Soccergoof makes a lot of good points. I also designed my own house - every single square inch, except the foundation plan. I spent probably 2 years on it. I started with the Better Homes & Gardens Interior Designer (yes, you really can design a house with it, but it can be very limiting when you get into more complex roof designs - and it doesn't take much for it to become complex). I eventually purchased the Pro version, which is still a "dumbed down" version of Chief Architect, but it was sufficient for me. I built a 1 1/2 story home (bonus room over the garage, but no 2nd floor). I agree with soccergoof that a 2nd story increases the complexity significantly. Assuming you don't plan to build in the very near future and have the time, I suggest you get a tool - I'm not familiar with Google sketch-up, but either that or maybe the BH&G Interior Designer (about $50-$60) and work with it first. The BH&G tool allows you to import materials so you can envision how different selections (flooring, etc.) will look. It also allows you to do "walk throughs," which can be very valuable in helping you design how you will actually LIVE in your home. You always have an option to go to a professional, but at least if you do, you will have a more sold idea of what you want. If you go it on your own, be prepared to do a tremendous amount of research - not just in your finishes, but in building codes, methods, etc. You don't need to be an engineer, but you need to know enough to know when an engineer is needed. Look at stock plans and see what you like/don't like about them. Keep in mind that the farther you get from the "rectangle box," the more it will cost -- and it will become more likely that you will need to bring in engineering help. I had my land, so I already knew where I would place the house and what the lot was like, but if you don't, you may either need to make adjustments later or wait for the right lot. If you like a lot of windows, pay attention to the sun angles too. I've never actually counted the number of versions I did, but it felt like 2,000. I would have been willing to go with a stock plan, but I just couldn't find one that met all my requirements -- I wanted a "versatile" plan that would allow for an eventual inlaw suite, but where that space could be used in different ways until then. Most of the plans I drew turned out to be larger than I wanted. I was really trying to keep the house around 2500 sq. ft. I finally got it to 2571, and it was no small task. I imagine that can be another pitfall of designing your own home. To your original question on how to put the rooms together, you will need to consider what you want in terms of style & formality, traffic flows, the number of people living there (and the need for privacy). If you like to cook and/or entertain, give a lot of consideration to your kitchen layout and placement within the house. Also, draw your furniture into your plan to make sure you're allowing enough space and to make sure it t will function like you want. I've been living in my house for a year now, and not only am I very proud of it, it still is exactly what I want. No matter how you decide to get there, you will find this forum to be very helpful and supportive throughout the process. Good luck to you!

I love my pull outs on either side of my cooktop. I keep seasonings for cooking on the right one and all my baking spices on the left. The baking zone is to the left of the cooking and it is very handy. There are deep drawers to the left of my baking spices. One holds my canisters of flour and sugar along with my big food processor and many measuring cups. The one under that holds mixing bowls, rolling pins and all my other misc. gadgets. My big KA sits on the counter in the corner, always ready for action. The pullouts were made by my cabinet maker. They are adjustable, full extension, soft close and like the insides of all my cabinets are lined with easy to clean melamine. About the third or fourth time I used this set up, I had one of those pure, joyful moments, realizing how much easier and faster it was to make something. It's fun not work any more. Nancy

So the other side is a mirror image of the photo you posted? What are the dimensions of each side? It seems to me the most efficient layout would be hanging rods low, where the angled ceiling starts, with shelves above. These shelves won't be very deep, but fine for shoes or small baskets. The opposite side can be a combination of drawers, cabinets, shelves, and long hanging space - whatever suits your needs. The depth of the storage on the inside wall depends on the width of the room - you don't want too narrow a walkway between.

So, do your homework. Search online for table styles. Or, physically visit furniture stores. Find a style you like.