What do you mean by a "modern inside"?

Pam,
This may sound a little funny, but I was looking at modular homes the other day online, and they have all the plans there.
I was toying with the idea of having one put on a piece of land I would buy.
Anyway, I found the sight informative, they have all kinds of really nice plans, and plans for ranchers too.
Just an idea.
I actually liked a small rancher, like a cottage style, and the plans looked like something I would like.
Just google Modular home plans, and check them out.
You could print one out and see a builder.
At least its a starting point, you never know.

Hi Dreaming, I'd like the kitchen/eating/living area to be open ... no walls. That's not typical in a 1950's house.

Hi Butterfly, I started looking at modular house plans today, probably a good idea to print out something that might work with some minor changes and talk to builder.

I realized today that I need to visit some houses that are 1400 to 1600 sq. ft., so I have an idea of what that size house feels like.

You could possibly take a book like this to an architect or draftsman and see if they can either modify one of the plans to be more open, or add some of these visual touches to a more modern layout.

Also check out Sunset Western Ranch Homes (on Amazon) by Cliff May.

Here is a link that might be useful: Prize Homes

Same idea as caben. See link below for some inspiration and take ideas to an architect or draftsman.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mid Century Home Plans

Thank you caben & Dreaming! Your links are great! I haven't had time to really go through them, but I saw a couple L shaped ranches on caben's link that really intrigue me.

I'm really not interested in what is currently being built where all you see if the garage from the street. I don't even have a garage right now, so it's really not something I want as the focal point of my home!

I will spend more time this weekend perusing your suggestions! If you find more, send them on.

Dawn, I'd love to see some pictures ... I have radiant heat in some rooms in current house and hope to have them in the new house ... it makes it so toasty!

We didn't go with modular homes, but when we were thinking about it, we liked the work and quality of these guys...went to tour their factory. They have some pretty basic ranch houses available, and they have the ability to tweak plans to fit your needs.

Here is a link that might be useful: 3 br ranch

Our house is bigger than what you're looking for, but we ended up with what I think of as an updated ranch house. We still about 6 weeks out from completion, but are so happy with how it is turning out. I'll attach a link to our house on our architect's site.

Here is a link that might be useful: our home

This post was edited by AngelaZ on Sun, Jul 6, 14 at 18:54

bump

Anne, really nice home and floor plans ... unfortunately, I'm outside of Buffalo and they don't come this far west in NY. But I'll keep them as a reference ..

Beautiful house Angela! Just a little bigger. LOL!

Keep the ideas coming ... I'm going to have to apply for a "special use permit" to stay in the rural town I currently live in. They require 10 acres for hooved animals, while most neighboring towns only require 3 to 4 acres for my 3 miniature donkeys. A friend has a 5 acre lot around the corner from where I currently live, so I put the bug in his ear about selling it to me ... one possibility.

Thanks pamghatten. I knew it wasn't sized like you want, but thought it might give you some layout ideas ;)

Interesting...considering they're in NY and do cover a 9 state area, I'd of thought that would've included the entire NY state.

Apologies for this late reply...
As promised, here are a few photos:

Floor plan (garage is on the kitchen/mudroom side):

Inspiration Pic:

What it ended up like:

Start of the stamped concrete walkways:

Central basement stairs (with the lovely scrap 2x4 railing)

Dining:

Kitchen (Ikea and still not finished, lol):

Just lovely Dawn! Thanks for sharing. Are you happy with the quality of the Ikea kitchen cabinets? They look great, I was thinking about going up to Ikea and looking at them.

Have my contractor/builder coming to start talking about what to do, next week.

We built a 2400 square foot mostly one level home. If you took out the bonus room, it would be about 2000 square feet.

Kitchen, dining and living is open. Bedrooms are at the front of the house and the kitchen, dining, living in the back with double french doors out to the back yard.

You can find the floorplan on my blog as well as pics.

Here is a link that might be useful: Blog

Pam,
I adore my Ikea cabs - they're sturdy, functional, and not a single problem with them after 6 years ... I'd do them again in a heartbeat!

And we also love our ikea kitchen :)

Your home is lovely, Sweet Reverie.

Both your homes are lovely, and I am thrilled to see Ikea cabinets in both.

sweet, your blog is great, I do one too ... though I haven't updated it in a while. Please tell me about that awesome looking bathtub too! (And your girls are adorable)

Here is a link that might be useful: My Blog