luckygal said: "After looking at the RE listing it's obvious the homeowners cannot really afford this house. The exterior is badly in need of restaining and the furniture in all rooms indicates a low budget for furniture and decor." I'm not sure you can make those assumptions about the homeowners. Those of us on this site are NOT the norm. I grew up with parents that constantly maintained their home. No painted surface ever got to the point were it looked old and worn. At the other end of the spectrum, my DH grew up with parents that only replaced things once they looked like crap or were broken. They had the money, just didn't see the need to spend it until absolutely necessary. I see small and large homes that are immaculately kept and other that are neglected. It has nothing to do with the size or cost of the home, but everything to do with the priorities of the homeowners. Edited to add, that postponing the regular maintenance of a home always ends up costing you more, so it isn't just about not spending the money, the person just doesn't see that they are being shortsighted and that the repairs/maintenance will cost twice as much when they finally get to it. This post was edited by chispa on Mon, Apr 28, 14 at 19:50

You have a family of seven and probably will have a few more children...correct? I'm assuming you want a light and airy space, but still cozy? Some place for the family to cook, dine, and sit...together? Now, to be blunt...and then try to suggest some ideas. This looks and feels like a banquet room. There's no way that island would be anything but a barrier to the rest of the space...and the table is worse. The seating areas have their backs to each other, while the rest of the space emphasizes everyone being together. So, have you considered a smaller island (or two) with the seating on those. The table would be much better as two smaller tables, or maybe a banquette/table area for the kids or visiting with the cook...and a bigger family dining table (maybe for 8-10) that can be used everyday, or for adults, when entertaining. The seating area should face the kitchen or maybe each other (or even a fireplace/TV) but not have the sofas back to back. I would recommend a big sectional and some comfy chairs and ottomans. You can stretch out and put your feet up, or the ottomans can be used for extra seating. You have a family of 7, but your room is designed for about 20-25 people. The kitchen work space is a whole other thing...but just the dining/conversation area is my biggest concern. Remember, you want this to be a family space, right? Not a banquet hall. I really hope this helps...and think flexible spaces that can live smaller day to day, and stretch out when needed.

"The moving of the sink on the right-hand picture, is this to allow more food prep space?" Yes, and to allow you to prep in front of the window. Any way you lay out the kitchen, you're going to have a traffic path through the middle, except for a U, which takes most of the dining area. You need to think about how you enter, how guests enter, and how you want to use the kitchen. Here's another plan with a nice prep space, with the appliances arranged more like cpartist suggested, but it keeps the peninsula across the room, and preserves the dining area. You'd have your back to the long hall and front entry--that's probably really bad Feng Shui, but if you'd prefer the sink under the window, then it's a good plan. What size fridge and sink are you planning to use? If you have 118" available on the top wall, and subtract 24" for the cabinet on the right, 30" for a sink, 30" for the fridge, 24" + 2" for the DW and return panel, plus a couple of inches of filler beside the sink cab, that leaves 6" for the pull-out/filler beside the fridge. If the fridge will be enclosed, subtract another 2-3". I don't know if that would be enough to allow the fridge door to open far enough to remove the crisper for cleaning.

@bluemarble thank you! “Crazy market” is the word that describes the situation, we lost on 4 offers to other bidders who were buying cash, over the asking price, waiving appraisal (or all of the above). When this house came along on a Sunday morning, we had our offer ready, our agent requesting the 1st appointment, and me looking at it via facetime, and finally got it 😉. Below are the MBR pictures of the new house; there is a wall-mounted wood headboard along with some “farmhouse word art” throughout the house. I intend to live with it, while I figure out the new spaces. So, my immediate need is the foundation/ box spring, because I will take the mattress but not my current bed frame/ boxspring (that needs to be replaced). Also, I will need your comments on how to decorate this space with my existing pieces (from any of the rooms) and maybe adding new night tables. <EDITED> HI All, @bluemarble @aprilneverends @maifleur03 @K Ber @User @rmsaustin in case you want to help me with my new post, here is the link: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6140949/please-help-with-bed-frame-to-go-with-wall-mounted-headboard-4-pics