When Brittany Hutchison, creator of White & Woodgrain, set out to design a home for her parents on their family property in North Carolina, she knew she wanted a space that felt lived-in, storied, and timeless. First, she found Plan 041-00348, a small Barndominium plan that maximizes space to its full potential.

What she built — using our Barndominium Plan 041-00348 — is proof that a thoughtfully modified floor plan can completely change a home’s personality.

This post dives into the details: the design modifications, the stylistic shifts, and the subtle choices that turned a modern farmhouse plan into a nostalgic, “new–old cottage.”

The Starting Point: Plan 041-00348

Barn Plan 041-00348 is one of our most versatile farmhouse designs. With a wraparound porch, vaulted family room, and an open layout that maximizes natural light, it’s built for comfort and flow.

But Brittany saw something more in the plan — a structure that could bridge old and new. Her vision was to create a house that felt as though it had stood for a century, lovingly updated and layered over time.

The Roofline Redesign: Changing the Scale

One of the most striking differences between the original rendering and Brittany’s finished home is the roof pitch and overall profile.

Brittany chose to lower the ceiling height from 10 feet to 9 feet, which in turn lowered the roofline, giving the home a more intimate and historically accurate cottage feel.

“We wanted the house to sit lower, to feel cozy and grounded — like the older homes that inspired it,” she explained.

The result? A subtle but powerful transformation. The cottage’s roof pitch and proportions now echo the scale of early 1900s architecture, instantly giving it that “been here forever” charm.

The Façade: Adding the Gothic Arch

If there’s one feature that defines this project, it’s the pointed Gothic-style arch window on the front façade — a direct nod to the American Gothic house that inspired Brittany’s design. This architectural detail completely shifts the visual story of the home. The sharp arch adds verticality and character, creating a cottage that feels at home in both a painting and a family photo album.

Layout Modifications: Form Meets Function

Beyond the exterior, Brittany and her builder made several smart functional changes:

• Reverse floor plan: The bedrooms now sit on the right side, and the porch wraps around to the left — optimizing how the home sits on the property.
• Garage omitted: Instead of a garage, Brittany opted for simplicity and cost savings, keeping the focus on the home’s clean lines and traditional silhouette.
• Lighting choices: She removed recessed can lights from the porch and replaced them with galvanized ceiling fans — an option that adds old-fashioned charm and Southern practicality.

Every modification was purposeful — made to strengthen the story and sense of place. 

The Finishes: Where Color and Texture Tell the Story

Brittany’s attention to detail shines through in the finishes. Her paint selections and lighting choices add authenticity to every corner:

• Porch ceiling: Summer Breeze by Valspar (“haint blue”)
• Front door: Perfectly Blue by Valspar
• Lighting: Vintage-inspired fixtures from Barn Light Electric
• Hardware: Classic brass and crystal knobs from Nostalgic Warehouse
• Décor: Handmade quilts, heirloom furniture, and thrifted finds layered throughout

“Lighting makes all the difference,” Brittany shared. “It’s what transformed our new build and made it feel like an old house full of character and charm.”

Before & After: A Plan Transformed

A Collaboration Rooted in Creativity

Brittany worked closely with her builder, Randy Miller, carpenters at Sawyer Designs, and electricians at Royal Electric to bring her vision to life.

For us at America’s Best House Plans, seeing Plan 041-00348 reimagined in this way is deeply rewarding. It shows how flexible and personal a stock plan can be — a starting point for homeowners to craft something truly their own.

“Sometimes it’s easier to build character than it is to buy it.”
— Brittany Hutchison, White & Woodgrain

See the Full Tour

Brittany documented every step of her cottage build — from floor plan selection to move-in day.

Explore the full Tour the Cottage feature on her blog:
White & Woodgrain: Tour the Cottage

Explore our Instagram collaboration here! 

You can find the entire album for this build on this page under the “Build Photos” tab and to see more details on the plan that inspired it all:
View Plan 041-00348

Inspired to Customize Your Own Plan?

Every great home starts with a vision. Whether you’re drawn to Brittany’s “new–old” style or dreaming up something entirely your own, America’s Best House Plans offers thousands of designs ready to make yours uniquely.

The possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for other Cottage style homes, check out our Guide to Cottage Homes. If you prefer the Barndominium style, check out hundreds of Barndominium style homes here. If you find a house plan that doesn’t have a certain feature that fits your needs, take note that every house plan in our collection can be modified through our Modification Services. Find more information about how the customization process works, HERE.

Explore our website to find the perfect house plan for you, and message our team with any questions.