Southern style living is a timeless and elegant choice for those seeking comfort and charm. Southern house plans with 2 stories offer the perfect mix of grandeur and spaciousness, making them ideal for hosting family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and other special occasions. These homes have a rich history and are deeply rooted in Southern culture, creating memories that are truly priceless.
Image: 2 story Southern house plan #120-2531
Southern Style Living: All the True Comforts of Home
Southern houses exude beauty and elegance, both on the outside and inside. The grandeur of their design is matched only by the warmth and charm they offer. Children in the South grow up dreaming of owning a similar home one day, where they can enjoy sweet tea on big wraparound porches. The memories created in these homes are truly priceless.
How Do I Recognize Two-Story Southern Home Designs?
The style of Southern homes dates back to the 1700s, and many of the homes you see today are original eighteenth and nineteenth-century plantation homes. These homes are often characterized by their formal, grand, and classical structures. Here are some distinctive features of two-story Southern homes:
- Large, beautiful columns
- Muted colors
- Plantation style designs with two-story porches and verandahs
- Tall ceilings to combat the Southern heat and humidity
- Large windows for ample natural light
- Exquisite landscaping to complement the home
These homes are built with the ideas of family and comfort in mind. While they are predominantly found in the South, similar styles have spread throughout the country, bringing with them their unique charm. Despite their traditional appearance, Southern house plans are designed with modern functionality in mind. They are spacious and feature wide entryways, open floor plans, large kitchens, and multiple entrances and bathrooms to accommodate large families.
Relax on Covered Porches and Verandas!
Modern Southern homes often feature two-story covered front porches and covered rear or side verandas. These spaces serve as extensions of the indoor living areas and are perfect for outdoor entertaining. The shade provided by the porch roof, often accompanied by ceiling fans, offers a welcome respite from the summer heat. Just picture your entire family dining on the covered porch on a warm summer night or enjoying a good book on a breezy fall morning. It's the perfect addition to an already beautiful home.
Image: 2-story Southern house plan #117-1133
Hearty Meals in Spacious Kitchens
The kitchen is the heart of any home, and this is especially true for Southern style homes. You'll find large kitchens with upgraded appliances, with white cabinets being a popular choice. Gathering in the kitchen is encouraged, whether for a cup of tea or socializing during meal preparation. Large kitchen islands provide ample space for cooking, and it's common to have a small table and chairs for casual meals with the family.
Image: Large kitchen in Southern style house plan #120-2531
Family-Oriented Rooms
Southern homes often have formal living rooms, although they are becoming less common nowadays. Most of the time, families spend their time in dens or family rooms, especially when entertaining friends and family. These rooms reflect the owner's taste and often feature various themes, such as beach/coastal, farm, or vintage. The emphasis is always on comfort and functionality. Depending on the size of the home, you might even find a fireplace as the focal point, creating a cozy atmosphere. Spaciousness is a hallmark of Southern homes, allowing for multiple seating areas, coffee tables, and armchairs to accommodate friends and extended family.
Images: Family room with fireplace in Southern house plans #120-2176, Cathedral-ceiling family room with balcony in Southern house plan #120-2176
Stylish Sleeping
Bedrooms in Southern style home plans are known for their spaciousness and comfort. The master bedroom typically includes a large ensuite bathroom and at least one walk-in closet. In addition to the master bedroom, there are usually two or three other spacious bedrooms for kids or guests. Bedrooms are often themed, and you'll find natural wood furniture or traditional-style furniture with relaxing, muted tones to create a serene atmosphere.
Images: Master bedroom with vaulted-tray ceiling in Southern house plan #109-1191, Upper floor plan for Southern house plan #109-1191
Personal Spaces to Pamper You
Southern homes are known for their abundance of bathrooms. You can typically expect to find at least three bathrooms in these homes:
- A master bath
- Another large bathroom for the other rooms to share
- A nice-sized half bath, usually located on the first floor
Bathrooms in Southern homes often feature vibrant colors, such as blues, oranges, and yellows, and are more colorful than the rest of the home. Large windows provide beautiful natural light, and storage is never an issue. The guest bathroom on the second floor is designed with children in mind, with plenty of space for multiple users. Equipped with a bathtub and a shower, it offers functionality and style.
Images: Master bath in Southern style house plan #190-1014, Master bath in Southern style house plan #161-1076
As you can see, Southern house plans with 2 stories offer a perfect blend of comfort and functionality. These homes feature open entertaining spaces, practical kitchens, and spacious bedrooms, making them an ideal choice for families. Each room serves a purpose, and no space is wasted. With charming features inside and out, Southern homes provide the perfect canvas for expressing your individual style. From sitting on the porch and enjoying sweet tea with your children to cozy movie nights in the den, Southern living at home is truly the best.
Footnote: The center bottom photo in the lead image for this article features a 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath 2-story luxury Southern home with Colonial and Georgian influences. For more information, click here (House Plan #116-1112).
