When I was working on the design for my kitchen, I drew it up on good-old-fashioned graph paper and then took a picture of it with my digital camera. We didn't have a scanner at the time so this was the fastest way for me to do it. What I do now when I work on other people's layouts is to work in Microsoft's PowerPoint. I downloaded free graph paper off the web, copied it to a PPT presentation, and then created appliances, cabinets, fixtures, etc. to a scale of one box = 6"x6". Then, when I work on a layout, I make a copy of this "master", work up a layout on a slide, save the slide as a "JPEG" (.jpg) file, upload it to Photobucket, and post it here. So, there are several ways you can do it! Good luck! BTW...think "work zones" instead of "work triangles". Here is a link that might be useful: Thread discussing Work Zones & Triangles

Have you had a chance to read the "Read Me" thread? It has information not only describing how to post pictures, but also layout and storage planning help & information. Basically, if you have a layout you've drawn up or a layout someone gave you... If you don't already have an account with an online photohosting site, get one. The majority of them are free for basic functionality, which is all most people need. I use Photobucket and since that's what I know, I use it in most of my directions. Scan your layout into your computer If you have photo/picture editing software on your computer (the easiest & fastest way for the next steps), then using that software: Crop it so all the extraneous "stuff" (like white/empty space on the top/bottom/sides) is removed Resize it so it's no more than 400x300 or 300x400 or something similar (i.e., no more than 400 in any direction). But, do it by "percentages", not by typing in specific measurements so you don't distort the image. Upload the layout to your photohosting account If you do not have photo/picture editing software on your computer, then you will have to do it online using your photohosting site. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, this can be slow. But... Upload the layout to your photohosting account Crop it so all the extraneous "stuff" (like white/empty space on the top/bottom/sides) is removed Resize it so it's no more than 400x300 or 300x400 or something similar (i.e., no more than 400 in any direction). But, do it by "percentages", not by typing in specific measurements so you don't distort the image. Now, using the HTML Code for your picture, copy it and paste it into the "Message" box of a new thread. Be sure the subject of the thread is descriptive...asking for layout help. In your message/post, answer the questions posed in the "Read Me" thread to the best of your ability. This information is very, very helpful!! Here's a pic of where to find the HTML Code if you use Photobucket: Here is a link that might be useful: Read Me If You're New To GW Kitchens!

"... Should we push the exterior wall back even further so there's still room for an island & walkway?..." If budget allows - that's what I would do. Here's what you could do if you can push the external wall out to be flush with the FR wall on the right (not counting the bay). I think it opens up the Kitchen more and gives it a more spacious feel. Note that I flanked a 48" window with cabinets. If you would like a bigger window, consider eliminating the 15" on the left (or merging 12" of it into the easy reach in the corner) and shortening the 51" to 48" or 45". You might even consider a bumpout in front of the window - say 6" to 9" - to give you more room behind the sink. It depends on what's outside the window - you don't want to put a bumpout where someone might run into it. I put in 3" deeper counters along the range wall. You now have a real pantry - much less expensive than one pantry cabinet, let alone two! It's also much better/efficient storage. The pantry is 81" wide with 12" deep shelves on three walls and two 24" swing out doors to give you 48" of doorway space when needed (e.g., when putting away groceries.) I enlarged the doorway to the Powder & Laundry Rooms to 36". When carrying baskets to/from the Laundry Room, I think you will appreciate 36" instead of the 31" there right now. The Family Room entrance is almost 12' wide. But, to support the span, I added walls on each end of the opening. The table will fit in the space. I put in a 42" wide table, that's DR sized, so if you have a narrower table (39") for the space, there will be more space than I show. The aisle b/w the table and the island is 60" - that's the minimum I'd do with seating on each side of the aisle. The refrigerator is on the range wall so it's easily accessed from the Kitchen w/o having to cross a potentially busy aisle to/from the Garage. It's also on the periphery so it's someone from the DR, table space, or FR an get to it without crossing into the primary work area of the Kitchen. The refrigerator is a standard depth (36") and is recessed into the wall behind it a couple of inches. With the 3" deeper counters and recessing a couple of inches, that's 5". The refrigerator now looks counter-depth, but it's a less expensive and larger size. The island is much bigger to encompass the post. To add symmetry, I added a post on the other other end as well. With the additional size, you now have extra storage for seldom used items in 12" deep cabinets under the seating overhang. The island provides 53" of prep space. The trash pullout is located in the primary Prep Zone (island) but is close to the secondary Prep Zone, the Cooking Zone, and the Cleanup Zone. (You generate far more trash & recyclables while prepping & cooking than you do when cleaning up - and for a longer period of time. So, it makes sense to put it in the Prep Zone.) OK...here it is! . Layout #1: Layout #1 - Zone Map:

Go into your profile. Click on 'Activity', then click on 'Posts Started'. They will appear in reverse consecutve order (most recent first). Unless you start many, many new threads (posts), it shouldn't be very difficult to go through to find the one you want. I don't know how or even if you can search your theads by topic or by forum.