Fabulous Family Spaces

Be honest: If you have a formal living room in your current home, as well as a family room, how often do you use the living room? Is it once a week, once a month or only on holidays? If you are planning to build, think about where your family really lives; if it's in the kitchen, breakfast room and family room, put your money where your time is spent. Building a home with a Great Room only, rather than a formal living room and a family room, will save on square footage and allow you to invest more of your resources in amenities and details. Plan AX-4315 flaunts a Great Room with an interesting stepped ceiling and a handsome fireplace flanked by built-in bookshelves and a home entertainment center.

Family Functionality!

Family time is a precious commodity these days. When all members of the family are at home at the same time, chances are they have many different things to do, prepare for and work on. Plan B-88015 is one example of designs that allow many family activities to occur within sight or earshot of each other. One person can finish after-dinner chores in the kitchen while another works on a school project at the table in the breakfast room. One family member can catch up on the news in front of the family room fireplace while another surfs the Internet at the computer in the loft above. This is family togetherness, '90s-style!

Let the Outside In!

Modern technology allows families to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while safely sheltered inside. The family room in Plan HDS-99-154 uses direct-vent, gas-fireplace technology that lets home owners enjoy a fire with the flick of a switch or the wave of a remote control. Direct-vent fireplaces vent straight out through a wall and require no chimney. This allows home owners to take advantage of outdoor views by placing windows above the fireplace. This exciting family room features stylish arched windows above the fireplace, and an entertainment center nearby.

Arched Excitement!

Some gathering spaces possess a special quality that instantly attracts people and draws them together. The living room in Plan LS-94041-E is just such a place, with graceful arches on all four sides defining the area. Round-topped windows let in streams of natural light. The two-sided brick fireplace is accentuated by an arched opening to the kitchen and the eating nook, as well as by arches topping the wet bar. The volume ceiling creates a heightened feeling of spaciousness. This room has all the visual and spatial elements of an inviting and warm area in which to gather. How could your family not be drawn to it?

Angles Abound!

Multiple angles create visual excitement and interest in the family areas of Plan S-4789. The Great Room's corner fireplace, accented by stylish columns, adds drama, while the bay window of the adjacent dining area lets in plenty of light with its half-round transom. Sliding glass doors open to the rear patio, allowing the family to enjoy the view and the outdoors. The angle motif continues overhead, with a tray ceiling heightening the appeal of the area. If you are building a family-oriented home in which to raise your children, consider spaces such as this one, that encourage the family to share their time together and create memories that last forever!

Vacation Hideaway for the Family!

Whether you plan to build near a lake, the ocean,mountains or woods, Plans H-1427-3A & -3B take full advantage of the view, with a Great Room that is sure to please. The plans are narrow to accommodate almost any lot, and they are wide on visual appeal, with plenty of windows to overlook the natural surroundings. A large skylight brings in additional light. These designs are sure to offer years of family fun.

Mark Englund, a home designer and partner of LifeStyle HomeDesign, St. Paul, Minn., and Urbandale, Iowa, is a frequent speaker on design trends at conventions and on TV and Radio.