When I look at your dloorplan, I see a very minimal kitchen when compared tomthe rest of your house. That my be your choice, but for me I would want more defined kitchen space and counter space. With that in mind, would you ever consider using the closet under the front stairs near the kitchen as your pantry? Then you could have a nice l shaped counter in your kitchen (getting rid of the corner pantry. You could put the ovens on the l and have the cabinets end a little further from the back door. You could use the rest of the closet space under the back stairs as a back "coat" closet. If not for coats, it could be for out of season shoes, sports equipment, etc. As your kids get older, you will have more of that. I am not a lay our guru here, I just thought that might be a way to make your kitchen more functional and add storage space. Also, I again am not a layout guru, but your master bath looks weird to me. It's HUGE, but the space seems kind of wasted. So much empty space in the middle and non the other side of the tub. Also, the two vanities are so far apart. I lilt to talk to my husband if we are getting ready for the day or for bed at the same time and you guys couldntdo that at all. Could you incorporate that little linen closet into the big closet, make thatbwall straight across and put the other vanitynat an l to the one there? That would give you both space, but put you closer together. I may be totally off here, but it seems like you could use that space better. I also agree with previous posters to take the storage l from the garage and make it part of the butlers pantry. I know you say only the chef willuse that hall when you use the dining room. But, is that really true? When we have a party or family gathering, no one really stays in the dining room. People come into the kitchen to help bring food out, clear the table, chat as food is prepped, etc. That spot by itself wouldn't add 600 sf! Rachel

I prefer your plan #2 because you have limited counter space as it is and if you can get rid of one thing (ie the coffee station) to another spot it frees up counter space and one station. (I happen to be all about the counters, but I am messy in the kitchen and like to spread out so my comments come from that sensibility. I also like the lines that a counter can give to a room) Is there a specific reason you want an appliance garage? They are being put into fewer and fewer kitchens (not that that is a reason not to have one) and again take up counter space and can be "chunky" looking in a crowded space - that same comment goes for your down-to-the-counter glass cabinet, if that is still part of the plan. I, too, wondered about the placement of the living room and dining room. For me, reversing them seems to be more logical but...

that picture is gorgeous! i wonder how that works from a "work triangle" perspective. there's not a lot of triangles in a straight line. :) would your sink/stove/fridge all be on the same wall? would your kitchen "stuff" all be on an exterior wall or interior? i love natural light in the kitchen! just the practical stuff to think about but from a prettiness perspective it's lovely. :) we're building an open concept familyroom/kitchen/dining room as well, and i think both the kitchen and the family room are sort of "featured" as they share an exterior wall. the kitchen has a huge 9' long window and the family room has a big fireplace and you see them both equally from the foyer.

Honestly, I feel SO much better about the design with your input. Infinitely better! My drawing is a bit skewed, but I think you are both right. I fixed the gap between the window on the base and wall cabinets, and changed the cabinet to the left of the range to be the same style as the right? 4" between both wall cabinets and wall. I think that's what you meant. The dining room has a plaster crown moulding that would be nice to maintain where we can. Kitchen on south wall has a 3" soffit. I also raised the bottom of the glass cabinets and book shelf to 21" from counter to get more space to use mini appliances- might not keep that, but thought I'd see how it looked. Also, lowered cabinet to left of bench to make more accessible if seated there (32" high?). Toaster oven, Microwave and Coffee Maker will all go in Sunroom I think. As for garbage, may still put under sink. But wanted to have a place if I think I need a bigger space. Our current sink cabinet is packed with cleaning supplies, and not sure I have another place for them. I am also thinking that maybe I could put baking pans above the broom niche? 6" should be wide enough for some baking sheets?. And I haven't really worked out where things will go, but probably will use drawers instead of doors in 36" cabinet next to fridge. Thanks a million! Here is revised south wall. Revised wall cabinet to left of range to be 27".