When you think of the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Cod, what architectural style comes to mind? Most likely it is the New England shingle style house plan. Its weathered, wood shingle exterior siding and often irregular floor plan give shingle style homes a warm and inviting feel – that is simply perfect for a summer day.

One of the most beautiful and colorful house designs in the world, the Mediterranean house plan is a mix of the romantic, elegant, and exotic. Its attractive lines, courtyards, stucco walls, low-pitched roofs, arches, and columns create a bold – and yet inviting presence.

If you’re fascinated by Elizabethan England, castles and turrets, or the tranquil beauty of an English cottage and its garden, then the Tudor house plan is for you! Influenced by architectural designs of the Medieval Ages, the Tudor home design with its storybook charm has withstood the test of time.

For most of us, Texas means rambling ranches, mission-style homes, stately mansions, and plantations. To others, it’s also the Alamo, John Wayne, the Dallas Cowboys and those feuding Ewings of Southfork. And to anyone who was raised or spent significant time here, it is also the home of quaint towns, rolling hills, creeks, and rivers. So, it should be no surprise that Texas house styles are dictated by the state’s natural landscapes and unique geographical characteristics.

From the sophistication of Paris apartments to the tranquility of country homes in Provence, and the quaintness of the half-timbered buildings in Normandy, French style house plans are marvelous sights. Think chateaus, rustic country farmhouses, and cottages – and you get the idea of the uniquely eclectic, romantic, and charming style of French home design. Each region in France is known for its own distinctive character – and has inspired countless homes in the United States and Canada.

“And why shouldn’t a woman do as well at this profession as a man?” remarked Fay Kellogg, one of the first women architects in the U.S. Why not, indeed? Well before the phrases “girl power” and Sheryl Sandberg’s “lean in,” these remarkable female architects established the first all-women architectural firms in the country – and made a lasting impact to both architecture and business.

With so many home plan designs to suit your lifestyle and a real estate market that’s easing up, there’s never been a better time to consider a vacation home. Just imagine summer breezes on the front porch, a gentle wind rocking the hammock and swings, and a warm glow from the fireplace in the winter. We’ve come up with our checklist on exactly what you should look for in the perfect vacation home.

Ever sit on your front porch and dream of gentle sea breezes and stunning views of nature and seascapes? You can make that a reality with the modern coastal or beachfront house plan – perfect for waterfront living, comfortable, informal, and built to withstand the forces of nature.

Is your home design emitting positive energy? You may not know everything about Feng Shui principles. But take heart… and follow a few tips to make sure your home is positioned to allow unrestricted flow of energy to bring balance, harmony and prosperity to your life.

When some think of a “Southern” home, the first images that come to mind are the grand plantation style homes from Gone with the Wind, The Help and movies in between where Southern or plantation homes took center stage. Yet true Southern homes are so much more than just those stately facades. A Southern style house plan captures the spirit of Southern living in its elegance combined with comfort, warm interior design and floor plans, attractive exteriors and keenly designed landscapes that embrace the surroundings.