A South African Architect Designs an Off-Grid, Modern Home For Her Parents

This blog post details the new construction home of Tyler and Amanda Tarver in Benton, highlighting their design choices and experiences. The couple's journey began with an inspiring trip to Israel, where they connected with the author, Tanner Cangelosi. Upon visiting their new home, Cangelosi was impressed by the detailed design and unique style, suggesting Amanda pursue a career in contracting. The Tarvers shared insights into their family life, including Amanda's role at New Life Church Saline County, her support for Tyler's YouTube Channel (Tarver Academy), and their three children: Titus (8), Ezra (6), and Finnick (2). Tyler is the dean of NLC College and manages multiple YouTube channels. Their home's design plans were largely spearheaded by Amanda, who conducted extensive research using platforms like Pinterest, Google, and Instagram to compile a 'highlight reel' of open-floor plans and 'hipster features'. These compiled ideas were then provided to a draftsperson to create their custom blueprints. Tyler contributed his opinions for consideration throughout the process. Key aspects of their new home that the Tarvers love most include the open floor plan, which integrates the kitchen, living room, and dining area. This design choice allows Amanda to feel included in family activities while cooking and provides ample space for hosting guests. The inclusion of a pool is also a cherished feature for future enjoyment. Another favorite is the kitchen bar, which serves as a versatile space for family gatherings, meals, and children's homework or craft projects, fostering more family time. The design emphasizes functionality and communal living. The Tarvers also provided five money-saving tips for those considering building a house. Their advice includes utilizing Amazon.com for comparing quotes and purchasing items, undertaking non-dangerous tasks independently, and being present during construction to minimize material waste by subcontractors. They also highlighted the importance of managing return timelines for purchases and finishing certain areas of the house independently to reduce costs associated with per-square-footage charges. They deliberately chose smaller room sizes for their children, recognizing that the kids prefer to spend time in the main living area, thus maximizing space in shared zones and simplifying cleaning and decorating. The daughter’s private bathroom is also appreciated. The fixtures in their home were sourced from a variety of retailers, including West Elm, Cb2, and Wayfair, with Amanda noting that her favorite light fixture surprisingly came from Walmart. The color palette was selected by Amanda from Instagram photos, aiming for a bright, clean, and open feel with added character. The base color is white, complemented by wood tones, blacks, and golds, reflecting current popular trends and personal style. Both Tyler and Amanda expressed interest in building again in the future or assisting others with their construction projects, fueled by Amanda's passion for design and navigating the building process. #HomeDesign #NewConstruction #OpenFloorPlan #InteriorDesign #MoneySavingTips #FamilyHome #CustomBuild #DesignInspiration #ModernLiving

This article presents a comprehensive collection of 18 house plans featuring mother-in-law suites, catering to the growing demand for multigenerational living arrangements. Each plan is designed to balance form, function, and style, offering diverse options for families seeking to live together while maintaining personal space. The listed house plans range in architectural styles, from modern farmhouses and bungalows to classic colonials and Southern coastal homes, ensuring a variety of aesthetic preferences are met. The collection begins with the 'Bellewood Cottage, Plan #2049,' which includes a carriage house separate from the main living space and offers three to four bedrooms and three bathrooms within 2,937 square feet. This flexibility allows the study to be converted into an additional bedroom with a full bath, accommodating various family needs. Following this, the 'Colonial Chase, Plan #1655' is highlighted as a spacious option with six bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms, spanning 5,283 square feet. Its unique feature is a private guest suite above the garage, equipped with its own kitchen, living room, and bath, providing complete autonomy while remaining close to the main residence. The 'Deep River Farmhouse, Plan #2059' is introduced for its dual main suites, promoting personal space within a shared dwelling. This 3,559-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and three and a half baths, with a design that ensures step-free entry. The 'Bayou Bend, Plan #1745,' which was Southern Living's 2010 Georgia Idea House, offers a coastal-inspired design with a studio apartment above the garage, featuring a kitchen, bath, and private entry, alongside a first-level guest suite in the main house. It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms within 3,589 square feet. Another option, 'Summertime Lowcountry C + Apartment, Plan #2013-C,' provides an apartment above the garage with a kitchenette, living room, dining area, and bath, accessible via private entry stairs. This 3,931-square-foot plan includes four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms and also suggests a walkout basement for additional guest suites. For those preferring a more classic look, the 'Oakland Hall, Plan #2025,' inspired by a historical Nashville home, spans 6,265 square feet with four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. It offers the possibility of adding a separate 'Bluebird Cottage Plan 2026' for dedicated guest accommodation. 'The Galloway, Plan #2060' is noted for its multigenerational living features, such as a curbless shower with grab bars, dual primary bedrooms, and a future guest suite over the garage, all within 4,142 square feet, offering four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. The 'Captain's Watch, Plan #1426' is a three-story home with a Cape Cod and Southern Coastal influence, allowing for a first-floor study to be converted into a guest suite with a private entrance, complementing its five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms across 4,920 square feet. The 'New Carolina Island House, Plan #1825' emphasizes expansive porches and a generous first-floor guest suite with easy back entry access, providing four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms within 3,352 square feet. 'Hilltop Lake, Plan #1897' features a primary bedroom suite with a private covered porch and a lower-level bedroom suite opening to a private terrace. This plan also suggests expanding the daylight basement to include a recreation room, game room, wet bar, and screened porch, encompassing four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms within 3,630 square feet. 'Harpeth River Farmhouse, Plan #2073' offers an optional in-law suite on the second level, adding 725 square feet with a kitchenette, full bath, living and sleeping spaces, and a second laundry room, accessible via separate stairs from outside the garage but also connected to the main house. This plan provides four bedrooms and five bathrooms within 3,297 square feet. The 'Riverbend, Plan #2066,' Southern Living's 2021 Idea House, was specifically designed for multigenerational living, featuring two first-floor bedroom suites, one being a main suite and the other a guest suite with a private entrance, along with upstairs bedrooms centered around a media room. It has four bedrooms and six bathrooms across 5,155 square feet. 'Cypress Lake, Plan #1940' is a lake house plan with a walkout basement designed for a guest suite and rec room or a full apartment, plus a covered porch. This 2,609-square-foot plan includes four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. 'Azalea Hall, Plan #1619,' a classic Greek Revival-style home, features a large first-level in-law suite in the rear with a separate bedroom and entertaining space, alongside five bedrooms and six bathrooms within a substantial 9,510 square feet. The 'Blue Sky, Plan #1900' is a seaside cottage with a flexible design offering multiple spaces for in-laws and guests, including a garage apartment with its own kitchen, full bath, and balcony, and main house bedrooms with private entrances, totaling four bedrooms and five bathrooms within 3,513 square feet. 'The Great Escape 2022 Idea House, Plan #2082' is a coastal home accommodating vacationing guests and multigenerational living, comprising a main house and two additional structures: a carriage house with a bonus suite over the garage and an artist's studio or guesthouse. This expansive setup includes five bedrooms and six bathrooms within 3,312 square feet. 'Legacy Ranch, Plan #2028' is a charming ranch with a full apartment, the Casita suite, connected by a breezeway, complete with separate sleeping and living areas, offering three bedrooms and four bathrooms within 3,165 square feet. Finally, 'Cedar Creek, Plan #1261' is a sprawling ranch with each bedroom in a separate wing, featuring a detached guest house with its own wraparound porch, bedroom, kitchen, living room, and full bath. This plan provides four bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms across 5,422 square feet. #HousePlans #MultigenerationalLiving #MotherInLawSuite #HomeDesign #SouthernLiving #ArchitecturalStyles #CustomBuild #FamilyHomes #GuestSuite

The article details the experience of Sue and Giulio Dimasi, a couple from the southern suburbs who realized their dream of moving to the country and building a custom 'pod home' overlooking a vineyard. Having both grown up in rural settings, they harbored a long-standing desire to return to country living after years in suburbia. Their new home is based on the innovative designs of Sarah Homes, specifically the Pavilion 145 floorplan. The couple was drawn to its open layout, skillion roof, expansive living area, and a distinct children's zone. The original Pavilion 145 features a two-pod design, separating living and sleeping quarters connected by a breezeway, with a large front deck. The Dimasis chose this design for its ability to integrate with the surrounding hill views. They customized the design by adding a third pod to accommodate their needs, particularly as their teenage son required his own space, and they desired a separate wing for themselves. This modification resulted in a sleeping quarters on either side of a central living zone. The decision to build a pod home on their farm was also influenced by the necessity for a long, thin architectural aspect with extensive glass along one side to maximize the stunning views of the hills and take advantage of the sunrises and sunsets. Furthermore, they sought a design that would complement the rural environment and offer ample space for family and entertaining. The resulting home is a spacious dwelling measuring 29.2 meters in length with 212 square meters of living space, featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two living rooms. The layout provides distinct areas, with the master bedroom, ensuite, and walk-in robe located in one private pod, complete with sliding doors leading to a private courtyard. The home's entrance and a double garage are situated behind this master suite pod. The third pod, at the opposite end of the house, includes three additional bedrooms, the main bathroom, a large laundry, and a 'snug' retreat area for the children. The central section of the home houses the open-plan living zone, characterized by a raked ceiling and views to both the front and back of the property. This area encompasses a stylish white kitchen with a walk-in pantry and a polished island bench, a dining area, and the main lounge. An outdoor sheltered raised deck extends from the living area, providing generous space for outdoor dining, lounging, and entertaining. Despite an initial estimate of a 20-week construction period, the house was completed in a mere 17 weeks. The couple praised Sarah Homes for their flexibility in modifying existing plans and for their support during the building process, particularly when navigating council-related challenges by assisting them in finding a Planning Development consultant. Having resided in their home for over a year, Sue, Giulio, their son Mathew, and their golden retriever Bella express complete satisfaction with their custom-designed pod home. #PodHome #CustomHomeDesign #RuralLiving #SarahHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #OpenPlanLiving #OutdoorLiving #FarmHouse

Residential architect Ying Li designed her family's Millburn home with a modernist sensibility, integrating traditional exterior elements with an open, airy, and contemporary interior. The design prioritizes natural light, movement, and flow while blending seamlessly with the neighborhood's character. The exterior of the home features cool gray tones and a combination of HardiPlank siding and stone, reflecting a modern aesthetic while maintaining a traditional appearance. Inside, a neutral color palette and clean lines serve as a canvas for the family's artistic expressions and personal touches, emphasizing a "less is more" philosophy. The living area, located to the left of the entryway, features a fireplace and an open plan, accented with strategic pops of color. The dining room benefits from ample natural light due to its southwestern exposure. Instead of traditional chair rails or molding, Li utilized sheet rock to add textural richness to the walls. A wall niche in the dining room provides a rotating display space for artworks, with one current piece painted by Li herself, showcasing the family's collective artistic talent. The kitchen, illuminated by southeastern exposure, also maintains clean lines, incorporating aluminum drawer pulls. The neutral backdrop of Carrara marble for the island top and absolute black granite with a leathered finish for the perimeter countertops allows fresh flowers and family artwork to stand out. Philippe Starck Emeco stools add a touch of durable, yet light, design. The living room's media wall features open shelving, ideal for displaying photographs and a continuously changing collection of family artworks. The master bathroom is designed for optimal lighting, with makeup lights integrated directly into the mirrors. While Scandinavian design often presents an austere appearance, Li softened this by incorporating wood veneer on the custom-made vanity, complemented by colorful accents that personalize the space. In her six-year-old son Thomas's bedroom, neutral Chelsea Gray walls serve to highlight the artwork displayed above his bed. His bedding, along with that of his twin sister Leila, is sourced from the Land of Nod line by Crate & Barrel. Leila's bedroom features a tray ceiling painted in a bold color, a unique design choice within the home's otherwise neutral scheme. Her own artworks are displayed on one side, while a Lino print acquired from CSM Art in Chatham hangs above her bed. The children's shared bathroom incorporates gray wainscot-height tiles. A distinctive overhead light fixture was crafted by Li's husband, also an architect, using a $20 lamp from Home Depot and a rice paper shade. For the artwork in this bathroom, Li created a unique and easy installation by using a paper punch to cut watercolor paper circles, which her children then painted and she mounted on the wall. #Millburn #InteriorDesign #ArchitectureAndDesign #Modernism #HomeDecoration #FamilyCreativity #NeutralPalette #NaturalLight #ResidentialArchitecture