18 Open-Floor House Plans Built for Entertaining

An inviting American Farmhouse with a sweeping kitchen island, a dining area that stretches right into a living room with a charming fireplace, and a wrap-around front porch. What more could we ask for?

4 bedrooms and 4 baths

2,718 square feet

See Plan: American Farmhouse 

The only feature that rivals the long great room and kitchen? The double-doors that open onto the matching screen porch.

2 bedroom and 2 bath
1,611 square feet
See Plan: Hawthorn Cottage

Bring the outdoors in with a great room that flows right into a built-in screened porch. Another favorite feature? The versatile flex room built into this charming cottage.

4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths
3,208 square feet
See Plan: Gilliam

The Banning Court House Plan is easy, breezy, and made for afternoon entertaining. The open living room, dining room, and kitchen make for easy hosting, and the charming library provides a welcome space for private retreat.

2 bedrooms and 2 baths

1,286 square feet

See Plan: Banning Court

The focal point of this plan is the central living room, which connects the open concept kitchen and two porches. But the real selling point? The secluded, spacious master suite.

4 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths

4,540 square feet

See Plan: Crane Island River House

The central family room spills into the open kitchen in this farmhouse charmer. We’re already imagining many cocktail hours hosted on home’s the two porches.

4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths
3,610 square feet
See Plan: Whiteside Farm

If you’re looking for an open floor plan with a degree of privacy, this plan if for you. The central spaces are open and inviting, but the master suite and library enjoy a bit of seclusion, as do the upstairs bedrooms.

4 bedrooms and 4 baths

2,992 square feet

See Plan: Dogwood Place

Darling, you’re evergreen. This stylish cottage has everything you need—including a sprawling, open first floor—and nothing that you don’t.

3 bedrooms and 3 baths

1,921 square feet

See Plan: Evergreen Cottage

There’s just enough space for a cozy breakfast nook in this classic, yet modern house plan. The second-floor bonus room and flexible daylight basement leave lots of room for customization.

4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths

4,423 square feet

See Plan: Tennessee Farmhouse

This one-of-a-kind home can be yours, too. Its charming dimensions still allow for lots of space for guests—from the open kitchen and great room to the covered front porch.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
2,233 square feet
See Plan: Aiken Street

The expansive family room can be portioned off any way you may choose, leaving room for a breakfast or dining space. Inclement weather? Don’t worry: both porches are covered, allowing for outdoor entertaining in any season.

3 to 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
3,469 square feet
See Plan: Elberton Way

This house plan has topped our list of favorite open-plan designs for its modern-meets-rustic charm. Furnish the kitchen island with barstools to watch all the kitchen cooking action over the holidays.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
3,511 square feet
See Plan: Farmhouse Revival

This cottage may clock in at just over 2,000 square-feet, but it’s built for holiday entertaining. The open living area and kitchen provide lots of room for your guests, and the screened porch opens up new hosting possibilities.

Square Footage: 2,148
3 Bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths

See Plan: Lowcountry Cottage

The back porch is built into the central living space of the home, allowing for lots of natural light in the breakfast nook.

Square Footage: 2,639
4 or 5 Bedrooms and 4 baths

See Plan: Stone Creek

The Cottage of the Year is surely a winner. While the common area is completely open, an independent vestibule and screen porch connect two wings with living suites. And yes, there’s a guest cottage with its own porch. Need we say more?

4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,718 square feet
See Plan: Cottage of the Year
 

If you’re not instantly charmed by the stone exterior, just wait until you step inside. The foyer spills into a central living room, which flows into all the primary hubs of the house. It’s open-concept with a few walls added to maximize kitchen cabinet space (a welcome home for all of Grandma’s casserole dishes).

3 bedrooms and 4 baths

1,910 square feet

See Plan: The Langston

This design somehow squeezes in three bedrooms, a media room, a dining room, and an outdoor room, all onto one floor. It maintains the feel of an open-plan home by minimizing wasted hallway space, but still creates private spaces by strategically placing each and every room.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,440 square feet
See Plan: Orange Grove

This straightforward cottage proves just what you can do with smaller dimensions. The kitchen, dining, and living rooms flow seamlessly into each other, yet the master suite is slightly set off to offer a degree of privacy.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,345 square feet
See Plan: Wildmere Cottage