It started with a simple question at the dining table.
“Do you think we’ll still love this layout five years from now?”
They looked around at the open kitchen, the tucked-away guest suite, and the quiet office down the hall.
“Honestly,” she said, “I think we’ll love it even more.”
At LaFollette Custom Homes, we have designed dozens of custom layouts over the years. While every home is unique, certain floor plans consistently rise to the top. These three remain favorites because they strike the right balance between beauty, flexibility, and the way real families live.
1. The Versatile Open Concept with a Flex Wing
This layout continues to be one of the most requested designs, and for good reasons. It offers the openness that today’s homeowners love while still providing structure and privacy where it matters most.
A split-bedroom configuration separates the primary suite from secondary bedrooms, creating a peaceful retreat for homeowners. The heart of the home features an oversized island that anchors the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, encouraging effortless flow for both daily routines and entertainment.
One of the most valuable elements is the dedicated flex room. Whether used as a home office, playroom, gym, or guest space, it adapts as your life changes. Paired with a mudroom and laundry combination that keeps everyday clutter contained, this layout blends beauty with practical function.
This design works especially well for growing families and anyone planning for long-term flexibility. It is not just built for today; it’s built to evolve with you.
2. The Courtyard Centered Layout
For homeowners who value privacy and natural light, the courtyard-centered layout offers something special. By wrapping the home around a central outdoor space, this design creates a private oasis that fills the interior with light while maintaining separation from neighboring views.
The primary suite often opens directly to the courtyard, offering a peaceful setting for quiet mornings. Secondary bedrooms are positioned in their own wing, creating thoughtful separation within the home. Many variations also include a detached or semi-detached guest suite with a private entrance, ideal for extended family or visiting guests.
This layout is particularly well-suited for multi-generational households, frequent hosts, or anyone who loves seamless indoor and outdoor living.
3. The One Story with a Bonus Room Above the Garage
For those planning a forever home, this layout delivers simplicity without sacrificing flexibility. Most living spaces remain on the main floor, creating ease and accessibility for years to come.
Above the garage, a bonus room or private guest suite provides additional space without expanding the home’s primary footprint. This allows homeowners to enjoy high ceilings, open-concept living, and generous natural light while maintaining efficiency.
The result is a home that supports both entertaining and a quiet retreat. It works beautifully for empty nesters, right-sizers, or families who want room to grow without committing to a full two-story plan.
What These Layouts Have in Common
While each of these floor plans offers something different, they share key design principles that make them successful:
- Logical room flow with no wasted space
- Dedicated storage integrated throughout
- Natural light prioritized in every room
- Flexible spaces that adapt over time
- A focus on how you live, not just how the home looks on paper
Great layouts do more than check boxes. They support routines, create connections, and provide comfort for years to come.
Designing for the Life You Love
Thoughtful design does not happen by accident. It is built around your rhythms, values, and long-term goals. Whether you are hosting holidays, raising a family, or planning a quieter season of life, the right layout allows your home to support it all.
At LaFollette Custom Homes, we do not simply draw floor plans. We design homes around the way you live. Let’s create a layout that feels right for today and remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
