When purchasing a home, buyers are often drawn to those floor plans that have a sense of warmth along with style and practicality. With this in mind, homebuilders include time-tested features that have proven popular over a long period of time.
The most desirable design element in today’s homes is the open concept floor plan, where the kitchen, dining area and great room are open to each other. Many time-tested features emphasize the sense of family togetherness and informal entertaining that these spacious open areas provide.
“With the popularity of open concept floor plans, today’s buyers are choosing homes with such time-tested features as large islands, white cabinets, crown molding, hardwood floors and fireplaces,” says Danielle Slutzky, Design consultant for Toll Brothers in the company’s South Barrington Design Center. “These large areas are ideally suited to a timeless look with neutral colors and a certain simplicity of décor. Pantries, also a practical feature from the past, are very popular, especially the walk-in variety. Fireplaces can be faced with stone, granite or brick, and two-story stone fireplaces have dramatic impact.
“Other time-tested features include grand foyers with curved staircases, mud rooms, and studies with built-in bookcases. These features have remained popular through the years,” she says.
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Slutzky also advises that the old favorite of the past, wallpaper, is used sparingly these days.
“It is most popular for a dramatic powder room with deep rich colors and a tile look pattern, or more rarely for an accent wall somewhere else in the home,” she says. “While wallpaper has been around for a long time, today’s patterns are more sophisticated and in keeping with today’s style references.”
Today’s townhomes also make use of time-tested features to express a feeling of warmth that blends well with these carefree designs.
At Ashcroft Place in Oswego, both single-family homes and townhomes at The Townes of Ashcroft Walk feature floor plans that expertly blend classic features with the newest in design.
“White cabinets plus islands or casual dining areas reflect the history of the kitchen as the heart of the home,” says Christine Smith, sales manager for West Point Builders. “With today’s open concept floor plans, the kitchen fills a more prominent role than ever before and is a center for family togetherness and gatherings with friends. In both single-family homes and townhomes, full basements are standard and represent another feature that has always been important in the Midwest.
“Hardwood floors, mud rooms, ceiling fans, fireplaces and outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertaining are all available in both townhomes and single-family homes. Exteriors with brick fronts, porches and interesting roof details create an upscale look and also provide nostalgic curb appeal,” she says.
Ranch plans for one-level living have historic roots in Chicago bungalows and suburban ranch-style homes for many years. Ranch plans are offered by West Point Builders in both single-family homes and townhomes.
“One of our four townhome plans is a one-level design, and buyers are welcome to a Hard Hat/Muddy Boot tour of the townhome model under construction. The staff will conduct tours for visitors explaining the available floor plans and features,” Smith says.
Home exteriors also evoke a sense of the nostalgic.
“Modern farmhouse exteriors with front porches are very popular with our buyers as are Craftsman-style exteriors,” says Jeremy Lund, sales manager for Shodeen Homes. “Our buyers tend to prefer traditional elements such as large welcoming foyers, while also wanting open concept informal living areas and other 21st century innovations. Screened porches and patios are popular outdoor spaces, while neutral colors, fireplaces, hardwood flooring and other vintage features remain important parts of making a modern house a home.
“Kitchens, which have long been family gathering areas, retain nostalgic features such as islands and eating areas that allow for interaction with the cook,” he says. “Kitchens and baths, formerly primarily functional areas in older homes, are becoming more luxurious, reflecting the fact that in this fast-paced world, people are using their homes to relax and retreat from daily cares.”
For more information about these builders and their new home communities, visit tollbrothers.com, westpointbuilders.com and shodeenhomes.com.