House Plans Key West Style : House Plans

House Plans Key West Style

Key West-style homes are known for their tropical charm, relaxed elegance, and suitability for the warm, humid climate of the Florida Keys. If you're considering building a Key West-style home, there are several key elements to consider in your house plans.

Exterior Features

Porches and verandas: Key West homes typically feature wide, wrap-around porches or verandas, providing shaded outdoor living spaces. These areas are often screened to keep out insects and allow for comfortable relaxation.
Pastel colors: Key West homes are often painted in pastel colors, such as pink, yellow, blue, or green, which reflect the tropical surroundings and create a cheerful ambiance.
Gingerbread trim: Ornate gingerbread trim is a common feature of Key West homes, adding a touch of whimsy and architectural interest to the exterior.
Metal roofs: Metal roofs are a durable and practical choice for Key West homes, providing protection from the sun and rain.
Louvered windows and shutters: Louvered windows and shutters allow for ventilation and privacy while still maintaining a connection to the outdoors.

Interior Design

Open floor plan: Key West homes often have an open floor plan, with minimal walls to separate living spaces. This creates a sense of spaciousness and encourages indoor-outdoor living.
High ceilings: High ceilings are another common feature, helping to keep the home cool and airy.
Natural materials: Key West homes often incorporate natural materials, such as wood, stone, and tile, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Bright colors: While the exterior of Key West homes is often painted in pastel colors, the interior can be more vibrant, with bright colors and bold patterns.
Tropical touches: Tropical plants, artwork, and fabrics add a touch of the tropics to the interior design.

Other Considerations

Energy efficiency: When designing a Key West-style home, it's important to consider energy efficiency. Features such as high-efficiency appliances, solar panels, and proper insulation can help reduce energy consumption.
Coastal resilience: Key West is located in a hurricane-prone area, so it's essential to consider coastal resilience measures in your house plans. This may include elevating the home, installing hurricane-rated windows and doors, and building a seawall or other flood protection measures.
Local building codes: Always consult with local building officials to ensure that your house plans comply with building codes and zoning regulations.

Conclusion

Key West-style homes offer a unique blend of comfort, style, and functionality, making them ideal for the warm, tropical climate of the Florida Keys. By incorporating the key elements discussed in this article, you can create a beautiful and inviting Key West-style home that will provide you with years of enjoyment.