Rosie, I'm having trouble finding houses that are prairie fusion. Some interesting looking houses I've found that are modern prairie, although we have a minimum of 6:12 roof pitch, which makes some of these designs a little more difficult. The Sunset magazine houseplans I can find online consist of the same database as Southern Living... As far as the front load garage, it's interesting to see different people's perspectives. Growing up, the driveway was more of a living space than the front yard (both of which were very large at my parent's house). The driveway was where we worked on cars, did fireworks, performed science experiments, sold lemonade, played basketball, drove remote control cars, etc... I'm not one to want to hide behind a large garage--we're going to have one of the only 2 stall garages in the neighborhood, and we'll have a front porch across the whole house--but I include the driveway as part of the living space. Maybe I'm abnormal in this? The reason I don't want a side-load is because I figure I wouldn't be able to watch our kids as easily do all the fun stuff in the driveway! Kirkhall, I'm posting another house in the neighborhood. I'll post more tomorrow. I think I'm leaning towards the house type that apparently you have lived in in a suburb. Ren8, thanks for the clarification. I think I might be narrowing in on Colonial Revival, and I can have my drafter do mockups of the elevation after I supply the necessary details. Is there a particular style of stone which either works well or conflicts with it? The book you mentioned talked about having stone that looks like could actually be laid that way--the stacked stone that is common in my neighborhood suffices. I also need to talk to the GC to see about the additional cost for the additional details that I suddenly can't live without--I'm sure he was quoting me for a porkchop return, for example.

gailrolfe, When I said I found a Medallion dealer off the internet I meant I went on the Medallion web site and found the name of a local shop that sells them. Then I went there, looked at their products and talked to a cabinet salesman. They actually carried about 20 different lines of cabinetry so I was able to look at products other than just Medallion. Once my architect and GC have looked over the order I will purchase from them. I know many people on this forum buy their cabinets online and save money. IMO, the only successful way to do that is if you have a complete and very well-thought-out plan with impeccable measurements, if you are very familiar with the line of cabinets and all of its products, and if you have actually seen the cabinets in person. Every kitchen designer/cabinet salesperson I have spoken to has given me information or ideas that have been helpful to me, so I think it is a good idea to talk to several, even if you end up purchasing online. If you go to the link below (and let's hope you can--it is the first time I've ever attempted to link here!), you will see a partial list of cabinetry from less expensive to more. Not all lines have inset doors (and inset doors are generally more expensive), so you could start by looking up the various lines on the internet to see if they have inset and to look at their door styles. Then you should be able to get the names of some local dealers. Call them, go see the cabinets and ask a lot of questions. Most places really WANT to sell you cabinets, especially in these economic times. As for custom, it is best if you can get recommendations. You may even be able to get some here. If you can't get recommendations you will have to look in the phone book and go in blind, but you should always get references and see actual examples of a custom shop's work in any case. The custom bid we got was in line with our other bids, but many people here have been able to pay less for custom. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: Relative cabinet prices

Two girls, I so know what you're going through. You've come to the right place to ask your questions and I know your kitchen will turn out great. I learned so much from this forum during my design phase...it's a great community of people who have been where you are now. Anyhow, yes, definitely go to Lowes and have them do a design. Take your blueprint and any concept pictures you may have from magazines, this forum, etc. Tell them what things you know you're looking for (pullout trash, etc) and let them do a design. I also did this at two large lumber yard type stores and one higher end company. In all I sat with 4 designers and let them have free reign. I gathered up some great ideas in the process, and the one KD really floated to the top. Didn't pay for any of the designs, although I wasn't allowed to take them from two places. In terms of budget, I assume your $5K allowance is materials only (not installation). I don't know if the $5K allowance is an indication that he can actually do your cabs for $5K or just a number. My contract allowance was just a number. The builder told me I could do cabs for "under $10K", but the quote from his company was $17K (at a 65% discount---yes, the "retail price" was over $50K). I quoted other brands like DuraSupreme in the low $20's, prior to any price negotiation. I did get a sizable discount on the cabs I chose from the first estimate I received---it was derived from a combination of true discount, some creative work on the part of the designer, and forgoing a few accessories I decided I really didn't need. So I can't tell you what the "true discount" was, only that it was within my budget in the end. Oh, and before you faint from the numbers, my kitchen is a fairly complicated design--lots of custom sizes, full paneled wrapped eating bar, all plywood construction, custom paint and glaze---all things that add up. Your prices may be much lower. That's the reason to get multiple bids---you'll not only see other ideas you can incorporate into your final product, but you'll know if you're paying a fair price. I'd try to get as many as I had the strength and time to do--my limit was 4 (DH's limit was 0...LOL). And please, keep asking away. This is exactly how I got through this process.

I am also north of the Valley (in TO) and spent a very long time researching cabinets, GCs, etc. I found that no one was truly unbiased because every GC I contacted worked with specific cabinet companies or local cabinetmakers. All the KDs I spoke with were also affiliated with certain cabinet lines. Even the interior decorators in the area worked with certain cabinet lines/build firms. No one I found was totally independent. I paid one KD for a design and posted it here for revision. He is in Westlake and works with Crystal Cabinetry. I then paid for a revised/more detailed layout from a design/build firm in TO. They primarily use Greenfield cabinets and their construction costs are very high. I also got quotes from a number of cabinet lines locally and from over the hill. In the end I decided to use a GC that we used first on a smaller bathroom remodel and a cabinetmaker he recommended who is in the valley. They did a great job (love the GC, really like the cabinet guy a lot) on the bathroom so I am using them for the kitchen. The absolute best layout advice I got was here on GW and it helped that I had a very clear vision of what I wanted before I worked with anyone. Cabinet style, finishes, appliances, plumbing and countertop materials were decided on by spending countless hours researching and looking at photos online. We are starting in 3 weeks- appliances have been bought (go to Pirch in Glendale for amazing selection/assistance), stone has been purchased and all plumbing fixtures ordered. I only need to choose backsplash and hardware. Good luck!