Interior Monologues

You probably can't hope to tour the inside of several hundred homes, but you can take virtual tours by browsing home plans you see in books, magazines, and Web sites. Here are some issues to think about as you look at home plans.

Most of us have a pretty good feel for how many bedrooms we'll need (both now and as our family might grow). We also might know that we like a formal dining room and a place to pursue a hobby. Start with plans that meet these basic needs. In most instances, it is far less expensive to begin with a plan that meets those most basic needs, rather than to start customizing a plan that isn't quite right.

Don't forget to consider the stuff you have now. A king-size bed won't easily fit into a 9x12-foot bedroom. If necessary, use paper cutouts to trial-fit your must-keep (or want-to-get) furniture.

Some plans are wide open, with vistas from dining room to kitchen to living room. Others are closed and cozy, with each room walled off from the others. There is no right or wrong approach, only the approach that works for you. This is another instance where your best bet is to tour a variety of homes. Better yet, consider what you like and dislike about your current home and use that as a guide.

Nothing is more embarrassing than finding that the delivery guy has a direct view from the front entry into your teenager's messy bedroom. Here's what to look for in a good floor plan:

• The main entrance is inviting and easy for visitors to find.
• The main entry area includes room to remove coats and adequate closet space.
• The main entry area limits views to areas of the house you wish to keep private.
• The main entry area offers direct access to living and entertaining areas.
• The service entrance has a place to remove and store coats and boots.
• The service entrance offers easy access to the kitchen.
• In general, the plan places noise buffers between quiet zones (bedrooms or office, for example) and active zones (kitchen and family room, for example).
• Each bedroom has reasonably private access to a bathroom.
• Windows are located to provide cross-ventilation.
• Windows will face desirable views or can be moved to do so.
• There is easy access from the kitchen to all dining areas, including those outside.
• Laundry facilities are close to bedrooms, or away from living areas.
• Interior doorways are planned so traffic flow doesn't cross rooms diagonally.