Last Updated on April 23, 2025 by teamobn
Okay, real talk—boring houses are out. You know the type—same layout, same beige walls, same everything. If you’ve ever looked at one and thought, “Eh, not for me,” then you’re in the right place.
These days, more and more people are saying nope to cookie-cutter homes and yes to building something that actually fits their life.
And honestly? It makes a ton of sense.
Whether you’ve got a chunk of land, a backyard begging for an upgrade, or just big plans and a decent Pinterest board, you can totally build something amazing—without being a pro.
Let’s break down some of the coolest, most practical home styles people are loving right now.
Contents
- 1 Why People Are Over Basic Floor Plans
- 2 Barndominium Plans: Big Space, Low Stress
- 3 Garage Apartment Plans: Tiny Builds, Big Wins
- 4 Want a Stylish Twist? Go Modern Farmhouse
- 5 Two-Story House Plans: When You Need the Extra Room
- 6 Think Ahead: Your Home Should Grow With You
- 7 TL;DR: Building a Home is Totally Doable
Why People Are Over Basic Floor Plans
Life isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore. You might be working from home, running a side hustle, raising a couple of wild kids, or just craving a little peace and space.
That’s why creative builds like barndominiums and garage apartments are blowing up right now. They’re flexible, easy to customize, and they don’t cost a fortune.
Plus, if you’re a DIY type who loves the idea of designing something unique? This stuff is your jam.
Barndominium Plans: Big Space, Low Stress
Let’s talk barndos. If you’ve scrolled through home design inspo online lately, you’ve definitely seen one. They’ve got barn vibes, wide open layouts, and tons of light.
Basically, a barndominium = barn + house.
But don’t let the word “barn” fool you—these things are slick.
Barndominium plans are perfect for families looking for a blend of rural charm and open living space.
So, why are people obsessed?
- Cheaper to build – Metal frames and simple shapes save money.
- Huge open spaces – Ideal for entertaining, playing, or just not feeling boxed in.
- Super durable – Metal = tough. These things last.
- Custom-friendly – Start small, build more later. No problem.
You can literally build one with a huge open living area and still have room for a workshop, an office, or that giant kitchen island you’ve always wanted.
Garage Apartment Plans: Tiny Builds, Big Wins
Source: Canva
Let’s say you don’t need a whole mansion. You just need a little extra space to breathe. That’s where garage apartments come in hot.
Garage apartment plans offer a compact and flexible solution for homeowners who want extra room without building a full house.
These setups are basically:
- Garage on the bottom
- Apartment or studio on top
And they’re perfect for:
- Having guests over without stepping on your toes
- Renting it out for extra cash
- Setting up a sweet home office
- Letting the in-laws crash comfortably
- Living there while your main home’s still in progress
They don’t take up a ton of space, they’re quick to build, and they’re just plain smart.
Want a Stylish Twist? Go Modern Farmhouse
Okay, you’ve got the layout figured out—now let’s make it look good. You want something that feels cozy but not cluttered. Modern, but not cold and soulless. Enter: the modern farmhouse.
Modern farmhouse plans bring together warmth and elegance, making them a favorite for new builds. Picture this:
- Clean lines
- Black window frames
- Huge front porch (yes, please)
- Open interiors
- Wood accents everywhere
It’s got just the right mix of comfy and cool. Plus, this look works whether you’re building a barndo, a garage apartment, or something more traditional.
Two-Story House Plans: When You Need the Extra Room
Sometimes, you just need more space. But you don’t want to eat up your whole lot. That’s where two-story plans really come in handy.
Two-story house plans give you the flexibility to fit more rooms and features into a tighter footprint.
Why go two-story?
- You can build up instead of out
- More privacy between floors
- Perfect for families that might grow
- Ideal if you want a guest room, home office, or both
- Keeps the backyard open for activities or future upgrades
With smart design, you can get the open feel of a single-story home, just stacked up a bit.
Think Ahead: Your Home Should Grow With You
Here’s a quick tip a lot of people miss: don’t just plan for today. Yeah, maybe you’re single now or only need two bedrooms. But what about a couple years down the road?
Will you:
- Work from home more?
- Have more kids?
- Want to age in place or sell someday?
Designing a home that’s ready to flex with your life can save you a lot of cash and headaches later.
And hey—don’t forget, life throws curveballs.
Maybe you’ll switch careers and need a studio space. Maybe your parents will move in down the road. Or maybe you finally start that side hustle and need room to grow. That’s why smart builds think beyond the now.
Here are a few ideas to keep things flexible:
- Add a main-floor bedroom and bathroom for future accessibility
- Choose open layouts that can shift as your needs change
- Design bonus rooms that can serve multiple purposes
- Include storage—because you’ll always need more than you think
- Plan for smart tech and energy-efficient upgrades later
Also, consider leaving space for add-ons. A garage can become a guest house. A basement can turn into a rental or rec room. You don’t need to do it all at once, but giving yourself options later? That’s a win.
In short, think of your dream build like a choose-your-own-adventure book. You might not know every twist and turn, but with the right setup, you’re ready for anything.
TL;DR: Building a Home is Totally Doable
Building your own place might sound like a huge deal — and yeah, it’s a big project. But with the right floor plan, it’s not only doable—it’s actually exciting.
You don’t have to be a pro. You just have to be clear about how you want to live.
Let’s do a quick recap:
1. Barndominiums = tons of space, affordable, great for DIY builds
2. Garage apartments = clever, compact, and super useful
3. Modern farmhouse = stylish and warm (without trying too hard)
4. Two-story homes = max out your space without taking up more land
And the best part? You can mix and match styles to fit your vibe perfectly.
If you’re ready to take the next step, there are numerous solid options available online, whether you’re building from scratch or adding to your existing property.
Seriously—your dream build is totally within reach.
You’ve got the vision. Now you’ve just gotta make it real.
