How to Choose a Floor Plan That Truly Fits Your Lifestyle

As we head into 2026, it’s only natural to start thinking about fresh starts, and for many people, that means planning a new home. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in the process? Choosing a floor plan that not only looks good on paper but truly supports how you live every day.

At Kent Homes, we’ve helped thousands of families find homes in the Wilmington area with their perfect layout, whether they’re building on their own lot, selecting a homesite in one of our communities or choosing a quick move-in home. We know it’s not just about square footage. It’s about comfort, flexibility and creating a space that just feels right.

Start With How You Live, Now and Later

Before you start scrolling floor plans or dreaming about finishes, take a moment to think about how you actually use your space. Do you need a quiet home office? A guest room for visiting family? A playroom that can eventually become a homework zone or a den?

Choosing a floor plan isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about designing around your lifestyle. And that includes looking ahead. We always remind buyers that a home should work just as well five or ten years from now as it does the day you move in.

It’s Not Just About Size, It’s About Flow

When it comes to layouts, the little things make a big difference. Where does the laundry room go? Can you get from the garage to the kitchen without walking through the entire house? Does the living space feel open and connected, or more defined and cozy?

At Kent Homes, our floor plans are carefully designed with everyday living in mind, featuring plenty of storage, a logical flow and open sightlines where they matter. We believe your home should make life easier, not more complicated.

You Don’t Have to Start From Scratch

If building a new home feels overwhelming, here’s some good news: You’ve got options. In fact, you don’t need to start from a blank page at all. Here’s how we help buyers find the right fit:

• Build on Your Own Land – Already have land you love? We’ll help you choose a floor plan that fits it perfectly.
  
  
• Pick a Homesite in One of Our Communities – Get the best of both worlds: a professionally designed neighborhood and the chance to personalize your plan.
  
  
• Choose a Quick Move-In Home – Want to skip the build time altogether? Our quick move-in homes are already underway or complete, thoughtfully designed and move-in ready.
  
  

Many of our buyers appreciate the flexibility to move sooner and still find a home that feels personal and polished.

Bedrooms, Bonus Rooms and the Beauty of Flex Spaces

We get a lot of questions about how many bedrooms people really need. The answer? It depends on how you plan to use them. Maybe that extra room is a playroom now and a guest suite later. Or maybe it’s your yoga studio, home office or quiet space to get away from the noise of the house.

We offer a variety of floor plans with optional bonus rooms and flexible spaces, because we understand that life changes and your home should be adaptable to meet those changes.

The Lot Matters More Than You Think

It’s easy to fall in love with a floor plan, but the homesite you choose can really shape how that plan works. Things like lot size, orientation (hello, natural light), outdoor space and privacy all come into play.

We design our homes with that in mind, making sure homes feel like they belong, not just fit. We’ll help you choose a plan that makes the most of your lot’s potential, whether that means a private backyard, beautiful front porch views or smart garage placement.

Personalizing Your Home at the Design Center

Once you’ve chosen a layout, it’s time to make it yours. At our Design Center, you’ll work with experienced designers who guide you through every choice, from cabinetry to countertops to flooring and beyond.

Even if you opt for a quick move-in home, many of our available designs already include high-end finishes and thoughtful details that feel anything but basic.

A Few Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve seen it all, so here are a few things to watch out for when figuring out how to choose a floor plan:

• Prioritizing square footage over function
  
  
• Forgetting about storage (trust us, you’ll want more)
  
  
• Not thinking about how you’ll live in the home 5–10 years from now
  
  
• Ignoring how people move through the house
  
  

A great home isn’t just big, it’s smart. We’ll help you spot those little details that make a big impact.

We’re With You From Day One

For over 35 years, Kent Homes has been helping homeowners in Wilmington and Coastal North Carolina build spaces that truly feel like home. Our team is known for honest guidance, thoughtful design and a straightforward process that helps you make confident decisions. Every step of the way.

Starting the New Year With a Home That Truly Fits

There’s something exciting about a new year. New goals, new plans and maybe even a new home. Choosing the right floor plan is more than just picking a layout. It’s the foundation for how you’ll live, relax and connect in the years to come.

Whether you’re building from the ground up, selecting a homesite or moving into a home that’s already underway, we’ll help you find a plan that fits you: your life, your style, your future.