Discover Breathtaking House Plans with Expansive 2 Story Great Rooms

A House Plan with a 2 Story Great Room is a common type of design that utilizes a large, open space which typically spans the height of two stories. This open area serves as the focal point of the home and is designed to create a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. The great room often combines the functions of a living room, dining room, and family room into a single, cohesive space, facilitating gatherings and activities for family and guests alike.

For example, a House Plan with a 2 Story Great Room might feature a grand staircase leading up to a mezzanine overlooking the main living area. This open design allows for ample natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The high ceilings and open floor plan promote a feeling of volume and openness, encouraging a sense of freedom and comfort within the home.

When considering House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms, it’s important to take note of the following key points:

• Open and spacious
• Abundant natural light
• Versatile and adaptable
• Enhanced sense of volume
• Grand staircase often featured
• Mezzanine overlooks main living area
• Can include a fireplace
• Wall of windows common
• High ceilings
• Creates a focal point

These elements combine to create a dramatic and inviting living space that serves as the heart of the home.

Open and spacious

House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms are designed to create a sense of openness and spaciousness. The open floor plan eliminates walls and partitions between the living room, dining room, and family room, creating a single, cohesive space. This open concept allows for easy flow and movement throughout the area, making it perfect for entertaining guests or spending time with family.

The high ceilings in a 2 Story Great Room contribute to the feeling of spaciousness. The vertical space creates a sense of volume and grandeur, making the room feel larger than it actually is. Additionally, the abundance of natural light from large windows and doors further enhances the sense of openness and airiness.

The open and spacious design of a 2 Story Great Room promotes a sense of freedom and comfort within the home. The lack of walls and partitions allows for uninterrupted sightlines, creating a feeling of connectedness and togetherness. This open concept is particularly beneficial for families, as it allows parents to keep an eye on children while they play or interact in different areas of the great room.

Overall, the open and spacious design of a House Plan with a 2 Story Great Room creates a welcoming and inviting living space that is perfect for both everyday living and special occasions.

Abundant natural light

House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms are designed to maximize natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The large windows and doors that are typically featured in these plans allow for ample sunlight to flood the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

• Large windows: Many House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms feature large windows that span from floor to ceiling. These windows provide unobstructed views of the outdoors and allow for an abundance of natural light to enter the space. The large glass panes also help to create a connection between the interior and exterior, bringing the outside in.
• Multiple windows: In addition to large windows, many 2 Story Great Rooms also feature multiple windows on different walls. This strategic placement of windows ensures that the space is flooded with natural light from all angles, eliminating dark corners and creating a consistently bright and cheerful atmosphere.
• Doors with windows: Some House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms incorporate doors with windows, such as French doors or sliding glass doors. These doors not only provide access to outdoor spaces but also allow for additional natural light to enter the room. The combination of windows and doors creates a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness and openness.
• High ceilings: The high ceilings in a 2 Story Great Room contribute to the abundance of natural light. The vertical space allows for more windows to be placed higher up on the walls, capturing light from different angles. The high ceilings also prevent the room from feeling cramped or closed in, allowing the natural light to circulate freely throughout the space.

The abundant natural light in a House Plan with a 2 Story Great Room has numerous benefits. It creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, reduces the need for artificial lighting, and provides occupants with a connection to the outdoors. The natural light also has positive effects on mood, well-being, and productivity.

Versatile and adaptable

House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms offer a high degree of versatility and adaptability, making them suitable for a wide range of lifestyles and preferences. The open and spacious design allows for a variety of furniture arrangements and dcor styles, giving homeowners the freedom to personalize the space to their liking.

• Multi-purpose space: The great room can serve a multitude of purposes, depending on the needs of the homeowners. It can function as a formal living room for entertaining guests, a cozy family room for relaxation, a dining area for family meals, or a home office. The large space can easily accommodate different activities and zones, allowing for a flexible and dynamic living environment.
• Adapts to different lifestyles: The versatility of a 2 Story Great Room makes it suitable for different lifestyles and stages of life. For families with young children, the open space provides ample room for play and interaction. As children grow older, the space can be adapted to accommodate their changing needs, such as creating a dedicated study area or a media room.
• Accommodates different dcor styles: The open and neutral design of a 2 Story Great Room allows for a variety of dcor styles to be incorporated. Whether homeowners prefer a modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic style, the space can be easily transformed to suit their tastes and create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
• Easy to customize: The adaptability of a 2 Story Great Room extends to its customization options. Homeowners can choose from a variety of features and finishes to personalize the space, such as built-in bookcases, fireplaces, accent walls, and lighting fixtures. These customizable elements allow homeowners to create a truly unique and tailored living space that reflects their individual style and preferences.

The versatility and adaptability of House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms make them an excellent choice for homeowners who desire a flexible and dynamic living space that can adapt to their changing needs and lifestyles.

Enhanced sense of volume

House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms are designed to create an enhanced sense of volume, making the space feel larger and more spacious than its actual dimensions. This is achieved through a combination of architectural elements and design techniques.

• High ceilings: The high ceilings in a 2 Story Great Room are a key factor in creating a sense of volume. The vertical space allows for more air to circulate and creates a feeling of openness and grandeur. The high ceilings also draw the eye upward, making the room feel even larger.
• Open floor plan: The open floor plan of a 2 Story Great Room eliminates walls and partitions between the living room, dining room, and family room, creating a single, cohesive space. This open concept allows for uninterrupted sightlines and a free flow of movement, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
• Large windows: The large windows that are typically featured in 2 Story Great Rooms allow for an abundance of natural light to enter the space. The natural light helps to brighten the room and make it feel more airy and spacious. The large windows also provide views of the outdoors, which can further enhance the sense of volume.
• Minimal use of walls: 2 Story Great Rooms typically have a minimal use of walls, which contributes to the sense of openness and volume. Instead of walls, the space is often defined by furniture arrangements and changes in flooring or ceiling height. This creates a more fluid and dynamic space that feels larger and more inviting.

The enhanced sense of volume in a House Plan with a 2 Story Great Room creates a dramatic and impressive living space that is perfect for entertaining guests or spending time with family. The spacious and open design promotes a sense of freedom and comfort, making it an ideal space for everyday living and special occasions.

Grand staircase often featured

Grand staircases are often featured in House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms due to their dramatic visual impact and functional benefits. These staircases serve as a central focal point and add a touch of elegance and grandeur to the space.

• Creates a striking visual statement: A grand staircase is a stunning architectural element that immediately draws the eye and creates a sense of awe and admiration. The sweeping curves, intricate details, and impressive scale of a grand staircase make it a true showpiece that adds a touch of drama and sophistication to the 2 Story Great Room.
• Connects the two levels seamlessly: A grand staircase provides a graceful and elegant way to connect the two levels of the home. The open design of the staircase allows for natural light to flow freely between the levels, creating a sense of spaciousness and cohesion. The staircase also serves as a visual link between the different areas of the home, enhancing the overall flow and functionality of the space.
• Provides a gathering place: In addition to its aesthetic and functional purposes, a grand staircase can also serve as a gathering place for family and guests. The wide steps and spacious landings provide ample room for people to pause, chat, and enjoy the views of the great room. This makes the staircase a natural social hub and a place where memories are made.
• Enhances the sense of volume: The verticality of a grand staircase draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of height and grandeur. This helps to enhance the sense of volume in the 2 Story Great Room, making the space feel even more spacious and impressive. The open design of the staircase also contributes to the feeling of openness and airiness.

Overall, the inclusion of a grand staircase in a House Plan with a 2 Story Great Room adds a touch of elegance, functionality, and visual drama to the space. It serves as a striking focal point, connects the two levels seamlessly, provides a gathering place, and enhances the sense of volume in the room.

Mezzanine overlooks main living area

A mezzanine is a partial floor that is inserted into a high-ceilinged space, typically overlooking a larger area below. In the context of House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms, a mezzanine is often incorporated to create an additional level of living space that overlooks the main living area.

• Extended living space: A mezzanine provides additional square footage without the need for a full second story, effectively extending the living space of the home. This extra space can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a home office, library, play area, or guest room.
• Visual connection: The mezzanine’s elevated position allows its occupants to enjoy a panoramic view of the main living area below. This visual connection fosters a sense of openness and togetherness, as family members and guests can interact and observe each other from different levels.
• Enhanced natural light: The mezzanine’s open design typically includes railings or balustrades that allow natural light to filter through from the windows and skylights in the great room below. This additional source of natural light helps to brighten the mezzanine space and create a more inviting atmosphere.
• Privacy and separation: While the mezzanine overlooks the main living area, it also offers a degree of privacy and separation. This is particularly beneficial for activities that require focus and quiet, such as working or reading.

Overall, the incorporation of a mezzanine overlooking the main living area in a House Plan with a 2 Story Great Room adds flexibility, functionality, and visual interest to the space. It provides additional living space, enhances the sense of connection and openness, and allows for natural light and privacy.

Can include a fireplace

Incorporating a fireplace into a House Plan with a 2 Story Great Room adds warmth, ambiance, and a touch of rustic charm to the space. Fireplaces serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, enhancing the overall comfort and enjoyment of the great room.

• Focal point and gathering place: A fireplace naturally becomes a focal point in the great room, drawing people together and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It provides a cozy spot for family and friends to gather, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.
• Heat source: Fireplaces are an excellent source of heat, especially during cold winter months. The radiant heat emitted from a fireplace can help to warm the entire great room, reducing the need for central heating and creating a more comfortable and inviting space.
• Aesthetic appeal: Fireplaces add a touch of rustic charm and elegance to a 2 Story Great Room. The flickering flames and crackling logs create a cozy and romantic ambiance, making it an ideal space for relaxation and unwinding.
• Variety of styles: Fireplaces come in a wide range of styles, from traditional brick or stone fireplaces to modern and contemporary designs. This versatility allows homeowners to choose a fireplace that complements the overall design and dcor of their great room.

Overall, incorporating a fireplace into a House Plan with a 2 Story Great Room offers both functional and aesthetic benefits. It creates a warm and inviting gathering place, provides a source of heat, enhances the ambiance of the space, and adds a touch of rustic charm to the overall design.

Wall of windows common

House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms often feature a wall of windows, which consists of a series of large windows that span from floor to ceiling. This architectural element serves multiple purposes and contributes significantly to the overall design and functionality of the space.

• Abundant natural light: A wall of windows allows for an abundance of natural light to flood into the great room, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The large glass panes maximize the amount of sunlight entering the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the room but also has positive effects on mood, well-being, and productivity.
• Panoramic views: A wall of windows provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior. Homeowners can enjoy stunning vistas of nature, whether it’s a lush garden, a sparkling lake, or a picturesque mountain range. The large windows offer a sense of connection to the outdoors and bring the beauty of nature into the living space.
• Enhanced sense of space: A wall of windows creates an illusion of extended space, making the great room feel larger and more expansive. The uninterrupted views of the outdoors visually connect the interior with the exterior, giving the impression of a more spacious and open environment. This sense of spaciousness is particularly desirable in 2 Story Great Rooms, where the vertical height can sometimes create a feeling of vastness.
• Aesthetic appeal: A wall of windows adds a striking visual element to a 2 Story Great Room. The large glass panes create a modern and sophisticated look that complements a variety of architectural styles. The wall of windows can serve as a focal point, drawing the eye upward and creating a sense of drama and grandeur.

Overall, the incorporation of a wall of windows in House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms offers a range of benefits, including abundant natural light, panoramic views, an enhanced sense of space, and aesthetic appeal. These large windows not only enhance the functionality of the great room but also contribute significantly to its overall design and ambiance.

High ceilings

High ceilings are a defining characteristic of House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms. They contribute significantly to the spaciousness, grandeur, and overall ambiance of the space.

• Enhanced sense of volume: High ceilings create an enhanced sense of volume in the great room, making it feel larger and more expansive. The vertical height draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of greater space. This is particularly desirable in 2 Story Great Rooms, where the open floor plan can sometimes make the room feel vast and overwhelming. High ceilings help to balance the proportions of the room and create a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
• Abundant natural light: High ceilings allow for larger windows and skylights to be incorporated into the design, maximizing the amount of natural light that enters the space. This natural light not only brightens the room but also creates a more airy and cheerful atmosphere. The large windows and high ceilings work together to create a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. Abundant natural light has numerous benefits, including improved mood, increased productivity, and reduced energy consumption.
• Improved air circulation: High ceilings promote better air circulation within the great room. The increased vertical space allows for warm air to rise and cool air to settle, creating a more comfortable and evenly heated environment. This is especially beneficial in large and open spaces, where temperature stratification can occur, leading to hot or cold spots. Improved air circulation also helps to reduce the spread of airborne particles, creating a healthier living environment.
• Dramatic visual impact: High ceilings add a touch of drama and grandeur to the great room. The vertical height creates a sense of awe and admiration, making the space feel more impressive and memorable. This is particularly effective in rooms with architectural details such as exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, or chandeliers. High ceilings can also be used to create a more intimate and cozy atmosphere by incorporating warm and inviting materials and lighting.

Overall, high ceilings play a crucial role in the design and functionality of House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms. They contribute to the sense of spaciousness, enhance natural light, improve air circulation, and create a dramatic visual impact, making the great room an inviting and impressive living space.

Creates a focal point

In House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms, the great room often serves as the focal point of the home, drawing the eye and attention of all who enter. This is achieved through a combination of architectural elements and design techniques.

One key element that contributes to the focal point of the great room is its sheer size and volume. The soaring ceilings and open floor plan create a sense of grandeur and spaciousness that commands attention. The large windows and doors that are often featured in these plans further enhance the sense of openness and connection to the outdoors, making the great room a visually striking and inviting space.

Another factor that contributes to the focal point of the great room is its central location within the home. In many House Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms, the great room is situated at the heart of the house, with other rooms such as the kitchen, dining room, and family room flowing into it. This central location makes the great room a natural gathering place for family and friends, and its size and openness allow for multiple activities to take place simultaneously.

Additionally, the great room often incorporates architectural features that further enhance its focal point. These features can include a fireplace, a grand staircase, or a built-in entertainment center. These elements add visual interest and create a sense of symmetry and balance in the room. The fireplace, in particular, serves as a natural gathering spot and a source of warmth and ambiance, making it a key focal point within the great room.

Overall, the great room in a 2 Story House Plan is designed to be a central and visually striking space that serves as the focal point of the home. Its size, openness, central location, and architectural features work together to create a space that is both inviting and impressive.