House Plan Spotlight: The Florida Collection
House Plan Spotlight: The Florida Collection
Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to kick back and relax. Enjoy some swimming. Slather on the sunblock. Drink some of those fancy coconut drinks with the little umbrellas. It’s that time of year when we all start having dreams of Florida and the beautiful sandy beaches. So, let’s look at some plans that are so perfect for The Sunshine State that we named the collection after them.
One thing you have to remember about Florida and the house designs that are created and built in the area is that all of them are going to have 8-inch-thick solid concrete construction. We have alternative plans that don’t use this type of construction that closely resemble these plans, but in Florida it’s part of the building code to have the walls built in such a way.
Floridian Style
The style that is most typified in the Florida collection is a mixture of Spanish and Caribbean influences. The Spanish influence gives you thick stucco walls with clay tiles. These are also better for the weather patterns of Florida.
The thick stucco holds the cool of the evening during the day, making it perfect for the muggy, tropical climate that is prevalent in Florida. It also makes it easier to build the reinforced walls required for properties that may be in the path of a potential hurricane.
The clay tile roofs which are a staple in Spain have transitioned easily to the shores of Florida. These are great for the hot climates and they are easy to replace if you have some sort of weather damage.
Another influencer for the Florida style comes from the Caribbean. From there we get the cooler, more earthy colors. The Spanish decorate their stucco homes in brilliant shades with bright contrasts. In Florida, it’s a little more laid back. The tones are much more muted with smaller prints and lighter fabrics.
On that note, let’s look at some of the house plans created by Michael E. Nelson specifically for Florida that are in our Florida Collection.
The Austin (NDG 556)
This 2,400 square foot home gives you 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths with a 2-car garage. Coming in from the Front Porch, you find yourself in a Foyer with an arched opening and a coat closet. To you right is the Dining Room that opens with a gorgeous arched opening.
From the Dining Room you can walk directly into the Corner Kitchen that has room for a pantry and seating for 4 at the bar. Walking forward you find yourself in the Breakfast Room or the informal dining area that has a beautiful bank of windows opening up to the Lanai in the rear of the home.
From the Breakfast Room you can turn to your left and find the Great Room with an optional fireplace. If you read my first blog this week, you know this would be the perfect place to feature some of that brickwork to pull the room together.
The far wall of the Great Room has a double French door opening up on to the Lanai, which could be screened in. This is perfect for those long, hot summer evenings when you are entertaining friends.
To the right of the Great Room you will find the hallway leading to Bathroom 1 and Bedrooms 2, 3, and 4. Bedroom 2 can double as a study and features a built-in computer sitter. You can also put in an optional door here to lead directly to the Foyer.
On the opposite side of the home you find the Garage, a small half bath and the Laundry Room. The Garage features a large storage closet to keep everything you need organized and out of the way throughout the year.
This side of the home also features the Master Suite. The Master Suite features a private opening on to the Lanai and sloped ceilings. The Master Bath features 2 walk in closets, a large whirlpool tub, and a glass shower.
This home has everything you would ever need for a Florida home. It even features space for a swimming pool in the back yard. Can’t you just see yourself sitting on the Lanai sipping a cold glass of sweet tea and listening to the children play?
The Anniston (NDG 557)
This floor plan gives you just under 2,300 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths and also features a 1 car garage. As you come in from the Front Porch of the home you find yourself in the Foyer that features 12-foot ceilings.
To your left is the Dining Room that features a large picture window and columns surrounding the space. From the Dining Room you can step across the Gallery to the Great Room. The Great Room features more of the 12-foot ceilings and double doors that open on to the Lanai to the rear of the home. The Lanai can be screened in and features arched openings to really pull that Spanish style into the home.
To the left of the Great Room you will find the Kitchen and the Breakfast Room. The Kitchen features long counter tops with bar seating for 4. It also has a built-in pantry right across from the refrigerator. Convenient! The Breakfast Room features a large picture window looking out onto the Lanai.
On the right side of the plan is the first Bathroom and Bedrooms 2, 3, and 4. Bedroom 2 features vaulted ceilings and a double closet. I know this would be perfect for any little girl. Bedroom 4 can also double as an office and has an entryway to the Lanai.
On the left side of the plan you will find the Garage and Laundry Area. This is also where you will find the Master Suite which is accessed from the Breakfast Room. The Master Bedroom features a 10-foot boxed ceiling and a large picture window looking out the rear of the home.
The Master Bath features French doors from the Master Suite, a large walk-in closet, his and hers sinks, a shower with a bench and whirlpool tub. This plan is perfect for any family looking for more space for their home.
The Arlington (NDG 558)
This house plan gives you nearly 3,700 square feet of living area including 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3 car Garage. And boy, let me tell you, I would live in this place in a heartbeat. This plan has everything that you could ever want in a house. And if it doesn’t, well we can add it. (Remember, we modify our plans to fit your needs.)
As you step into this home from the Front Porch, you find yourself in the open floor plan Foyer that leads directly to the Great Room. Immediately, your eyes are drawn to the large doors at the rear of the Great Room that leads out onto the Lanai and Grilling Porch at the Rear of the Home.
To the left of the Foyer is the Dining Room which features a Butler’s Pantry and a regular Pantry. “James, bring me a mimosa to the lanai." (Butlers are always named “James", right?) From the Great Room you make your way into the Kitchen and Breakfast Area. This Kitchen is massive. It features a center island, a ton of counter space and built in desk for all of your Pinterest pinning needs.
The Kitchen also has bar seating for 4. The Breakfast Area gives you a bay window setup with a perfect view of the Lanai and your property to the rear of the home. The Breakfast Area opens up to the Den which is just full of windows and features a fireplace on the rear wall.
This side of the home also features a Laundry Room, the Garage and Bedrooms 2 and 3 which share a Jack and Jill Bathroom. On the other side of the home, you find a Library, and a small Hall Bathroom that is accessible from the Lanai and features a small shower. The days of coming in and having to trod through the house smelling of sweat and coconut oil are over.
The Master Suite takes up most of the square footage on the right side of the home. The Master Suite itself features its own sitting area with a bay style window that looks out the rear of the home. There are two walk-in closets. The Master Bath is actually split into two distinct sides. Each side has their own shower, sink and toilet while in the dividing line is the whirlpool tub. Which is probably big enough for two anyway?
This plan is spacious, luxury living right on the beach and with the 8-inch concrete outer walls you won’t have as much to worry about.
The Florida style is one of harmony. It pulls together different cultures and influences. It is made to deal with terrifying weather. And yet, it gives you a sense of comfort and peace. I don’t know how you could look for anything more in a style of home or a décor.
Here at Nelson Design Group we have an entire collection devoted to the Florida style. If this style tickles your fancy, come check it out today.
Maybe you're looking for another style? Don’t worry, we have you covered. Come check out Nelson Design Group’s collection of over 1,800 house plans. And come check out the past blog posts in this series:
- Farmhouse style
- Farmhouse House Plans
- Contemporary Modern style
- Contemporary Modern House Plans
- Rustic Style
- Rustic House plans
- Mountain and Cabins House Style
- Mountain and Cabin House Plans
- Examining House Styles: Pool Houses
- House Plan Spotlight: Pool Houses
- Examining House Styles: The Florida Collection
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