Transitional House Plans

Transitional house plans are a sophisticated blend of contemporary, traditional, or classic home design styles. They may sometimes be considered empty-nester home plans because of some of the features common in the style (more on this later).

When considering an architectural style like Farmhouse or Colonial, you may envision a somewhat staid appearance, with cedar shake or horizontal lap siding, asphalt shingle or slate tile roof, and conservative treatment of roof lines – with perhaps dormers as the most extravagant treatment. But suppose you throw in vertical or angled wood siding instead, a metal roof, and varied roof lines. In that case, you suddenly have a more contemporary take on the traditional design – Transitional style.

There are several categories on our site that describe certain types of home plans that aren't necessarily architectural styles but deserve to be set apart in a category of their own. Some of these include cabins, vacation homes, Feng Shui-designed homes, and, as we will explain as you read further, transitional style homes.

The plans in the transitional house plans category not only have a mix of Contemporary and Traditional design aesthetics but are home plans that have been popular for couples in transition, having raised their children and are now living alone (together – but without kids). A Transitional style floor plan often has an open floor plan (more contemporary than traditional), fewer bedrooms, and larger spaces, spoiling the parents for their hard work raising children or providing the retiree plenty of room for his or her hobbies. But they also suit the family "transitioning" from young to mature – no more babies and toddlers running around but teenagers and young adults who can blend into the family dynamic through the pared-down floor plan.

Browse through our Transitional House Plans category, and you'll find home plans of all styles. Keep your eyes open for more modern looks and more contemporary floor-plan treatments, plus elements that maintain a tie to the main style represented. And don't worry, if you're young and fall in love with one of these house plans, remember that they are smartly designed to be "forever homes."