A good basic approach for suitable climates like these is broadleaved evergreens fleshing out the plantings, with deciduous trees as widely spaced accents and deciduous shrubs limited primarily to where they will form transitions between the solidity of the evergreen shrubs and the lack of weight of herbaceous plants. Conifers, like deciduous trees and shrubs should be used for specific reasons and with restraint, as they amount to evergreens that lack the glossy foliage and flowering, fruiting attributes of many broadleaved evergreens. Another problem is that many properties here already have a large area occupied by existing native conifers, with the funereal effect these produce already dominant. In a fully realized mixed border herbaceous plants will actually be the dominant element, framed and complimented by the shrubs (and the few trees). However, only enthusiasts will have time and energy for large sweeps of herbaceous plants. Elsewhere a shrubbery is more practical. Within the category of broadleaved evergreens there is a subset of more stalwart types like hardy hybrid rhododendrons and hollies. Many other kinds will have specific site requirements like warm aspects and warm soils outside of which they may fail. When you see much damage to some kinds of these after the temperature dips a bit, to a large extent it is due to incorrect placement and aftercare. But other commonly planted types just plain aren't that hardy, even when located in a suitable spot. 16F has emerged as a commonly seen low for last winter over a wide area. That's nothing! Wait until it's 6F inside metropolitan areas again, that's when we'll see what's really hardy here and what isn't.

Ok, now I had a forver long post answering your questions and it vanished. grrr.... Here we go again! It's a new design so nothing is set in stone. Well, it will be since it's gonna be on a slab :P. The current design has the aisles as 36" with 42" between the sink and middle island. I had a big kitchen, galley shaped, about 10' between the counters....HATED IT...it was too big to be functional. Currently I have a U-shaped kitchen, about 6' between the parallel cabinets and it's very user friendly. There is me, wifey, and three kiddos: 4, 2, and 1...and YES, we are most definitely finished with kiddos. Both wife and I cook, frequently together. Kiddos like to "help", so we sit them on the counter away from the action so they can be involved. Involved generally means snacking on raw veggies while we cook :). The only multipurpose area I see being used in the kitchen is the bar area. I could easily see wifey and I with our laptops there (I'm in the DR right now) or kiddos doing homework there when they get older. For that matter, we would probably eat there quite a bit. We use our DR for supper (we always eat supper as a family) but breakfast or lunch would probably be either at the bar or breakfast nook. When we entertain, it generally means we have the grill going. And, as you can see in the plans, we've got plans for a HUGE covered veranda area. I also have plans of eventually putting an outdoor kitchen near the outdoor fireplace with both gas and wood grills. I really like open spaces. The double dashed lines in the plans are open archways. I really like the Old World feel, courtyards, verandas, tile floors, etc...but not so much southwestern...I want Spanish mission, not Arizona tract home. Where am I flexible? Well, my knees, back and shoulders. Why does this matter? :-P Actually, I'm pretty open right now. I like the shape of the kitchen because I like my ceiling plans in that area. Originally I had the ovens where the pantry is and two "coat closet pantries". I would like more light in the kitchen, but the west wall, relative to the plan, (where everyone tells me I should add windows) opens onto a driveway/future courtyard which means ugly views. I want a 48" cooktop because I like the look and I like the idea of an in-house grill, but wife doesn't like the cost. I've thought about putting in a 36" cooktop but have the design so that I could change it out to a 48" at some later date. The current plan has double ovens with a microwave over/under/between them. I either want a CD fridge or a fridge on the south wall (I could thicken the wall up and recess the fridge if necessary.) Fridge drawn is a 48" but once again, wife doesn't like the price :-P. At one time, I had figured a 42" fridge/freezer with a second 36" freezer. Like the idea, not really wall space though. Standard dishwasher, like the idea of a warming drawer but not really necessary. Would be nice though. As drawn on the plans, I'd put a...

kirkhall - You raise an excellent point. Yes, this won't exactly be a focus point, but we pass through the pantry constantly (walk-through to garage on one side, and regularly used room on another. No one else will probably notice, but I'm hoping to smile every time I pass by. practigal - I really, really appreciated your detailed comments and questions. Charging station is currently at the desk in the kitchen. Any Apple related charger disappears within hours of being plugged in, but that's another post :(. DH would love to keep his cordless drill plugged in but I think he can continue to make the trek to the basement (IXNAY). I can't think of any other appliances I might need to have plugged in and at the ready. I can see storing my rice cooker, panini, etc. here. To be honest, I don't understand the mixers, etc., one sees without water ready to clean up the mess. (I'm sure I'm missing something). I don't see this space as a prep area at all - fortunately, I have good counter space in the kitchen. Not enough room for round lazy susans (boy do I love them though and I do have them in two cabinets). I also really like the notched corner shelves I'm showing. Fun stepstool definitely planned! (Suggestions...? 8 foot ceiling) No vacuum, just broom and dustbin. I'm mentally planning what I'd like to store in here, and figuring out what goes where; your comment is spot on. I'm not sure I'm following the recommendation for etched or stained glass, with backlighting. Any inspiration pictures? I don't think I want a door which says 'pantry', for example.

I know, powermuffin, not much I can do about crampness. And this is considered a large kitchen where I live downtown. I could shrink knee space at island seating but probably not the best idea. I don't mind scooting behind the kids seated at island. it's not like I'll have 4 adults sitting there all the time, very rarely if ever actually. Stools will tuck in when not in use and will be small. Cheryl Hewitt, you are correct. The plan to expand the doorway is not in here. Here it is 48" wide but will make it 60" wide because why not. That leads to the main hallway/entryway and across from this opening is 60" of wall space in the hallway so they will line up. Are you saying you hate the fridge next to wall because when the door is open is blocks part of the opening? Lastly, I agree with you I think 39" will be ok, not ideal, but ok. alex9179, thanks for your advice. I may be able to remove the bit of wall to the left behind the island seating but not to the right because this section of wall forms the only wall space in the living room where I could put a table/TV for example. The other walls are big windows. And removing just the left side will make the opening uneven. I did think about it, though. And I had your same concern about the fridge but tried the same exact single door fridge model I am getting in the same placement (with wall to direct right of it) and removed shelving and drawers with ease. I think the articulating hinge on the Thermador helps with that.