NOW AVAILABLE: The Chancellor Plan #1337

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Emily

Check out our newest hillside walkout home plan, The Chancellor #1337!

Default Image of The Chancellor - House Plan Number 1337

Front rendering

Home Design Quick Facts:

3 stories, including a finished basement.
Home elevator.
Gourmet kitchen with huge walk-in pantry

Country Craftsman exterior

An angled courtyard entry and large bracketed dormer provide a dramatic entry to this gorgeous hillside home. A gabled roof and two shed dormers over the garage create country charm, along with Craftsman details like the arched entryway and double columns.

Main floor, designed for entertaining

The massive central great room divides the master suite, with lavish bath and huge walk-in closets, from the public areas of the home. The large island kitchen is a chef’s dream, and easily accesses a roomy pantry, a utility room with tons of counter space, and a bayed dining room with tray ceiling. A skylit screen porch with summer kitchen completes the main level.

Extra living space, upstairs and down

Upstairs, two bedrooms share access to a huge bonus room. The lower level has another bedroom tucked away – perfect for guests or an older child – and a rec room with wet bar and fireplace. An elevator makes navigating the three levels a breeze for older family members.

View the Chancellor floor plan and more details here

Find more house plans like this one on our website

Design Trend: Farmhouse Chic

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Emily

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Reclaimed wood, aged metals, and distressed details are showing up everywhere in interior design. Farmhouse Chic decor has a soft elegance with a rustic edge – perfect for dressing up a small cottage or a Craftsman bungalow.

Sliding barn doors are a great way to save space, and typically work anywhere you might use a pocket door. You can find a brand new, ready-to-install barn door, or get crafty and salvage one. A salvaged door can be refinished or simply cleaned up for a distressed look, and mounted with new hardware, like wall-mount kits from Johnson Hardware.

Farmhouse Chic Barn Door: The Lariston Plan #815

Master Bath of The Lariston Plan #815

Rough-hewn wood details can be incorporated anywhere, from ceiling beams, to columns, to fireplace mantels. When paired with stacked stone or crisp, white trim, the natural warmth of the wood shines through.

Exposed Wood Detail of The Genova Plan #1191-D

Outdoor fireplace of the Genova Plan #1191-D

Farmhouse sinks, or apron sinks, are oversized and extra deep – perfect for families who do a lot of cooking. Their vintage look is a great way to add flair to a traditional Country kitchen. Most often found in porcelain or stainless steel, their rise in popularity means they can now be found in a wide range of materials, colors, and styles. Kohler features an entire line to choose from!

Whitehaven® Kitchen Sinks by Kohler
www.us.kohler.com

DIY projects are a fun and creative way to add small rustic details to your decor. For example, these mason jar pendant lights are simple and ideal to hang over kitchen bar seating. Houzz and Pinterest are two great places to find inspiration!

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/fe/95/a7/fe95a700a350f657fe1c2e31adb94edd.jpg

via Pinterest.com

Follow us on Pinterest to find interior ideas and tons of photos!

Find your Farmhouse Home Plan on our website!

Gallery: Decorative Ceilings

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Emily

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Cathedral, Vaulted, Coffered . . . Decorative ceilings add style and volume to any space!

Here’s a brief photo-guide to some common types of decorative ceilings. From simple cathedrals to unique custom creations, learn more about the different options and find the style that’s right for you!

Cathedral: A ceiling that symmetrically projects upward in an inverted “V” shape.

Beams and dormer windows embellish this cathedral ceiling from the great room of the Adelaide Plan #866-D.

Vaulted: A ceiling which springs from a lower wall up to a higher wall. Includes Cathedral ceilings.

Vaulted Ceilings: The Jerivale - Plan #1033

Exposed wood and a stone fireplace give a rustic feel to The Jerivale Plan #1033

Tray: Constructed with four or more sides angling upward to a higher, flat ceiling. This style resembles an upside-down tray and is commonly seen in breakfast areas, dining rooms and bedrooms.

This contemporary tray ceiling adds subtle elegance to the master bedroom in the Zeller Plan #1014.

Stepped: A series of trays, one inside the other, at different planes.

Stepped Ceilings: The Clarkson - Plan #1117

Custom, modified stepped ceiling in the master bedroom of The Clarkson Plan #1117

Coffered: Showcasing recessed paneling, typically in rectangular or square configurations. Most common in formal rooms of a floor plan.

Neutral colors and gallery lighting showcase the coffered ceiling in the great room of The Runnymeade Plan #1164

Barrel Vaulted: A simple, continuous vault, typically arched or tunnel-shaped.

Barrel Vaulted Ceilings: The Clarkson - Plan #1117

This impressive design was a custom modification in what would have been a cathedral ceiling in The Clarkson Plan #1117

Custom: What was drawn as a standard tray or cathedral ceiling can be redesigned with unique, artistic elements to create a one-of-a-kind ceiling.

Custom Ceilings: The Runnymeade - Plan #1164

This custom-designed ceiling in the master bedroom of The Runnymeade Plan #1164 is a modified tray, with curved sides and coffered details.

Look for the dashed lines on our floor plans to see what type of ceiling is in each room, and contact our Customer Sales & Support Team with any questions.

Hillside Walkout Plan:
The Whitcomb #1218-D

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Emily

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The Whitcomb Plan #1218-D is a hillside walkout plan with a traditional brick and siding exterior. Read more about this featured plan:

Traditional exterior with lots of character

Thoughtful details abound in this traditionally styled hillside walkout plan. From low-maintenance brick and siding, to the double columns and gabled roof, the Whitcomb is a neighborhood charmer.

Open kitchen and great room

On the main level, a barrel-vaulted ceiling welcomes guests to the foyer with style. The kitchen, great room, and dining room flow together while still maintaining definition thanks to varied ceiling heights and the judicious use of columns.

The kitchen island is the perfect place for prep-work, quick meals, and conversation. Nearby, a large pantry and utility room are situated by the garage entry.

Relaxing master suite

The master suite is located on the main level for convenience, and features a bayed sitting area facing rear views. Just a step away is the sprawling rear deck for enjoying morning coffee and warm evenings. His-and-hers closets and an efficiently designed bathroom complete this private retreat.

Designed for sloping lots

Rear exterior

This hillside walkout home plan is well-suited for sloping lots, making it an ideal lakefront, mountain, or golf course home. A deck spans the rear of the main floor and leads to a screened porch with outdoor kitchen. The lower level is wrapped with patio space and a spa area. Downstairs is a rec room and two more bedrooms, each with a walk in closet. An expansive unfinished storage area is an added bonus.

Click here to view the floor plans and more photos of the Whitcomb plan

Register for myDAG and sign up to receive our Plan of the Week emails

WoodTrac Closet Organization

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Emily

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WoodTrac Closet Kits help you get organized and make the most of both walk-in and reach-in closets.

With tons of customizable features and solid wood shelves and railings, WoodTrac closet systems work well in any closet in your home. Wood shelves allow clothes to be stored without the impression marks associated with wire shelving – and they are much easier to clean. Options include double hanging rods, shelving, or doors and drawers. The new reach-in closets are available in white, cherry and espresso finishes and can be installed for under $200 in a space up to 8 feet wide.

Plan your space
A handy tool on their website lets you design the perfect system for your needs. Just plug in the left, middle, and right wall measurements and select a finish to see the available options.

Contact the Customer Services Representatives at Don Gardner Architects for closet dimensions if you haven’t purchased your home plan yet. Call 1-800-388-7580, or email info@dongardner.com!

Installation is simple and fast
Easier to install than custom closets, WoodTrac’s cleat system secures the kit to the wall, supports shelves and creates a finished furniture appearance. Cleats are run wall-to-wall and screwed into studs for maximum holding strength. Cabinets are pre-routed and hardware is included, so all you need is a tape measure, level, drill, screwdriver and saw. Here’s a quick how-to video:

Unconventional Bathroom Flooring

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Emily

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The bathroom is typically the smallest room in the home, which makes it the perfect place to get creative!

Wood-Grain Tile
Tile is a classic choice for bathroom flooring, with plenty of styles and textures to choose from. The Reclamation Collection by Crossville Tile offers the benefits of porcelain tile with a wood-inspired look that’s elegant and modern.

Image courtesy of Crossville Tile

Cork
Eco-friendly and attractive, cork is mildew-resistant and bounces back from small mishaps. Its soft, springy texture means you won’t have to step onto a cold floor. Although cork is water-resistant, consult a professional for installation in the bathroom due to the seams between the tiles.

via www.designsponge.com

Concrete
Concrete can be an easy and economical flooring choice if your home is built on a slab foundation. Sanding and sealing might be all that’s needed to get a polished look, and staining or etching can give it one-of-a-kind flair.

via www.hegeinfrance.com

Pebbles
Pebble tiles are a unique, yet low-key, flooring option that enhances any style of decor while feeling comfortable under foot. Cover the entire floor or mix with other types of tile to create your own design.

via Pinterest.com

Pennies
You may have stumbled across this idea already (if you spend enough time on Pinterest) – penny flooring. It’s unusual, but copper has always been a fashionable accent color. Perhaps a bit over-the-top, but definitely a conversation starter!

via Pinterest.com

Follow us on Pinterest to get inspired by tons of interior home photos!

Find your new home plan at www.dongardner.com!

From Concept to Completion

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Emily

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Here’s a look at the life of a Don Gardner house plan, from a concept to a completed home!

Example: Plan #1300

House Plans on the Drawing Board

Concept Sketch: Plan #1300 Our home plan concepts begin as sketches, which we share online as
House Plans on the Drawing Board. We post these house plans in sketch form to get feedback from you, our customers! We value all customer opinions, good or bad, so feel free to let us know what you think of these plans!

Although not yet available for purchase, call our helpful Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-388-7580 if you see a conceptual design that looks just right for you – we may be able to speed up the process!

Finished plan is ready for purchase

Once a plan is finalized, an artist’s rendering is created to bring life into the exterior. Then we give it a name and post it to our website for purchase! This is the Lennon Plan #1300:

Completed photos arrive

After a plan has been available for some time, customers and builders may share photos of their completed homes with us. It’s always exciting to see the finished product!

Click here for a list of home plans with photos available!

Check out all our Conceptual Designs and give us your suggestions: House Plans on the Drawing Board

If you’ve built a Don Gardner home, send your photos to info@dongardner.com!

Plan of the Week: The Runnymeade #1164

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Emily

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The Runnymeade Plan #1164 – This European cottage makes a grand impression in under 1,600 square feet!

Front exterior

Home Design Quick Facts:

Clipped gables and mixed materials.
Spacious utility room.
Large rear porch with fireplace.

Compact and charming, the Runnymeade includes all the details of a much larger home. The European style exterior features a stone entrance and copper roofing over the bedroom/study window.

Special details create an inviting interior

Great room

The interior features tray ceilings in almost every common room, granting a luxurious feel to each. The breakfast room is hugged by a bow window, as is the master bedroom.

A 13 foot high ceiling in the great room adds a feeling of spaciousness, while built-in cabinetry, a fireplace, and special ceiling details create a welcoming space for entertaining or just relaxing.

The breakfast room, great room, kitchen and dining room are all just a step away from one another, allowing conversation to flow throughout the living areas.

Living extends outdoors

The sprawling porch and patio just off the great room are an added bonus, and a fireplace on the porch is a great way to keep warm during cooler months.

Rear porch with fireplace

Functional spaces make living easy

Perfectly positioned, the bedrooms ensure privacy from one another. Two secondary bedrooms share a bath and the elegant master suite is located in the rear of the home. The generous utility room is sure to please any homeowner and sits just off the garage without blocking the walkway. The garage includes a small storage area, and a bonus room above awaits the imagination!

Click here to see floor plans and more photos of the Runnymeade.
Click here to see the sister plan, the Lucerne, which features a single dining space, island kitchen, and walk-in pantry.

Product Round Up: Porches, Decks, and Patios

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Emily

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Porches, decks, and patios are an important part of your home, so we’ve put together a list of products that are perfect for your outdoor living spaces.

Building a new home is an exciting time. Whether you like to entertain or spend some quiet time outdoors, Don Gardner homes offer efficient layouts and outdoor features like porches, patios, decks and summer kitchens. Browse Outdoor Living Space home plans on our website, and read on to discover some great product ideas!

TREX DECKING
Trex has a lineup of low-maintenance, long-lasting composite decking in a range of textures and colors for your new deck. It stands up to weather and resists stains and mold thanks to its high-performance shell, and offers a soft, splinter-free finish with a deep wood-grain pattern. Their earth-friendly products are made from 95% recycled wood, sawdust and plastics. No sanding. No staining. No painting!

www.trex.com

ELDORADO OUTDOOR
Many Don Gardner home plans include a fireplace on the screened porch for year-round enjoyment. Eldorado Outdoor Fireplaces feature an integrated scratch coat and are ready to be dressed with Eldorado Stone or Brick for the ultimate masonry appearance. Choose from wood-burning or gas, with additional accessories available including chimney extensions and seating walls to truly customize your space.

www.eldoradooutdoor.com

FEENEY CABLERAIL with LED LIGHTING
Feeney CableRail is a perfect solution for stairs, balconies, and deck railings where you want to maintain an unobstructed view of the outdoors. The new LED Rail Light Kit for DesignRail not only provides safety in low-light areas, it’s a lighting accent that creates a charming atmosphere for outdoor entertaining. Their versatile designs work well with any exterior style, from rustic to modern.

www.feeneyinc.com

WALPOLE OUTDOORS’ PERGOLAS
Adding a pergola to your patio creates a shady, relaxing outdoor living space. Walpole Outdoors offers many standard choices, from straight top to arched-top pergolas with round or square columns in six sizes, and are available with retractable Sunbrella fabric canopies to provide shelter whenever the weather changes. Walpole will assist you in designing a custom pergola for your home, and PVC construction means they are long-lasting and low maintenance.

www.walpolewoodworkers.com

DANVER OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens offers a variety of products to create your dream entertainment area, including refrigeration, ice makers, pizza ovens, power burners, ceramic smoker/grills, and bartending centers. You can choose from designer colors and realistic wood grain powder coat finishes on stainless, creating a one-of-a-kind summer kitchen.

www.danver.com

Dog-Friendly Home Ideas

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Emily

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Any house plan can be dog-friendly with a little creativity, planning, and design!

From small space savers to over-the-top suites, there are many creative ways to incorporate living space for your Best Friend into your new home. Especially when it comes to the mud room or utility room. Here are 5 ideas from around the web to inspire you:

1. A pet spa in the utility room
A dog spa like this one makes bath time easy…no bending over, and a handheld hose for rinsing. Having bath time in the utility room keeps messes out of the bathroom and makes for simple clean-up.

dybdahldesign.com

2. Built-in feeding bowls
This idea is perfect for taking advantage of the unused space at the bottom of kitchen or utility room cabinetry. Install it under the cabinet where you plan to store dog food and other supplies to save time in your daily routine.

peridotruby.com

3. Puppy Suite
This glamorous layout is perfect for families with several dogs, or for people who provide foster homes for dogs in need. These “bedrooms” can be installed in a converted garage, finished basement, or even an extra bedroom. Easy-to-clean flooring and surfaces are essential!.

Pinterest.com

4. Utilize any extra space
What might have been a small storage area, or even wasted space, can be transformed into a dog bedroom. Neutral colors and dog-themed decor add charm, and can easily blend in with the rest of the living space.

Pinterest.com

5. Hidden doggie door
Doggie doors don’t typically blend in with home decor, so consider hiding it behind cabinet doors. Plus, it’s easy to close when you don’t want anyone going in or out!

armijodesigngroup.com

HOUSE PLANS BLOG

NOW AVAILABLE: The Chancellor Plan #1337

Check out our newest hillside walkout home plan, The Chancellor #1337!

View the Chancellor floor plan and more details here

Find more house plans like this one on our website

Design Trend: Farmhouse Chic

Follow us on Pinterest to find interior ideas and tons of photos!

Find your Farmhouse Home Plan on our website!

Gallery: Decorative Ceilings

Cathedral, Vaulted, Coffered . . . Decorative ceilings add style and volume to any space!

Hillside Walkout Plan:
The Whitcomb #1218-D

The Whitcomb Plan #1218-D is a hillside walkout plan with a traditional brick and siding exterior. Read more about this featured plan:

Click here to view the floor plans and more photos of the Whitcomb plan

Register for myDAG and sign up to receive our Plan of the Week emails

WoodTrac Closet Organization

WoodTrac Closet Kits help you get organized and make the most of both walk-in and reach-in closets.

Unconventional Bathroom Flooring

The bathroom is typically the smallest room in the home, which makes it the perfect place to get creative!

Follow us on Pinterest to get inspired by tons of interior home photos!

Find your new home plan at www.dongardner.com!

From Concept to Completion

Here’s a look at the life of a Don Gardner house plan, from a concept to a completed home!

Example: Plan #1300

Plan of the Week: The Runnymeade #1164

The Runnymeade Plan #1164 – This European cottage makes a grand impression in under 1,600 square feet!

Click here to see floor plans and more photos of the Runnymeade.
Click here to see the sister plan, the Lucerne, which features a single dining space, island kitchen, and walk-in pantry.

Product Round Up: Porches, Decks, and Patios

Porches, decks, and patios are an important part of your home, so we’ve put together a list of products that are perfect for your outdoor living spaces.

Dog-Friendly Home Ideas

Any house plan can be dog-friendly with a little creativity, planning, and design!

Cat-lovers, we have a blog post for you coming soon, so be sure to bookmark our blog and check back!

To start your house plan search, visit www.dongardner.com

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Check out our newest hillside walkout home plan, The Chancellor #1337!

View the Chancellor floor plan and more details here

Find more house plans like this one on our website

Follow us on Pinterest to find interior ideas and tons of photos!

Find your Farmhouse Home Plan on our website!

Cathedral, Vaulted, Coffered . . . Decorative ceilings add style and volume to any space!

The Whitcomb Plan #1218-D is a hillside walkout plan with a traditional brick and siding exterior. Read more about this featured plan:

Click here to view the floor plans and more photos of the Whitcomb plan

Register for myDAG and sign up to receive our Plan of the Week emails

WoodTrac Closet Kits help you get organized and make the most of both walk-in and reach-in closets.

The bathroom is typically the smallest room in the home, which makes it the perfect place to get creative!

Follow us on Pinterest to get inspired by tons of interior home photos!

Find your new home plan at www.dongardner.com!

Here’s a look at the life of a Don Gardner house plan, from a concept to a completed home!

Example: Plan #1300

The Runnymeade Plan #1164 – This European cottage makes a grand impression in under 1,600 square feet!

Click here to see floor plans and more photos of the Runnymeade. Click here to see the sister plan, the Lucerne, which features a single dining space, island kitchen, and walk-in pantry.

Porches, decks, and patios are an important part of your home, so we’ve put together a list of products that are perfect for your outdoor living spaces.

Any house plan can be dog-friendly with a little creativity, planning, and design!

Cat-lovers, we have a blog post for you coming soon, so be sure to bookmark our blog and check back!

To start your house plan search, visit www.dongardner.com

Click here to see floor plans and more photos of the Runnymeade.
Click here to see the sister plan, the Lucerne, which features a single dining space, island kitchen, and walk-in pantry.