Picking the Right Floor Plan for Your Family
- Ed Cuming
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
How to create a home that fits your life—today, tomorrow, and for years to come
When you’re designing a custom home or planning a major remodel, the floor plan is the blueprint (literally!) for how you’ll live every day: where mornings begin, where friends gather, and where your family can grow. Choosing the right layout can make all the difference between a house that simply looks beautiful and one that truly feels like home.
Start with How You Live
Think about the moments that matter most in your day-to-day life. Do you love hosting big family dinners? A spacious, open kitchen and dining area might be a must. Prefer quiet mornings with coffee in a cozy nook? Consider a layout that allows for a tucked-away breakfast corner or a sunlit patio. You’re in charge of what gets centered in your life when you design it into your home’s floor plan.
Plan for the Future
Life rarely stays the same. Whether you’re planning for a future nursery, accommodating visiting relatives, or creating space for aging in place, think ahead. A well-designed floor plan can evolve with you—what’s a playroom today might become a media room or home gym later in life.
Growing families might prioritize extra bedrooms, flexible play or homework spaces, and an organized entryway to corral the chaos.
Retirees may lean toward single-level living or a primary suite on the main floor for accessibility.
Remote workers benefit from a dedicated home office or a flexible room that can adapt as needs change.
Central Coast Considerations
Climate
Here on California’s Central Coast, indoor-outdoor living is a way of life. You’ll want to take advantage of the region’s mild climate:
Seamless indoor-outdoor flow achieved with sliding, folding, or roll-up doors that open to patios, decks, or courtyards.
Views and natural light abound when orienting main living areas to capture breezes or vineyard vistas.
Outdoor kitchens and living spaces are perfect for year-round entertaining.
Community Character
Each Central Coast community carries its own architectural story. In the inland wine country like Paso Robles, Spanish influences—stucco walls, red-tile roofs, wrought-iron accents, and shaded courtyards—create a warm, Old World feel. Along the shoreline from Grover Beach to Cambria, you’ll find breezy coastal cottages and contemporary beach houses. San Luis Obispo’s neighborhoods hint at its history with a mix of Victorian, mid-century modern, and updated contemporary homes. The forested stretches near Cambria bring a rustic charm, using natural stone and wooden shake siding. When designing your own floor plan, consider how your home can reflect both your personal style and the character of the community around it.
Popular Layouts on the Central Coast
While every home is unique, a few floor plan concepts stand out in our area:
Open-concept great rooms blend kitchen, dining, and living spaces.
Floor plans with separated bedrooms offer privacy for the primary suite.
Courtyard or U-shaped plans center life around an outdoor gathering space.
Modern farmhouse layouts feature wide porches and expansive kitchens for easy entertaining.
How We Help You Pick Your Floor Plan
At Ed Cuming Custom Homes, we know that no two families—and no two homes—are alike. Our team listens closely to your needs, then guides you through every step. Our Client Liaison, Erica Goodson, can help you pick the best floor plan for your family. With more than 20 years of design experience, Erica is an invaluable partner when building your dream home. Whether it’s a new build or a major remodel, we'll collaborate with you to ensure your home feels like it was designed just for you—because it was.
Ready to start exploring the possibilities? Let’s talk about your family’s needs and the kind of spaces that make you feel at home. Together, we’ll create a floor plan that fits your life today and grows with you for years to come.