New Orleans Style Homes Floor Plans : Plansdiagram

New Orleans Style Homes Floor Plans

The distinctive charm and architectural beauty of New Orleans style homes continue to captivate homeowners and architects alike. These homes, with their vibrant colors, intricate details, and open floor plans, reflect the city's rich history and cultural heritage. If you're considering building or renovating a home in the New Orleans style, understanding the different floor plans available is crucial to creating a residence that meets your needs and showcases the essence of this beloved architectural style.

Shotgun House

The iconic shotgun house is one of the most recognizable New Orleans home types. These narrow, rectangular homes typically have a single room deep and two rooms wide, with all rooms aligned along a central hallway. The name "shotgun" refers to the belief that a shotgun blast fired through the front door could reach the backyard without hitting any walls.

Double Shotgun House

Double shotgun houses are essentially two shotgun houses combined side-by-side. These homes offer more space and flexibility than single shotguns, with four rooms wide and a central hallway. They often feature two separate entrances, allowing for multiple families or renters to occupy the same building.

Raised Cottage

Raised cottages, as the name suggests, are elevated off the ground by piers or columns. This design was initially used to protect homes from flooding, but it has since become a distinctive architectural feature in New Orleans. Raised cottages typically have a full-width front porch and a raised foundation, providing additional living space while allowing for ventilation and cooling.

Center Hall Creole Cottage

Center hall Creole cottages are characterized by a central hallway that runs through the middle of the house, dividing the floor plan into two symmetrical halves. These homes often feature high ceilings, wide porches, and intricate wrought-iron railings. The center hall plan provides a sense of grandeur and formality, making it a popular choice for historic homes and larger residences.

Creole Townhouse

Creole townhouses are multi-story homes that share a common wall with adjacent buildings. These homes are typically found in urban areas and feature narrow facades and deep floor plans. Creole townhouses often have multiple balconies or patios, providing outdoor living space despite their confined footprint.

Considerations for Floor Plan Choice

When selecting a floor plan for your New Orleans style home, consider these key factors:

Lot size and shape: The size and shape of your lot will determine the feasibility of different floor plans.
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: Determine the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need to accommodate your family and guests.
Lifestyle and entertaining needs: Think about how you live and entertain. Do you prefer open and flexible spaces or more formal and defined areas?
Budget: Different floor plans can vary significantly in cost, so it's crucial to consider your budget when making your decision.

Working with an experienced architect or builder who specializes in New Orleans style homes can help you navigate the floor plan options and create a custom design that meets your specific needs and budget. Whether you choose a charming shotgun house, a spacious raised cottage, or an elegant Creole townhouse, embracing the architectural heritage of New Orleans will result in a home that is both authentic and uniquely your own.