It also helps to use smaller panes in the sidelights so they look decorative. Older houses often used leaded glass. Large pieces of obscured glass look institutional to me.

All I can say is that I too am doing a remodel. After awhile it gets to a point where you get stuck in the "analysis/paralysis" mode. If you originally liked it, then it was the right thing to do. Stick with your gut feeling and go for it. Over time, you will realize that you stressed out way to much over it. I too need to stop 2nd guessing EVERY decision I make. Your ideas sound good. I too put an arch in between my kitchen and great room and did the same thing on my mantle. I too will have arched panels in my doors and arches going into to hallways. I have rectangular transoms above my large windows in my great room and am not worried in the slightest that they won't match the slightly arched transom window in my kitchen. Your house looks great from the outside. On another note, I am totally stressing about the way my covered entry looks on the exterior of my house because it looks too big to me even though I like a large covered entry. I think we get so caught up in these choices because they are expensive and we don't want to blow it - - but if you walked into a different house and looked at the same thing you most likely would think wow . . . that really looks nice. I hope this was at least a little helpful! Good luck.

I think I'm agreement with Sombreuil_Mongrel. Not only because she's a master carpenter, but also, because I think it makes a whole lot of sense. To take it a bit further, how about combining Sombreuil_Mongrel's "lift up" suggestion with Plllog's suggestion of using a cab with a flip up door . . . at the bottom. Also, I have to agree with aliris19 re your "beautiful stuff." I have yet to see a single thing you have shared with us that didn't leave me sighing in delight. That house you're rebuilding was fantastic to begin with; the remodel, to your own vision, is a true work of art!

When you want what you want ... you rent a crane to bring in an oversized item through the balcony! Some even remove/reinstall windows for the entry point. Plenty of people have had to do this in Manhattan, so it isn't a new concept, but will increase your budget, not just for the crane, but for hiring the subs that are capable of dealing with, and coordinating, the project.