House must-haves

Building our someday/forever house has been on my mind a lot lately.  We're probably looking at at least 5 years from now, but I like to find ideas now and store them away for when the time is right.

Here is a list of my dream must haves:

• At least four bedrooms (Master plus three bedrooms for our three boys)
• His and her master closets
• A hobby room just for me (doesn't have to be large, just a small space where I can have my own computer and writing desk, a place to store my gift wrapping stuff, maybe a space to sew, etc.)  I'm thinking leopard carpet, or something fun!
• A real wood burning fireplace, or two...
• An island in my laundry room - for folding clothes and additional storage.  Think of a place to store those big, ugly laundry baskets!
• Kitchens:  I have no idea.  I like the crispness of a white kitchen.  I picture making breakfast and my boys sitting at the island eating their cinammon toast, or whatever it is they're eating before school.  I want an open floor plan where the kitchen opens into a den, or comfy living space.  But, I don't have the details ironed out with the kitchen plan - it's ever-changing.  Here are a few ideas that I think are gorgeous!  Look at the chalkboard in the adjacent room, very cute!

A farmhouse kitchen!

Or, here is Sarah's take on a farmhouse kitchen:

http://www.hgtv.com/video/farmhouse-kitchen2-video/index.html

Is this a pantry?  A butler's pantry?  Wine storage?  I don't know, but wow!

I don't love the yellow, but I do love the farm sink and the lighted display shelving.  Glass doors would help with dust :)  And, how cute are those tole painted kitchen chairs?  Darling!

Same kitchen, but this is the room next to it (if you look closely, you can see a peak of the yellow cabinets).  Think caterer, or hosting a shower in your home!  Not sure how practical, or how much this would be used, but it's gorgeous.  Then again, we're talking dream house, so sure, let's add this in as well!

• A terrace/courtyard/outdoor living space of some kind.  Not real picky, but just a place where we can hang out, eat outdoors, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors.  Below is a floor plan I found.  I don't love the plan, necessarily, but there are elements to keep in mind for future planning.  Notice: scrapbooking room, outdoor kitchen, and space for a washer and dryer in the master suite. 

And, another plan with some fun elements.  Notice the laundry room, with a folding island and sewing area all in one.  This is probably more practical that the before mentioned idea!

Here is the exterior of this particular plan.  Notice the large courtyard as you enter the home:

And, look at the outdoor spaces off the kitchen and living areas:

• An upstairs (but I don't want stairs visible from the front entrance) where all the boys bedrooms will be.
• With three boys, I love the idea of a dorm style community bathroom.  You have to see it to see how darling, and practical, it could be.  This is from the 2011 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway:

Three showers - love it!!

More later, I'm sure. 

P.S. I'm adding the following websites to my favorite lists: 

• http://www.architecturaldesigns.com/
• http://www.hgtv.com/
• http://www.joannehudson.com/