The Main Attraction…Curb Appeal
A hot trend among homeowners today is ensuring the home’s exterior boasts curb appeal. But what features actually define a home as having beautiful curb appeal? It’s the home with the “perfect lawn” outfitted with colorful flowers, trimmed shrubs and intricate yard art that adds warmth and style, ultimately creating an inviting feel that draws visitors inside.
Adding curb appeal to a home can be an easy task to achieve with some careful thought and imagination. Take a look around at the homes that instantly catch your attention and consider what features you could add to enrich your home’s curb appeal. A soothing water fountain, light fixtures or simply a clean up of the lawn could be the perfect solution for ranch house plans or even two-story home plans. Also look around your own home and answer these three questions: 1. What is your first impression of the house and yard area? 2. What are the best exterior features of your home and yard? 3. What are the worst exterior features of your home and yard?
The first impression you have of your house and yard may be the fact that it needs a good, old-fashion cleaning up. This is the best project to begin with when adding curb appeal to your home. Is your yard cluttered with junk? While most find it necessary to add to improve curb appeal, there are times when removing is more effective. Remove all extras, like garden tools, toys, trash, or anything that gives your home a cluttered appearance. Once you have the extra debris removed, mow the lawn and get rid of weeds. Rake and dispose of leaves. Trim shrubs and trees that are overgrown and blocking the view of your home. Does your house seem dirty or dingy? Give it a scrub down. You can pressure wash your home’s exterior eliminating dirt, mold, and mildew. Give the driveway, patio, porch, and deck a good cleaning with the power sprayer. Grab a ladder and clean those windows and gutters. By completing these simple tasks, your home will sparkle and shine.
Now that you have cleaned up, what else can you do to add curb appeal to your home? Your next projects will depend on how you answered the above questions. However, here are a few things to consider.
Welcoming guests into your home begins at the entry. Start by freshening up your front door with a coat of paint or stain. Depending on the condition of the existing door, paint may not be the answer. If so consider installing a new door perhaps with a glass insert or symmetrical sidelights. Polish the existing door knob and lock set or remove the old and update with new hardware. Create warmth and eye pleasing symmetry by adding light fixtures to each side of your entry. Compliment your lighting with matching front-door accents such as flower urns. With more time and a larger budget, you can create a grand entry by adding molding around your door. In addition, you may add a permanent welcome mat to your entry by tiling your front step or porch area. House numbers and a wall mounted mailbox also add flair to your home’s exterior. Be sure the exterior features coordinate in style and color.
Another major feature of your home’s exterior is the landscaping. Once you have completed the simple task of cleaning the yard and trimming shrubs, step back and take in what you have to work with. Revisit your answers to the three questions above. Small projects can be completed easily and in a little amount of time. Container gardens of various sizes strategically placed in your current landscaping add color and welcome others to take note of your home. Garden beds can be weeded and pruned to welcome new growth. If your garden beds are bare, plant flowers in varieties of annuals and perennials. Add new mulch to restore color. Replace old, worn out edging and consider a new look with stone.
If your landscaping is in need of more TLC than these small projects offer, set your sites on a larger project for the season. These types of projects may require more investment, but will pay great dividends in the future. Frame your home by creating new planting beds along the front and on the corners of your house. Enhance walkways and driveways with colorful plants or rock. Include a nice variety of plants with a mix of color, size, and texture but remember that plants do grow and many will require maintenance. Outdoor lighting along walkways or in plant beds will add warmth to your landscaping and security to your home. Personalize with outdoor art, such as water fountains or sculptures. Be sure to complement your home’s natural exterior and charm. Additional larger projects may include adding arbors or fence panels with garden gates. Whatever additions or changes you make, keep in mind that you want to enhance the best features of your home.
Most of these projects can be completed in as little as a day or a weekend. Take the time to carefully plan what features to include in your home’s lawn and break these projects into phases. Don’t rush! Quickly adding outdoor art and other features to your home’s lawn can create a “busy” setting that draws the eyes away from the focal point: your ranch house plans or two-story home plans. Once you have completed a few or all of the curb appeal projects reevaluate the first impression of your home. Has it changed for the better? Hopefully, yes. Just remember, there are no exact rules for curb appeal. When you begin to receive compliments or notice people driving down the street and slowly stopping to give a second glance, give yourself a pat on the back for all the work you’ve done to make your home shine with CURB APPEAL!
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| Hosting barbecues with family and friends is a favorite pastime for many people. But without clean spaces, it may prove difficult to invest in such tasty food and happy times. Taking a little extra time every day to maintain the kitchen in log house plans or even southern living home plans will create a clean, healthy home that will be enjoyed by all! |
Landscaping With Local Plants
Most homeowners everywhere dream for the undeniably beautiful yard that catches the eye of surrounding neighbors. The yard is usually a dreamscape full of peculiar flowers, flawlessly trimmed shrubs and intricate garden art. But one easily becomes overwhelmed as they consider how much time and effort it would take to create such a picture-perfect sight in a neighborhood of gorgeous country house plans. Though some dedicated gardeners spend countless hours and resources to achieve such a garden, it is not a task too many time-strained homeowners can handle. Fortunately, a trend is forming among home gardens with native plants that thrive locally.
Trading in the exotic ornamental flora for native plants is a rapidly growing trend with quite a few benefits. For many homeowners, the most important element is beauty with little effort. Native plants are ones that also grow wild in an area or region. They are resistant to many natural damages such as freezing, drought, and local insects. Planting increases local population, allowing self-sustaining communities to blossom.
This means less maintenance from the gardener, as the plant is primed for the elements. No more wasting water on finicky plants and no fighting nature to have a beautiful landscape! This is one easy and sure-fire way to “go green” in your garden. Planting flowers and shrubs that do not fit within the natural landscape will no doubt require additional water, fertilizer and other garden products to keep it looking its best. But, sticking with local varieties of plants will allow your garden to thrive without wasting water and resources. Plus, the garden will still be beautiful with the surrounding landscape.
Additionally, promoting natural plantlife has quite a positive affect on the surrounding environment. Fungi, insects, and wildlife rely on the area’s natural plantlife for survival. Removing or limiting these plants destroys these ecosystems. Promoting area plants also means long root systems are established which control soil erosion from infiltrating water.
The beauty and maintenance of local plants is creating a growing trend across the nation. As time-starved consumers try to juggle busy schedules most seek low maintenance plants that have just as much appeal as an exotic garden. In addition to maintenance, local plants blend in perfectly with any area whether it’s a community of country style house plans or colonial home plans. As lovely as a flower from the heart of the rainforest may look, it doesn’t fit well in a suburban Midwest garden. Keep this in mind as you focus on your landscape. After some initial effort your dream garden will be flourishing with life with little or no water, fertilizer or care!
Special Touches: Amenities That Make The Space
Incorporating spaces into your outdoor living design that are both functional and attractive is a fun outdoor living project. But once you have an idea of what spaces best fit your lifestyle, it’s time to add amenities to create a special atmosphere that is enjoyed by many. When planning features to include in your outdoor décor, keep in mind that less is often more whether you are adding outdoor décor to luxury home plans or small cottage house plans. Too many details can turn a lovely backyard space into a crowded display of items with no purpose.
• Fans and Fireplaces - Part of keeping outdoor living spaces functional is keeping them comfortable. Outdoor fans and fireplaces add decorative touches with practical purposes. Outdoor fans are the same as indoor fans – they circulate the air, provide a light breeze, and help shoo away disruptive bugs that permeate the outdoors. Whether over the dining or sitting areas, outdoor fans are rated for damp or wet use, meaning they can be placed in partially uncovered situations.
Outdoor fireplaces come in numerous shapes and sizes, the perfect accessory for any space. Two-sided fireplaces can be placed in the home’s exterior wall and enjoyed both inside and out. Chimineas are free-standing pot-bellied fireplaces, perfect for smaller patios and situations that may require mobility. Fire pits can be permanent or portable and radiate warmth to all sides. These are the most popular choice for many of today’s homes. Lastly, is the built-in outdoor fireplace. These are permanent masterpieces of masonry, fully constructed like indoor fireplaces with surrounds and mantles. Stunning and functional, built-in fireplaces can be prohibitively expensive and do require regular maintenance.
It is easy to see these features are much more than average outdoor ornaments. Jim Buckley of Buckley Rumford Company (www.rumford.com) notes, “Radiant heating Rumford fireplaces that heat people instead of the air are great for extending the hour and the season of an outdoor space.” From a warm summer night to a chilly fall evening, outdoor fans and fireplaces keep you and guests enjoying the outdoors far longer than expected.
• Water Fixtures - For some homeowners, it cannot be paradise without a little water in the picture. This could mean a fountain, a pool, or a natural pond. Outdoor showers are also growing in popularity.
Pools that are classically shaped (rectangular) or infinity (best with view properties), can all fit wonderfully into most outdoor living plans. If installing a pool, it will be necessary to check local codes and regulations, plan for maintenance, and consider appropriate lighting and fencing with a lockable entrance. These measures ensure pool safety while adding to the richness of outdoor living areas.
Fountains and Ponds are often incorporated as decorative elements that serve no other function. The designs are numerous and can fit into any outdoor scheme. If these options are more practical than pool placement, contact a local landscaper to discuss incorporation into your outdoor living design.
• Fabrics and Furniture - Today’s patio furniture is available in numerous materials and styles that add something extra to any decorative theme. Some furniture pieces, for example stone benches, can be built into various tiers of the patio, while others like teak and wicker are sturdy but can be moved and relocated as necessary. The most important factor of patio furniture is weatherproofing. Fabric and padding for cushions should be made to resist mildew and fading. While many companies are starting to produce beautiful resistant fabrics that are no longer rough and uncomfortable, there are companies that solely specialize in decorative, luxurious fabrics designed for the outdoors, like Sunbrella® Fabrics. “Sunbrella delivers a complete package of color, design, durability, fade resistance and ease of cleaning,” explains Harry Gobble, Director of Marketing for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, the maker of Sunbrella Fabrics. Do note, no matter the resistance to mildew and fading, it is recommended that outdoor furniture be stored when not in regular use or when weather is inclement.
Once you have observed a few of the popular outdoor living options, it’s time to decide what amenities will best fit into your home’s outdoor living design. It’s important to remember to only include décor that is most practical for your lifestyle and space. Take the time to designate what features to fit into each space, keeping in mind what décor may be desired in the future. By planning ahead and not overdoing your options, stunning outdoor living décor can become a reality for luxury home plan estates or cottage style house plans.
What to Know About Building Codes
Building a dream home involves many new and exciting challenges that often require extensive planning and research. Homeowners usually begin the process by spending countless hours searching for the perfect home plan and location that fits their lifestyle and needs, followed by interviewing several contractors for home construction. Decisions then must be made about every material and feature that will be included in the exterior of the home, as well as the design of the home’s interior. But what happens if after all of your hard work and planning, someone informs you that features of your dream ranch house plan or two-story house plan are not allowed in the area you are building?
To avoid such a potentially devastating setback, homeowners should familiarize themselves with building codes at the very outset of their home construction project. Building codes outline the minimum safety standards that must be met in various aspects of construction. These codes can include sanitation, electrical, ventilation, plumbing, and fire safety regulations as well as energy conservation. Complex and confounding, the average homeowner is not expected to understand every single building code, or even be familiar with the hundreds of codes within construction. However, it is important to be aware of the building code system in order to understand how it may affect your dream home. When purchasing pre-drawn house plans, it is essential to have your local contractor or design professional review the house plans prior to building and make sure all local codes are being met. It is much easier and less expensive to modify your home plans before building.
Within the United States there are four “Model Codes” that reduce risk during construction:
• The Building Officials & Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA)
• The International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)
• The Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI)
• The Council of American Building Officials (CABO)
These four are guides to hundreds of similar but different local building codes. Different municipalities favor different model codes, but are typically the same within a region.
Building codes are important for both individual homeowners and the community at large. These codes are set up to ensure the personal safety of homeowners and the economic well being of the community. They help homes to conserve energy and they protect future homebuyers from misleading purchases. It is important to ask potential contractors about the various building codes for every style of home that is being built whether its ranch home plans or two-story home plans. Also, be sure to seek out local building code information for your municipality. Codes are constantly being updated and changed, so it will be of value to have notes prepared to compare with the builder to ensure they are updated on the latest rules and regulations. After some initial research, you may determine that some changes may need to be made to the original design of your home. These changes may possibly take some time and money, but it will be beneficial to learn about this information before your home is in the finishing stages of construction. The more information you obtain will result in fewer problems during construction and a beautiful finished home to enjoy for years to come!
Customizing Your New Home
Most people dream for the day when they can finally build a home for themselves and their family. Most likely they already have an idea in their minds of what the perfect home would be like, down to the number of bathrooms, number of bedrooms and style of home. But after months of searching for the perfect log home floor plan, you still haven’t fell in love with any certain plan. Investing in custom drawn home plans is an option, but may be too expensive and time consuming for your needs. But don’t give up yet! Another solution is available to you and it won’t break your budget.
After spending countless hours reviewing stock plans, you probably came across a plan or two that was almost exactly what you were looking for. Maybe you wish to add a bonus room to use as a home office or play room. Or possibly you are searching for log home plans that have a slightly different exterior and one room that is slightly larger. All of these changes are possible when it comes time to customizing stock plans to fit your particular needs. Many home design firms and architects that develop stock plans have modifications available for their home plans. Taking advantage of these options will allow you to turn an “almost perfect” plan into the home of your dreams at an affordable cost.
Modifications to stock plans typically change some structure of the plan – from moving an interior wall, altering the exterior facade, or swapping out one foundation for another. To take advantage of these customizations, you need to be aware of your dream home’s needs and limitations:
• Know your lot - Before setting your heart on a specific stock plan with modifications, be familiar with your lot. Is there a hill that will be built into or leveled out? What is the water table like? Is a finished basement practical or should you look for a plan with an upper level bonus room?
• Look ahead - Right now your family of three is perfectly comfortable in a two-bedroom house. However, what about a year or even five years from now? New additions to the family will need their own space, from children’s nurseries to elderly parents who may move in with you. You cannot always perfectly anticipate your family’s needs, but preparing now by finding a plan with an extra bathroom or a multifunctional bonus room is an excellent idea. In addition to space, look for plans that will allow easy incorporation of technological advances as well as good future resale value.
• Know your weather - The weather not only affects the way you dress but also the way you outfit your home. New England homes have peaked roofs so heavy snow will fall off the roof rather than cave it in. Coastal homes that face tornado and hurricane assaults have flat roofs that help avoid detrimental wind damage. Be aware of what your dream home will need to avoid unnecessary work and repair in the future.
• “Almost” does not cut it - The most important thing is to love the plan you choose and the modifications you incorporate. If something still does not seem right, do not ignore that feeling. Take the time to look the plan over carefully. Look at a few more stock plans and see if modifying a different plan would be better. Remember that customizations are being done to get exactly what you want, not just as-close-as possible.
Once you have determined the modifications you desire, it’s time to get them done! Depending on your stock plan, the process may differ. Be prepared to submit a modification request form that should include detailed explanations of the modifications desired, referring to the rooms as they are on the stock plan. A quote will be returned to you within days. Accepting this quote will lead to approving drafts, and sooner rather than later you will be ready to start building.
The process to get to the dream home you imagine may seem challenging and overwhelming at times. But with a little patience and determination, you will be ready to build your dream home in no time. Designers and architects often benefit from your modification requests. By hearing what the consumer does and does not want many times leads to entirely new plans. And in the end, these plans turn log home floor plans into a reality!
Simple Ways to Cut Costs in Everyday Living
Saving money is one thing on homeowners’ minds these days with rising costs placing a grasp on many budgets. More people are looking for cost-effective ways to rest and rejuvenate in their home, while cutting back on resources and the wallet. But how, in a world of economic hardship, can families save more than pennies while keeping up with the incredible amount of expenses, and a busy schedule to go along with it? Incorporating just a few simple steps into your daily routine will drastically improve the atmosphere in your home and your budget – whether you live in a log home plan or country house plan.
• Saving Water – We have all heard the numerous platitudes about saving water in our homes. Even small children are encouraged to turn off faucets while brushing teeth so as not to “waste.” It’s important to remember that wasting water is not just about wasting resources- water also costs homeowners money! This especially comes into play when looking at how homeowners water lawns and gardens. While the landscaping of your home is certainly important, it is unnecessary to leave the sprinkler on at all times of day and night. Setting watering systems for off-peak hours saves resources, both natural and financial. Another idea is the use of grey water irrigation. Grey water systems collect “dirty” water from clothes washers, showers, and bathroom sinks and re-purpose the water in gardens. This is a great system for the landscaping and the wallet!
• Temperature Control – Most often seen in southern climates, Spanish house plans are popular home styles with colorful exteriors and intricate details that make these homes definitely unique. Their thick walls create cool interiors, but even in summer months, the need for aid conditioning is often a must with warm temperatures outdoors. But hot weather doesn’t require a family to keep their home air conditioner running so hard in the summer that the family is sitting in sweatshirts. What a waste! Programmable thermostats go a long way in keeping energy bills as low as possible. These systems can be set to specific temperatures at designated times. For example, when the house is empty during the long winter day the thermostat may be set lower. Homeowners can program the thermostat to turn up a few degrees in the afternoon when the family is expected to arrive home. There is no point to heating the empty house, but once home, comfortable temperatures are waiting.
• Gadgets – This is an age of technology. Almost every household has a computer; many have several. Fancy televisions and multi-purpose gadgets fill every room. How much time do each of these different medias get put to use? Probably not often enough to justify the costs of owning and operating. For the home phone bill, eliminating call-waiting and caller ID can save the average family up to 150 dollars per year! Sticking with an answering machine will allow calls to be screened without all the extra cost. Computers should be turned off when not in use or at least switched over to “sleep” modes. Not only will this simple task eliminate unnecessary power drain, but it will also preserve the life of your machine. Computers left on every minute of every day will not have that many days in its lifespan. Also pay attention to your lighting. While it’s a good idea to turn lights off when not in immediate use, it is just as smart to examine the light bulb. New CFL bulbs use less energy, emit less heat, and last much longer than the average light bulb.
• Maintenance – Though more time consuming than simply switching the computer off now and then, home repairs are an absolute must for keeping down home costs. Little leaks can turn into big problems. And big problems are often quite costly, especially when unseen damages are finally accounted for. One way to avoid these big costs is to routinely have heating and cooling units inspected. Another is to take the time to fix small problems as they arise. Cracks, leaks, and drafts should be dealt with immediately. 11% of heat is lost through small crevices around windows and doors. Simply upgrading insulation or weather stripping can nearly eliminate this problem. Remember that exterior maintenance is just as important as interior. Roofs, siding, and foundations should be examined regularly.
• Landscaping – Lawn maintenance is one of the great pains of owning a home. Rarely do people enjoy cutting the grass, weeding the flowers, or hauling fertilizer on a warm day. However, all that work you do in the garden may be saving you money! Homegrown food is often healthier and much less expensive than grocery produce. Also, certain vegetation can work to block the home from wind and sun; both of which can place strain on a home’s energy consumption.
• The Cost of “Stuff” – Look around your room. How much stuff is around? Does it all get used regularly? Most likely not. One way to cut costs at home is simply by cutting unnecessary spending. Money saved on random junk can be used purposefully and will often reap greater joy. Would you rather buy 6 new DVDs or rent the movies from the library (for free!) and put that money into new area rugs that liven up the décor? Weed through the accumulation and start putting together a garage sale. Even if little money is made, the purging of items will leave you with a blank slate perfect for doing something new.
“Living green” is a growing trend right now and economic hardship is causing more families to find ways to cut costs on a daily basis. But there is no reason that your family should quit enjoying life. Taking the time to pinch some pennies may just bring your family rewards in the long run. Turning these tips into habits will not only help you save money, but will become part of every day living in an atmosphere full of joy and relaxation in country living house plans or log house plans.
Safe Rooms
Building a dream home involves many new and exciting decisions – from choosing a spacious kitchen layout that fits your family’s needs to selecting the perfect storage space for all your storage woes. But where will you build your new dream home? Many areas in the world are prone to natural disasters of varying degrees. Therefore, adding a safe room to cottage house plans or southern home plans should be on the top of the list.
A safe room is a designated space designed specifically for family members to retreat for high protection from whatever nature decides to throw your way. When building new, the safe room can play double duty, often serving as a master closet or spacious bath. For retrofitted homes or those desiring a more designated space, it is also a possibility to add on a safe room. Either way, safe rooms of varying sizes all require the same basic components:
• Smaller interior room that is located above grade
• Must be quickly accessible from major living spaces
• Should be tested and able to withstand storm forces of the highest degree yet experienced
• Must be able to withstand penetration by storm forced projectiles
• Anchored securely with special grade anchor bolts to resist overturning despite the force placed upon it
• The door requires three or more latches
• Door locks must work so that no person is locked in or out
• Must be operable by all family members (within reason)
For homeowners with basement foundations, it is possible to place your safe room in the basement. However, keep in mind family members that may experience accessibility issues. Tornadoes are known for appearing quite suddenly and the safe room is only functional if it can be reached hastily. Additionally, safe rooms in flood prone areas should never be installed in the basement. It is also important to note that safe rooms are not suitable in flood situations; evacuation is crucial in these natural disasters.
Safe rooms are not required in building codes, but your region may offer incentives if a safe room is included in your building plans. Even easier, prefabricated safe rooms are widely available and built according to FEMA standards. These safe rooms are highly recommended for those on a budget or those who may not possess the knowledge of safe room construction.
Natural disasters can occur at any time and any place in the world. For those homeowners living in the middle of the United States where tornadoes most often occur, incorporating a safe room to cottage home plans or southern living home plans is a great way to relieve the mind and provide a space in your home that is safe for your entire family – no matter what nature throws your way.
How Energy Efficiency Results in Tax Breaks
Making certain upgrades to your home may just save you money! The nation’s tax system has several money saving opportunities available for those homeowners seeking to make their homes more energy efficient. Although the tax system is very complex and often overwhelming for many consumers, it is worth the time and effort to check out the potential saving that is available for every homeowner of log home plans to country house plans.
In October of 2008, the Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 was signed into law. Part of this act allows homeowners to earn up to $500 in one-time credits by making certain upgrades to the primary residence. A tax credit is typically more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction; tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar while a deduction only removes a percentage. The upgrades included must provide in-home comfort, long-term energy savings, and reduce air pollution. Some examples:
• Windows – Exterior windows, storm windows, and skylights.
• Insulation – Exterior doors, storm doors, roofs, weather stripping and select other sealants.
• Heating and Cooling – Central air conditioning, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and water heaters.
From January 1st to December 31st, 2009, any combination of qualifying products can be purchased and installed. The ENERGY-STAR and U.S. Department of Energy websites are resources with more extensive information regarding these tax credits.
Bear in mind, receipts and manufacturing certifications must accompany a specific tax form in order to apply for tax credits. It is important to seek the counsel of a tax advisor when submitting such forms to ensure all guidelines have been properly met. Also, remember to inquire about available local and state rebates to earn even more money for your energy efficient upgrades.
While there are many details involved in earning tax credits, you may find many ways to save money with just a little research. Not only will you gain tax credits, but using energy efficient products will cut living expenses too – whether you live in a country house plan or log home plan! And in no time at all, you will live in a more affordable, energy efficient home with top of the line features!
Bonus Rooms Create Flexibility
You’ve envisioned the perfect dream home for years – and now you’ve found it! It has the perfect amount of bedrooms and bathrooms, a spacious kitchen and living room, and ideal storage space for all of your storage woes. It even has a bonus room! The beauty of a bonus room is that you can do whatever you like with this space. From play rooms and home theaters to home gyms and home offices – or a combination of these setups – the bonus rooms is a flexible and stylish space that can be customized to fit your family’s lifestyle and preferences. Below is a few of the most popular bonus room designs that are both fun and functional for every home – from luxury house plans to country house plans.
• The Play Room - Every mom wishes she had a place where she could put those extra toys, keeping them from clashing with her living room décor or ending up under her feet while she tries to fix dinner. So why not put that bonus room to good use as a designated Play Room? Organizational systems of cubbies, baskets, and shelves will keep an unruly collection of toys organized while providing enough space to enjoy playing with them. Bean bag chairs and play rugs in bright colors keep the room fun and functional. You could even break the room down into stations – an art area with chalkboard paint walls for your budding Van Gogh, a reading corner with special pillows and lighting, or a block table for the young architect. Keep this room child friendly and keep the mess out of the rest of the house.
• The Home Theater - To turn your bonus room into your personal theater experience, you need surprisingly few items. A quality television, proper media players, and surround sound are the best setup. Now that your theater is functional it’s time to personalize your movie watching experience. Are you going to put in squashy chairs and couches or movie theater seats? 
Will you put in dimming ambient lights? How about that popcorn machine? After all, the primary reason you have a home theater is to enjoy cinema in unsurpassed comfort. Many luxury home plans are outfitted with deluxe theater systems that mirror a cinema setting’s atmosphere. For those who choose this option, professional input and installation is almost always recommended. Whether home designed or professionally outfitted, the home theater is a bonus room design enjoyed by all.
• The Family Gathering Spot - A mix of the Play Room and Home Theater, the family gathering spot is a place where the family can get together and relax. Filled with games, movies, and perhaps a snack area, this bonus room use is great for families that need an informal space to gather outside of the formal living spaces. Keep this space cozy and inviting for making family memories.
• The Home Gym - We all know someone who has purchased home workout equipment only to realize that the plan was not thought out. Bulky equipment is a pain to set up and take down everyday, so it often goes unused. If the equipment is left out, those machines always manage to take up awkward amounts of space. Even small free weights often find themselves in the way, causing stubbed toes and storage woes. Turning your bonus room into a Home Gym creates a designated space for all that equipment, plus allows options of customized flooring or built-in sound systems. Exercising is less of a chore without leaving the house!
• The Home Office - If you choose to work from home, there is no more valuable a space than a bonus room Home Office. Remember that your home office is a reflection of you and the work you produce. Make it a priority to keep the space efficient and eye appealing with necessary storage, noise buffers, and organizational systems. Keeping this room working for you makes working from home a pleasant affair and ensures the bonus room is never a wasted space.
Whether you choose to design this room as a workout room or a mix of the Home Theater and Home Office, the bonus room is a flexible space that can be transformed to fit your family’s changing lifestyle. So whether you are a newlywed or family of five, the bonus room holds numerous design possibilities for you to customize this space as you see fit – even if you live in a small cottage house plan.