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When it Comes to Floor Plans, Go with the Flow

by Brandon Simpson and Dan Lawson

Choosing a floor plan that flows is important in how your home will function and how much you will enjoy it in the years to come. We tell our customers again and again, it’s one of the most important decisions you will make in buying or building a new home.

So what is “flow”? It means a home design in which the rooms are sensibly connected to the flow of your life. For instance, the dining room is near the kitchen; a porch or deck can be easily accessible from a popular gathering room; and bathrooms are on the same floor as the bedrooms, in addition to having at least a half-bath on the first floor for you and your guests. The idea is to make sure your home transitions well from one room to the other.

As an example, let’s look at The Gilbert, one of AB Homes’ most popular home designs. At 1,900 square feet, this stylish abode features four bedrooms and three baths, with an open living plan to accommodate the family room, kitchen and dining space. A back deck is accessible through the kitchen, and a downstairs bedroom is designated as a “flex” space (the possibilities are endless).

This floor plan is ideal for couples and families who like the idea of sharing a common space while cooking meals, hanging out, having company over and chilling on the back deck. The flex room can be dedicated for space that requires a little more privacy, like an office or a separate bedroom for an older teen or grandparent. There’s also what we call a custom “drop zone” space for storing shoes, keys and backpacks.

Upstairs, the Gilbert has two spacious bedrooms near a full bath; a master bedroom with a sitting area, a large bathroom with a soaker tub and low-entry shower; and a nice-sized laundry room. There’s space and privacy in abundance. Plus, you can carry your clothes to the washer without having to leave the second floor.

This design is an example of flow at its best.

So, when you’re looking at floor plans or touring a model home, take our advice by asking these five questions:

• How easy is it to get from one space to another; does the flow make sense as you walk throughout the home?
• Is there a good division of public and private spaces—room enough for your family and guests to easily gather, while having your own space at the end of the day.
• How are the traffic patterns within each room? The kitchen is a good starting point. Imagine yourself preparing a meal. Is there room for you to move around unencumbered?
• How will my furniture look in the home? Look for architectural focal points, such as a fireplace or bay windows, around which your sofa, chairs and tables can be placed.
• Does the floor plan fit your lifestyle? If you like the great outdoors, a mudroom makes sense. If you enjoy watching the sun rise, or set, it will be nice to have a deck or porch from which to observe the view.

We hope this quick look at form and function will help you make good choices with your own floor plan. To see all of the floor plans that AB Homes offers, call us today at (757) 435-9900 for a free copy of our AB Homes Floor Plan Guide.

All the best,

Brandon and Dan