Home Building & Design Tips – Appleton & Fox Cities

5 Most Popular Custom Home Floor Plans for New Homes in The Fox Cities

Written by Jon Bach | Nov. 17, 2025

Finding the right floor plan for your new home in The Fox Cities is one of the most exciting and most important steps in building your dream home. It is literally the outline of your dream. The layout you choose shapes everything about how you live day to day, how your family connects, how you entertain, and even how your home feels as you move through it.

Midwest Design Homes designs and builds homes that fit real Wisconsin lifestyles. Each of our custom and semi-custom homes starts with a thoughtful layout, built for comfort, flow, and efficiency. In this guide, we’re walking you through some of our most popular custom home floor plans, each one created to make everyday living easier, more beautiful, and unmistakably yours. 

Table of Contents

Why Floor Plans Matter When Building a Custom or Semi-Custom Home

Your floor plan is the blueprint for how your life will unfold at home. The right design ensures your home looks great, feels comfortable, and works for how you live. For families, that might mean an open-concept kitchen and living space where everyone can gather. For retirees, it might mean a ranch-style floor plan that offers easy main-level living and low maintenance. Every homeowner’s priorities are different, and that’s why Midwest Design Homes offers both custom home and semi-custom home options to fit your goals.

A custom home lets you design every detail from scratch, tailoring each space to your unique needs and style. A semi-custom home (built from one of our proven floor plans) offers a faster, more efficient way to personalize your home without the overwhelm of starting with a blank page.

How Midwest Design Homes Creates Floor Plans for Real Wisconsin Living

Every Midwest Design Homes floor plan begins with a simple question: How do people actually live in their homes? Our design process focuses on the details that make everyday living easier, thoughtful traffic flow, smart storage, natural light, and spaces that bring people together. We draw from decades of experience building in the Fox Cities and surrounding areas, refining each plan based on what local homeowners love most. Here's what that looks like:

  • Efficient layouts that maximize space without unnecessary square footage

  • Energy-conscious designs suited for Wisconsin’s climate

  • Main-level living options for those seeking long-term accessibility

  • Flexible spaces like home offices, mudrooms, and finished lower levels

Our Most Popular Custom Home Floor Plans in the Fox Cities

Each of our floor plans has its own personality, just like the families who build them. Here are five of our most popular layouts, chosen for their versatility, comfort, and timeless appeal among homeowners throughout Appleton, Kaukauna, Neenah, Menasha, and the greater Fox Valley. See our floor plan guide for a detailed look at these and many more great options. 

The Dalton Plan: Smart, Single-Level Simplicity (1,816 sq. ft.)

The Dalton is one of our most-loved ranch-style homes, offering three bedrooms, two baths, and a spacious, practical open layout. Its single-story design is ideal for families who prefer main-level living or retirees who want to avoid stairs.

Why homeowners love it: The efficient flow, large kitchen island, walk-in pantry, and private primary suite tucked away from the main living area make this a popular option.

The Dayton Plan: Right-Sized Living with Room to Grow (3 Bed / 2 Bath)

Perfect for first-time builders or homeowners ready to simplify, the Dayton combines comfort and flexibility. With a central great room, open kitchen, and optional office or flex room, it offers all the essentials without excess space.

Why homeowners love it: Its smart footprint makes it affordable to build and easy to maintain, ideal for smaller lots or downsizing families.

The Daylily Plan: Family-Friendly Two-Story (4 Bed / 2.5 Bath)

The Daylily was designed for modern family life. Its open-concept main floor connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas. It's perfect for entertaining or everyday togetherness, while the second floor features all four bedrooms for privacy and quiet.

Why homeowners love it: Folks appreciate the first-floor laundry and primary suite, along with the lofted living room ceiling that makes the space feel open and spacious.  

The Weston Plan: Spacious and Sophisticated (4 Bed / 2.5 Bath)

For those who love an elegant, two-story design with room to grow, the Weston delivers. A dramatic two-story entry welcomes you into a home filled with thoughtful details like the large pantry, open living areas, and private primary suite.

Why homeowners love it: Families appreciate the balance of open space and defined rooms, plus storage that truly supports family living.

The Elm Plan: Designed for Gathering and Entertaining (4 Bed / 2.5 Bath)

The Elm combines classic style with modern function. A spacious kitchen flows into the great room, while the second floor features generous bedrooms and a bonus loft space. It’s a perfect fit for families who love to host holidays, dinners, or game nights.

Why homeowners love it: The layout feels open but not overwhelming, providing space for connection and retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Home Floor Plans

Before diving into the details, let’s address some of the most common questions homeowners have when planning their dream home. These insights can help you feel confident as you explore floor plan options and begin shaping your vision for the perfect space.

How do I choose the right floor plan for my family?

Start by thinking about how you live day-to-day, how many bedrooms you need, whether you prefer single- or two-story living, and how you use shared spaces like the kitchen and great room. Midwest Design Homes offers a variety of custom and semi-custom floor plans that can be tailored to your family’s lifestyle and future needs.

Can I make changes to an existing floor plan?

Absolutely. Every floor plan we offer can be customized. You can adjust layouts, move walls, reconfigure rooms, or add personal touches that reflect your preferences. Our in-house design team works closely with you to ensure your plan is perfect before construction begins.

Are your floor plans energy-efficient?

Yes! All of our homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind. From advanced insulation to high-performance windows and mechanical systems, each Midwest Design Homes floor plan is built to deliver long-term comfort and lower utility costs for Wisconsin’s four-season climate.

How long does it take to build a custom home?

Most semi-custom homes are completed within 4-6 months, while fully custom homes may take 6-10 months, depending on the complexity of the design, selections, and lot conditions. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear timeline based on your project.

Do I need to own land before choosing a floor plan?

Not necessarily. Many homeowners meet with us before selecting a lot. Our team can help you find land that matches your preferred plan, budget, and location. We can also adapt a design to fit property you already own in the Fox Cities or Fox Valley area.

Can I tour your homes or see designs in person?

Yes! We encourage you to schedule a visit to our Design Center in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, to explore finishes, floor plan layouts, and design options firsthand. It’s a great way to visualize your dream home and meet the team who will bring it to life.

Build Your Custom or Semi-custom dream home in the fox cities 

We're excited to connect with you about your plans for a custom or semi-custom home in the Fox Cities. Connect with us here to start the conversation that ends in your dream home.