Welcome to the New Year. Welcome to new opportunities, new (or still existing) dreams, hopes, experiences, gratitude, fortitude, grace, laughter, and open-mindedness for all that is to come in 2026.
I hope your holiday season gave you pause to reflect – where are you? Where would you like to be? What can you do to effect any changes you’d like to see? Did you realize your home may not be as efficient for large gatherings? Did you recognize that your current home is larger than you’d like at this point in your life? Maybe you wish for more peaceful surroundings? Whatever the contemplation of what this new year can bring, planning for a new future, a new house, is right here.
This Munhall plan, by Frank Snodgrass of Living Concepts, is a lovely new thought that, by the 2026 holiday season, can be yours. With almost 4,000 square feet, three bedrooms, and three and a half baths, you have room for family and friends to stay. This home would be ideal on a lot with a view – so maybe a high mountain area, a golf course, or a lake is possible for you. Regardless, Munhall is a cool, relaxing, comfortable home. Let me show you.
In both cottage and Craftsman styles, Munhall reflects both. Natural materials and colors, a front porch, easy-living, open flow of spaces, and an easy blending with nature are major defining features of this style of homes. You will love this plan – in all its functionality and comforts.
From the outside of this home, you must immediately want to see inside. The charm of warm materials, the lines of the roof, the cozy little front porch, and the arches of windows and entryway are a lure for anyone.
Munhall – Scenic Pleasure
Foyer, Dining Room, and Laundry
Your covered porch protects your beautiful arched double-door entry. Inside, the foyer opens to the dining room and a hallway leading to other parts of the house. One solid wall here is ideal for a statement table and a significant piece of wall art.
The dining room, to your left, has two open ‘walls’. The solid wall wants a sideboard, and again, great artwork. Enjoy family meals here any day of the week.
Down the hall to the left of the dining room is the laundry room. You’ll appreciate the proximity to your main bedroom suite. This laundry room has space for a counter, under-counter storage, and a solid wall for shelves or a drying rack.
Munhall – Scenic Pleasure
Main Bedroom Suite
The entire left side of the house is the main suite. Outside the main suite is a closet for linens or even coats/boots. Walking into the main suite, you’ll notice that it is spacious and has a tray ceiling, which adds dimension. I want a four-poster bed here or a tall ‘wing-back’ style headboard with soft fabric. If your back windows overlook a pretty view, adding two chairs and a small table sounds perfect.
The master bath has two sinks, divided by a cabinet for daily basics. Feel like a long soak in the tub or a hot shower? Yes, you have both, offering moments of relaxation or the daily ‘get going’ shower. Colors? What mood suits you? Clean – whites, creams, opalescent? Spa-like – blues, soft greens, and fluffy towels and floor mats? Warm rich tones of cranberry, browns, navy? Enjoy exploring your options.
Yes, at the ‘end of the space’ is a walk-in closet. Again, enjoy all the possibilities – shelves, tall cabinets for your shoes, maybe a ‘rotating’ tray for shoes and handbags. Add a center island with drawers for jewelry, watches, men’s ties, ‘delicates’, and socks….then hang a fabulous light above.
Munhall – Scenic Pleasure
Kitchen, Breakfast, and Family Room
Back to the main living area, the kitchen has a large island with a small sink. A nice, rounded edge at one end gives barstools a chance to join the party. A pantry, with a pocket door (really go out with a cool door here), adds the space you want for kitchen gadgets, serving ware, food staples, and baking supplies.
The area for a kitchen table is huge. You’ll want a large area rug with a statement-making long table, and a bench on one side will invite dinner guests and board game players alike to make themselves at home.
Having an open plan allows for easy, interactive flow. You can watch the telly while someone else does the kitchen preps, and you both miss nothing. You decide, do you prefer a coffered ceiling or perhaps a beamed ceiling? I’m team coffered. The center fireplace begs to be lit, with cozy chairs, a sofa, and a big coffee table nearby.
Munhall – Scenic Pleasure
Outside – Upper
Both the kitchen and the family room have doors that lead to the large, open terrace. Yes, put your grill, dining furniture, and pots with herbs and flowers to create the outdoor space you want to entertain in, or sit and watch the world.
Munhall – Scenic Pleasure
Lower Level
Yes, this home has a lower level. An exposed lower level, which means you’ve just doubled your entertainment space and ability to enjoy the views you have around the house.
At the bottom of the stairs is a lovely wine room, which is handy for the mini kitchen. The rec room area begs for a cushy sectional, a large tv and a corner video game console.
There are two bedroom suites here, each with a full bath. Doors from each bedroom and the rec area lead to the covered terrace. I think a big hot tub is in order here. No matter what you decide to make this lower-level area look like, make it just right for you and live in this space often.
Munhall – Scenic Pleasure
Hidden Treasure
As if the house isn’t just as cozy and enough, as is…. There is a hidden gem above the garage. Yes, more space and a half bathroom. Paint? Write? Garage Band? Office? Whatever you want, whatever you need, it’s right here.
Now you see why I get excited about Munhall and what is possible by holiday season 2026. This can be yours. New life, new beginnings, new memories. Go for it – you only live once – be brave, be bold and….be kind.