New Orleans Style Homes Floor Plans : Gallery House Plans

New Orleans Style Homes Floor Plans

The historic and vibrant city of New Orleans is renowned for its distinctive architecture, including its iconic New Orleans style homes. These homes, with their elegant facades, intricate ironwork, and spacious interiors, have captivated the imagination of homeowners and architects alike. If you consider building or renovating your dream home in the New Orleans style, understanding the unique characteristics of these floor plans is essential.

Common Features of New Orleans Style Homes

New Orleans style homes often share several common features that distinguish them from other architectural styles. These include:

Raised Foundations: To protect against flooding, New Orleans style homes are typically built on raised foundations, elevating them above street level.
Porches and Balconies: Porches and balconies are essential elements of New Orleans style homes, providing outdoor living spaces and enhancing natural ventilation.
French Influences: The French influence is evident in New Orleans style homes, with arched windows, mansard roofs, and wrought iron accents.
Asymmetrical Facades: Asymmetry is a common characteristic of New Orleans style homes, creating visual interest and a unique curb appeal.

Floor Plan Considerations

When designing a New Orleans style home, careful consideration should be given to the floor plan layout. Traditional floor plans typically feature:

Grand Entrance Halls: Entrance halls in New Orleans style homes are often spacious and welcoming, setting the tone for the rest of the house.
Formal Living and Dining Rooms: Separate formal living and dining rooms are common in New Orleans style homes, providing elegant spaces for entertaining.
Open Kitchens: Modern variations of New Orleans style homes often incorporate open kitchens, creating a more casual and inviting atmosphere.
Master Suites: Master suites in New Orleans style homes are typically spacious and luxurious, featuring private balconies or patios.
Outdoor Living Spaces: Courtyards, gardens, and balconies provide seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living, a hallmark of New Orleans style homes.

Design Variations

While traditional New Orleans style homes adhere to these general characteristics, there is considerable variation in design, reflecting the city's diverse architectural heritage. Common variations include:

Creole Cottages: These smaller, single-story structures are characterized by their colorful facades and intricate woodwork.
Shotgun Houses: Known for their narrow, rectangular shape and lack of hallways, shotgun houses are a traditional New Orleans dwelling.
Raised Cottages: These homes, elevated on stilts, are common in flood-prone areas and feature wrap-around porches.
Double Galleries: Homes with double galleries, one on each floor, provide ample outdoor living space and create a distinctive architectural statement.
Contemporary Interpretations: Modern architects have interpreted the New Orleans style in innovative ways, incorporating modern materials and sustainable design principles.

Preserving the Tradition

To preserve the architectural heritage of New Orleans, careful attention should be paid to the design and construction of new and renovated homes. Local building codes and historic preservation guidelines help ensure that the iconic New Orleans style is maintained while allowing for innovation and modern amenities.

Whether you are drawn to the grandeur of traditional New Orleans style homes or prefer a more contemporary interpretation, understanding the unique characteristics of these floor plans is essential for creating a home that captures the essence of this vibrant city.