New House Floor Plan - Adding Old World Charm to Modern Homes

When searching for a new house floor plan, why is it that many people walk into an architect's office with pictures of houses that were built generations ago?

New houses don't have the character of old houses and people are drawn to old houses because it gives them a taste of nostalgia that modern life just doesn't have. House designs that were built a hundred years ago have the look of a place that was meant to be where it stands for many more years. A permanent fixture of the neighborhood giving the family who lives there a sense of community and roots.

Successful architects can modify house plans for modern conveniences and the results of these newly constructed homes can pass for anything from an English Cottage or Victorian to a Georgian or period Bungalow. New house
floor plans that are based on the nostalgic character lines of the past give the home owners a sense of connection that isn't possible in our use it and toss it society.

Going back 100 years or more for a new house floor plan inspiration is usually a product of disappointment for what's currently available. Home builders want an architectural design that is unique to them, their neighborhood or community. The idea of a cookie cutter home design just isn't appealing.

The architectural lines of old home have character, but the real challenge comes in adapting old floor plans to modern living. Old homes had sitting rooms, parlors and drawing rooms that are extinct in today's culture. One of the easiest ways to adapt an old floor plan is to expand the square footage in the rear of the house. Keep the front of the house true to the old character of the architectural style you are copying, but make the back of the home more expansive and open to allow for modern conveniences and living habits.

Pay attention to the exterior details such as over all proportion, window and door casing design, any trim that may be around the porch or other parts of the house, the type of roof and materials used. Intense attention to
details will add to the authenticity of your new house floor plan and make your family feel as though they have stepped back in time.

Rebecca Welch is a successful Webmaster and publisher of BuyHousePlansOnline.com. She provides researched information on new house floor plan styles.