We are getting at least a foot starting late tonight...snow day tomorrow. On top of an existing foot or more so our driveway is getting very narrow! I ground some spices last night for an Adobo chicken dish. Made a big dutch oven version to have storm leftovers. The spice mix was a blend i just do by eye, about 3/4 cup total, then divided it and added smoked paprika and more dried chilis for some pork tips i need to roast/braise for pulled pork. I get storm anxiety about loosing power, so i need some things already roasting or resting when it hits. I'll start some bread tonight. I do save and re-wash old spice containers. But mostly use the French style working glass jars. I've had some since college and Costco has them now so i am stocked up. I make my own mustards, mayo and cocktail/ketchup style sauces so they are the most handy. Wide tops and snap-on lids. Great for salad dressings and sauces. I use ball jars for grains and seeds. The French jars are great that you can use a sharpie to label the tops and comes right off with a damp edge of a cloth with a bit of BarKeepersFriend powder. Penzeys has whole spices. I was given some spice mixes as a gift and never used them. I'm looking at one right now and it says salt, sugar, black pepper as the first three ingredients for a spice rub. Then paprika, nutmeg, sage, cayenne and red pepper. I have all that and so much better fresh ground. I just got this new batch of jars last week.

OK, sorry about this, but I'm going to be blunt... "...I have a preference for the hood higher above the cooktop--not functionally (it's not great for capture) but aesthetically, I think it looks better if it's higher... You're supervising this but your parents are the ones who are building and will be living in this house, right? Are looks more important than functionality for your parents as well as you? I'm just asking b/c there are a lot of I's for your preferences in several of the above posts, and not much of what your parents might prefer - other than no glass & open shelves but you want them anyway. Honestly? If my DD built a kitchen more for looks than functionality or based on her preferences not mine, I would be very unhappy - I would pretend it didn't matter and that I loved it, but inside I would not be happy. For most of us, as we get older we realize that beauty is only skin deep and that functionality is far more important. We also don't want to hurt our children's feelings so if asked directly we often tell them what they want to hear if they seem excited about something... That said, if looks are still #1, then I would think about doing the following: Move the MW drawer over to the cabinet next to the range and put it in a 24" cabinet Put in a full-height 12" pullout pantry against the wall Put in a 9" to 12" cabinet (whatever will fit) b/w the MW drawer cabinet and the pantry pullout. This cabinet could be for trays, cutting boards, etc. As to the backsplash height...both the counters and the light rail (if you have it) will reduce that depth. So, be sure there's enough space to work in there without feeling claustrophobic b/c that's where most prepping will be done - b/w the sink and range. Also, be sure you parents' tallest appliance they will use on those counters will fit under the cabinets + light rail...if they open "up", then measure them when open...i.e., the tallest the appliance can be. Regarding the hood...with cabinets flanking the hood, a width equal to the width of the range is fine, especially if your parents don't do a lot of frying. However, the installation height is more important. If it's a small house, then odors, grease, etc. will have less area to disperse in. Plus, it looks like the kitchen is pretty open, so that means the grease odors, etc. will spread beyond the kitchen. While any true hood will help, not mounting it per specifications can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Just my two cents worth. Good luck to both you and your parents, whatever you decide!

You should remove the hanging string lights from the ceiling beams. Also, the lights(?) on the foyer side could be replaced with more attractive wall lanterns or sconces. — I would remove the louvered doors into adjoining rooms and then think about this ; in European homes iron gates are often used to partition interior rooms. Don’t know the budget, but I think it is the small portions of brick wall at the left and right sides which look ODD. You could have small left and right side opening gates commissioned and installed like an art installation. Short of that , ENCASE the narrow brick sections ( L&R ) with wood and make them into square columns all the way to the ceiling. A slatted partition wall could go to the ceiling at the middle portion, or a custom open shelving installation . All of these are likely expensive and complicated options, but you might be able to do just one and it would be an improvement.

@queenmoomba - could you post a photo or a sketch of the area? I'm having a difficult time envisioning this. You said that people are using your driveway "as a cut through when I don't park in my garage." If you're not parked in your garage, aren't you parked on your driveway? If so, how can other folks be using that driveway? Or are you parked at the curb on the street, leaving your driveway open and accessible?