Red, since it's a utilitarian zipper and you don't really care how it looks, you just need to securely sew one side of the zipper tape to the fabric attached to the frame and the other side of the zipper tape to the additional piece of fabric that will have the quilt attached to it. Since you need it to be strong, I'd use heavy thread and a large needle and either several rows of straight stitch or a wide zigzag. You can either sew the zipper tape on top of the fabric or the other way around - I don't think it would really matter in this application. Donna

I would move the stove much closer to one end. Symmetry is not needed in a layout like this but ease of movement is. Then I would shorten the island, position it so that it isn't blocking access to either the stove or the fridge, and put the microwave in the pantry next to the fridge. I am concerned that, if you have base drawers (highly recommend), you will only have ~10" clear when they are fully pulled out, which might require you to stand to the side when accessing. You mention that one end is open to the dining space; is the other end also open to a room? Will there be traffic through the kitchen? I am wondering if a peninsula at one end or the other would be more practical, since you seem to have the width to allow one. I really wouldn't like the narrow aisles on either side of the proposed island.

^I like the color combos above with your brick. I also like the front door that apple green surrounded by white. The gray siding would go nicely with your roof and brick. I would use the gray on all of your siding excluding the brick (naturally). Paint your garage door the same gray so it recedes. Consider substantially trimming back your landscaping before you paint so you can see the house.

something like this for living area then pull the blue or green from it for the dining area horchow.com $700 9x12 Simplify the TV area. I would not put anything on top of the entertainment center. Paint the vents the wall color