Design Inspiration: Captivating House Plans with Two-Story Great Rooms

A house plan with a two-story great room is a type of architectural design that features a large, open living space that spans two stories. Great rooms are often the focal point of a home, serving as a gathering space for family and friends, and providing a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. A prime example of a house plan with a two-story great room is the “Grandview” plan, which boasts a soaring 20-foot ceiling in the great room, creating an awe-inspiring living space.

Great rooms in two-story house plans offer several advantages. They allow for an abundance of natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The open layout promotes a sense of flow and connectivity, making it easy to entertain guests or spend time with family. Additionally, the vertical space of a two-story great room can be utilized for architectural features such as balconies or mezzanines, adding visual interest and functionality to the home.

Transition: Having explored the definition and benefits of house plans with two-story great rooms, let us delve into the key considerations to keep in mind when designing one. From determining the appropriate size and layout to choosing materials and finishes, we will guide you through the essential factors that will shape the perfect great room for your home.

When designing a house plan with a two-story great room, several important considerations should be taken into account:

• Size and layout
• Natural lighting
• Architectural features
• Materials and finishes
• Furniture and dcor
• Heating and cooling
• Sound management
• Privacy
• Overall style and ambiance

Thoughtful planning and attention to these factors will ensure a great room that meets your needs and enhances the overall beauty and functionality of your home.

Size and layout

The size and layout of your two-story great room will depend on a number of factors, including the overall size of your home, the number of people in your family, and how you plan to use the space. If you entertain frequently, you may want a larger great room with plenty of seating and space for guests to mingle. If you have a large family, you may want a great room with a more defined layout, with separate areas for different activities such as watching TV, reading, or playing games.

• **Consider the traffic flow.** The great room should be easily accessible from the main entrance of the home, and it should flow seamlessly into other living spaces, such as the kitchen, dining room, and outdoor areas.
• **Think about the furniture arrangement.** How do you want to arrange the furniture in your great room? Do you want a formal seating area with a sofa and chairs, or a more casual space with comfortable armchairs and ottomans?
• **Don’t forget about storage.** If you plan on using your great room as a family room, you’ll need plenty of storage space for toys, games, and other belongings. Built-in shelves or cabinets can help to keep the space organized and clutter-free.
• **Make use of natural light.** Great rooms with large windows and high ceilings will feel more spacious and inviting. If possible, position your great room to take advantage of natural light from multiple directions.

By carefully considering the size and layout of your two-story great room, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional, and that meets the needs of your family and lifestyle.

Natural lighting

Natural lighting is an essential consideration for any home, but it is especially important for two-story great rooms. A well-lit great room will feel more spacious and inviting, and it will be more enjoyable to spend time in. There are a number of ways to incorporate natural lighting into your great room design:

• Windows: Large windows are the best way to bring natural light into your great room. Place windows on multiple walls to create a bright and airy space. If possible, position your great room to take advantage of southern exposure, which will provide the most natural light throughout the day.
• Skylights: Skylights are another great way to add natural light to your great room. They can be placed in the ceiling or on the roof, and they will provide a diffused light that can help to brighten even the darkest corners of the room.
• French doors: French doors that lead to a patio or deck can also help to bring natural light into your great room. When the doors are open, they will create a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, and they will allow fresh air to circulate.
• Light-colored walls and ceilings: Light-colored walls and ceilings will reflect natural light, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. Avoid using dark colors, which will absorb light and make the room feel smaller and darker.

By incorporating natural lighting into your two-story great room design, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional, and that will be enjoyed by your family and friends for years to come.

Architectural features

Architectural features can add visual interest and functionality to your two-story great room. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Fireplace: A fireplace can be a beautiful and functional focal point for your great room. It can provide warmth and ambiance on cold winter nights, and it can also be used to cook food or heat water. If you decide to add a fireplace to your great room, be sure to choose a style that complements the overall design of the space.
• Built-in shelves: Built-in shelves are a great way to add storage and display space to your great room. They can be used to store books, games, movies, or other belongings. Built-in shelves can also be used to create a focal point or to define different areas of the room.
• Balcony: A balcony can be a great addition to a two-story great room. It can provide a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and it can also be used to add architectural interest to the home. If you decide to add a balcony to your great room, be sure to choose a design that is compatible with the overall style of the home.
• Mezzanine: A mezzanine is a partial second floor that is open to the space below. It can be used to create a loft area, a library, or a guest room. Mezzanines can add a sense of drama and grandeur to a two-story great room, and they can also be used to create additional space without adding to the footprint of the home.

By incorporating architectural features into your two-story great room design, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional, and that meets the needs of your family and lifestyle.

Materials and finishes

The materials and finishes you choose for your two-story great room will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Here are a few things to consider:

• Flooring: The flooring in your great room should be durable and easy to clean, as it will likely see a lot of foot traffic. Popular flooring choices for great rooms include hardwood, tile, and carpet.
• Walls: The walls in your great room can be painted, wallpapered, or covered with paneling. The material you choose should complement the overall style of the room and should be easy to maintain.
• Ceiling: The ceiling in your great room can be painted, textured, or covered with wood or drywall. The material you choose should complement the overall style of the room and should help to create the desired ambiance.
• Trim: The trim in your great room, such as baseboards, crown molding, and window casings, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space. The material you choose should complement the overall style of the room and should be durable enough to withstand wear and tear.

By carefully selecting the materials and finishes for your two-story great room, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional, and that meets the needs of your family and lifestyle.

Furniture and dcor

The furniture and dcor you choose for your two-story great room will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Here are a few things to consider:

Furniture

The furniture in your great room should be comfortable and inviting, and it should be scaled to the size of the room. Oversized furniture can make a small great room feel even smaller, while undersized furniture can make a large great room feel empty. Choose pieces that are proportionate to the space and that will allow for easy conversation and movement.

When choosing furniture for your great room, consider the following:

• Seating: The seating in your great room should be comfortable and inviting. Choose sofas, chairs, and ottomans that are upholstered in durable fabrics that can withstand everyday use. If you have a large great room, you may want to create different seating areas, such as a conversation area around the fireplace and a media area for watching TV.
• Tables: The tables in your great room should be functional and stylish. Choose coffee tables, end tables, and side tables that are the right size for the space and that complement the overall style of the room. If you have a large great room, you may want to use a rug to define the seating area and to add a touch of color and pattern.
• Storage: If you plan on using your great room as a family room, you’ll need plenty of storage space for toys, games, and other belongings. Built-in shelves or cabinets can help to keep the space organized and clutter-free.

Dcor

The dcor in your great room should reflect your personal style and taste. Choose pieces that you love and that make you feel comfortable and at home. A few well-chosen pieces of art, a few throw pillows, and a few plants can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space.

When choosing dcor for your great room, consider the following:

• Color: The color scheme in your great room should be cohesive and inviting. Choose colors that you love and that complement the overall style of the room. If you have a small great room, you may want to use lighter colors to make the space feel larger. If you have a large great room, you can use darker colors to create a more intimate and cozy atmosphere.
• Texture: The textures in your great room can add visual interest and depth to the space. Choose fabrics, rugs, and other items with different textures to create a layered and inviting look. For example, you could use a soft, velvety fabric for your sofa and a rough-hewn wood coffee table.
• Accessories: The accessories in your great room can add personality and style to the space. Choose pieces that reflect your interests and hobbies. For example, if you love to read, you could display a collection of your favorite books on a bookshelf. If you love to travel, you could hang framed photos of your travels on the walls.

By carefully choosing the furniture and dcor for your two-story great room, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional, and that meets the needs of your family and lifestyle.

Heating and cooling

Heating and cooling a two-story great room can be a challenge, but there are a few things you can do to make it more efficient and comfortable.

1. Use a zoned HVAC system. A zoned HVAC system allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently. This can be helpful in a two-story great room, as you can set the temperature in the great room to be different from the temperature in the rest of the house. For example, you may want to keep the great room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

2. Install a ceiling fan. A ceiling fan can help to circulate the air in your great room, which can help to keep it more comfortable. In the summer, you can set the fan to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. In the winter, you can set the fan to rotate clockwise to help circulate warm air from the ceiling.

3. Use curtains or blinds to block out the sun. If your great room has large windows, you may want to use curtains or blinds to block out the sun. This can help to keep the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

4. Consider installing a fireplace or wood stove. A fireplace or wood stove can be a great way to heat a two-story great room. However, it is important to note that fireplaces and wood stoves can also be a source of air pollution, so it is important to have them inspected and cleaned regularly.

By following these tips, you can help to make your two-story great room more comfortable and energy-efficient.

Sound management

Sound management is an important consideration for any home, but it is especially important for two-story great rooms. The open design of great rooms can make them prone to echoes and noise, which can be distracting and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to improve the sound quality in your great room.

• Use soft furnishings. Soft furnishings, such as rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture, can help to absorb sound and reduce echoes. When choosing furnishings for your great room, opt for fabrics that are thick and dense. Avoid hard surfaces, such as tile and wood, which can reflect sound and make the room louder.
• Install soundproofing materials. There are a number of soundproofing materials available on the market, such as acoustic panels and soundproofing curtains. These materials can be installed on the walls, ceiling, or floor of your great room to help absorb sound and reduce noise.
• Create separate spaces. If your great room is particularly large, you may want to consider creating separate spaces within the room. For example, you could use a rug and a few pieces of furniture to create a cozy conversation area, and then use a different rug and a different set of furniture to create a media area. This will help to break up the space and reduce the amount of sound that travels from one area to another.
• Use white noise. White noise can help to mask other sounds and create a more relaxing environment. You can use a white noise machine, a fan, or even a water feature to create white noise in your great room.

By following these tips, you can improve the sound quality in your two-story great room and create a more comfortable and enjoyable space for your family and friends.

Privacy

Privacy is an important consideration for any home, but it is especially important for two-story great rooms. The open design of great rooms can make them feel less private than other rooms in the house. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to improve privacy in your two-story great room.

Use curtains or blinds. Curtains or blinds can be used to block out the view into your great room from the outside world. This can be especially helpful if your great room is visible from the street or from a neighbor’s house. When choosing curtains or blinds, opt for fabrics that are thick and opaque. Avoid sheer fabrics, which will not provide much privacy.

Create separate spaces. If your great room is particularly large, you may want to consider creating separate spaces within the room. For example, you could use a rug and a few pieces of furniture to create a cozy conversation area, and then use a different rug and a different set of furniture to create a media area. This will help to break up the space and create a more intimate and private atmosphere.

Use frosted glass. Frosted glass can be used to create privacy without blocking out the light. You can use frosted glass in windows, doors, or even as a room divider. Frosted glass is a great way to add privacy to your great room while still maintaining a sense of openness and spaciousness.

Plant trees or shrubs. Planting trees or shrubs around your great room windows can help to block the view into your home from the outside world. This can be especially helpful if your great room is on the ground floor. When choosing trees or shrubs, opt for varieties that are evergreen, so that they will provide privacy all year round.

By following these tips, you can improve privacy in your two-story great room and create a more comfortable and enjoyable space for your family and friends.

Overall style and ambiance

The overall style and ambiance of your two-story great room will depend on your personal taste and preferences. However, there are a few general tips you can follow to create a space that is both beautiful and inviting.

• Choose a cohesive color scheme. The color scheme you choose for your great room should be cohesive and inviting. Avoid using too many different colors, as this can make the space feel cluttered and chaotic. Instead, choose a few colors that you love and that complement each other well. For example, you could use a neutral color for the walls and then add pops of color with your furniture, rugs, and accessories.
• Use natural light. Natural light can make any space feel more inviting and spacious. If possible, position your great room to take advantage of natural light from multiple directions. Large windows and skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home.
• Add personal touches. Your great room should reflect your personal style and taste. Don’t be afraid to add personal touches, such as family photos, artwork, and travel souvenirs. These items will make your great room feel more like home.
• Create a focal point. A focal point is something that draws the eye and creates a sense of interest. In a great room, the focal point could be a fireplace, a large window, or a piece of art. Once you have chosen a focal point, arrange your furniture and accessories around it to create a cohesive and inviting space.

By following these tips, you can create a two-story great room that is both beautiful and inviting. This space will be the perfect place to relax with family and friends, entertain guests, or simply enjoy the beauty of your home.