Looking for the perfect home but don't want to deal with much extra space? One-story house plans might just be what you're after! Single-story homes are making a strong comeback, offering comfort, accessibility, and a seamless flow between spaces.
With so many architectural styles to choose from, it’s easy to find one that fits your taste and lifestyle. In this post, we’re diving into four stunning one-story house plans you’ll want to use right now, from practical ranch-style designs to charming craftsman homes. Ready to explore?
Why Choose One-Story Homes?
One-story homes have been growing in popularity for many reasons. They offer an ideal combination of convenience, efficiency, and style.
Are you a retiree looking for an easily accessible, no-stairs home? Or a young family looking for a house where you can easily monitor small children? No matter the reason, one-story homes can truly be your new best friend if you’re looking for simplicity and accessibility.
One-story house plans bring endless benefits that make them stand out, so let’s check some of them out:
1. Convenience for All Stages of Life
One of the biggest advantages of a one-story home is how easy it is to move around. Without stairs, everything is on the same level, which means you don’t have to worry about hauling laundry baskets, groceries, or furniture up and down.
As mentioned above, this is especially helpful for families with young kids or older adults who want to avoid the strain of stairs. Imagine a home where every room is just a few steps away, making life simpler and safer for everyone!
2. Better Room Flow
With one-story house floor plans, you’ll notice how rooms naturally connect. The open layouts in many of these homes allow the kitchen, living, and dining areas to flow together seamlessly.
This makes your home feel bigger and brighter, as there are no staircases to break up the space. You’ll love how easy it is to move from one part of the house to another, whether you’re cooking, hosting guests, or just spending time with family.
3. Great for Outdoor Living
Many one-story house plans are designed to include inviting outdoor living spaces. This can mean anything from covered porches to patios and decks, which can add even more square space to your living areas - especially if you’re living somewhere where it’s always sunny!
Whether you love hosting BBQs or simply relaxing in the fresh air, these outdoor spaces extend your home’s living area and let you enjoy nature without leaving the comfort of your property.
4. More Energy Efficient
Heating and cooling a one-story home is often more energy-efficient compared to homes with multiple levels. Without stairs and additional floors to heat or cool, the temperature stays even throughout the house.
This can save you money on your energy bills and keep your home comfortable all year round. It’s an easy way to go green while staying comfortable.
5. Perfect for All Lifestyles
No matter if you’re looking for a cozy home for two or a spacious retreat for a growing family, there’s a one-story plan that will work for you. You can have all the rooms and the space you need on one floor, too - there’s really no need to go vertical! Plus, without the need for stairs, it’s a home design that works well at any stage of life.
Ready to go one-story? Check out our one-story house plans here, and let’s find your perfect home together!
Now that you see how one-story homes combine ease of living with thoughtful design, let’s explore four stunning one-story house plans that you’ll love!
Ranch House Plans: Classic and Simple
Ranch house plans are a timeless favorite for those who love the ease of living on one level. These homes first gained popularity in the mid-20th century, and their practical design is still as appealing today.
With their long, low profile, ranch homes are all about accessibility and a smooth layout that fits into any lifestyle. They’re particularly great for families with small kids or anyone who wants to avoid the hassle of stairs, really.
- Open layout - The beauty of a ranch house plan lies in its open design. Instead of separate, enclosed rooms, the living, dining, and kitchen areas are part of a large, continuous space.
This makes the home feel bright and spacious. You can move easily between rooms without feeling closed off. It’s perfect for socializing or keeping an eye on everything while going about your day.
- Outdoor space - Ranch homes often include generous outdoor living areas. A covered porch, a patio, or even a deck, these spaces gives you the chance to enjoy the outdoors right from your home. It’s like having an extra room outside where you can relax, have meals, or entertain friends.
- Natural Light - Ranch houses usually have big windows all wrapped around, so you’ll get plenty of sunlight throughout the whole day. This will not only make the space seem more lively but also give the illusion of how big it is! Not to mention, tons of fresh air can easily access your home when they are open.
- Extra Storage Space - Now, we can’t guarantee that every Ranch house plan offers this, but most of them do. We’re talking about the basement! It’s a great way to get some extra storage space but with all the main living spaces still on the same level.
If you’re looking for a home that’s easy to live in, low-maintenance, and full of functional spaces, ranch house plans are a fantastic choice. Want to explore more options? Check out Archival Designs' ranch home plans here. Our team is ready to help you find a perfect layout for your new home!
Craftsman House Plans: Strong and Functional
Craftsman house plans offer something truly unique. These homes are designed with a focus on craftsmanship and durability. They emphasize natural materials and simple, functional design, which gives them a timeless appeal. Craftsman homes are perfect for those who appreciate thoughtful details and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
- Open floor plan – Just like ranch homes, Craftsman house plans typically feature an open layout, where the main living areas like the kitchen, dining, and living rooms connect seamlessly. This layout creates a flow that makes the home feel larger and more inviting. You won’t feel boxed in by walls, and it’s easy to move between spaces while keeping the home feeling open.
- Vaulted ceilings – One of the standout features in many Craftsman homes is the vaulted ceilings. These high ceilings not only make rooms feel more spacious, but they also add an element of elegance and style. This feature is perfect if you want your home to feel light and airy, even if it isn’t very large.
- Rear porch – Many Craftsman homes come with a rear porch or outdoor seating area. This space is great for stepping outside to enjoy your surroundings or spend some quiet time outdoors. A porch gives you a shaded spot where you can relax and feel connected to nature without having to leave your home.
- Sturdy, practical design – Craftsman homes are known for their solid construction and durable materials. The focus is on creating a home that not only looks good but lasts for years. From the roof to the walls, everything is built with care, giving you a home that’s both beautiful and reliable.
If a home with character and a functional layout sounds like what you’re looking for, Craftsman house plans are an excellent option. Explore Archival Designs' Craftsman house plans here to find the perfect fit, and don’t hesitate to contact our team with any questions or for help choosing the right layout!
Cottage House Plans: Cozy and Compact
Cottage house plans are all about creating a warm, inviting space that makes the most of a smaller footprint. These homes are perfect for those who prefer a more compact and cozy living experience without sacrificing comfort or style.
Cottage homes often have charming features that give them a quaint, homey feel, making them ideal for couples, small families, or anyone looking for a peaceful retreat.
- Compact layout – Cottage homes are designed to be compact, using every inch of space efficiently. The rooms are arranged in a way that maximizes the living area, so even though the home may be smaller, it never feels cramped. The floor plan usually combines the kitchen, living, and dining spaces into one open area, helping the home feel more spacious.
- Smart storage solutions – One of the key features of Cottage house plans is the clever use of storage space. Built-in closets, shelves, and storage nooks help you keep your home organized without taking up too much room. This means you can live comfortably in a smaller home without feeling cluttered or overwhelmed.
- Outdoor living space – Many Cottage homes include a small rear porch or patio, offering a private outdoor space for you to enjoy. Whether it’s a spot to read, garden, or just sit outside with a cup of coffee, this outdoor area adds extra living space to your home without the need for more square footage.
Cottage homes are a great option if you want a smaller, cozier space that’s still packed with charm and function. Interested in seeing more? Explore Archival Designs' Cottage house plans here and discover the perfect layout for your needs. Our team is here to help guide you through the process and answer any questions!
Country House Plans: Spacious and Relaxed
For those who love wide-open spaces, both inside and out, Country house plans offer the best of both worlds. These homes are designed to provide plenty of room for the whole family, with a layout that feels open and relaxed. With their large footprints and connection to the outdoors, Country homes are perfect for those who want a spacious, comfortable home that blends with nature.
- Large floor plan – One of the main features of Country house plans is the large, open layout. These homes often feature wide, open rooms that flow into each other, creating a sense of space and freedom. Whether you’re cooking, entertaining, or just relaxing, the large one-story house floor plans give you plenty of room to move around.
- Outdoor living space – Like most one-story plans, Country homes are also designed to connect you to the outdoors. Many include large rear porches, decks, or patios, where you can enjoy outdoor activities like family barbecues, gardening, or just sitting outside to watch the sunset. These outdoor spaces are perfect for extending your living area and making the most of your property.
- Bonus spaces – In addition to the main living areas, Country homes often include bonus spaces like extra bedrooms, a home office, or a hobby room. These additional areas make the home flexible and adaptable, whether you need space for a growing family or extra room for hobbies and activities.
- Modern farmhouse touches – Many Country house plans feature modern design elements, such as metal roofs, large windows, and open, airy spaces. These touches blend the rustic charm of a country home with the clean, fresh feel of modern living, making it a perfect balance of old and new.
If you dream of having plenty of space to live and grow, Country house plans could be just what you’re looking for. Check out Archival Designs' Country house plans here to explore a variety of layouts and styles, and let our team help you create a home that fits your needs perfectly.
Find Your Ideal One-Story Home!
When it comes to finding the right home, one-story house plans offer so much versatility. As you can see for yourself, whether you’re looking for a cozy layout, an open design, or something with plenty of room to grow, there’s a plan out there that fits your needs. So, why not give it a go? We’re sure that once you go one story, you’re never gonna look back!
And remember, at Archival Designs, we have a wide range of one-story house plans that you can explore and much more!
Feel free to reach out with any questions or explore our collection to start building your dream home! Everything you need in one place - at Archival Designs.