Old Southern Living house plans evoke images of gracious homes with wide porches, tall columns, and elegant interiors. These plans have been a staple of Southern architecture for centuries, and they continue to be popular today.
The origins of Old Southern Living house plans can be traced back to the early 18th century, when wealthy planters began building large, comfortable homes on their plantations. These homes were typically designed with a central hall plan, with rooms arranged on either side. The porches and columns were added to provide shade and ventilation in the hot Southern climate.
Old Southern Living house plans are known for their distinctive features, which include:
- Wide porches
- Tall columns
- Elegant interiors
- Central hall plan
- Rooms arranged on either side
- Shaded and ventilated porches
- Gracious homes
- Comfortable living
These features combine to create a unique and timeless architectural style that is still popular today.
Wide porches
Wide porches are one of the most distinctive features of Old Southern Living house plans. They provide a shaded and ventilated space for relaxing and entertaining, and they also add a touch of elegance to the home.
Porches were originally added to Southern homes to provide shade from the hot sun. However, they quickly became an important part of the Southern lifestyle. Families would often spend their evenings on the porch, rocking in chairs and talking to neighbors. Porches were also used for entertaining guests, and they were often the site of parties and gatherings.
The wide porches of Old Southern Living house plans are typically supported by tall columns. These columns not only add to the beauty of the home, but they also help to support the porch roof and provide additional shade. The columns are often made of wood, brick, or stone, and they can be either round or square.
The floors of wide porches are typically made of wood or tile. Wood floors are more traditional, but tile floors are more durable and easier to maintain. Porches may also have a ceiling fan to help circulate the air and keep the porch cool.
Tall columns
Tall columns are another distinctive feature of Old Southern Living house plans. They not only add to the beauty of the home, but they also help to support the porch roof and provide additional shade. The columns are often made of wood, brick, or stone, and they can be either round or square.
The height of the columns can vary, but they are typically at least 8 feet tall. This height helps to create a sense of grandeur and elegance, and it also helps to support the weight of the porch roof. The columns are typically spaced evenly apart, and they are often topped with a decorative capital.
The material of the columns can also vary. Wood columns are the most traditional, and they can be painted or stained to match the color of the house. Brick columns are also popular, and they can be either painted or left their natural color. Stone columns are the most durable, and they can add a touch of luxury to the home.
The shape of the columns can also vary. Round columns are the most common, but square columns can also be used. Square columns are often used on homes with a more modern or contemporary style.
Elegant interiors
The interiors of Old Southern Living house plans are just as elegant as the exteriors. They typically feature high ceilings, large windows, and intricate moldings. The rooms are often spacious and well-lit, and they flow together seamlessly.
One of the most striking features of Old Southern Living interiors is the use of natural light. Large windows allow sunlight to flood into the rooms, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The windows are often adorned with elegant curtains or drapes, which add a touch of sophistication to the space.
Another characteristic of Old Southern Living interiors is the use of high ceilings. High ceilings create a sense of grandeur and spaciousness, and they also help to circulate the air. The ceilings are often adorned with intricate moldings, which add a touch of detail and interest to the space.
Moldings are another important element of Old Southern Living interiors. Moldings can be used to add detail and interest to walls, ceilings, and doorways. They can also be used to create a sense of flow and continuity throughout the home.
Central hall plan
The central hall plan is a common feature of Old Southern Living house plans. This plan features a central hallway that runs through the center of the house, with rooms arranged on either side. The central hall typically leads to a grand staircase that leads to the second floor.
The central hall plan has several advantages. First, it creates a sense of symmetry and balance in the home. Second, it allows for a more efficient use of space, as the rooms can be accessed from the central hall without having to go through other rooms. Third, the central hall provides a natural gathering space for family and guests.
The central hall is often the most impressive room in the house. It is typically adorned with a chandelier, elegant moldings, and a grand staircase. The walls may be painted a light color to reflect light and make the space feel more airy. The floor is often made of wood or tile, and it may have a rug in the center.
The rooms that are arranged on either side of the central hall can vary in size and function. However, they typically include a formal living room, a dining room, a library, and a family room. The bedrooms are typically located on the second floor.
Rooms arranged on either side
The rooms that are arranged on either side of the central hall in an Old Southern Living house plan can vary in size and function. However, they typically include a formal living room, a dining room, a library, and a family room. The bedrooms are typically located on the second floor.
The formal living room is typically the most impressive room in the house. It is often used for entertaining guests and for special occasions. The formal living room is typically furnished with elegant furniture, such as a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table. It may also have a fireplace and a chandelier.
The dining room is typically used for family meals and for entertaining guests. The dining room is typically furnished with a table, chairs, and a sideboard. It may also have a fireplace and a chandelier.
The library is typically used for reading and relaxing. The library is typically furnished with bookshelves, a desk, and a chair. It may also have a fireplace and a chandelier.
The family room is typically used for everyday activities, such as watching television and playing games. The family room is typically furnished with comfortable furniture, such as a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table. It may also have a fireplace and a television.
Shaded and ventilated porches
Shaded and ventilated porches are an essential feature of Old Southern Living house plans. They provide a comfortable and inviting space to relax and entertain, even in the hottest months of the year.
- Provide shade from the sun
The wide porches of Old Southern Living house plans are designed to provide shade from the sun. This is especially important in the Southern climate, where temperatures can soar during the summer months. The porches are typically covered with a roof, which helps to block out the sun’s rays. The porches may also have screens or curtains, which can be used to further block out the sun and insects.
- Allow for air circulation
The porches of Old Southern Living house plans are also designed to allow for air circulation. This helps to keep the porches cool and comfortable, even on hot days. The porches typically have open sides, which allows air to flow through freely. The porches may also have ceiling fans, which can help to circulate the air and keep the porch cool.
- Create a comfortable outdoor living space
The porches of Old Southern Living house plans are designed to create a comfortable outdoor living space. The porches are typically furnished with comfortable furniture, such as rocking chairs, sofas, and tables. The porches may also have a fireplace or a grill, which can be used for cooking and entertaining. The porches are a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, even on hot days.
- Add curb appeal to the home
The porches of Old Southern Living house plans also add curb appeal to the home. The porches are typically the first thing that people see when they approach the home, and they can make a big impression. The porches can be decorated with flowers, plants, and other decorative elements to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Shaded and ventilated porches are an essential feature of Old Southern Living house plans. They provide a comfortable and inviting space to relax and entertain, even in the hottest months of the year. They also add curb appeal to the home and can make it more enjoyable to live in.
Gracious homes
Old Southern Living house plans are known for their gracious homes. These homes are typically large and spacious, with high ceilings and elegant interiors. They are designed to be comfortable and inviting, and they often have a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Spacious and comfortable
Old Southern Living homes are typically spacious and comfortable. They have large rooms with high ceilings, which creates a sense of grandeur and openness. The homes are also designed with a comfortable flow, so that it is easy to move from room to room.
- Elegant interiors
The interiors of Old Southern Living homes are typically elegant and sophisticated. They often feature intricate moldings, high-quality finishes, and beautiful furnishings. The homes are also often decorated with a mix of traditional and modern elements, which creates a timeless and inviting atmosphere.
- Warm and welcoming
Old Southern Living homes are designed to be warm and welcoming. They often have large porches and patios, which provide a comfortable place to relax and entertain. The homes also often have fireplaces, which add to the cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- A sense of history
Old Southern Living homes often have a sense of history. They are often built in a traditional style, and they may have been passed down through generations. The homes often have a unique character and charm, which makes them special and memorable.
Gracious homes are a hallmark of Old Southern Living house plans. These homes are designed to be comfortable, inviting, and elegant. They are a great place to raise a family and to entertain guests. Gracious homes are also a valuable investment, as they often appreciate in value over time.
Comfortable living
Spacious and comfortable
Old Southern Living house plans are designed to be spacious and comfortable. They have large rooms with high ceilings, which creates a sense of grandeur and openness. The homes are also designed with a comfortable flow, so that it is easy to move from room to room.
Elegant interiors
The interiors of Old Southern Living homes are typically elegant and sophisticated. However, they are also designed to be comfortable and inviting. The homes often feature a mix of traditional and modern elements, which creates a timeless and inviting atmosphere.
Outdoor living
Old Southern Living house plans often include large porches and patios. These outdoor spaces provide a comfortable place to relax and entertain. The porches and patios are often screened in, which helps to keep out insects and pests. They may also have ceiling fans, which help to circulate the air and keep the space cool.
Energy efficiency
Many Old Southern Living house plans are designed to be energy efficient. They may have features such as high-efficiency windows, insulation, and solar panels. These features can help to reduce energy costs and make the home more comfortable to live in.
Old Southern Living house plans are designed to provide comfortable living for families of all sizes. They are spacious, elegant, and energy efficient. They also have a variety of features that make them perfect for outdoor living.
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