link to the garage, the utility room can serve as a mudroom or pet sleeping area.      The owners? suite has a deep walk-in closet and its own bathroom. Closing the pocket door creates a totally private toilet cubicle. ]]> April 26, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=EE3E53A9-1372-F7D3-E297687D2EBCB269 Glenview?s generously windowed family gathering spaces are on the upper level. The footprint of this Florida-inspired contemporary vacation home is a mere 31? x 50?, allowing it to fit neatly on a narrow lot.      It?s possible to enter the house through the ground level den. But most will likely climb the steps to the covered porch on the second level, where the entry leads into the living room. Inside, a handy coat closet is just around the corner.      A stepped ceiling helps define the living room, which is brightened by a wide window on one side. The gas fireplace that nestles into an alcove on the opposite side of the room offers color and warmth on dark, chilly days and nights.       At the far end of this wide open space are the dining area and kitchen. Light spills into the corner dining room through windows on two sides. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze outside while keeping an eye on the living and dining areas and chatting with whoever is seated at the conversation bar in front of you.       A good sized utility room and a powder room are both nearby. The owners? suite is also on this level. Its notable features include a roomy walk-in closet, two shelved alcoves, and a large shower.      The third bathroom is downstairs, and has direct access to the Glenview?s second bedroom. This bathroom has a tub. A second gas fireplace is in the den, directly below the upper fireplace. This room has two counters with cabinets above and below, plus a second refrigerator. It could be used as an office, art studio, guest bedroom, or whatever suits.  ]]> April 19, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=EE3A0729-1372-F7D3-E20768B1905B9A3E St. Petersburg, a mid-size Mediterranean-style home designed to meet the needs of a contemporary family.      Entering through the grand arched portico, you step into an airy two-story foyer. This area is richly illuminated by an arched window over the door and another over the stairway. On the second level, a wide triangular loft overlooks the entry. Adjacent to the two secondary bedrooms, the loft makes an ideal spot for a library or study outfitted with the family computer.      But the loft is only the first of three group living spaces. Windows on three sides brighten a large living room that faces the street and looks out across a shaded planter to the side. The third (and largest) gathering space is the family room. The rear wall is filled with windows that face into a courtyard while more light spills in through the screened porch. This room also boasts a wet bar and a corner fireplace.      The kitchen has every convenience, including a pantry, built-in appliances and a work island. Sliders in the nook open onto the screened porch. Utilities and a folding counter are tucked in a pass-through space between kitchen and garage. A pull-down ladder in the garage provides access to an attic with a window.      In the St. St. Petersburg's sumptuous owners? suite, a half-wall with an arched opening provides partial separation between sleeping and sitting areas. Luxury amenities include a huge walk-in closet, twin basins, enclosed water closet, oversized shower, and spa tub. ]]> April 12, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=EE2FDEDC-1372-F7D3-E2CC3036E41AA910 Allenspark the comforting allure of a country cottage. Inside, its floor plan is well designed to suit the needs of a contemporary family.  ?????Gathering spaces flow together at the rear, where natural light washes into the vaulted great room and dining area through wide windows and a set of sliding glass doors. Those doors offer easy access to a covered patio, its roof supported by slender posts similar to the trio of posts in front. The gas fireplace, tucked into an interior corner across the room from the windows, creates a cheerful focal point on dreary days and long dark nights. ?????An eating bar forms a partial yet visually open boundary between the dining room and a large kitchen generously supplied with counter space. The counters that wrap around four sides are punctuated by built-in appliances and a roomy walk-in pantry. ?????Another gas fireplace is in the vaulted owners? suite, where flame watching can serve as a pleasant, completely natural sleep aid. One set of pocket doors in the private bathroom opens into a walk-in closet, while the other set can close off the toilet and step-in shower for privacy and steam containment.  ?????The large utility room is equally convenient to both the bedroom wing and the kitchen. Stairs in the hallway lead to an upstairs recreation room complete with a wet bar and small bathroom. ?????Two rooms are at the front of the Allenspark. The bayed room on the left could be used as a den, parlor, or home office. The other room, down a short hallway to the right, could be a study, bedroom, or whatever suits its owners. ]]> April 5, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=EE22189F-1372-F7D3-E2D4A21903318EFC Wynant looks more like a cottage than a duplex, you might say it?s two cottages in one. Both units have side entrances, creating a sense of privacy for each of the families. Other than the right-hand garage that extends two feet closer to the street, the floor plans are mirror images.      A simple wooden post supports the roof of a recessed front porch that leads into a small foyer. Inside, the coat closet is to the left, while a wide opening on the right takes you into the living room. A hallway that links with bedrooms and bathrooms also leads off of the foyer.      Living room, dining room, and kitchen flow together in one large, open gathering space. Light washes into the living room through a wide side window. More spills in through rear windows in the dining room and kitchen. The dining room?s sliding glass doors provide access to a rear patio, ideal for outdoor meals.      The kitchen is designed for efficiency, with its sink, stove and refrigerator all located in a tight, step-saving triangle. A small pantry adds to the available storage space, and counters wrap around three sides. Family members or friends can eat, or chat with the kitchen workers, while seated along the flush eating bar.      An extra-long closet fills one wall of the owners? suite, and a walk-in closet adds still more storage space. The private bathroom has a shower.      Secondary bedrooms are down a hallway lined with storage space. They are nearby, yet somewhat isolated from the owners? suite. Both bedrooms have a good-sized window and share the main bathroom.       Direct access to the garage is at the far end of the Wynant's bedroom hallway in each of the units. ]]> March 29, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=35658D85-B79E-3045-8EB8459616A6B452 Belle Vista. Soaring roof lines and intriguing window detailing draw eyes back for a second, third and even fourth admiring glance. ?????Part of the fascination is its sheer size -- more than 4,000 square feet of living space, not counting the basement or three-car garage. This estate-size plan boasts three huge gathering spaces plus a luxurious owners' suite, all on the ground floor. Three more spacious bedrooms are upstairs, each with a bathroom and walk-in closet. ?????Entering, you pass through a stately portico. Double doors open into a wide, window-rich, two-story foyer, transected by a balcony bridge that offers vistas to the front and rear. ?????Back on the main floor, double columns mark passageways to the dining room, master suite and two-story living room. Display hutches flank the fireplace, which can be enjoyed from the dining room as well as the living room. A den, located next to the owners' suite, could easily be used as a home office. ?????Kitchen and family room offer plenty of room to spread out. A long conversation bar rims one edge of an angled counter with two sinks. From the main sink, you have a panoramic view of the nook and family room, plus the two-level deck and beyond. ?????A second fireplace nestles between banks of cabinets designed to house a complete home entertainment center. Utilities are nearby in a large work space that connects to the garage. ?????The Belle Vista's elegant owners' suite boasts a private deck and a luxurious bathroom. Amenities here include: a spa tub, twin vanities, enclosed shower and toilet, and a large, double walk-in closet. ]]> March 22, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=066B0F8C-FF5D-DF2B-7FBC52C70D2AD894 McKinley is designed to take full advantage of a view to the rear. You can enjoy watching foliage go through seasonal changes from the vaulted great room, either of the sleeping areas, or outside on the wide wrap-around deck.      Basically, this informal plan is a hexagon with two wings and a columned porch at center. Windowed on three sides, the great room is the brightest area, serving the functions of dining room, living room and family room.      The McKinley is a home for those with an appreciation for openness and a love of the outdoors. Standing at the kitchen sink here, you can keep your eye on everything in the great room, as well as the deck and beyond. And you can get to the deck through sliders in the dining room, living room and owners? suite.      Storage is ample throughout. Two closets flank the entry and a large walk-in pantry is to the right, as you head into the great room. Both of the bedrooms also have walk-in closets, and the garage is extra deep as well.      When the weather turns nasty, you can build a fire in the living room, in the sitting area of the owners? suite, or both. Other amenities in the owners? suite include the huge walk-in closet and a bathroom with double vanity, spa tub, shower, and separately enclosed toilet. The other bedroom also has a walk-in closet and private bath.      A pass-through utility room connects the garage to the interior of the McKinley, and the powder room is close to everything. ]]> March 15, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=ED6576A7-CC1F-1613-9A6943B4436ABB1B Strathmore?s floor plan more in tune with the preferences of contemporary families. Its vaulted, informal, and naturally bright great room is at the front, rather than in the more customary rear location.      From the street, this home looks like a bungalow cottage with a single-level, ranch-style profile. Craftsman details include the gridded window uppers, tapered columns atop stone veneer supports, and decorative corbels accenting the front gable ends. Its welcoming front porch wraps around to the side.      A trio of gridded windows sparkles across the front of the dormer. Inside, light entering through those windows washes down into the vaulted entry and great room, while more light spills in through the angled corner window bay. This bright space is open to the dining room/kitchen area, which is also vaulted.       The dining room?s sliding glass doors provide easy patio access. A large walk-in pantry nestles into an alcove across the room.      A long eating bar is all that separates the kitchen from the dining area. Counters, cabinetry and appliances wrap around four sides, and a side door offers direct access to the garage. This allows safe entry for the family and convenient unloading of groceries, both of which will be particularly appreciated after sunset and in inclement weather.      Bedrooms, bathrooms and a utility room fill the left wing. The owners? suite has a roomy walk-in closet and a private bathroom with a double vanity and enclosable toilet and shower. Secondary bedrooms share the Strathmore?s main bathroom, which has a combination tub and shower. In the utility room, shelving fills the wall opposite the laundry appliances, and more storage space can be found in the closet just outside the owners? suite. ]]> March 8, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C930DB98-9D16-12BB-35D589D357CCADD3 ranch-style Windsor. The entire post and base feature, along with interesting window treatments and projected gable-end detail, gives the home a beguiling Craftsman flavor. Because it?s all on one level and has wide hallways, this home could become fully wheelchair accessible with only minor alterations.      In this plan, good things come in threes. In addition to the triple posts out front, it has a three-car garage, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms. It even has three window sets framing the entry, in the form of sidelights and a transom. Inside, this makes for a naturally bright entry.      Double doors on the right open into a vaulted office, while a wide arched opening on the left leads into a room that could be furnished as either a parlor or a formal dining room. Further down the entry hall, a narrower arched opening marks a junction. Three more arched openings there head in three more directions: forward into the vaulted great room, right to secondary bedrooms and main bathroom, and left to the kitchen, utilities, garage, and owners? suite.      In the vaulted great room, tall windows flank a gas fireplace that creates a colorful focal point when flames are dancing within. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can enjoy watching a fire, talk with folks at the eating bar or in the great room and nook, or keep an eye on the patio. Part of the Windsor's patio is covered and could be screened.      The luxurious owners? suite also has patio access, along with a deep soaking tub, large walk-in closet, dual vanity, and separately enclosed toilet/shower. ]]> March 1, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=A519785B-E428-2E68-8E549205D6A15D1A Longview is a two-story shingle-style beach house. This cottage would be equally at home in the Cape Cod area, by a lake in the Northwest, or in almost any other retreat setting.      Nostalgic plant shelves underscore several of the Craftsman-style window sets. Lined with pots of geraniums, petunias or impatiens, these will add vibrant dashes of color during the summer months. Maybe the deer won?t even notice them at this level. A covered breezeway at the rear links the house to a double-wide carport with attic and ground-level storage areas.      In this informal home, sets of French doors on two sides offer easy entry via a covered patio that wraps across the front and expands out into a larger covered area on the right. Slender wooden posts support the roof while serving as breezy accents.      Inside, the great room has a wood stove and is open to the kitchen, across a gently curved counter extension rimmed by a raised eating bar. One of the plant shelves fronts the kitchen sink, so the bright blossoms outside can be enjoyed during meal cleanups inside.      The kitchen and great room both flow into the dining area, where a door at the back leads to a handy mudroom. The mud room, in turn, links with both a utility room and the breezeway.      Two ground floor bedrooms share the main floor bathroom between them.      The Longview's spacious owners? suite fills most of the second floor, extending into three gables with attic-style ceilings that slope down on the sides. A loft fills the fourth gable. Plenty of natural light washes in through wide windows on all four sides. The suite also has its own fireplace, two roomy walk-in closets, and a luxurious bathroom.  ]]> February 22, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=806A0D8A-F329-E115-369C4A570F0E9C5B Craftsman flavor to the Sturnbridge, a midsize home well-suited to the needs of a growing family. Wooden railings wrap around its wide covered porch adding to the sense of welcome. ?????Natural light, muted by the front porch, spills into the entry though small window panes at the top of the door. A coat closet is to the left, along with a powder room, garage access, and a good-sized utility room. ?????A wide opening on the right side of the entry takes you into a bright room that could be used as a den, dining room, or home office. Natural light washes into this room through a wide window bay with a view across the porch to the street. ?????Three rooms, two of them vaulted, flow together at the rear. Only the kitchen has a flat ceiling, while the vaulted nook is entirely open to the great room. Windows fill more than half of the rear wall. A mess-free, gas fireplace nestles into a rear corner near the great room?s wide windows. Sliding glass doors in the nook offer easy access to a covered patio that could be screened, if desired. ?????Family living will center on these three linked spaces. One of the most popular places to hang out might well be along the dog leg-shaped raised eating bar that rims the kitchen. Seated there, family and friends can chat, snack, do homework, and munch down quick meals. This kitchen has counter space on four sides, and cabinetry on three. ?????The spacious owners? suite boasts two differently sized walk-in closets, plus a well-appointed bathroom. Two more bedrooms, a bathroom, and a deep bonus room are upstairs in the Sturnbridge. ]]> February 15, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=5219718F-0F60-C427-0E57E0CBF194BECD Florida-inspired Burnside.      This is not your typical rectangular floor plan, though you?ll find enough squared corners inside to put you at ease. The dining room is an elongated octagon, linked to a basically rectangular kitchen that is wide open on another side to a vaulted, half-octagonal great room.       The short hallway linking the foyer to the carport is almost straight. But the hallway that leads to the owners? suite cuts a long, bold diagonal that leads past a home office, before offering entry to the owners? bathroom, huge walk-in closet, and finally the roomy sleeping area.      A long work island with built-in prep sink mimics the shape of the well-appointed kitchen. The conversation bar that rims the sink island segues into a raised eating bar as it angles off toward the dining room. The pastry counter that nestles into a windowed corner could be marble, if desired. A roomy walk-in pantry fills a much larger corner at the opposite end of the counter.      The owners? suite is well-isolated from this busy, multi-functional gathering space. Luxury touches here include: a wide window bay in the sleeping area, a large walk-in closet with pull-down ironing board, and a deluxe, skylit bathroom with an oversized shower.      In the nearby office, which could also be a bedroom, there?s a closet designed for use as a sewing nook. Both the office and the guest room have direct access to the bathroom between them. A skylight brightens that bathroom. Another naturally illuminates the powder room, which is conveniently close to the foyer, utility room, and a carport with enclosed storage at the rear.  ]]> February 8, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=392D2EFF-E7B7-4210-C3604CA049688520 February 1, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=392F7F11-B134-A791-2603F6D4D1325A4E January 31, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=392A7091-06BA-9700-E09E082513F354E1 January 25, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F5DD0647-9AE7-2B47-6289DB58DDBF46AB Chalet-style Cascade. This modified A-frame vacation home boasts a grand total of 16 skylights and is rich in windows as well. ?????While all of the rooms are bright, the vaulted living room clearly wins the prize. In addition to the eight skylights in the high, exposed-beam ceiling, this room has two floor-to-ceiling glass doors and four equally large windows. Four smaller custom windows flank the fireplace. ?????Honors for second-brightest area are split between the owners? suite and the combination kitchen/dining room. The owners? suite has another eight skylights in its vaulted ceiling. Diamond-shaped windows, nestled under the peak of the roof at opposite ends of the room, add still more light. The sleeping area has an eye-level window, for enjoying the scenery, and a glass door that opens onto a private balcony. ?????Built as a loft, the owners? suite is open to the living room below and is unique in having an 11-by-10-foot upper loft that overlooks the sleeping area. Other amenities include a private bathroom and walk-in closet. ?????Tall windows brighten the kitchen/dining area on two sides. A set of doors opens onto a large deck. Another set of windows, over the sink, allows full appreciation of the outdoor setting. A range and oven, built into the eating bar, and a wet bar in the dining room, make food service convenient. ?????Two bedrooms, a small utility room and a bathroom complete the Cascade's ground floor. The steep metal roof shrugs off snow with ease. ]]> January 18, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=BD0A7670-07F1-22B6-FE16890BEF6D4554 Prichard, a contemporary version of the country-style ranch home. An old-fashioned porch swing or a suite of wicker furniture would be right at home here. Charming wooden shutters accent the large front window closest to the street.      Young families or retirees will find much to appreciate in this small-sized plan, which is equally economical to build and maintain. Stepping inside brings you immediately into the expansive heart of this home. Two handy closets are just inside the door, and a passage to the right leads to the three bedrooms lined up along the right wing. A garage, family room and laundry room fill out the opposite side of the home.      Vaulted ceilings expand the sense of spaciousness in the open living room, dining room and kitchen. The ceiling slopes up from the front, reaching its apex at the center of the living room. Then it slopes down to meet the exterior wall of the dining room and kitchen at the rear. Wide sliding glass doors in the dining room offer easy access to a covered patio, highlighted and supported by slender wooden posts.      Counters and cabinetry line both sides of the galley kitchen, which can be reached via the bedroom wing as well as the living and dining room. A wide window fronts the sink, while a narrow pantry nestles into an alcove across the room. Two or more people can easily work together here, without getting in each other?s way.      The Prichard's main bathroom is located off of the hallway that leads to all three bedrooms. Closets line one entire wall in the owners? suite, and its bathroom has a double vanity. ]]> January 11, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=BD033F05-E504-2E7A-B9B4EF69EDABC356 Fairfield has the comfortably familiar appearance of a Craftsman bungalow. Inside, the floor plan has been thoroughly updated to meet the needs and preferences of contemporary families. ?????This style enjoyed great popularity in the early 1900s and has sparked a resurgent flurry of interest now, in the early 2000s. Characteristic design elements include the decorative gable supports, tapered columns atop stone bases, and multipaned window uppers. ?????From the covered porch, you step into a foyer with a display niche directly in front of the door. Double doors on the right lead into the owners? suite, while the left side of the foyer is completely open to a living room with a gas fireplace and built-in home entertainment center. ?????A wide arch links the living room and dining room, which is accessible from two other directions as well. A similar arch connects the dining room to the hallway that leads into the great room, and a pocket door links it to the kitchen. Plenty of natural light spills in through a Craftsman window. ?????Kitchen counters are well supplied, with sections on four sides. The large kitchen is almost entirely open to the spacious great room. Only a raised conversation bar separates the two. Cupboards are also abundant, including a roomy walk-in pantry just a few steps away. ?????Laundry appliances are nearby as well. Both a powder room and a utility room line the hallway that joins the great room to the Fairfield?s two-car garage. ?????The well-appointed owners? suite is well-isolated from the busier, noisier areas of the house. Amenities include a walk-in closet, deep soaking tub, dual vanity, and enclosed shower and toilet. Upstairs, two more bedrooms share a bathroom. ]]> January 9, 2009 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=7481331C-926A-355C-1A72567B99BE398A Edenbridge is a contemporary version of the Prairie home, one of the few indigenous American styles. Frank Lloyd Wright is the style?s acknowledged master. Telltale features include: low-pitched roof lines, the massive rectangular piers supporting the covered entry porch and deck, and tall casement windows accented with geometric patterns. ?????This home is designed to fit into a hillside lot that slopes up and to the right. Its entry porch is reached via the driveway on the left. A set of stepped planters next to the driveway serve as a retaining wall there, opening up access to the covered patio and daylight basement. ?????Light washes into the large central gathering space through double doors that lead onto the dramatic covered deck, while wide sliders access an equally large covered patio at the rear. The dining area and kitchen fill the back section of this bright open space, and a stepped-ceilinged great room with gas fireplace is up front. ?????A long raised wrap-around eating bar sets off the kitchen. Standing at the cook top, you can serve snacks and informal meals directly to the eager eaters seated at the bar, while enjoying a full view of people and activities in the wider area. A good-sized corner walk-in pantry boosts the already abundant storage capacity. ?????The luxurious owners? suite is also on this level, along with a den, which could be used as a home office. Suite amenities include: a deep walk-in closet, French door access to a private covered deck, and a posh bathroom with spa tub, walk-in shower, dual vanity, and private toilet.  ?????Two more bedrooms are on the Edenbridge's lower level, along with a bathroom, storage, and a recreation room complete with a mini-kitchen. ]]> December 28, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=747D7993-F7B3-69CA-45127AD99CE2B71D Maywood is an updated cottage that would be equally at home in a suburban neighborhood, near a beach in Cape Cod, or just about anywhere. Multipaned window uppers, decorative gable accents, and columns with stone veneer base supports combine to give it a Craftsman flavor.      Nostalgic wooden railings enclose all but the steps of the inviting front porch, entered via a gentle arch. It?s easy to imagine wiling away a summer afternoon here, relaxing on wicker furniture or an old-fashioned porch swing. Bring on the lemonade and ginger snaps!      Inside, just past the den and a short hallway, you come to the vaulted great room that?s at the heart of the home. Wide windows fill most of the rear wall, and a gas fireplace fits neatly into an alcove next to the entertainment center. Working in the kitchen, you can enjoy both, and chat with family members or friends as well.       A raised eating bar fronts the counter that separates the kitchen and dining room. Most of the dining room?s rear wall is glass. It looks like three atrium doors, but only one of them opens onto the partially covered patio.      Luxury touches in the owners? suite include a corner spa tub, walk-in closet, double vanity, and separately enclosed shower and toilet.      The Maywood is essentially a single-level plan, but it does have a wide bonus room over the two-car garage. It could be an additional bedroom, art studio, band practice area, or whatever suits. The room has a nine-foot ceiling at center, sloping down to a little under six feet in height on the sides. Plenty of natural light washes in through skylights and a set of front windows. ]]> December 21, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=4661D38F-035E-6FEC-7E1D57BB6D972A77 Craftsman look to this compact, two-story bungalow. The Holshire is only 41 feet wide, so it fits neatly on a fairly narrow lot. ?????Its covered porch is open, inviting, and easily wide enough to accommodate a porch swing during the summer months. Inside, light washes into the foyer through sidelights and a row of small panes in the upper section of the door. ?????A stairway climbs up along the left side, and double doors on the right open into a den. This room is in a great location for a home office, allowing clients to enter the business area without exposure to the rest of the house. ?????Walking straight ahead down the entry hallway, you pass a coat closet and powder room, just before the passageway opens out into the vaulted living room. This room is brightened by a wide window at the rear, and entirely open on the left to the dining room, which, in turn, is linked to the kitchen.  ?????Wide glass doors in the dining room slide open to let in summer breezes and provide access to a partially covered patio. A flush eating bar rims one side of the peninsular counter that bounds the kitchen and dining room. Cupboards and counters wrap around four sides of the kitchen, including a pantry tucked in an alcove next to the refrigerator. ?????Laundry appliances are nearby but out of sight, in a pass-through room that connects to the two-car garage. ?????The owners? suite is the only bedroom on the Holshire's main floor, so it?s well-isolated from secondary bedrooms on the upper level. Amenities include a roomy walk-in closet, large shower, and dual lavatory. ]]> December 14, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=09BB3702-AC3D-13C8-6AF7FE96D352947B Glenridge reminds you of sunshine. Inspired by the tropical Florida climate, this contemporary Mediterranean style home has a tile roof, stucco exterior, and plenty of arched windows. Raised planters soften the effect, and add color. The entrance to the garage is to the side, out of the line of vision from the street.       Inside, some areas are almost as sunny as outside. Skylights brighten the family room, kitchen, main bathroom and the hallway to the guest, or children's bedrooms. A screened porch, or Florida room, is at the back, surrounded on three sides by a patio. Light from this bright space spills over into the dining room and family room.      Both the dining room and living room have 10 foot-high coffered ceilings and arched entrances. The dining room actually has three arched openings with plant shelves above.       The Glenridge's kitchen is large. Features here include an eating bar, desk, breakfast nook, walk in pantry, built in dishwasher, oven, microwave, and a work island with a cook top. A generously sized utility with access to the garage is close by. It has counter space for folding clothes that can serve as a sewing center as well.      Luxury amenities in the vaulted owners? suite include a huge walk in closet and twin basins in the bathroom. No separate pool house is necessary, if the home has a swimming pool. An exterior door provides access to a basin, toilet and shower that can be separated from the rest of the bathroom.       The garage houses two large storage rooms, one accessible from the back yard, the other from inside. ]]> December 7, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F341DB45-E5A4-F05D-6911F63F10DEE82E Ellisville the look of a nostalgic country cottage. The fact that the garage isn?t built into the house adds to the effect. Instead it is linked via a covered breezeway.  ?????Inside though, the floor plan is totally contemporary. To enter, you step up onto the covered porch, then into an entry area outfitted with a bench. Or, if you parked in the two-car garage, you would walk across the breezeway and step right into the large country kitchen. ?????People can sit on the entry bench while they remove muddy footgear, then stash the shoes out of sight, underneath. The coat closet, tucked in a nearby niche, is in front of a convenient powder room.  ?????The entry feeds into the dining room. A stairway is on the left and the kitchen is straight ahead. To the right, the dining room flows into a vaulted living room, windowed on three sides.  ?????A pass-through opening in the kitchen allows people to set food or drinks on the counter there for family and friends in the living or dining rooms. This comes in particularly handy when serving up festive meals and clearing away afterwards. ?????Counters wrap around three sides of the country kitchen, which also has plenty of space for a large table. Laundry appliances are close at hand in a utility room with an adjoining storage closet. ?????All three of the Ellisville's bedrooms are upstairs. The owners? suite is the largest, boasting a vaulted ceiling, two closets, and a private bathroom with dual vanity. The other two bedrooms share a bathroom with combination tub and shower. Natural light washes into this space through a window over the tub. ]]> November 30, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C1936766-D8F9-6397-8B3CE2018CF87DFF Florida-style Sonora is designed for full appreciation of the outdoors. Inside, wide expanses of glass offer panoramic views from the kitchen, living room, dining room, and great room, while outside, a wide deck wraps across the entire rear expanse. ?????Probably the most notable feature is its overall shape. A sunny vaulted hexagonal space forms the core, with wings on two sides that extend toward the front like two welcoming arms. Instead of hands, each of those arms culminates in a two-car garage, one of which has three skylights. Half or all of this bright space could be used for a shop. ?????To enter, you pass through a wide courtyard before stepping between the sets of twin posts that highlight the entry. Sidelights, a transom, and skylights brighten the vaulted entry, and twin coat closets nestle into alcoves on both sides of the door. ?????Passing straight ahead brings you to the vaulted hexagonal space, where a living room with a fireplace is on the right, great room is at center, and dining room and kitchen are on the left. A long peninsular counter offers partial separation between the kitchen and the rest of the space. ?????The Sonora's kitchen offers an abundance of counter and cupboard space, including a roomy walk-in pantry. Basement stairs are right around the corner, along with a den that could be used as a home office or third bedroom. It?s next to bedroom two and a full bathroom.  ?????The deluxe owners? suite fills the other wing, along with a large utility room. Owners? suite amenities include two large walk-in closets and a private bathroom with spa tub, oversize shower, and twin lavs. ]]> November 23, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=9D250E66-0EC0-B383-B60D6829CC50524B Arborgate?s vaulted porte cochere and entry. This single-story Craftsman cottage offers more than 3,000 square feet of indoor living space, plus a large vaulted rear patio. A breezeway links it to a two-car garage with two large storage rooms at the back.      Natural light washes into the vaulted foyer through sidelights, a gently arched transom, and a row of windows near the top of the door. The den on the right could be a home office or third bedroom.      One large gathering space fills much of the rear. The living room?s vaulted ceiling is accented by widely spaced drop beams, and the cabinetry flanking the fireplace could house a home entertainment center.      A wide, gently arched transom crowns the sliding glass doors and Craftsman windows on both sides of the sliders. Squared posts similar to those in front support a vaulted, covered patio that?s easily accessible through those sliding doors.       Back inside, double doors link the living room to a vaulted media room. The living room also flows seamlessly into a combination kitchen and bayed dining room. A six-burner cook top is built into the extended triple-angled work island. One side has a raised eating bar, and the two other sections have a lower counter with knee space below.       Just around the corner is a generously sized utility room/mud hall. Notable features here include: a roomy walk-in pantry, two broom closets with shelves, pull-down access to attic stairs, a deep sink, a bench for footgear removal and storage, a half bath, and direct exterior access.      The Arborgate?s vaulted owners? suite has a luxurious bathroom and direct access to a private patio and hot tub. ]]> November 16, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=916885FB-B432-F53A-08562709D016D3D9 Corydon is not your standard mirror-image duplex. In fact, it takes a bit of study to see what?s going on with the floor plan.       Here?s how it shakes down. The plan is designed for construction on a corner lot, or a wide lot with both front and side access. Front porches are not next to each other, and garages are well-separated. This gives each unit a large measure of privacy.      Unit A has two stories. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms are upstairs, and it has direct access to a two-car garage.       Unit B is a single-level, two-bedroom plan with an attached, direct entry one-car garage, right next to a two-car garage. It would be up to the owners, which unit used this second double garage.       This plan would be ideal for an owner-tenant who likes to travel They could live in one unit, and use that extra garage to store a boat and/or travel trailer while they?re not on the road.      Both units have raised eating bars that bound kitchens open to spacious great rooms. Sliding glass windows in the dining areas open to access a joined patio separated by a privacy wall.      In unit A, a convenient powder room is just inside the front door, right next to laundry appliances that hide behind folding doors. A storage closet is tucked beneath the stairs leading to the second floor. Upstairs, a linen closet is on the landing, just outside the bathroom. The owners? suite has a private bathroom, complete with shower.       The Corydon's unit B is smaller but has a wider front porch. It has two bedrooms and a two-section bathroom. Laundry appliances are right opposite the high-efficiency kitchen.  ]]> November 9, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=639F429C-C42C-90CB-0F4BA0EFB70A8083 Craftsman flavor to the ranch-style Wheatfield, a small home with a large feel. Other Craftsman details include a low-pitched roof, multipaned window uppers, and wide eave overhangs. These are especially appreciated by families that enjoy installing bird-feeding stations close to windows, for ease of watching. ?????The sense of spaciousness is most noticeable in the vaulted entry and expansive rear gathering area. Its vaulted living room and dining room flow together, then on to the kitchen, where a flat ceiling and an eating bar mark the boundary. ?????A clean-burning gas fireplace nestles neatly into the corner of the living room furthest from the richly windowed rear wall. Wide sliding glass doors in the dining area offer easy access to a good-sized patio, and in the kitchen a window fronts the sink. A person working at the sink can keep an eye on back yard activities, or simply enjoy observing seasonal changes. ?????Kitchen counters and cabinetry are abundantly supplied, spanning sections of four sides. The walk-in pantry is exceptionally large for a home this size, filling one entire corner. A built-in desk with shelving above sits at the juncture of kitchen, entry hall, and dining room. This makes a perfect location for a phone, shared computer, cookbook storage, and organizing the myriad tasks that go into running a household. ?????An arched opening off the Wheatfield entry leads to two bedrooms and a bathroom. The owners? suite is well-isolated from these rooms, down a hallway off of the living room. It has a roomy walk-in closet and a private bathroom with dual vanity, plus separately enclosed toilet and shower. The nearby den could serve as a home office. ]]> November 2, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=305C4375-93E3-F19E-86E1104FE79A7B87 Ridgefield, a Craftsman cottage with a fully contemporary interior.       Craftsman styling comes through most notably in the shingle-fronted gable ends, multipaned window uppers, and glass-framed entry. You?ll also see it in the twin posts that support the high-ceilinged porch roof, and the louvered attic vents below the peaks of all three gables.      Soft natural light filters into the vaulted foyer through side lights and a transom window. Double doors on the right open into a vaulted den where glass fills most of the front wall. This room is ideally located for a home office. An opening on the foyer?s left leads to secondary bedrooms and the main bathroom. A vaulted ceiling and wide window give the front bedroom an expansive feel.      The great room, too, is window rich and vaulted. Flames in the gas fireplace, nestled into a rear corner of this expansive space, can also be enjoyed by people working in the kitchen. A conversation bar rims the wrap-around counter on the great room side, while a curved, raised eating bar fronts the dining room. Its atrium door leads out onto a partially covered patio.      In addition to an array of built-in appliances, the Ridgefield's kitchen boasts a roomy walk-in pantry. A pocket door links the kitchen to a full-function utility room. Because it offers direct access to the garage, this space could also double as a mud room.      A tray ceiling and luxurious bathroom give a touch of class to the owners? suite. Bathroom amenities include a deep soaking tub, double vanity, and large walk-in closet. A pocket door provides privacy for the toilet and steam containment for the shower. ]]> October 26, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1ADBA860-DCF7-4FC1-59AEE10FEED4F082 European flavor. Inside, you?ll find a wealth of creative and luxurious amenities.      A king post and arched struts highlight the Chesterson?s vaulted porch, which in turn frames and accents an arched, somewhat medieval-looking double door.      Passing through that door brings you into a dramatic vaulted foyer, open to the dining room on the right. Double doors on the left lead into a vaulted den with a fireplace.      Just past the stairway, the foyer opens out into a bright and spacious vaulted living room. The French double doors at the rear flank a wide fireplace and provide access to a vaulted covered patio with another fireplace.      A wide arched opening leads into a kitchen with a large, sunny eating nook. Flames in the two-sided gas fireplace can be enjoyed from the kitchen and nook, as well as from the vaulted game room, reached by passing through arched passageways on both sides of the fireplace.      The epicurean kitchen has long counters on three sides, plus a large central work island with a built-in sink, and roomy pantry. A good-size wine room is just off the dining room. Also nearby are a powder room, a large utility room, and a dog room.      Vaulted ceilings add volume to the luxurious owners? suite, which fills most of the Chesterson?s left wing. A French door leads out onto a covered patio with a large hot tub. This area could be either private or open. The his-and-hers bathrooms each have a walk-in closet but share the shower, which can be entered from either side.      Two vaulted bedrooms, a balcony and a loft are upstairs. A porte cochere provides cover as it links to the attached garages which can shelter six cars. ]]> October 19, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=E8FF0603-D415-1CF3-36733AE3CAE30E5D Stratford?s Craftsman styling, varied roof lines, strut-detailed gables, stone veneer chimney cladding and post supports invite people to pause and take a second look. ?????Knee-braced posts support an expansive deck on the left, which could come in very handy to take in the views down the slope. But there?s no reason this two-story home couldn?t be built on a flat parcel of land. ?????After passing through a vaulted porch, you step into a foyer with double doors on the right that open into a den or home office. An opening on the left leads into the kitchen, dining room and vaulted living room, all of which flow together in one expansive gathering space with a fireplace, wood box, and window seat. ?????The wide deck that wraps around the entire rear of this large, window-bright room is accessible from the front porch, kitchen, living room, and owners? suite. ?????Notable kitchen features include: a large, cook-top work island with a raised eating bar on two sides; built-in desk and major appliances; and an appliance garage. The kitchen has a panoramic view of the gathering space, deck, and beyond. ?????A deep pantry is tucked beneath the stairs, and laundry appliances are a few short steps down the hall, just past a powder room. The utility room is designed to double as a mud room. It links with the Stratford?s garage and has a deep sink across from a bench with storage beneath that?s great for stashing foot gear. ?????The vaulted owners? suite boasts a bright and cozy tub bay, along with a roomy walk-in closet, uniquely angled tile shower, and private toilet. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a loft are upstairs. ]]> October 12, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D2C6EFD6-DB28-3069-FD804E9BE81ECC69 Spangler?s front porch extend a warm welcome, while adding to this country cottage's Craftsman charm. Other Craftsman features include low gables, multipaned window uppers, and the shake-textured siding that accents the framed-out column supports.      A compact plan, it is economical to build, heat, and maintain. Yet it doesn?t feel in the least bit cramped. After passing through the wide front porch, you step inside a much wider open space where the living room, dining room and kitchen flow seamlessly together. Natural light washes in through two large windows in front, a slender window on the side, and an atrium door that leads out onto a covered side patio.      Counters and cabinets line two walls of the kitchen. A large island adds more of both, and a deep pantry nestles under the stairway. Sink and dishwasher are on the inner side of the island, while a handy eating bar spans the other side. When bowls of breakfast cereal, lunch soups and sandwiches, or light suppers are eaten here, clean up couldn?t be easier.      Laundry appliances are nearby, in a pass-through utility room that links with the garage. This room comes complete with cabinetry and a folding counter.      The owners? suite and a bathroom are also on the main floor. The two-section bathroom has an entrance right off the hall from the kitchen, but it also has another door that links it directly to the owners? suite. The suite?s walk-in closet is surprisingly deep for a home this size.      Two more bedrooms are upstairs in the Spangler, along with a bathroom and wide storage closet. These bedrooms are full height at center, with the down-sloping sides typical of attic rooms. ]]> October 5, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=A0C648D7-DD99-3F25-38AC019C6F5BDC1D Cartwright are reminiscent of a French chateau. Keystone arches and stone veneer give it that traditional European flavor. Multipaned windows and the gracefully sloped copper roofing over the front bay window enhance the effect.      This large two-story home has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a three-car garage. Gathering spaces fill the ground floor. Bedrooms are all upstairs, along with a storage closet, utility room, and a deep bonus room with windows on three sides. This space could be used as an art studio, band rehearsal space, rainy-day playroom, or whatever suits.      Walking in through the vaulted porch, you step into a naturally bright two-story entry. Natural light washes in through sidelights and an arched transom.       A study, library, or home office is to the left, and the living room is through the arched opening on the right. The wide bay window at the front provides a natural display area that could be outfitted as a cushy window seat.      Family members will be drawn to spending most of their time together in the informal living spaces at the back. The C-shaped kitchen fills one end, a large family room with a gas fireplace is at the opposite end, and a nook is at center.       The kitchen boasts a roomy pantry and a large central work island with built-in cook top and grill. The nearby mudroom that links with the garage has storage and a built-in bench, just right for removing grungy footwear.      A tray ceiling adds a touch of class to the Cartwright's owners? bedroom, which has a generously sized walk-in closet and well-appointed private bathroom.  ]]> September 28, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=7CD2BAE1-F270-6913-43EDF00EE6139022 Westfair, an update of the Prairie-style home, brings to mind the great expanses of the Western United States. Prairie features include: massive square porch supports, detail emphasizing horizontal lines, a hipped roof, and tall casement windows. Most classic examples of this style were built between 1905 and 1915. ?????A lofty and stately porte-cochere shelters guests as they step from their cars onto an even loftier front porch. Entering, they step through double doors into a high-ceilinged foyer. Ahead, four decorative columns mark the living room?s boundary. The den, to the left, and dining room to the right are both naturally bright and have 13-foot ceilings. ?????Hallways on the left and right lead to the owners? suite and secondary bedrooms, respectively. Charming display niches line the diagonal section of the hallway across from the dining room. ?????The kitchen is on the other side of that wall, and a spacious kitchen it is. Counters, appliances and cabinetry on four sides include a roomy walk-in pantry. The cook top is seated in a central work island adds even more cupboard and counter space. ?????A long, raised eating bar rims the edge of the kitchen bordering the large family room. Windows filling most of the rear wall are broken only by a home entertainment center. The Westfair's wide-hearthed fireplace sits next to a convenient recessed wood box, while a beverage bar fronts the nearby beverage nook. ?????Two walk-in closets, one larger than the other, line the central passageway in the luxurious owners? suite. Features here include: a gas fireplace, double-door access to a covered patio, and an upscale bathroom with deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, double vanity, and private toilet. ]]> September 21, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=66D9741F-E045-93A7-32D564B26C4D91A3 Saddlebrook, an impressive country-style home with a contemporary exterior.      Outside, smooth stepped and raised stone caps the stone veneer wainscoting and massive squared columns. A graceful arched opening highlights the lofty porch, while echoing the gentle arched shape of windows over the garage.      Inside, the foyer?s 12-foot ceiling is every bit as high as the porch. Double doors on the right open out from the coat closet, while those on the left open into a parlor, windowed on two sides.      The great room is even brighter. Windows fill the wall on both sides of an unusual two-sided gas fireplace that can be enjoyed from the patio, great room and kitchen. Windows fill most of the dining room?s rear wall as well.      A raised eating bar bounds a kitchen with counters on four sides. Standing at the kitchen sink, you face into the great room and can keep tabs on backyard activities as well. A large walk-in pantry nestles under the stairs, just past wine racks that line the passageway from kitchen to hallway.      From there, you can choose any of three directions: (1) head past the coat hooks into the three-car garage, (2) go through the pocket door into the generously sized utility room, or (3) proceed down the hallway to secondary bedrooms and a two-section bathroom.      The owners? suite is well away from the other two bedrooms and has its own private patio access. Other amenities include: his and hers walk-in closets, a deep soaking tub, dual vanity, and an enclosed toilet and shower.      An abundance of natural light washes into the bonus room over the Saddlebrook's garage through wide windows on two sides. ]]> September 14, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=34435009-0039-287D-7F45FEBF2A226B35 Catalina's generously proportioned great room, you get the impression that the home must be fairly large. Vaulted ceilings increase the sense of openness in this lofty, informal space, which wraps around the kitchen and flows into the vaulted dining area.      But the Catalina is actually designed for people who want a home on the low end of the size range -- a small, economical and efficient living space. Just the same, the plan is packed with contemporary features. And it's bright. The great room is richly illuminated by sunshine spilling in from the screened porch at the back.      Expanded by a bay window, the horseshoe-shaped kitchen is also naturally illuminated. Amenities include a pantry, generous cupboard and counter space, a built-in dishwasher, range and oven. The walk-through utility room has cabinets, a folding counter and access to a garage with a small workshop.      Bedrooms are all on the left, where an archway marks the entrance to the sleeping quarters. If three bedrooms aren't needed, the room to the left of the entry is in a good spot for a study. Arched multi-paned windows give the secondary bedrooms a touch of graceful elegance. Outside, the windows echo the curved arches of the entry colonnade. A raised planter adds color.       Luxury features in the Catalina's vaulted owners' suite include a walk-in closet, twin basins, separately enclosed shower and toilet, and direct access to the back yard -- particularly important, if a pool is part of the plan. ]]> September 7, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=10CE9D55-CEA4-BB0A-32271E34008277CC Jasper a unique front facade.      All three rooms at the back are vaulted, with a high ceiling that slopes down toward the rear. Great room, nook and kitchen are large, bright and totally open. The sunny nook is windowed on two sides, one of them a bay and the other outfitted with sliding glass doors that provide patio access. In the great room, another set of windows flanks the gas fireplace.      An eating bar and 8-foot ceiling defines the boundary between kitchen and nook. Counters wrap around three sides, and a spacious pantry is next to the refrigerator.      Laundry facilities, including cabinets, a deep tub and a small counter, fill the rear wall of a utility room that connects the two-car garage to the home?s interior. A large coat closet and small powder room line the section of passageway closest to the front entry.      The owners? suite is downstairs, well away from the secondary bedrooms. A display niche just outside the owners? bedroom, and inside, a high ledge over the bathroom, are ideal for displaying art objects. Luxuries in the owners? bath include a double vanity, separately enclosed toilet, large shower, and spacious walk-in closet. The Jasper's two upstairs bedrooms share a bath. The stairway and second floor landing overlook the great room. ]]> August 31, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=0168494B-EC86-2121-D194D3423760F174 neoclassical look to the Beckwith. ?????From the outside, it?s not immediately obvious that a vaulted, hexagonal great room forms the core of this home. Wings on two sides extend like welcoming arms to partially enclose the attractive entry courtyard that fills the wide space between the brick veneer columns and the vaulted, double-door entry. ?????An art niche fits into a narrow wall section on the left, as you stand in the lofty entry. To its right, is an open passageway that leads into the great room. Pie-shaped wedges there angle up to a high central peak, and windows fill most of the three rear walls, creating a panoramic view. ?????At center, a spiral staircase circles up to the vaulted loft that sits above half of the hexagon. From its front and rear handrails, you can overlook either the entry or the great room. An arch-windowed dormer over the entry brings natural light to a space that could be a library, study, sleeping loft, or whatever suits.  ?????Back on the ground floor, sliding doors in the dining area open out onto a roomy screened porch, ideal for catching the afternoon breezes or sharing summertime meals. An angled eating bar is all that separates the dining area from the Beckwith's spacious and well-appointed kitchen. Counters and cupboards wrap around four sides, and a large pantry fills one corner. ?????The owners? suite fills the entire right wing, while two more bedrooms and bathrooms fit neatly into the other. Skylights brighten the owners? bathroom, which boasts a spa tub, two vanities, a private toilet, and a shower. It also has two roomy walk-in closets, one larger than the other. ]]> August 24, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C87218F0-DFE5-8813-CB87960426001BAE Plainview a Mediterranean flavor. ?????Inside, the floor plan is quite open. Posts provide definition between the entry hall and the formal living room and dining room without blocking visual access or ease of movement. At the rear of the dining room, sliding glass doors open into a screened porch that is also accessible from the nook.  ?????Windows in front of the sink brighten the kitchen and provide a view through the screened porch and beyond. The range top is seated in a combination work island/eating bar. Cooks can keep an eye on activities in the family room while they prepare meals. The family room is the largest, brightest room in the house. Windows flank the fireplace, and sliders at the rear open to the courtyard. ?????Secondary bedrooms are located far from the owners' suite. Both have walk-in closets and they share a two-section bathroom. Well-isolated from the hustle and bustle of the main living areas, the Plainview's owners' suite serves as an adult retreat. It comes equipped with a large walk-in closet, spa tub, and double vanity. Shower and toilet are separately enclosed and accessible from the rear yard. ]]> August 17, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=A4BABA1D-EDA5-230D-59338C0B17148A46 Moorseville, a contemporary duplex with a traditional flavor. Each two-bedroom unit offers nearly 1,100 sq. feet of living space in a mirror-image floor plan.      Entering, you step into a vaulted living room that?s completely open to a flat-ceilinged dining room at the rear. The rectangular window bay that brightens and expands the space toward the street could be outfitted with a window seat, left as is, or filled with potted plants. For families that enjoy decorating a Christmas tree, this spot can?t be beat!      Light washes into the rear of the living/dining room through wide sliding glass doors. These windows also offer access to a patio that could be covered and screened, if desired. Either way, the occupants have a good-sized area for barbecuing and sharing outdoor meals, all within just a few steps of the kitchen.      Counters and cabinetry run along two walls of the kitchen, and people working at the sink have a bird?s eye view of the rear yard. Children playing there can be viewed from inside. Full-size laundry appliances fit neatly into an alcove on the opposite side of the room. Shelves or cabinets fill the wall space above.      A convenient powder room hides behind a pocket door on one side of the laundry alcove, while a door to the garage is on the other.      Each of the Moorseville's units has two bedrooms, a linen closet, and a full bathroom upstairs. From the loft/landing at the top of the stairs, you can overlook the living room. A full bathroom provides sound buffering between the bedrooms. ]]> August 10, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=84356E25-D79F-7155-E9D52680AC1B4107 contemporary, midsized Bennett.      Families who enjoy home entertaining will appreciate the large, linked gathering spaces that run down the center. This home is also easily adaptable for wheelchair accessibility.      Ceiling variations help mark the boundaries between gathering spaces. The living and family rooms are vaulted, with central peaks that slope down to the sides. Sandwiched between them is the dining room, with a tray ceiling. Graceful arched openings lead out of the dining room into the family room. Another set feeds into the owners? suite on the right and the secondary bedroom wing on the left.      Kitchen counters and cupboards are generously supplied. In addition to lining two walls, work and storage space are available in the roomy walk-in pantry and long angular work island. The naturally bright eating nook has more glass than solid walls, and a vaulted ceiling expands the sense of spaciousness.      The Bennett's owners? suite serves as a quiet retreat. The sleeping/sitting area is large and opens onto a small covered patio that could be enclosed for privacy. Other amenities include: a huge walk-in closet, separately enclosed water closet and shower, deep soaking tub, and dual vanity. In the secondary bedroom wing, a skylit octagonal hallway provides access to two more bedrooms and their shared bathroom, an odd-shaped utility room, and the three-car garage. ]]> August 3, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=5C92A405-FAEF-22FA-EBD50CF8DEAE259F Bethany?s unique front facade. A 3-D picture would better show how it recedes in five steps, right to left, from the workbench area of the front garage to the sleeping area of the owners? suite.      Stone veneer, gently arched pediments, and two sets of transom windows add to the visual appeal of this large home. And in case you haven?t noticed, it has two two-car garages!      Entering, you step into a wide, naturally bright foyer with a 14-foot ceiling. Double doors on the right open into a spacious home office.      To the left, the foyer opens into a large, high-ceilinged living room, richly windowed on two sides. Built-in cabinets and a clean-burning gas fireplace fill the entire back wall.      The family room is huge. Tall rectangular windows capped by transom windows fill most of the rear wall, while another gas fireplace anchors the side of the room farthest from the kitchen. Cabinetry on one side of the fireplace houses a big screen TV; the other side holds the rest of your home entertainment components.      Kitchen, family room and dining area are totally open. Sparkling ceramic tile covers the walls and rims the top of a large work island with a built-in cook top and conversation bar.       Luxurious features in the Bethany?s owners? suite include: a sunny sitting area, double-sized walk-in closet, and a spacious bathroom outfitted with a soaking tub and an oversized shower.      Two more bedrooms are upstairs, along with a loft, and a recreation room with a covered balcony. ]]> July 27, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=3849A5BE-BDCD-71FA-F2F0B5785D77258E Ryland. Decorative supports highlight gable peaks and eaves, while raised brick trim accentuates the graceful curves of the arched entry and window openings. This handsome ranch home could easily be adapted for wheelchair accessibility.      Vaulted ceilings increase the sense of spaciousness in the foyer, den, living room and nook. Soft light spills into the foyer through a sidelight and transom window. Double doors on the left open into a den, which could be used as a home office or a fourth bedroom, if needed.      The living room is comfortably large and richly glassed. A gas fireplace nestled into a corner by the window serves as an inviting focal point on dark nights or cloudy days. You can even appreciate the flames while working in the kitchen. On the left, double doors open into a naturally bright sun room and a fully enclosed dining room.      A raised eating bar rims the J-shaped counter that bounds the large kitchen. Storage and counter space are both in abundant supply here. Counters are on three sides plus the central work island; cabinets, too, are on three sides, as well as beneath the surface of the work island and in the corner pantry.      Laundry appliances and a toilet are nearby in a utility room that?s equally convenient to the three-car garage.      Bedrooms are lined up along the right side. Amenities in the Ryland's owners? suite include his-and-hers walk-in closets linked to an elegant bathroom with a soaking tub, dual vanity, and enclosed shower and toilet. A pull-down ironing board comes in handy for pressing out those last-minute garment wrinkles. ]]> July 20, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=23B848FC-FC3F-6395-B3A1C2C3CCE7F3F0 Craftsman-style Fenwick a visual treat. This plan was created by guest designer Steve Duarte. ?????Tapered wooden columns rest on square fieldstone bases that support the wrap-around porch, and fieldstone shows up again in the wide rectangular chimney. Gently curved arches link the porch supports, while higher up a half-round window sparkles beneath the side gable. ?????Closer to ground level, the vertical and horizontal lines of the multipaned windows and porch railings run harmonious counterpoint to the diagonals of the lattice below. ?????Inside, the home seems much larger than its 1000+ square feet. Vaulted ceilings in the living room and dining room expand the feeling of spaciousness in these linked rooms, and the dining room is open to the kitchen. ?????A fieldstone (or brick) fireplace separates the dining and living rooms, as does a floor level change. The living room is one step down, and naturally illuminated by porch-softened light washing in through wide windows on three sides. Double doors on the wall opposite the fireplace swing wide open to provide porch access and capture welcome breezes when the temperature rises. ?????In the kitchen, counter and cupboard spaces are in good supply. A small pantry adds more storage space for canned goods and staple foods, while lazy-Susan shelving offers easy under-the-counter access. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze at the landscape outside. ?????Laundry appliances are conveniently close, in a pass-through utility room that doubles as a mud room.      The Fenwick's owners? suite has a surprisingly large walk-in closet, plus direct access to the bathroom, and double doors that open onto the wrap-around porch. ]]> July 13, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=23B4BF55-A777-08CC-D898CEF9A3CA328F Fillmore puts the viewer in mind of yesteryear farmhouses. Lap siding helps create that impression, as do the wide front porch, Craftsman windows, and front-facing, gabled dormer.       This plan is designed for a lot that slopes up at the rear and offers an alley access for the garage. A charming wooden stairway leads up to the railed front porch, which is on the main floor level.      Inside, another stairway directly ahead leads up to the sleeping areas, clustered together on the second floor. On the right, the entry is open to a parlor, which links with the dining room at the rear.       To the left of the entry, a cased opening reveals the large, bright family room that will quite likely be the most used gathering space. Muted natural light washes into this area from two sides: through Craftsman windows that face the street, and the wide sliding glass doors that access a covered deck on the side.      A peninsular counter rimmed by a raised eating bar marks the family room/kitchen boundary. Family and friends can hang out here to chat with kitchen workers, and it?s also a great location for kids to get homework supervision and support. The range on the other side of the counter makes it easy to serve up snacks and informal meals. The Fillmore's utility room, garage access, and a powder room are all mere steps away.      Three bedrooms and two bathrooms are upstairs. The owners? suite has a walk-in closet plus a private bathroom with a dual vanity. The front-facing bedroom boasts a wide front window, while the side bedroom is more spacious. ]]> July 6, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=E4655CE2-CF2F-29B6-1AB984730085C6FE Meridian, a rambling two-story Tuscan home with a pool and more than 4,000 sq. ft. of indoor living space. ?????Raised stone trim overarches the vaulted porch, extending an elegant welcome. Inside the vaulted foyer, columns flank arched openings that lead into the living room on the left, dining room straight ahead, and hallways to the left and right. This home offers a wealth of generously sized gathering spaces, inside and out. ?????Family living, in particular, is well-provided for. The vaulted family room is large and naturally bright, with wide expanses of glass on two sides. A gas fireplace nestles into a rear corner by one of the windows. ?????Standing at the kitchen sink, you can stay totally engaged in goings-on inside and out. You can even keep an eye on the pool. Storage and counter space are in abundant supply, boosted by a triangular step-in pantry in the nook. ?????A powder room is convenient to all of the gathering spaces, and a full bathroom is nearby, right next to the guest suite. Utilities and yet another bathroom line a hallway that links the kitchen to the patio and pool. ?????The Meridian?s owners? suite is a quiet retreat, well away from the hustle and bustle of family life, but offering direct access to the covered patio and pool. Amenities include a large spa tub, walk-in closet, double vanity, and separately enclosed toilet. The nearby den could be used as a home office. ?????Two bedrooms, a large recreation room, a bathroom and a loft are on the second floor. ]]> June 29, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=A72DE492-0D73-96CE-1D098D546ABA98A1 Tillamook is a treat for the eyes. Stone veneer wainscoting and column supports create a rustic ambiance. Additional Craftsman details include the tapered porch columns, stickwork gable accents, and multipaned windows. A water feature is designed into the landscape wall to the right of the entry. ?????Families that enjoy entertaining will particularly appreciate the four linked gathering spaces off of the two-story entry. The first access is through the dining room on the right, which connects with the kitchen and nook. Or head straight down the entry to the vaulted great room, which also opens to the kitchen and nook. ?????In the great room, spacious cabinetry houses a home entertainment center that fills the wall next to a wood-burning fireplace. Glass fills most of a rear wall where sliding glass doors open onto a skylit, vaulted, covered patio. ?????Natural light beams down through solar tubes into the large kitchen. A raised and curved eating bar fronts the kitchen sink, and more natural light washes in through the wide window bay at the rear. A pocket door opens into the mudroom and half bath, which connects to the three-car garage. ?????An elegant tray ceiling sets the tone for the Tillamook's large, luxurious owners? suite. It boasts two walk-in closets, one larger than the other, and a lavishly appointed bathroom with twin lavs, spa tub, oversized shower and private toilet. ?????Two vaulted bedrooms, a bathroom, and a large, windowed bonus room are upstairs. Another vaulted room with a private bathroom, is downstairs and to the left of the entry. This space could be used as a guest room, home office, or study. ]]> June 22, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=9249113A-DCAC-C54B-1BFB751DE8ED817D country-style Sedgewood could be built as a vacation home, a starter home, or a scaled-down dwelling for empty nesters. Its 41-foot-wide footprint fits neatly on a narrow lot. ?????Tapered columns seated on stone veneer bases support the roof of the wide, recessed front porch, and decorative corbels highlight the ends of both front-facing gables. Multipaned windows, a sidelight and a transom also add their sparkle to the front facade. ?????Light washes into the foyer through that same sidelight and transom, along with slender panes at the top of the door. A roomy coat closet is just a few steps down the hall. ?????Family gathering spaces fill the home?s left side, while bedrooms line up along the right. The living room and dining room flow together, creating one large, window-bright space at the rear. And that space is open to the kitchen as well. ?????The long eating bar that rims the peninsular counter shares one edge with the dining room, which allows it to double as a buffet for festive family meals and entertaining. Counters, built-in appliances, and a pantry wrap around three sides of the C-shaped kitchen. Laundry appliances are nearby, yet out of sight, in the pass-through utility room that links to the two-car garage. ?????Secondary bedrooms and a shared bathroom are up front, along with linen and towel closets. The owners? suite is at the rear. Amenities there include a roomy walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with dual vanity and a shower. ?????Squared wooden posts line the outer edge of the Sedgewood's wide covered porch at the rear, and this space opens onto an equally wide patio. ]]> June 15, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=6F897A93-C435-F67A-0AD6C7F3A0FA12A0 Wellesley, a spacious Georgian home with a four-car garage. Keystone arches and corner quoins reinforce the classic theme.      For the most part, this is a single-story plan, but a recreation room, loft, and bathroom fill the upper level of the central gable that caps the garage. Wide windows at the front and rear brighten this play space, which would be ideal for use as an artist?s studio or for garage band rehearsals.      Sunshine spills into the entry through sidelights. A right-hand opening goes to the dining room/parlor, which is also accessible via a pocket door near the kitchen.      The hallway leads to an expansive great room. In fact, as soon as you come through the door, you have a view straight down the hall to the window-flanked fireplace at the rear. This large space flows into a bayed eating nook on the right, which, in turn, is fully open to a spacious kitchen with a central work island. A hobby room is just off the nook, as is the stairway to the recreation room and loft.      Laundry appliances are close by, in a generously sized utility room complete with sink and cabinetry. This space also links with the garage, and can double as a mudroom and a ?bedroom? for sleeping pets.      Sleeping areas fill the left wing of the Wellesley, with the owners? suite at the rear and secondary bedrooms up front. Owners? suite amenities include: a roomy walk-in closet, a wide window bay that could house a window seat. It also has a private bathroom with spa tub, dual vanity, and separately enclosed toilet and shower. ]]> June 8, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=3BD8E6CB-B2BD-CE89-6FF656A47AE968C1 Heartington's entry porch extends a stately yet unpretentious welcome. The porch?s lofty 12-foot ceiling serves as an enticing prelude to the expansive and naturally bright living spaces within.      This is a contemporary ranch home with Craftsman details and a cottage arched opening. Craftsman details include an array of multipaned window uppers, and quadruple columns set on stone veneer bases.      Inside the foyer, double doors on the left open into a den. This room is ideally located for use as a home office. If desired, a door could be installed for direct entry from the front porch. A wide opening on the foyer?s right feeds into an elongated octagonal tray-ceilinged dining room with a direct link to the kitchen.      Straight ahead in the foyer, an arched opening leads into the bright and spacious family living area. The living room on the left is balanced by, and open to, the kitchen and nook on the right. This kitchen is easily large enough for a family of cooks to combine culinary efforts without bumping elbows. Counters wrap around three sides, and the central work island with a prep sink.      On the right of the sunny nook is another arched opening. This one takes you past a linen closet and into the well-appointed owners? suite. Its deluxe bathroom boasts a deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, double vanity, and totally private toilet. The walk-in closet is exceptionally deep.      The other two bedrooms are well separated from the owners? suite. They, along with a powder room and roomy two-section bathroom, fill the Heartington's left wing. A large utility room is just off the kitchen, and a deep skylit bonus room caps the three-car garage. ]]> June 1, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=3BDCA4AA-9393-E65C-C7230C4A40555A75 results of that survey along with some comparisons to ten years ago.  ?????More than half want a one-story home between 2000 and 3500 square feet. When it comes to exterior styling, the ranch-style home continues its long run as the most popular exterior style. Ten years ago the size preferences were about the same, but country-style homes were the most desired. ?????One Missouri reader wrote, ?The ideal home for me would be a ranch-style home that is very open, with no stairs.? Her preference is echoed by many. More than 60% now prefer an informal great room, where living, dining and kitchen areas flow together, while only 5% want those rooms separated. But about a quarter did ask for a combination of formal spaces and great room. Times have changed a great deal in this respect; ten years ago only half opted for the great room concept, and the other half wanted separated living, dining and family rooms. ?????Features that have stayed about the same over the years are the number of bedrooms (3+), the number of bathrooms (2-3), and a strong desire for the owners? suite to be well isolated from other bedrooms. More than 50% then, as now, also wanted a computer center, and around 70% still prefer their utility room adjacent to the kitchen. As for big contrasts, the desire for a fireplace or woodstove has dropped from nearly 100% to 72%.  ?????Two Oklahoma women from different towns asked for something we hadn?t listed on our survey. Both wanted the laundry room to double as a mudroom ?for dogs and grandkids.? As usual, we always learn a lot from our readers! ]]> June 1, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=2B434545-9023-85D8-DFA3A4876D3359E2 Meadowbrook is a mid-size, Prairie-style home designed for a lot that slopes down to the right. Living spaces are all on one level. Since most of the passageways are already wide, the plan could be easily adapted for wheelchair accessibility. With a few modifications, it could also be built on flat land.      Geometric patterns of large panes surrounded by small ones create visual interest, inside and out. Along with the hipped roof, massive squared porch supports, and widely overhanging eaves, these windows are typical of the Prairie-style homes popular in the early 1900s.      An abundance of natural light washes into the wide entry through sidelights and lofty transom windows. Double doors on the left open into a room that could be a den, home office, or whatever else suits. A door on the opposite side of this room leads to a hallway that links to the garage, utility room, a full bathroom, a bedroom, and the owners? suite. Then it eventually leads back to a transverse hallway that reconnects with the entry, just past the coat closet.      On the right side of the entry, several framed-out columns mark the boundary between the entry and a high-ceilinged dining room. This room, as well as the great room, offers access to a raised deck.      Two more columns bound the wide opening that links with a comfortably large great room. A large kitchen and sun-washed nook occupy one of the Meadowbrook's corners plus the rear window area of this spacious area. The nook has a built-in hutch, with storage above and below the service counter. Standing at the long kitchen counter, you can enjoy watching relaxing flames in the gas fireplace, or a big-screen TV housed in the entertainment center over the fireplace. ]]> May 25, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F772241B-B6C6-17B9-F6D6BE293867581C log homes went out with Abe Lincoln, the Ridgeline's contemporary design may come as a delightful surprise. Stacks of peeled logs, punctuated by wide expanses of glass, form the exterior of this home. Corners are overlapped in the traditional scribe fit.      What's not traditional is the hexagonal shape and the bright interior. Every room is richly windowed and oriented to allow full appreciation of a view to the rear, be it lake, mountain range, river or canyon. At the back two sets of sliding glass doors in the great room open onto a wide, railed deck that wraps around three sides.      A pot-bellied wood stove on a hexagonal stone hearth is at the heart of the spacious vaulted great room. Exposed roof beams sweep up to a lofty central peak over the stove.      The kitchen is in the left wing, out of the great room but open to it. Range and oven face into the open space, across a long eating bar. For a small kitchen, this one has plenty of counter and cupboard space, and even a built-in dishwasher. Utilities are tucked into an alcove hidden by folding doors.      Both bedrooms are private, located on the far ends of the rectangular wings up front. The owners? suite has a large closet, linen storage and a private bathroom with an oversized shower. The second bedroom shares the main bathroom, which is outfitted with a combined tub and shower.      A railed, vaulted covered entry porch extends a warm welcome to family and guests. Coat closets and storage space are just inside the Ridgeline's front door. ]]> May 18, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=DE8F36F0-FC5E-DD7C-01F63FEB9EAE3A7D Markham has the appearance of a totally symmetrical Craftsman-style bungalow with an attached porte cochere. Telling details are the stone veneer bases supporting tapered columns, exposed rafter tails where the roof joins the wall, a gabled dormer, and windows with smaller panes in their upper halves.      Inside, a conveniently placed half-bath is tucked behind the foyer?s coat closet. Double doors on the right open into a den, ideally placed for use as a home office. The foyer?s open left side leads directly into the living room.      On the living room?s left wall, a mess-free gas fireplace serves as a focal point, next to cabinetry for a home entertainment center.       The living room links to the dining room which in turn is open to the nook and kitchen. The kitchen has cupboards and counters on three sides, including a set that extends into the nook, and a roomy walk-in pantry. The nook?s wide sliding glass doors offer direct access to a covered patio, which could be screened, if desired.      Laundry appliances are right off the kitchen. The utility room has built-in cabinets and a spacious folding counter. A door there connects the room to a large storage area, tucked under the stairs.       A cozy, semi-private window seat is nestled into an alcove on the far side of the nook, across from the entry to the owners? suite. This makes a great place to read a book, or simply daydream.      The owners? suite is at the rear of the Markham. Amenities here include: a walk-in closet, spa tub, dual vanity, and a separately enclosed toilet and shower. Two more bedrooms and a bathroom are upstairs.  ]]> May 11, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=AB09DBB1-E69B-EF56-FEF119C4CAFF2D0B Rossano, an estate home with a Spanish flavor. Stone veneer, ceramic tile roofing, Tuscan columns, and wood shutters are but a few of its inviting exterior features. ?????Stepping through the arched entry door brings you into a dramatic two-story foyer that leads directly into a spacious great room with hardwood flooring and a cast stone fireplace. Cabinetry flanking the fireplace is designed to house a home entertainment center. Double doors at the rear open onto a covered patio, bounded by a row of Tuscan columns. ?????The great room and dining room both link to the kitchen via arched openings. The dining room has its own built-in hutch. Notable kitchen amenities include: granite countertops on the two islands, a cooking counter with prep sink and stainless steel countertop, a huge pantry, built-in bookcases, and a high-ceilinged tiled-floor nook. ?????Opposing double doors in the nook open onto covered patios on both sides. The patio on the left boasts a wood-burning fireplace. Other rooms to the left of the kitchen include: an exercise room, storage, mud room with storage, and a large laundry room with a walk-in closet and mud bath. ?????The sumptuous owners' retreat, to the right of the great room, has a sitting room that can be totally closed off from the sleeping area. Notable luxuries in the private bathroom include: a claw foot tub, dual vanity, and an extra large shower with two showerheads. ?????Three more bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, are upstairs in the Rossano. A balcony links them to a large recreation room, a utility/hobby room and a powder room. ]]> May 4, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=968B0975-A884-0147-FBF7C1423821C861 Roosevelt?s exterior. This two-level plan has a detached garage and is designed for a lot that slopes down on the left and rear. With a few changes it could be built on a level lot.      A covered breezeway connects the garage to a charming front porch rimmed by wooden guard railing. Inside, the foyer has a convenient coat closet, and the kitchen is right around the corner. The hallway just inside the door leads to a powder room, utility room, and the owners? suite.       Counters and cupboards wrap around four sides of the kitchen, which is open to the dining room across a flushed eating bar. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze out at the street to keep an eye on the kids or the weather.      Windows flank the gas fireplace in the vaulted living room. Sliders between the dining room and living room open onto a skylit covered deck that could be screened. If built as designed, this deck will be elevated.      Owners? suite amenities include a generously sized walk-in closet and a bathroom with dual vanity, walk-in shower, and totally private toilet.      Secondary bedrooms are upstairs, along with a two-section bathroom complete with dual vanity, tub, and linen closet. A pocket door allows complete privacy for a person using the toilet or tub, while another person uses the basin and mirror. This keeps peace in families with teenagers.       The large recreation room over the Roosevelt?s detached garage has yet another bathroom. This room could be used as an art studio, band rehearsal space, or you name it.  ]]> April 27, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=62E56976-AF58-DEC1-FB00E810CBC4A709 Riverview is a small home with a country Craftsman feel. This plan can be built as a vacation get-away, but it's equally well-suited for use as a year-round home for a single person, a couple, or a small family.      The railed front porch gives the home a welcoming look. Sliding French doors on the far end offer direct access to a room that could serve as a study, a bedroom, or a home office.      If you don't count the bathrooms, there are essentially only two more rooms in the house--a great room downstairs and an owners? suite upstairs. Both are large and have vaulted ceilings that amplify the sense of spaciousness.      You enter the bright great room through a door flanked by sidelights. To the right, a narrow stretch of wall creates a hallway next to the open staircase, while providing visual separation between the entrance and the kitchen. This is an efficiency kitchen, with stove, sink and refrigerator located close together to save steps. The eating bar adds counter space.      A coat and storage closet is tucked beneath the stairs, and utilities are mere steps away hidden behind folding doors just outside the bathroom.      The owners? suite has a secluded deck, recessed into the porch roof. A person reclining on a lounge chair there is invisible from the street. Other features in the Riverview's owners? bathroom include: a dual vanity, private water closet, and an oversized shower illuminated by glass blocks. The walk-through closet is surprisingly large for a home this size. ]]> April 20, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=439F0464-DCAC-E6D9-9D106DAF541A95CA Cheyenne, a prairie-style ranch home designed to fill the needs and satisfy the desires of a contemporary family. The vaulted den just inside the front entry is ideally situated for use as a home office.      Outside, the medley of lap siding and brick veneer that clads the exterior, runs a harmonious counterpoint to the rectangular gridding on the garage doors and window uppers. The entry?s sidelights and transom fit nicely with this theme.      After passing the den?s double-door entry on the right side of the vaulted foyer and the wide coat closet on the left, you pass under a display shelf as you step into a richly windowed, vaulted living room. A gas fireplace fills the rear corner. The way the kitchen is laid out, you can enjoy the fireplace flames while cooking or chatting with folks seated at the conversation bar.      A gently curved, raised eating bar rims the kitchen where it faces into the dining room, so cooks can keep an eye on activities there, as well as on the covered patio. A roomy pantry nestles under the stairway leading to a bonus room over the three-car garage, and laundry appliances hide behind a pocket door in a pass-through room that links with the garage.      The Cheyenne's luxurious owners? suite bathroom serves as a sound buffer between the adult sleeping area and secondary bedrooms. Special touches include: a tray ceiling in the sleeping area, a deep soaking tub, dual vanity, roomy walk-in closet, and separately enclosed shower and toilet.       The bedroom at the front of the house has a vaulted ceiling and shares the main bathroom with the other bedroom. ]]> April 13, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B4900DC-AADF-9B90-3F5BF466D08A2BDC Myersdale is a contemporary home with a nostalgic Georgian flavor.       Classic columns with an arched brick opening highlight and support an impressive entry, where two wide sidelights flank a door crowned by a half-round sunburst transom.       A partially vaulted hexagonal great room is at the core of this home. Wings extend to the right and left, then forward, creating a recessed entry courtyard effect. Doors on the three-car garage face the golf cart garage instead of the street.      Passing through the vaulted porch, you step into a partially vaulted entry. The front half of the hexagon comprises the kitchen, utility room, and a storage closet tucked under the stairs to the loft. These are under a spacious nine-foot ceiling.       Vaulting expands the volume in the great rooms naturally bright rear. Six wedge-shaped ceiling segments slope dramatically upward to join points at a central apex, and the three rear sections are a virtual wall of multipaned windows. A home entertainment center and woodstove nestle into junctures on both sides of the central section. Here, a set of palladian windows over sliding French doors open out onto a vaulted covered patio.      Two peninsular counters nearly encircle the interestingly angled kitchen. Both counters are open to the great room. The right counter is longer and rimmed by a raised eating bar. Standing at the sink, you can chat with family or friends seated at the counter, or gaze across the great room to the patio and beyond.      A home office and owners? suite fill the Myersdale's left wing. Sliders in the bedroom access the rear, where a relaxing spa could be installed. The walk-in closet is deep. Bathroom features include: a toilet, walk-in shower, spa tub, and dual lav.       Two more bedrooms, a bathroom, and a link to the garage are in the right wing.  ]]> April 6, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F767E6F4-ECD0-99AD-C04F37CFCEA6774C Cranbrook is a townhouse duplex with the look of two cozy country cottages. These two-story units stand side by side, but not too close. The garage between them serves as a sound buffer, and its driveway creates a comfortable distance between the entry porches. ?????In each unit, the front porch is easily wide enough to hang an old-fashioned porch swing or laze away a summer afternoon on a chaise lounge. Slender posts support the porch and frame the front door. A half wall wraps around to the side. ?????Entering, you stand at the edge of the living room. Once the door closes, you can hang outerwear in the closet behind it. The dining area is completely open to the living room, and only a half wall separates it from the compact kitchen. ?????This kitchen is designed to minimize steps. Stove, sink and refrigerator sit in a tight triangle, while a stacked pantry offers plenty of storage space for staple foods, canned goods, spice collections, and the like.  ?????Natural light filters in through sliding glass doors at the rear. They access a covered patio, ideal for outdoor dining when the weather is inviting. Each unit?s patio is well-separated from the other and could be screened, if desired, for protection from pesky flying insects. ?????A small bathroom is also at the rear, near direct access to the garage. Utilities are in the garage, right across from a storage area ideal for bike parking. ?????Two bedrooms, a bathroom, and linen closet are upstairs in each of the Cranbrook's units. The front unit is slightly larger, but both bedrooms have wide, gridded windows.  ]]> March 30, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D3744F88-CE43-B14D-4CC23D85A5336267 Callaway is a contemporary cottage with a country-Victorian flavor. The wooden posts and railings on its wide front porch give it that country-cottage look, while the intriguing arched window and scallop-shingled gable fronts add dashes of nostalgic Victorian flavor. ?????Families are sure to appreciate the multiplicity of amenities that the designers managed to fit into slightly less than 1400 square feet of living space. ?????Family gathering spaces fill the left side; private rooms are on the right. The vaulted living room has one wide window in the front, and two slender windows on the side. The ceiling height drops and flattens toward the rear, where the living room transitions into the dining room. ?????Light spills into this bright space through wide windows at the side and a set of sliding glass doors at the rear that open onto a partially covered patio. Counters in the C-shaped kitchen are extended by a peninsula with a flush eating bar that bounds the dining room. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can keep an eye on activities in the back yard and on the patio. ?????A hallway just around the corner from the Callaway's kitchen leads to the bedrooms, bathrooms, and a pass-through utility room that links with the garage. Broom, linen, and coat closets line the hallway, and a bank of cabinets fills the wall over the washer and dryer. ?????The owners? suite has a vaulted ceiling that slopes down to the left and right, a private bathroom with a double vanity, and a walk-in closet that?s surprisingly roomy for a home this size. Secondary bedrooms share the main bathroom, which has a combination tub and shower.  ]]> March 23, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=AF11CB14-D44F-F6B4-B429450E1F725600 Maplecreek is at once compact and spacious. This charming update of a Craftsman bungalow is designed to fit on a narrow lot, yet it offers more than 2,100 sq. ft. of living area, plus covered porches front and back. ?????Nostalgic wooden handrails rim the front and side of the partially vaulted front porch, while tapered columns set on stone veneer bases further accent the welcoming space. Another set of columns support and highlight the porte-cochere. Craftsman-style windows, gridded above and single-pane below, run a harmonious counterpoint to the lap and shake-textured siding. ?????For the most part, the ground floor is one expansive gathering space. Entering the naturally bright two-story foyer, the first impression is one of spaciousness. Stair step mullioned windows run parallel to the staircase that climbs up the left wall, while on the opposite side, a wide opening leads into a living room with a gas fireplace. ?????Handsome wooden posts define the juncture of the living room and a dining area that is entirely open to the kitchen. And just past the kitchen, a den with a storage closet is linked to the dining room as well. ?????Standing at the built-in cook top range, you face into the dining room across a raised, gently curved conversation bar. Kitchen counters and cabinets are in generous supply, augmented by the pantry and centrally placed work island. ?????Laundry appliances and a powder room are nearby, clustered around a passageway that links to the porte-cochere. ?????Three bedrooms are upstairs in the Maplecreek along with two more bathrooms. Amenities in the luxurious owners? suite include a large spa tub, oversize shower, dual vanity, private toilet, and large walk-in closet.  ]]> March 16, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=6B0CA151-F3B5-3469-58D10CEB5D51E22F Westchase, a treat for the eyes. Equally intriguing is the blend of Craftsman and classic detailing on the exterior of this neo-traditional chateau. ?????A classic keystone highlights the entry arch and another centered in a flat window lintel. Craftsman features include: a lavish use of stone veneer, copper-roofed window bays, multipaned windows, and shingle-clad gable ends. ?????Inside the foyer, a wide opening leads off into a large, bayed dining room. The bayed den to the right could be built with double-door access from the foyer, or kept more private by having the only access be from the owners? suite. ?????A gas fireplace nestles into a rear corner of the richly windowed, two-story great room. The space is visually open to the kitchen and totally open to the sun-washed nook. A lengthy conversation bar rims the kitchen sink and its counter, while a gracefully curved eating bar bounds the kitchen/nook juncture. ?????Other kitchen features worth noting include: a roomy walk-in pantry, a smaller butler?s pantry near the dining room, and a built-in range with a grill. A deep utility room is conveniently close, while the large combination storage and mudroom provides a direct link to a three-car garage complete with a sink and separate storage room. ?????The luxurious owners? suite has a private, covered patio that?s ideal for an outdoor hot tub, but there?s no hurry to install one. The suite already has a spacious spa tub in its posh bathroom, which also boasts a walk-in closet, dual vanity, private toilet, and oversized shower. ?????Three more bedrooms, all with walk-in closets, are upstairs in the Westchase along with two bathrooms and a spacious bonus room featuring arched window dormers. ]]> March 9, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=8B7F2B69-C595-0A48-B4BF1540F620EB99 Brittany, is a midsize home with the possibility of up to five bedrooms. But the two rooms to the right of the entry might just as easily be put to other uses: hobby room, home entertainment center, work-out space, etc. The simple addition of a direct entry door from the porch could transform the den/guest room into a home office. ?????Light streams into the entry through a sidelight and transom. This naturally bright space is a junction for a multiplicity of rooms and hallways.  ?????To the left is the dining room (or parlor). Through an arched opening, you can take the hallway to secondary bedrooms, or go straight ahead to the kitchen and nook. On the right, your choices include a central bathroom, vaulted den/guest suite/home office, or hallway to the owners? suite and a study (or bedroom). ?????Windows fill most of two walls in the vaulted family room, and more light washes in through sliding glass doors in the nook. A gas fireplace tucked in the rear corner serves as a warm focal point when darkness falls or skies turn gray. ?????Working in the kitchen, you can keep tabs on goings-on throughout the family room, nook and patio. Cupboard and counter space are amply supplied, and the long eating bar keeps family members and guests out of the way while allowing them to chat with kitchen workers. Laundry appliances are nearby, in a pass-through utility room that connects to the three-car garage. ?????Amenities in the Brittany's owners? suite include a large walk-in closet, dual vanity, private water closet, and an oversize walk-in shower. The owners? suite also offers direct access to the patio. ]]> March 2, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=43448451-D37C-4786-B48B7A9E3E6BC5BC Stanford to your liking. On the outside, it?s a contemporary, ranch-style home. Inside its abundance of popular amenities fit neatly and aesthetically into about 1,500 square feet of single-level, spacious-feeling living space. ?????Vaulted ceilings in the common areas have a lot to do with that sense of spaciousness. The vaulted entry leads to bedrooms on the left, and opens into the vaulted living room on the right, which flows on into the vaulted dining room and kitchen. ?????A long, raised eating bar marks the juncture of the dining room and kitchen, while a side door in the dining room offers access to a covered patio that could be screened for bug protection, if desired. The other side door provides a direct link with the two-car garage. ?????Cabinets and counters on four sides of the kitchen include a generously sized walk-in pantry. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze out the window to keep an eye on goings-on. ?????Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a good-size utility room cluster together in the left wing. Owners? suite amenities include: a roomy walk-in closet, and a two-section bathroom. A double vanity is in one part, while a pocket door sections off another part to provide both privacy and steam containment for the shower and toilet. Two more bedrooms share the main, central bathroom. ?????Outside, stone veneer bases support the slender wooden porch posts that highlight the Stanford?s wide covered porch. Multipaned windows sparkle across a front fa?ade that features the horizontal lines of lap siding, except for the vertical bats and boards that fill all three front-facing gable ends. ]]> February 24, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1EEADCF1-0C66-1631-544D9267D211DB70 Craftsman features that embellish the contemporary-country Montego entice passers-by into taking a second and even a third look. ?????The most noticeable include: squared, tapered columns, supported by stone veneer bases; front-facing gables clad with shake-textured siding and highlighted by king posts and struts; and highly detailed windows, especially in the upper sections. It?s a lot to appreciate, and that?s just the exterior. ?????Natural light illuminates the lofty two-story entry, washing in through sidelights and a gabled, second-level window. A wide opening on the left leads into a formal dining room, expanded by a rectangular window bay and linked to the large kitchen.  ?????Kitchen counters run along two sides, while an angled peninsula adds to this extensive workspace. A large walk-in pantry fills one corner, and a raised eating bar rims the peninsula. Working at the sink, you can keep an eye on activities in the nook and on the covered patio, and even enjoy the dancing flames in the vaulted great room?s corner fireplace. ?????The large utility room boasts a deep sink and a wide bench with storage below. This pass-through room also joins the kitchen to the three-car garage. ?????Double doors to the right of the entry open into another vaulted room that could be outfitted as an office, guest room, or study. This room has direct access to a small bathroom. ?????The shape of the Montego's owners? suite echoes the clipped corners of its tray ceiling. Luxuries in the private bathroom include: a deep soaking tub, oversized shower, dual vanity, large walk-in closet, and separately enclosed toilet and bidet. ?????Two more bedrooms, a bathroom, and a large bonus room are upstairs. ]]> February 17, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=E6E37001-09E3-39CD-32B0B78CED620FD5 Marianna is a visually intriguing update of a traditional Georgian-style colonial home. This was the dominant house style of the English colonies from 1700 until shortly after the Revolutionary War, and many of its exterior design elements hark back to their European roots. You can see it in the shutters, arched openings and trim that accent the front fa?ade?s upper windows, door and garage door. It?s also visible in the ornamental columns and railings that highlight the second-level covered deck overhanging the garage.  ?????Entering, you step into a lofty two-story foyer, with stairs on the left that lead up into the bright and spacious gathering spaces. On the second level, light washes in through front and side windows. A two-sided gas fireplace can be enjoyed from both the living room and dining room. The covered deck is a great place to catch the afternoon breezes, read a book, or simply relax. ?????A raised eating bar partially separates the dining room from the well-designed kitchen. Amenities here include: a large walk-in pantry, generous counter space, built-in appliances, broom closet, and direct access to both a rear covered deck and an exterior stairway. ?????The well-appointed owners? suite is also on this level. Its generously sized bathroom boasts two roomy walk-in closets, a spa tub, oversize shower, and dual vanity. ?????Two more bedrooms are on the Marianna's ground level, along with two more bathrooms, a den, and a utility room complete with deep sink. Soiled clothing, towels and bedding slide down a chute in an owners? suite closet to end up here. The den could be used as another bedroom, a computer room, or home office. ]]> February 10, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C80308B4-C731-46CB-DE3B08EDDD665176 Craftsman elements and a prairie-style hipped roof give an intriguing appearance to this up-to-date ranch-style home. Craftsman features include windows with multipaned uppers, and the tapered wooden columns set atop stone veneer bases. ?????Entering via the nostalgic front porch, you step into a vaulted entry that slopes up toward the rear. An arched opening on the right leads to a full bathroom and two bedrooms. ?????Just past a 10-foot-high display shelf at the far end of the hall, the space opens out into a vaulted, window-bright gathering space that comprises a living room, dining room, and kitchen. The ceiling slopes down toward the rear, where sliding glass doors provide access to a partially covered patio. A mess-free gas fireplace nestles into the living room?s inner corner. ?????A flush eating bar rims the side of a peninsular counter that bounds the C-shaped kitchen, transforming it into more of a G shape. The built-in desk there is convenient to both the dining area and the kitchen, while a roomy walk-in pantry fills one entire corner. A wide window fronts the kitchen sink, allowing those working there to keep an eye on the backyard. ?????An arched opening near the fireplace leads into a hallway with links to the den, owners? suite, and a pass-through utility room that connects with the two-car garage. If desirable for use as a home office, a door could be added to provide a more direct path between the Riverside's entry and den. ?????The owners? suite has a private bathroom with a dual vanity, and a separately enclosed toilet and shower. Pocket doors to the large walk-in closet allow entry or concealment.  ]]> February 3, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=C82533B1-A1EC-5BF7-42FB2168F5689E38 2008 Home from the Heart Survey makes it fun and easy. Once you've finished mulling over options, the Associated Designs staff would love to see your completed survey form, along with any other ideas (in words or sketches). ?????Believe it or not, you and other readers can tell us more than the so-called experts when it comes to what contemporary families really have in mind. Some like a formal dining or living room, while others would fill that space with a home office and exercise room. For others, a great room open to the kitchen is the only gathering space they need. But what do most people actually want?
?????In past years, readers from every U.S. state and Canada have participated, and many have thanked us for the experience. They noted that completing the survey was not only enjoyable, but that it also helped clarify their thoughts. ?????Home designers nationwide will be interested in the survey results, but Associated Designs is more than interested. We will go on to design a home based on a compilation of reader preferences. Survey results and the 2008 Home from the Heart will be ready for publication in this and other participating newspapers in approximately three months.  ?????So take a steaming mug of your favorite beverage to a quiet corner, and take a few minutes to describe the home that's in your heart. Get it down on paper. We always love hearing from you. ]]> February 1, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=A8C3B9A3-08DE-4E69-6283B63B342D0FA7 Chatham. The covered porch is just right for lazing away a warm summer afternoon on a chaise lounge or porch swing. ?????This contemporary country home fits on a fairly narrow lot and is well-suited to the needs of both young, growing families, and empty nesters. The den, just inside the foyer, could be used as a home office, or outfitted as a fourth bedroom, if needed. ?????An abundance of natural light washes into the foyer through one of the overhead dormers, plus two sidelights and a row of small windows near the top of the door. The ascending stairway on the right is rimmed by a half wall, and leads to a balcony that overlooks both the stairway and foyer. A deep coat closet nestles beneath the stairs, right next to a convenient powder room. ?????A vaulted living room is at the far end of the foyer, and this expansive space is open to the dining room. A wide window fills about half of the living room?s rear wall, while sliding glass doors in the dining room open onto a partially covered patio. ?????The peninsular counter/eating bar marks the boundary between the dining room and kitchen. A good supply of cabinets, counters, and appliances wraps around four sides of the kitchen. Laundry appliances hide behind pocket doors in a pass-through space that links with the garage. ?????Only the owners? suite is on the Chatham's main floor. Two more bedrooms, a two-section bathroom, and two roomy storage closets are upstairs. One of the bedrooms has a deep dormer, ideal for a desk, display area, or window seat. ]]> January 27, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=A8BE2C99-9FDB-DF5D-47096B39A45A2F51 Kingsley is actually two houses in one. A covered walkway connects the main house to a small cottage at the back. ?????This space is ideal for older children, not quite ready to fly the nest, or aged parents who enjoy their privacy but also appreciate sharing time with the family. Its kitchenette is adequate for breakfast and lunch preparation, but not designed for complex meals. ?????Inside the main house, the skylit kitchen is much larger. Standing at the sink, you have a panoramic view of both gathering spaces, plus scenes framed by windows in three directions. You can even enjoy watching flickering flames in the gas log fireplace. ?????Outfitted with stools, one stretch of the kitchen counter serves as an eating and conversation bar. A vaulted ceiling expands the volume of the living room, and in the dining room, French doors open onto a partially covered patio. ?????Laundry appliances, deep sink, and a roomy pantry are mere steps from the kitchen, housed in a combination utility/mud room that?s also accessible from the patio. ?????Storage space is abundant in the bedroom wing. Three closets nestle into spaces in the hallway, and the owners? suite has two roomy walk-in closets as well. In the second bedroom a closet fills one whole wall. ?????The Kingsley's owners? bath is fully outfitted with a double vanity, shower and private water closet. Space that could have been used to create another bedroom, has been devoted to a private den. Connected to the owners? suite by a hallway, this room could also serve as a small home office. ]]> January 20, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=6A0D7FF2-EE49-6D5E-F6077CE421529854 Lucardo?s soaring portico is a perfect prelude to the home?s breathtaking two-story entry. Elegance on this scale is totally appropriate to this striking estate-sized plan, offering more than 4,500 square feet of living space plus a roomy four-car garage, and a large unfinished bonus room. ?????Families that enjoy entertaining will appreciate the four huge gathering spaces on the main floor, as well as the guest suite and game room upstairs. An interior balcony offers views of both the two-story foyer and an equally bright and lofty living room. Sliders at the rear open onto a spacious patio. ?????A wide window bay expands the dining room, and a similar bay brightens the study. Linked to the owners? suite as well as the foyer, this room could be used as a home office. ?????Two work islands, one with a raised eating bar, add to the counter and cupboard space in the huge, fully equipped kitchen. Both islands have sinks. Two or more cooks can easily combine culinary efforts here without getting in each other?s way. ?????Bay windows expand the sunny nook, and glass lines two walls in the family room. Both spaces are exceptionally bright. Utilities and a small bathroom are nearby, in a pass-through space with exterior access. ?????Luxury amenities in the owners? suite include: dual lavs, a two-sided fireplace that can be enjoyed from the sleeping area or the bathtub, and two walk-in closets, one twice as large as the other. ?????The Lucardo?s guest suite has a charming exterior balcony. One of the other upper bedrooms has a window bay, and both have walk-in closets.  ]]> January 13, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=46E6D791-C8EC-CA3A-C49A563C6FAD0C50 Linfield is basically a hexagon with wings. But once inside you see it at once. You find yourself standing in a window-rich, vaulted great room where six pie-shaped sections of ceiling slope up to a lofty central apex. ?????This plan is designed for construction on a down slope to the rear. That puts the entrance at ground level, while elevating the panoramic deck that wraps across the rear, one flight up from the ground. From the rear, it looks like a two-story house, and in a way, it is. The undeveloped daylight basement can be converted to living space as time and resources permit, thereby almost doubling the floor space. ?????Dining and living room flow together, filling the windowed half of the great room. On one side, a masonry fireplace provides warmth and color when the days turn dark and dreary. ?????Standing at the cook stove in the spacious kitchen, you face into the dining room and beyond. Counter space is in good supply, and a roomy pantry expands the available storage. ?????Utilities are nearby, just a few steps across the vaulted entry. A deep sink is built in, along with storage cabinets over the appliances. ?????The owners? suite, as well as the secondary bedrooms, have wide windows with rear views. The suite and one other bedroom also have sliders that provide deck access. ?????Other owners? suite amenities include: a large sitting area with fireplace, huge walk-in closet, and plush bathroom outfitted with a double vanity, shower, private water closet, and spa. ?????A curved driveway sweeps across the front, leading into the Linfield's two-car garage. ]]> January 6, 2008 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F8E55759-E2A1-A2E9-D5682A46918004CF Wendover is a two-story contemporary cottage that makes a welcomed addition to almost any neighborhood. Slender wooden posts ornament and support the front porch, while Craftsman-style doors and windows further enhance its charm. ?????This compact family home boasts a surprising four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and one large, rambling gathering space that comprises the kitchen, dining and living rooms. Of the bedrooms, only the owners? suite is on the ground floor. ?????Light spills into the two-story entry through a window at the top of the door, and even more washes in through a much larger window on the second level. Standing at the half wall on the second-floor landing, you can overlook the entry or gaze out that window. ?????Windows fill most of the front wall in the living room, and two more slender windows brighten the side wall. At the rear of the room a raised eating bar fronts the kitchen. Having the range and oven right there allows you to serve up soups and other tasty food directly from the stove to the eager eaters seated at the bar.  ?????More natural light beams into the Wendover's C-shaped kitchen through corner windows with views in two directions. Tropical and other potted plants will thrive in this bright sink-front triangle. The kitchen is completely open to the dining room, where wide sliders offer quick and easy access to a covered patio. This area is ideal for outdoor dining, and could be screened if desired. ?????Laundry appliances and a half-bath are down the hall, along with the owners' suite, which has a bathroom, large walk-in closet and direct patio access.  ]]> December 30, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=F8E44FFA-9CD1-C472-006F469E6B2571AE Kentland is a well-separated, two-story duplex with garages located between the units. Except for the shared garage wall, each unit has the feel of a single-family dwelling, and the look of a country cottage.  ?????Unit A is a mirror image of Unit B, so the description of one applies equally to the other. The wide covered porch spanning the front creates a welcoming look, while also providing a space for enjoying fresh air. In summer, a porch swing or a couple of chairs could make it more enjoyable.
?????Inside, the foyer opens out into a combination living and dining room on one side, while a convenient powder room hides behind a pocket door on the opposite side. The foyer?s coat closet is right there as well. ?????Light spills into the large combination gathering space through windows that fill most of the front and rear walls, and more washes in through another wide window set on the side. The windows at the back slide open to offer access to a covered patio there, ideal for outdoor dining when the air temperature is inviting. This patio could easily be screened. ?????The kitchen is partially open to the dining room, and surprisingly large. Counters, cupboards, and built-in appliances span the walls on all four sides. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can easily keep an eye on children playing in the back yard, or simply enjoy watching seasonal changes. ?????Three bedrooms are upstairs, where they share a two-section bathroom. The owners? suite has a large walk-in closet plus direct entry to the bathroom. ?????Each of the Kentland's garages has two doors: one that opens into the kitchen, and another that leads to the back yard. ]]> December 23, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=DAE62E16-0F04-8372-022DF8CEE50C6033 Missoula, with its smoothed log posts, wealth of sparkling glass, and lofty gables, is what a chalet looks like when it?s inspired by the wide open spaces of Montana.  ?????This spacious plan is designed for construction on a good-sized piece of land with a vista to the rear. The first floor offers more than 3,500 square feet of living space, and another 1,500+ is on the second level. ?????Entering through the vaulted porch, you step into an equally impressive vaulted foyer. Plenty of natural light washes in through sidelights and the trio of windows stacked above. The breathtaking, vaulted, somewhat rambling gathering space is straight ahead. Or rather, five interconnected spaces with minimal separation. ?????Sets of log posts stand sentinel at the boundaries of the hallway, dining room and living room. A peninsular eating bar sets off the kitchen from the nook, and double doors lead into the sunroom. Windows on two levels fill most of the rear of this vast space, along with a gas fireplace and cabinetry to house a home entertainment center. ?????Kitchen counters and cupboards are in good supply, including a roomy walk-in pantry, and centrally located butcher-block work island with built-in cook top. The windows that front the sink can slide open, creating a conversational connection plus a pass-through counter linked to the vaulted sunroom. ?????A transverse hallway offers access to the rest of the Missoula's main floor. Clustered on the right are a hobby room, utility room, guest room, reading nook and service hall with a desk, bench, freezer, and plenty of storage space. The large and luxurious owners? suite and den are at the opposite end. ?????Additional living space over the garage includes a large, windowed bonus room. ]]> December 16, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=B6BB4A84-B6F5-30CE-E952386588A5B82D Pereza --right smack dab in the middle of everything. This mid-size three-bedroom plan covers all the bases, offering both formal and informal family gathering spaces. ?????Accessible from all directions, it opens into the dining room, entry hall, family room, and a utility room that connects with the garage. Pocket doors in the passageways to the entry and dining room allow busy cooks to close off the kitchen when they want the clatter of pots and pans, or the piles of dirty dishes, out of sight or earshot. ?????The kitchen sink faces into the family room across a lengthy raised eating bar, allowing members of the clean-up crew to stay involved with conversations or other activities. A walk-in pantry provides ample storage space for staple food items and canned goods. Utilities are but a few steps away, in a large laundry room outfitted with a deep sink, folding counters, overhead cabinets, and a closet for hanging freshly ironed clothes. ?????Formal rooms--living room and dining room--are to the left and right of the entry. Both have boxed-out window bays that could be fitted with window seats. The family room is the largest room in the house. Sliders at the rear open onto a screened porch that is also accessible from the owners? suite. ?????Luxuries in the Pereza's owners? suite include a huge walk-in closet, his and hers vanities, corner shower and a spa tub. ]]> December 9, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=92FB4CDE-C9CF-613F-E30D5C0E3335837C Mattson, a small three-bedroom plan well-suited to the needs of a young family buying their first home. Empty nesters looking to downsize their maintenance duties might also find this plan worth considering. ?????Attractive shingles fill the triangles created by front and side-facing gables, while decorative corbels accent the highest and lowest points. ?????From the porch, you step into a foyer that opens into a good-sized living room on the right. Double multipaned windows brighten this space, which is partially open to the dining room. ?????Work space in the efficient kitchen is plentiful, with counters on both sides of the sink as well as the stove. While the counter extension bounding the dining room has overhead cabinets, the counter surface is open and could be outfitted with stools for use as an eating/conversation bar. ?????Utilities are mere steps away, hidden behind a pocket door. The closet here could be built with shelves, or left more open for hanging clothing fresh out of the dryer, before they wrinkle up. ?????This handy room has an exterior entrance, connecting it to the carport, so unloading groceries in inclement weather need never be a problem. The space also serves as a mud room, ideal for dealing with muddy paws, or taking off grungy foot gear after rainy walks or working in the yard. ?????Lawnmowers and other outdoor equipment can be stored in the fully enclosed storage room, accessible from the carport. ?????The coat and linen closets that line the hallway in the Mattson's bedroom wing are convenient to the bathroom and all three bedrooms. ]]> December 2, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B25D8DA-B14F-4CDC-C912316C5EFEE010 Craftsman look to the country-style Brookside. This two-story, midsize plan has an open, welcoming exterior, and a family-friendly interior. ?????Entering, you step into a foyer with an arched opening on the left that leads into a room with many possibilities. Designed for use as a dining room or parlor, it could just as easily become a home office, family study area, or you name it. ?????Day-to-day meals and activities center around the vaulted great room, which slopes up to the two-story ceiling and is wide open to the nook and kitchen. This is clearly the heart of the home. Two tall windows flank the gas fireplace, while wide sliding glass doors in the nook provide easy access to the partially covered patio. ?????Kitchen amenities include a large work island, roomy pantry, and built-in appliances. The desk that nestles into an alcove in the nook could be built with either shelves or cabinets above. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can gaze across the patio to watch the changing seasons, or keep tabs on activities and conversations in the nook and great room. ?????Laundry appliances are nearby in a utility room, complete with cabinets, folding counter, and deep sink. A handy powder room is just across a hall that provides direct access to the two-car garage. ?????A spacious owners? suite fills the right wing of the Brookside. Its bathroom boasts a dual vanity, oversized shower, and totally private toilet. The window seat in the large walk-in closet is an ideal spot to savor some alone time, curled up with a book you just can?t put down. Two more bedrooms, a bath, and a bonus room are upstairs.]]> November 25, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=179F075A-F5C4-A7F8-68726FE456E478AE Veracruz, giving this sun-bright stucco home a breezy Southwest or Mediterranean-style ambiance. Dramatic stucco columns soar two stories high to support and highlight the grand entry portico, while vibrant tile roofing crowns the entire structure. ?????The interior is every bit as breathtaking. Double doors open into a two-story foyer awash in natural light from the sidelights and transom. Arched openings offer access to the formal rooms: living room on the right, dining room on the left. Then, surprisingly, the double doors straight ahead lead back out into an open courtyard. The arched-opening colonnade that runs along two sides of the inner courtyard provides direct access to most of the ground floor rooms. ?????Informal gathering spaces are on the left, reachable via the butler?s pantry inside, or the passageway from the outside. Decorative columns anchor the four corners of the kitchen?s long work island. An eating bar runs along one side, while another flush eating bar rims the peninsular counter near the ovens, prep sink, and roomy pantry. The double sink boasts a pass-through garden window with a courtyard view. ?????The kitchen is entirely open to the family room, and just a few steps from a generously sized utility room with a powder room at the far end. Past, or through, the Veracruz's, living room, on the right side of the entry, is a spacious media room with a gas fireplace, adjoining bathroom, and covered patio. ?????Bedrooms are upstairs, joined by a lanai that overlooks the courtyard. The luxurious owners? suite has a huge walk-in closet, and a smaller adjacent one. Secondary bedrooms and a bath are on the far side of the opposite wing, which has another set of stairs.]]> November 18, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=179DAD26-A05B-C3A9-96A17958D5889CF3 Oceanview, which is somewhat unusual for a contemporary home. But it?s when you step inside that the uniqueness of this plan becomes really apparent. ?????At center is a vaulted and naturally illuminated hexagonal great room. Light streams down through skylights in each of six wedge-shaped ceiling sections and washes in through windows in the three rear walls that rim the covered deck. The hefty woodstove is centrally located. ?????In the kitchen and nook, the ceiling drops to an 8-foot height, more practical for focusing artificial light sources on the cooking island, appliance center and eating area. Sink, eating bar and one of several counters extend out into the vaulted central area. ?????Long ledges over the kitchen and office/guest room make ideal locations for plants or displays. Utilities and a large walk-in pantry are but steps away. Two bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet, share a two-section bathroom. The two-car garage has built-in storage and a workbench. ?????Luxuries and space abound in the vaulted owners? suite. Double doors access a covered deck designed to accommodate a spa. Inside, you can lie in bed and watch flames dance in a large fireplace, or relax on a couch or easy chair in the private sitting area. ?????The Oceanview's walk-in closet is quite large, and across from it there?s yet another closet. Other amenities include a corner spa tub and dual vanity. A pocket door can close off the toilet and shower. The direct exterior access is handy for outdoor spa users.]]> November 11, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B23FE95-07FD-A3FE-D7E66CD3CCAF7FF0 Covington is a multilevel home with two fronts: a street front and a canal front. Fortunately, a canal-side lot isn?t required. The plan?s focus on exterior vistas will heighten appreciation of any attractive environment. ?????The main floor is a half-flight up from the three-car garage. Another set of steps climbs to an owners? suite, the only formal bedroom. Up higher still, the unique captain?s quarters sits like a crown above it all. Two cozy dormers there offer views to the rear, while a bayed observatory looks out over the street and to the right. ?????On the main floor, the great room opens a wide diagonal swath extending from the bay-windowed front to window-bright kitchen, with plenty of space for a large dining table in between. ?????Off to the right is another naturally bright space, called the chart room. If you don?t happen to need a whole room for maps, it can be furnished in countless other ways. But those who use it better like plenty of light because sunlight spills in through windows on two sides, as well as a set of skylights. Wide sliders provide direct access to the fore deck. ?????Notable features in the kitchen include: a step-in pantry, work island with veggie sink, and a built-in desk with shelves above. Standing at the main sink, you face into a solarium, glassed on the top and sides. Utilities, a bathroom and a sauna are nearby. ?????The Covington's vaulted owners? suite is rich in amenities. It boasts two walk-in closets plus a skylit bathroom with two basins, spa tub and oversized shower. Double doors open onto a private aft deck.]]> November 4, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=D9812E33-954F-FD04-F05C1BB1447BBA09 Home Plan Weekly has already attracted more than 100 subscribers in the few months since it began publication in March.  ??????That?s nothing short of amazing,? says the column?s creator, Rick McAlexander. ?????Home Plan Weekly is a compact alternative to the more traditionally sized home design column McAlexander has been publishing since 1991, as head of Associated Designs, based in Eugene, Oregon. The new, smaller, column requires only about one-third the space of the standard column. [A sample is included here.] ??????Of course I thought it was a good idea, but I?m still stunned at how quickly it took off!? says McAlexander. ?Our original column took more than two years to gather its first 100 subscribers.? Now, 16 years later, that column is distributed to more than 800 newspapers across the U.S. and Canada. ?????While it was partly an idea whose time had come, McAlexander points out that the fairly recent pervasiveness of internet access plays a major role in making Home Plan Weekly a viable option. ??????The web allows us to provide less information in the column, so it requires less space. Readers who are intrigued by the graphics and short description, can quickly find out more about the plan by tapping into our website. And if they find that particular home is not quite right, they can use specific criteria to narrow a search through hundreds of other plans,? he says. ?It?s one of those areas where technology is truly beneficial to all concerned.? ?????Readers interested in judging for themselves can check out the Home Plan Weekly website at www.HomePlanWeekly.com. ]]> November 1, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B2C2160-9388-1070-DBEF0DC77A87193C Mediterranean-style Mesilla. People who enjoy entertaining will appreciate the possibilities of this plan, as will families who like lots of room to spread out. ?????Entering, you step into an impressive, high-ceilinged foyer where a plant shelf crowns the door, and another high plant shelf rims the right wall. On the left, rectangular columns flank an arched opening that leads into the vaulted living room and dining room. ?????Ahead, another columned archway marks the entrance to the bright and spacious vaulted family room. Natural illumination spills down through two skylights, and washes in through the richly windowed rear wall. A fireplace, nestled between an entertainment center and a storage cabinet, adds cheer and warmth on gray days. ?????The kitchen is huge, expanded by a nook that?s windowed on two sides. Its large work island houses both a prep sink and a cooktop. The far side also serves as a conversation bar. ?????Just behind the generously sized walk-in pantry is an exceptionally spacious utility/hobby room, designed to accommodate a sewing machine and still leave plenty of counter space for folding clothes. In one corner there?s a half bath, and across the hall is a large storage closet nestled into a triangular space. A door conveniently opens into the three-car garage, which has a deep third-car bay. ?????The Mesilla's elegant owners? suite boasts a huge walk-in closet, plus a two-section bathroom with a double vanity. The second bedroom faces the street. If desired, the den could serve as a third bedroom, a home office, library or what have you.]]> October 28, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B271213-CCC9-EB1B-DCDE5E84319C0AFE country-French flavor to the Petersfield. Shingle siding and a generous use of stone veneer add to the charm. ?????The main house offers more than 4,000 square feet of living space on two floors, and the space above the garage provides another 900+ that could be used as a home office, recreation room, or outfitted as a separate living unit. ?????In the main house, a wide foyer links to a sunny, vaulted living room on the left, and leads into a window-bright dining room at the rear. A meandering, covered patio runs along the exterior windows while wrapping around a garden courtyard. ?????Glass paneled cabinets mark the dining room/kitchen boundary. Ideal for displaying and easily accessing fine china, these cabinets could be set high to leave the lower counter open on both sides for use as a buffet. ?????The kitchen has a large, free-standing table at center and a traditional wood-burning stove and cooktop accessible from both the dining room and kitchen. But the owners needn?t rely solely on wood for cooking. Modern appliances are built in as well, and the roomy pantry has space for an upright freezer. ?????A desk nook is to the right of the kitchen, just inside a large family room with plenty of windows and a masonry fireplace. Two banks of bookshelves line the passageway that leads into the studio. This richly windowed room has a built-in computer desk that fills one corner. Shelves line one wall section, and wrap around two sides of the walk-in closet. ?????The Petersfield's luxurious owners? suite and bathroom are upstairs, along with two more bedrooms, another bathroom, a utility room, study nook, and sunroom/bunk room. Kids will love the bunk alcoves there. ?????]]> October 21, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B284E25-F89B-797F-B9A85E9B9D92A9D4 Vicksburg?s front facade run a lively counterpoint to the stately brick veneer. Sidelights and a high arched transom frame the door and brighten the entry. ?????This neoclassical home is an update of a traditional, ranch-style plan. Living spaces are all on one level, with the exception of a long bonus room that extends over the garage. Formal rooms are at the front, a large informal gathering space is at the rear, and bedrooms are on the right. ?????Passing under the arched brick opening, you step into the naturally illuminated, high-ceilinged entry. Wide openings on the right and left lead into the living room and dining room, respectively. A built-in hutch/buffet in the dining room cuts diagonally across one corner. ?????Both dining and living rooms also have wide openings that link them to a transecting hallway. One end of the passage leads to the bedrooms, while the opposite end offers access to the garage. A computer alcove is on the left of the short passageway to the kitchen, and a powder room is to the right. ?????The long kitchen boasts a generously sized work island rimmed by an eating bar. This whole space is wide open to the vaulted and skylit family room, as well as a sunny nook, windowed on three sides. Sliding glass doors there open onto a partially covered patio. Flames in the family room?s gas fireplace provide warmth and color on dark days and nights. ?????A skylight brightens the owners? bathroom, which also boasts a spa tub, roomy shower, dual vanity, and private toilet. Natural light washes down into the Vicksburg?s third bathroom through yet another large skylight.]]> October 14, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B29AFF1-D561-6944-109220A67FAF6BD8 Chinook is basically an A-frame log cabin, expanded by two wings and a lofty V-shaped window bay. Living space is a little more than 1,200 square feet. ?????Whole logs give this vacation cabin a rustic look, while the metal roof and abundance of sparkling glass add contemporary flavor. Besides being attractive, the metal roof serves as protection in case of fire. ?????Windows stacked four-high in the living room provide natural illumination on all but the darkest of winter days. The front section of this bright space has sliding glass doors that open onto a wide deck, and is open to the second floor ceiling. A loft caps the rear. ?????When days and nights turn chilly, you can fire up the fuel-efficient woodstove, nestled in a front corner by the windows. A good woodstove can provide needed heat throughout the seasons. ?????Refrigerator, stove and sink are close together in a galley kitchen larger than you?d expect to find in a cabin this size, and there?s even a dishwasher. The eating bar doubles as additional counter space. Utilities hide behind folding doors in a passageway that opens to the rear. ?????A small two-section bathroom is accessible from both the owners? suite and the living room, allowing two people to use it at once in privacy. Another bathroom is upstairs near the bunk room, loft and storage area. If desired, the storage area on the right could be outfitted as another bunk room. ?????Outside, the railed deck echoes the V shape of the Chinook's window bay and provides a delightful setting for outdoor dining during the summer months.]]> October 7, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B300113-9958-719F-D35A86FF22150441 ranch-style Carter. Economical to build and maintain, this home is designed to fit on a city lot narrower than it is deep. The crisp grid work design on the front door is echoed in the sidelights, windows, garage door, and two sets of doors that face the rear. ?????This 1,900-square-foot plan has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Family gathering areas flow together in one large, open area at the rear, giving the home a wonderfully spacious feeling. ?????The long entry foyer and hallway are bathed in natural light that washes in through a sidelight, transom, and two large skylights. An owners? suite, with a deep walk-in closet and dual vanity, is to the left, as is the stairway leading to the second floor bedrooms and bathroom.  ?????Doors on the left lead into an utility room that?s linked to the garage. It?s also a good place for drying off a muddy dog, or shedding grungy footgear. A small bathroom is located right next to the wide open family gathering space. ?????Windows flank the fireplace along the living room?s rear wall. French double doors open into a den, that has patio access. In the dining area, another set of French doors swing in to allow plenty of air circulation, along with patio access close to the kitchen. Those doors also offer a clear view of the patio and back yard from anywhere in the kitchen.  ?????Counters and cabinets wrap around four sides of the Carter's kitchen, providing ample workspace for multiple chefs. A roomy step-in pantry fills one corner, and a long, flush eating bar bounds the dining area.]]> September 30, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B36064A-B14A-1735-A918000CBD3E0F60 Hilyard?s multipaned windows, nostalgic wooden handrails, and stone veneer chimney put the viewer in mind of a welcoming country farmhouse.  ?????This rambling, two-story plan is great for family gatherings. It has four large, interconnected gathering spaces: parlor, dining room, kitchen/nook, and family room. The roomy owners? suite and a large utility/mud room are also on the main floor. A convenient powder room is just inside the entry. ?????A ramp leads up to the covered porch, offering easy access for wheelchairs. Inside the two-story entry, natural light washes in through sidelights and a bank of windows on the second level. Double doors on the right open into a parlor with a masonry fireplace and built-in wood box.  ?????An arched opening in the parlor leads into the dining room, which links with the kitchen via a pocket door. The kitchen can also be reached by walking straight through the entry, past the stairs, and into the generously glassed, vaulted family room. A long, flush, conversation bar marks the boundary. ?????From the kitchen sink, you can keep tabs on activities in the family room, or turn slightly to take in the nook and deck. A central work island expands counter and storage capacity. Skylights and a wide window bay let in plenty of natural light. Families and plants flourish in this bright space. ?????A relaxed sitting area expands the Hilyard?s owners? suite, which boasts a roomy walk-in closet, large screened porch, and dual vanity, plus a separately enclosed shower and toilet. Upstairs, a balcony overlooks the family room. One large bedroom and bath are on one side; two more rooms and another bath are on the other. ]]> September 23, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B3CED3E-0EE5-69F5-9E6FF76B0A10605A pool-centered, courtyard is at the heart of the Roswell, a midsize home designed for families that enjoy outdoor living. ?????You can get to the pool or watch swimmers from most of the rooms on the main floor. And the majority of interior-facing windows are also doors of one kind or another, assuring ample air circulation. A covered patio supported by columns wraps around three sides of the pool. It provides outdoor shade while softening the natural light inside. ?????There's plenty of family living space, both formal and informal. A dramatic arched window fills most of the front living room wall, while a vaulted ceiling makes the room appear even more spacious. French doors open on a study that could serve as a home office. Statuesque columns separate the dining room from an entry foyer partially open to the second floor ceiling. ?????Kitchen and family room flow together. Sliders access a screened porch at the rear. The work island with cook top adds counter space, as does the long eating bar. Storage space includes a wide pantry. Utilities and a small bathroom are tucked into alcoves adjacent to both the kitchen and garage. ?????Sliding glass doors in the owners? suite face the patio. Features in the owners? bath include: twin vanities, a spa tub, oversized shower, walk-in closet and access to the pool area. ?????Upstairs are two more bedrooms, each with a small bathroom. From the landing, you can overlook the Roswell's entry or walk through French doors onto a balcony that faces the street.]]> September 16, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B3F51A8-938E-8AD3-D182BCB5A39E21F7 Craftsman-style, Pinewald is notably smaller than most new homes. Guest designer Steve Duarte created this compact plan that is well-suited to the needs of singles, small families, and empty nesters looking to simplify their lifestyles. ?????Craftsman was the dominant style for smaller houses built throughout the country from about 1905 until the early 1920s. Easily identifiable features in this plan include the low-pitched gabled roof with decorative braces, distinctive window treatment (multiple upper sash, single below), and a porch supported by squared stone veneer columns. ?????Fieldstone was the chosen material here. You see it in the visible porch foundation, in the handsome square chimney, beneath the tapered wooden piers supporting the porch roof, and in columns that punctuate the simple wooden railings bounding the uncovered side deck/porch. ?????Entering, you step directly into the vaulted living room. The ceiling slopes down towards the fieldstone fireplace, which serves as a natural focal point. Daylight washes in through windows and doors on two sides of the room. The door to the right of the fireplace offers access to the side deck, handy for outdoor dining when warm weather beckons. ?????Arched openings lead into the Pinewald's comfortable country kitchen on the left, and the bedrooms on the right. The kitchen, too, is vaulted. In this case, the ceiling peaks about half way into the room. Four double-sashed windows capped by two clerestory windows fill most of the side wall, which rises to a triangular peak centered over the glass. ?????Utilities are nearby, in a pass-through space that leads to the rear door. If a basement is desired, the utilities would be downstairs with the stairs in this location instead.]]> September 9, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1B435288-0ED0-5A6A-FADA8301B64195F1 Cumberland, a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a large gathering space at its core. Arched, Craftsman windows, along with a wide, wrap-around front porch, add to the plan?s welcoming appearance. ?????Plenty of natural light spills into the 16-foot-high entry through a sidelight and overhead dormer. A wide window bay expands the parlor, to the left. The opening could be an arch, or have French doors.  ?????The entry?s right opening leads down a short hallway with a display niche at one end and the owners? suite at the other. In the sleeping area, the ceiling is vaulted. Notable amenities include a luxurious spa tub, roomy walk-in closet, dual vanity, and separately enclosable shower and toilet. ?????Day-to-day living centers around the bright and spacious vaulted family room. Windows fill most of the rear wall, while a gas fireplace, shelving and a home entertainment center line another. The wide bay window that expands the dining area has sliding doors that allow easy access to the covered patio.  ?????A raised eating bar rims the kitchen?s long, angled work island. Standing at the sink, you can chat with family and friends in the family room or dining area, and keep an eye on the back yard too. A roomy pantry adds to the kitchen?s abundant storage space, and appliances are built in. ?????The powder and utility room are nearby, as well as the stairs leading up to a spacious bonus room. The utility has access through to the garage which features plenty of space at the rear for a shop and storage. Two more bedrooms and a full bathroom fill the Cumberland's left wing.]]> September 2, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=1C4E3F9E-9568-7566-9A3126C86A078AD3 June 1, 2007 http://www.associateddesigns.com/press-detail.cfm?id=177F008E-C71A-6CB5-6CA430EDD6A3595C March 1, 2007