Did you buy my old house? It had exactly that same setup, and I hated it for exactly that same reason. That and the 12 foot ceilings, which always made me feel 'exposed' and never 'cozy'. Actually, I know you're not the one who bought that house because the buyers DID something pretty much like you're describing, and it REALLY imporved the way the house lived. I think your concerns about resale are justified though, since that whole style of huge over-open spaces is kind of a hallmark here in Texas. But I think more and more people are gradually beginning realize how uncomfortable those spaces are, though many can't quite put their finger on it yet. In other words, they know it doesn't feel right, but don't know why. (It was only when I moved into a house that got that aspect absolutely right that I realized what was wrong before. When buying, I considered our house's slightly less-open spaces a bit of a negative.) I'd try moving the TV OUT of the family room for a start and into the upstairs game room. Then maybe mock up a 'faux wall' with some large sheets of cardboard and try living with that for a few days. You'll be able to tell very quickly how it feels --

Urinary Tract Infections: UTIs occur much more frequently in girls, particularly those around the age of toilet teaching, because a girl's urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Uncircumcised boys younger than 1 year also have a slightly higher risk of developing a UTI. Other risk factors for developing a UTI include: * an abnormality in the structure or function of the urinary tract (for example, a malformed kidney or a blockage somewhere along the tract of normal urine flow) * an abnormal backward flow (reflux) of urine from the bladder up the ureters and toward the kidneys. This condition, known as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), is present at birth, and about 30% to 50% of children with a UTI are found to have it. * poor toilet and hygiene habits * the use of bubble baths or soaps that irritate the urethra * family history of UTIs Yeast Infections: In most cases, yeast infections can be prevented by keeping the vaginal area clean and dry. Jock Itch: jock itch can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays.When using one of these, kids should: * Wash and then dry the area using a clean towel. * Apply the antifungal cream, powder, or spray as directed on the label. * Change clothing, especially the underwear, every day. * Continue this treatment for 2 weeks, even if symptoms disappear, to prevent the infection from recurring. There are lots of adverse effects of poor hygiene, besides dying. Even though many of these are not 'caused' by not bathing, it can worsen a problem that is already there if you don't properly clean. (besides having a stinky kid) There are many other conditions that can be prevented (or part of treatment is )by keeping clean. If parents of a newborn or infant didn't bathe their child, they would be neglectful parents. As kids get older, they get dirtier and teaching them good hygiene is the parent's responsibility. Skipping a day is probably not a big deal, but several days can be. Especially school aged kids that are in contact with other kids that pass along more germs. Who would let their kid go days without brushing teeth? or washing hands after using the toilet?

I agree with Les. I think a swing arm lamp by the chair would work well. I prefer the prints on the one wall, also. Can you find a small table, or even a plant stand, something with height, to add some knicknack next to the chair? That would help balance it. Also, if you can't get a swing arm lamp, moving the lamp to the opposite wall works. Actually...move the four prints to the other wall now, that might work better. Your room is so pretty! I love stuff on a coffee table, too, but with the chewy lab (been there, done that!) and the fact that you have a lot going on the sofa & the room in general, I'd just leave the table as negative space. It's a pretty table, and leaving it bare would seem to make it more friendly. A place to set your coffee cup or glass.

Nathan, I was only hoping to spark an idea. I really hoped someone might see a way to incorporate your desires for the prep and cooking to be facing towards your guests. I realize it is petty much impossible to pull off with your size constraints. You mostly see that on the cooking channel with a tv set kitchen and no huge range hood blocking and making noise. I think you need to have way more space then you have unfortunately. :-( If you do like the general placement of the sink and range open concept like you want, I think you probably would need to bump out that whole nook/great room wall a few more feet towards the veranda in order to get the proper clearances for the range. You'd need to get professional advice on that. Here is an old thread, but Greendesigns explains very well about cooktops on a peninsula. http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2698245/cooktop-on-peninsula-really-an-issue?n=39 Basically you will need a very powerful hood that is bigger then the actual cooktop. Even wider then the recommended 6" wider if it is just against the wall with cabinets. That equates to $$$$$! I reread what GreenDesigns actually said as far as spinning the island to make it a peninsula. She said move the range to the "back wall", so obviously not the crazy spinout I did. haha! I admit didn't read very well this thread late last night. I do know she is a very experienced Kitchen Designer. I think there are several others who post here on GW. I remember, Live wire oak, Sophie, Jakuval, Kompy aka the kitchen place, and probably a few more I am sorry I forget right now. So if in your research you see those names take note. Buehl, Mamagoose, Cpartist, funkycamper, lavenderlass, benjesbride, Jillius, Sena, and oh so many more my brain cannot think, they also could be KD's they are so good at this. Cpartist, I agree your layout and every other layout presented is far far better. Yeah, duh! I just am curious as to why you said it was a one person kitchen. I thought a one butt kitchen meant the chef was unable to do his or her thang without other people getting in the way. For instance, a second helper cleaning up at the dw or prepping at a secondary area would be completely impossible. I have much to learn, so when I get time I'll try and research more on that, Well, at least with the info you've been given, I know you will get a much better kitchen Nathan. I will look forward to seeing how it turns out. Please post a reveal.