houseplans

the more i search for houseplans, the pickier i am becoming. i've looked at hundreds (thousands?) of houseplans. i've actually always enjoyed looking at blueprints, so finding a house that suits us has been really fun for me. but i want something particular (i guess). i can tell if it's wrong or right within a second of it popping up on the computer screen. why aren't all houses open concept nowadays? even when i click 'open concept,' i end up looking at closed off galley kitchens. houseplans tend to be peninsula-city (and i want an island!)

so, as i'm looking (and looking, and looking) i've noticed some things that are deal-breakers for me.

here are the things i need in a layout:

• powder room (not off kitchen or dining room!)
• open concept
• dining room + breakfast area in kitchen (i can be swayed on this one)
• kitchen island (even a decent peninsula would work)
• if one-story -- split bedrooms (that's: master on one side, "kids" on the other)
• if two-story -- master and laundry on main floor
• foyer
• laundry room/mudroom (with a window would be nice)
• jack-and-jill bathroom (hello? these are few and far between)
• water closet in master bath
• separate tub and shower in master
• pantry (walk-in would be great. decent sized cabinet-style would be fine. c'mon)
• loft area upstairs for computer
• deck

i have found a plan that i can't seem to get out of my head. it checks all the boxes (minus jack-and-jill bathroom, window in laundry room, loft) plus it has 'future bonus space' above the garage. i'm just not sure what we'll be approved for (square footage-wise), and this one is at the max of what i'm assuming.