Cultured stone accents add street appeal to the contemporary ranch style Carthage (332-150), a single level three-bedroom home with plenty of space to spread out.

Hefty wood beams support a gabled porch that adds variety to the roofline. Sidelights flank the multi-paneled front door and the grid pattern carries over in the decorative trim on the garage doors. Vertical lap siding heightens the contemporary flavor.

Family living takes place in the great room, at the back. The owners' suite is to the far left, well buffered from the sounds of family activities by the dining room and living room. Children (or guest) bedrooms and the main bathroom are to the right.

The U-shaped kitchen is large, with a walk-in pantry and built-in desk. Range and oven are located in a central work island. The counter that provides separation between the kitchen and the nook could be partially elevated for use as an eating bar.

Windows on two sides of the nook make this area exceptionally bright. If desired, sliding glass doors could substitute for the left-facing window, to allow direct access to the deck. Sliders at the right end of the family room open onto another small deck, next to the stone-face fireplace.

The utility room is large enough to include space for a freezer, a fold-down ironing board and basement stairs. Located next to the garage, it serves as a pass-through space for unloading groceries and a place to leave messy footgear instead of tracking mud through the house.

A recycling center is tucked into the passageway from the garage, handy but out of sight. Extra storage space is available at the back of the two-car garage.

Skylights brighten both bathrooms. The master bathroom also has a second vanity in the dressing room, located between the walk-in closet and the private portion of the bathroom.

The CARTHAGE (332-150) is our plan of the week. For a limited time, we are offering up to 15 percent off construction plans for this design. Call us at 1-800-562-1151 or visit us on line at www.ldiplans.com for details. A $25 study plan is also available consisting of: an artist rendering, elevations, floor plans, and cross section. Order online or search hundreds of other designs including garages, multi family, and standard and luxury homes at www.ldiplans.com. Order this week to save up to 15 percent off construction plans using the discount code (LWD13) or send payment to Landmark Designs, Inc. PO Box 5625 Eugene, OR 97405, remember to indicate CARTHAGE (332-150) and code.

To find out more about Scott McAlexander and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.