A well-planned outdoor kitchen can transform a garden or deck into a kind of island resort, where great friends and great flavors mingle under sun or stars.

Many homeowners are building their outdoor kitchens with ovens, refrigerators, freezers, icemakers, warming drawers and microwaves.  Equally important as weatherproof appliances are the materials used to build your outdoor kitchen - floors, backsplash, fireplaces, countertops and much more.

One of our favorite plans that includes a grilling porch, ready for that outdoor kitchen, is the Cherry Street House Plan.

A covered front entry gives European flair to this 2,802 square foot Cottage house plan. The large open floor plan of the family room, with access to the covered patio, is a great space to entertain guests, while the elegant dining room, kitchen and nook give the option for more or less formal dining. Retreat to the oversized master suite with shower, whirlpool tub and walk-in closets! Two additional bedrooms, a den, and optional second floor bonus room complete this lovely design. View the house plan here.

An estimated 40 million Americans move each year, with August being high season. One of the first decisions to make is whether to hire a moving company. If you do, click on the link provided to read about some suggestions for making the experience go smoothly.  http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/756416.html

One of the keys to a successful move is organization. Get written estimates and check for a good performance record if you choose a professional mover. Check around with a few different companies before choosing one.

As consumers continue to learn more and more about green building, architects, designers and builders are starting to incorporate more green features into their new homes.

One of these features are green roofs, which can be installed on residential and commercial buildings, feature landscaping and foliage on the top of the building that often can be used by residents and tenants as a natural space for relaxing and socializing. Green roofs limit water runoff, shield the rooftop from damaging ultraviolet rays and provide extra insulation that minimizes cooling costs and cuts down noise pollution. A green roof can add to the life span of a roof, in some cases doubling the length of time the roof can function.

Thanks to new technology and products, consumers can build their dream home without sacrificing aesthetics

When it comes time to design your kitchen, you should focus first on your kitchen cabinetry. Your cabinets are the key ingredient to making a great kitchen, both aesthetically and functionally. They not only house all your kitchen gadgetry, dinnerware, edibles and cookware, but they will need to be able to endure daily use and abuse. Learn everything you need to about kitchen cabinetry in our recent issue of Home Ideas.

Stock plans are a great option for anyone wanting to build a new home.   Finding the perfect plan is not always easy.  You would be amazed at what can be accomplished by making changes to a stock plan.  Modifying your home plan can be done in several different ways.  Minor changes can be handled by redlining your plans (making changes directly on the drawings) and in the field.  More extensive changes should be made to the plans.  A very popular blueprint package for individuals who will be making modifications to their house plans are reproducibles. A reproducible set gives an architect, builder or other construction professional the ability to make changes to the drawings without having to redraw the house plans.

Beautiful windows and an arched entry are reminiscent of a Tuscan Villa. The two-story foyer, grand room and stairway create a dramatic view upon entry. With its open floor plan family room, kitchen and morning room, time will be well spent with family and friends. The second floor luxurious master suite with decorative ceilings, walk-in closet and private balcony is fit for a queen. Three additional bedrooms and a laundry room complete the 2nd floor of this fabulous design. View the house plan here.

This charming 2,697 sq. ft. Old World home features a split 3-car garage, a spacious front porch and a brick, stone and siding exterior with shake accents. The entry unfolds to a columned dining room and a home office. The large gourmet kitchen has an angled breakfast nook and a snack bar to provide additional seating and food prep space. Cabinets and shelves in the breakfast area offer pantry storage space. The center island holds a cook-top. A welcoming fireplace warms the cozy two-story family room.

The elegant master suite, with a dramatic tray ceiling, is located on the main level. Closet space abounds with his and hers walk-in closets plus a spacious sitting/dressing area. The master bath features separate vanities, a luxurious spa tub and a private toilet room with an oversized shower.

Upstairs, the suites are sweet! Each bedroom suite features its own bath, two with tubs and one with a corner shower. All suites have walk-in closets. The biggest surprise of the upper level is the expansive dual bonus areas. The possibilities are limitless as to the use of this delightfully unexpected space!

Outdoor living is enjoyed to the fullest with front and back porches and a roomy deck. We have featured a small pool in our rendering to help you plan your recreational space. View the house plan here.

Selecting the right windows to use on your new home will be one of the most important decisions you will make. Windows not only add warmth, beauty and light to your home, but provide natural comfort and efficiency if chosen correctly. Learn how to choose the right energy-efficient windows to give your home a new, “green” view in the latest issue of Home Ideas.

For the month of August 2008 only, we are giving away this $735 houseplan to anyone that wishes to download it.

Designed by Jerold Axelrod, the Delafield is a formal yet gracious country ranch home plan. This balanced, formal plan offers a tall covered porch flanked by beautifully trimmed flat bay windows.

Tall windows fill the living and dining rooms to the top of 11 foot ceilings with warm, ample lighting.

For a limited time we’re offering this plan to you for free.

You can click here to download it, where we will keep it available only until September 1, 2008.

We keep hearing about increases in new home construction, so we wanted to do our part to encourage this new growth.

By offering this house plan for free we hope you’re inspired to take the plunge and build the home of your dreams!

Building your own home can be more cost effective than buying a spec home, as you can shop product and negotiate with a builder, considering the state of today’s market. Additionally, a new home will likely appreciate a lot faster than buying an older home too.

So please accept our gift - the Delafield house plans for free - and realize the fulfillment that comes when you build your family’s house, just the way you want it!

This is a completely no-strings offer. You don’t have to sign up for our newsletter, give us your phone number or even give us your name if you prefer not to. However, we have a great home design newsletter for folks just getting started as owner builders - and those who are looking for great ideas.

View the Delafield house plan
Download the plan here (Until September 1st, 2008)

A lovely covered front porch gives this 1,629 square foot, country style house plan great curb appeal! The oversized great room with recessed ceilings and built-ins adds a custom feel to this compact design. With its split floor plan and generous sized rooms, the home allows for plenty of space for family and friends. Two covered porches and a two car garage complete this wonderful design. View the house plan here.

One of the most important elements in home interior decorating is home lighting. Lighting is instrumental in setting the mood of any room. The House Designers website has a whole section on different types and trends in lighting.

Here’s a link to our valuable information on lighting styles.

It doesn’t matter if you are building your home or remodeling, you can turn it into a solar energy home by making a few simple changes to your house plan.

If you are building your home you have several choices to choose from regarding your heating source. Using sunlight to heat your home is an excellent way to safe money on your heating bill and also to improve the environment. To read more on this subject, please see the link below.  http://www.uthinkuknow.info/heating-your-home-with-solar-energy/

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your budget and comfort. Learn how to choose the right ENERGY STAR® HVAC system, site orientation and how to practice “green” tips to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system in the latest issue of Home Ideas.

Some of the benefits to building green are living in a healthier, more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly home.

Since green building is not quite mainstream yet, it’s a good idea to research green building
on your own so you know what to look for when choosing your site, home plan, builder and sustainable products.

Read the rest of the article about the process of building green here.