patches_02: " Didn't they on the end of the piece make like a square pillar style thing, then put the shelves in open area." Yes, they did. I had forgotten about it. I don't recall if it was a structural thing (load bearing) or cosmetic, to "anchor" the display area to the rest of the wall. It looked really nice, and I think would be perfect for this area. I don't remember the episode. It was probably Designed to Sell, which is on at lunchtime here and the only time I am likely to watch because of the time of day. IÂm pretty sure it was one of their "fix it up to sell it" shows. It might be the show with the British guy (Clive?) as host. I think I remember the show ending with an open house, and people oohing and ahhhing over those shelves. IÂm not sure about how to search their website; IÂve had problems tracking down shows. As far as the angled table: we always had to turn the table around for big dinners and extend it into the foyer. But I wouldnÂt want to compromise my daily environment for the sake of occasional events; and take out the walls just for that. Someone (usually me) is always squeezed in the corner, no one minds. We also serve buffet style rather than having the serving dishes on the table. That saves space for seating and place settings.

Hi All, Here's the current layout. I posted it earlier but I think it got lost in all the layouts (sorry!). Catbuilder - you make a great point. I did consider those options. I've lived here for over two years now and the two biggest things missing are a comfortable place for a couple of adults to perch in the kitchen (I have no where to put people when they come by and I am working in the kitchen), and a kitchen table for small dinners and homework. Currently, my son does his homework on the coffee table in the family room and we often sit on the floor and eat there also. I don't want to give up the dining room. It's a lovely room with floor to ceiling windows and we often have many dinner guests. I also don't want to give up the "living room". I put it in quotes because really it's our library/quiet space. It's really nice to read there or work at the computer there. So, for the time being, I'm still trying to fit it all in. That said, I don't want a poor outcome because I tried to do too much. Debrak 2008 - That's a great photo, thanks! It looks a lot like my space. It would mean no kitchen table though, so I'm not too keen on it at this point. Gardenpixie - thanks for the isle measurements. Your thoughts are very reassuring. My space is so small, I would think 42" isles would look out of proportion. Thanks for the encouragement!! Does anyone have an opinion about Marti8a's layout? It does seem to maximize the space, but it seems to lose the definition of the kitchen and just feels a little out of place to me. Thoughts? Many thanks again! -kb

I find nothing odd about coming into a FR from alook sliding door might be a better idea. foyer , I do however never like a PR next to a DR and definately not with an entry from the DR. You will need to work on that. I would turn the pantry into pullout pantries you will get 2 x the storage . You could see if you can fit a PR into the space off the new FR where you seem to have some extra space where the closet and that other space behind it is and I see plumbing there too. The main sink and DW are a long way from the new DR and if you post the pics of the kitchen plan with all measurements marked maybe someone here can change the layout a bit. The new DR space seems not huge and inswing doors might not be a good idea there . French style sliding doors might be better. IMO the sunroom looks too small for a FR but without measurements really hard to say.

I want to tell you 1 key tip for lighting, don't put the cart before the horse. You MUST put your furniture in the space, right now you can't "see" the space, and that is what is making it so hard. once things are in the space, and the rooms shrink, you will have a much better idea of not only what will look pretty but will actually function for you. also, things like the size of the table are very important when scaling. Lastly matching or not, doesn't matter, farmhouse is not about matchy matchy, its eclectic. if you stay within that wheelhouse they will coordinate by default.