Exactly what rocketmomkd said. Just about any tile size from 1" up to as large as tiles get can be used in a kitchen. It just depends on what look you want and what tile you like. Certainly less grout is probably easier to clean, but I wouldn't be worried about that with 12x12s. Seal your grout before you begin using the kitchen and that should help prevent staining. I also do not see a problem with having a bathroom with larger tile. And honestly, I imagine if the rooms aren't adjacent you won't even notice that the 13x13s are larger than the 12x12s.

Several years ago, I went to a site in Oregon and bought a set of shelves like they have in most of the craft stores. All metal and about 5-6 feet tall. They made them there and not cheap but very well built. Went to order another one, and could not find the manufacturer again --guess they went out of business. But I have seen other shelves on the internet, just not sure where. I like them because everything is out in the open so easy to see. It could be if you contacted any cabinet maker that also deals with metal they could make you a set. Marie

Thank you for everybody's suggestions @namahc that's a really good idea for the tub. @nancyjane @floral_uk We love outdoor living, but this home does not fit our desired outdoor living experience, especially compared to our previous home. Maybe things will change. We've only been here a year but we probably won't be here more than 4 years total (we're already taking about when we could move without losing money). I agree, the pad will have to be staged. When we toured the house, the previous owner had a table chairs and umbrella. But given our circumstances, and moving history, we didn't factor in that concrete pad as an issue, concern or interest. We knew we'd have to deal with it later. @rhizo we're not sure how to dress it up. An outdoor carpet could be a grounding feature and design. I'm not sure we'd do both staining (good point about the raised beds and the stain) and carpet. It does seem too much. @vkgk Given the housing market where we live (there are many brand new homes in the subdivision) and the short time we're going to stay in this home, it's not a wise investment to add a pergola or screen in the porch. Perhaps the next people will. @christine.. love your planters! Yes, put my vision into words: perimeter position to make it feel cozy. I think that's what I was going for.

Thank you for your responses. Trying to search for a specific rug size on here has been a real hassle, as every size seems to come up despite searching for a specific size and when I click on a rug I like it only comes in 2x4 or something. I have similar problems with other websites. I like to redecorate often, so I'm not looking to invest in wool. I would prefer a ready-made rug. Other than that I'm willing to pay what it costs for a rug I like. I don't want to have to resort to carpet as it is typically very boring, but it looks like that may be the way I have to go.