Open Floor Plan Florida Homes: Embrace Indoor-Outdoor Living and Bring the Outside In
January 17th, 2025
There’s far more to a home’s design than wood, brick and stone. The key component to building is architectural style, where aesthetic meets functionality. The builder’s mission in designing a home is to make it beautiful, practical, and a living space that emphasizes indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a natural living experience.
People who live near the coast love the outdoors, and the residents of Florida’s northeast coast are no exception. The Shearwater collection of homes –– designs from Lennar, David Weekley, and Ryan Homes –– offer a variety of architectural styles while, at the same time, make full use of the classic features and amenities that cater to the Southern outdoor life. These include thoughtful house plans, expansive outdoor living spaces, and areas designed for enjoying fresh air and sunshine.
The Indoor-Outdoor Details that Make a Dream Home
Our builders are the nation’s best. To create homes that reflect the Shearwater lifestyle, they have taken into consideration not just architectural features and amenities, but the selection of materials, as well:
Natural materials and colors
Clean lines, natural materials and neutral colors create inviting, serene indoor spaces and with them, a tranquil atmosphere that extends into the outdoor space.
Plentiful windows
Expansive windows maximize natural light, creating indoor-outdoor living and foster a deeper appreciation for the surrounding environment.
Open floor plans
An open layout –– one that combines the living room, dining room, and kitche into a single space –– aids in connecting interior and outdoor spaces effortlessly.
Where Home Style Meets Indoor-Outdoor Living
Covered verandas, high ceilings, and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces –– these are just a few features that define Shearwater home designs. While many of the Shearwater homes share these design features, each builder brings their own aesthetic to their collection, offering homeowners a wide range of house plans and style choices. From outdoor dining rooms to cozy interior spaces, Shearwater homes are tailored for enjoying every moment of coastal living.
Homes Built For Entertaining Inside and Out
An important aspect of life at Shearwater is gathering with friends and family. The Thornewood townhome design from Ryan Homes reflects that importance. These townhomes feature a two-car garage, a large rear lanai, and an inviting front porch. All serve as charming outdoor spaces for entertaining friends. The Thornewood design also features a generous, oversized island with modern kitchen features that are perfect for preparing meals, hosting in the dining room, or entertaining friends.
The Coastal Touch: Breezy Living Redefined
There is a clear coastal influence in Shearwater’s culture, one you’ll see in nearly every home design. Inspired by our maritime heritage, early coastal designs often borrowed features from ships, such as durable finishes and multifunctional spaces. Large windows and coastal house plans with open floor plans are incorporated to capture natural light and bring in coastal breezes. These laid the groundwork for the aesthetic we now associate with coastal-inspired design — simple yet elegant, with a focus on making it easy to enjoy the natural beauty of the home’s surroundings. It is this simple elegance, complemented by an appreciation of natural beauty, that is captured in every Shearwater home design.
Why Open Floor Plans Are Perfect for Indoor-Outdoor Living
Open floor plans are an excellent choice for creating inviting spaces that connect your home’s interior with its surroundings. At Shearwater, these designs embrace natural light, foster a sense of spaciousness, and highlight Florida’s coastal charm. A hallmark of modern home design, open floor plans extends into indoor-outdoor living spaces, creating a beautiful flow that enhances both functionality and lifestyle.
These designs are ideal for homeowners who enjoy fresh air and outdoor activities, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits. Whether for entertaining guests or simply enjoying the comforts of home, open floor plans combine style with versatility.
Effortless Comfort in Every Corner of Your Home
You’ll discover a number of architectural influences when you explore the collections of homes in Shearwater. The Brookside neighborhood from David Weekley Homes, for example, comprises homes with features reminiscent other architectural designs — the Craftsman and Farmhouse styles.
Typically rectangular in shape, with a covered entry porch framed by columns, the Craftsman- and Farmhouse-style homes have been popular in America since the 19th Century for their cozy charm and efficient use of space. This design emphasizes functionality and simplicity, with open layouts creating that warm, inviting atmosphere in both the indoor space and the outdoor living area that is so much a part of Shearwater home design.
Shearwater: A Community That Celebrates Connection and Nature
Shearwater is a community that encourages residents to enjoy the outdoors as well as the company of others, and our home designs and community amenities such as the Kayak Launch, Dog Park, and Outpost Adventure Park reflect that. Here, in one of the best locations in northeast Florida, an exceptional group of home builders has created a community that fosters a deep connection to nature and a true sense of togetherness.
Explore how Shearwater homes combine timeless design with modern indoor-outdoor living by browsing pictures of new homes in St. Augustine. Whether you’re drawn to traditional designs or modern layouts, there’s something for every homeowner here.
