Design Basics was recently featured in the Omaha World-Herald’s Timeless Living section, showcasing the Strasser Pointe (#42420FB) home plan. This plan was designed for a couple and the wife’s parents; the ability to share a home, yet have separate living quarters. Read about this home design by clicking on the image below.
It’s not uncommon for people to fall in love with a certain exterior home design or the decor/colors/etc., but then ask for some pretty extensive changes to the floor plan. Or, they build/purchase the home only to find out the floor plan isn’t conducive to their household’s needs. You’ve made a pretty substantial purchase, don’t let buyer’s remorse put a damper on the excitement of your new home!
When we were looking for our first home, my cousin told me this exact same thing, as she and her husband made the mistake of looking at the exterior and interior decor rather than the actual layout of the home. Once they got settled in, they found the home’s “livability” wasn’t right for them. She told me, “You can change the decor, but it’s difficult to change the layout!” We appreciated this advice.
No Regrets: Home designers suggest home buyers get the floor plan design right, then address the elevation – because various elevation styles can be crafted once the home’s layout has been determined. Also, if you are building new, inquire about plan alterations as there may be a couple of areas that you’d like designed a little bit different. We can help you realize your dream home with a few changes.
While we know the home’s exterior appeal is the first impression and will either attract or disinterest home buyers, we encourage you to explore the floor plan/layout before making a decision. Your perfect home may be hiding behind the the next door you open!
Take for example the three Peony plans:
The modern farm house design has reached an all-time high in popularity. Though, you may wonder how this modern differs from a traditional farm house design? In this example, the Troon Manor (plan #9166) takes the Farm House Design and ups the ante.
With highly desirable features such as a luxurious owner’s retreat with coffered ceilings, a large kitchen designed for entertaining, and flex spaces throughout, the Troon Manor gives luxury to an otherwise more modest design.
By incorporating luxurious features, you can be surprised with something a little unexpected. The open floor plan and welcoming exterior are natural amenities found with most modern farm house plans; however, it’s the extra touches that will grab your attention!
View our growing collection of Modern Farm House designs to see what other “surprises” you may find.
Modern design is known for interesting architectural features, elevations with mixed materials, and very open floor plans. Industrial design takes those features and incorporates exposed interiors, metal or concrete finishes, and high beamed ceilings. So, are all modern designs also industrial? Not so fast…
Plans such as the Platinum Woods (plan #29382) has a very modern and industrial vibe. With the concrete-like stucco finish, metal framed windows, and an open floor plan, it’s easy to see this as a more industrial contemporary design.
Alternatively, the Beckley Springs (plan #42349) offers a more coastal modern aesthetic, without incorporating industrial elements. The open floor plan offers an airy feel, while the built-in organization nook keeps it warm and family friendly. Yet, the exterior design elements feature a slightly contemporary look.
Search our plan library for more selections – use the “House Plan Style” filter to search by style.
“Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted.”
“…the trouble is I don’t know which half,” uttered back in the 1800s by John Wanamaker, the Philadelphia marketing pioneer whose department stores ultimately became part of Macy’s; Wanamaker’s words still ring true today. Ironically, at the exact time prospective new home buyers are actively seeking information to help them make the best new home purchase, too many messages fail to engage.
Left-brain/right-brain theory suggests words and information reside in the left hemisphere of the brain, associated with logic and rational thinking. Sometimes called the “emotional brain,” the right hemisphere is home to pictures, feelings, and her sense of identity. And we know buyers buy on emotion and subsequently justify those purchase decisions rationally. I’m an avid reader of Motor Trend. Many of the car ads are predictable – a beauty shot of the automobile, some text… Would anyone really notice if you were to swap out the photo of the car and the manufacturer ID? However, Volkswagen’s ad for their parking assist was different:
This Volkswagen ad doesn’t even show the product! Rather, it addresses a feature (Park Assist), implies the benefit (making parallel parking safe and easy), and is emotional (humorous).
Okay, your turn. Much home builder advertising seems almost “templated,” focused on a beautiful photo of the home (exterior or interior), informative text meant to differentiate, and company identification. The beauty photo might attract attention, but is the ad memorable and engaging?
Main visual: Worried, wide-eyed 8-year old. Headline: “Mom, have you seen my _____?” Secondary visual: The lockers/cubbies in the rear foyer of your home. Secondary 
text: Cubbies/lockers provide organization, helping get everyone out the door on time in the morning.
Main visual: Woman wrapped in towel, smiling, standing in entry to door-less walk-in shower, holding squeegee. Headline: No door to clean! Secondary visual: Bathroom layout illustrating walk-in shower. Secondary text: Giving you back a little more time.
Main visual: Baby napping. Headline: Another reason to chose the “Serenity Package.” Secondary text: Peace and quiet is a beautiful thing. You’ll never regret opting for the Serenity Package with (highlight a few of the product upgrades included, such as quiet appliances, bath fans, garage door opener, etc.).
Main visual: Adorable, muddy dog staring up at you. Secondary visual: Your home’s optional pet center. Text: Appreciating everyone in your household.
Each of the above examples delivers on one of home buyer’s most-desired benefits – reducing stress. While most builders touting “quality-built,” “industry-leader,” and “customer-focused,” are essentially wasting their advertising dollars (what builder doesn’t say those things?). Ads focused on the concepts and benefits customers seek, without the overused exterior/interior beauty photos are emotional, engaging, and drive decision making!
In addition to innovative home plans, Design Basics can help you develop compelling ads that work. Let’s talk!
