Thanks! You know I almost was going to make a guess and tell her Lily of the valley. I don't grow it, so I didn't want to chance a mistake. She had just moved it from another spot so that may be why there are not as many stems. Will ask her if it flowers white to be sure. thanks again on the id.~Heather

Is this the right book?

I can't imagine that putting a door to the DR would be very expensive--it's a DIY project if ANYONE in the family could do it in a weekend. The two houses I've dealt with that had pass thrus to the DR drove me nuts. It would be so much nicer to have a door there! That, and having a 1/2 bath would be absolutely top priorities for me, but the 1/2 bath could add more cost than she might be able to pay for. If you use a small corner sink, the pocket door will be fine. Since she wants electric, I would STRONGLY encourage her to look at the positives of induction, and get a range with an induction top. It is SO much better than regular electric--easier to clean, much safer, absolute and immediate control of temperature, boils water faster, doesn't heat up kitchen, it's energy efficient, etc. My induction cooktop is by far our favorite feature of our kitchen! Even though it cost more than we'd planned on, it was definitely worth it. It's not that difficult to learn how to use. (I'm only a few years younger than she is, and I don't usually like learning how to use new stuff, but this was easy.) Of course, that might mean new pans, but maybe the family could go together for a present of one of the more inexpensive sets that works with induction. Also, you may have the extra expense of running electrical to accommodate the induction, but from a safety standpoint alone, it might be worth it to have the induction. It seems like plan #8 might work best, especially if you switch the double sink with the prep sink. That way, your mother could also use the prep sink (make it a large one) to work with her plants easily, since it would be right by the back door. Also, this end of the kitchen could have her tea materials, beverage cups and glasses for the rest of the family, the MW, toaster oven, and she'd have the large window view and lots of natural light to do these pleasant daily tasks. The double sink under the smaller window would put it, the DW, and the dishes closer to the DR. If she wants more storage, I'd get rid of the curved upper shelves (in one of your plans) by the smaller window, and add 3-6" to each upper cabinet, unless she has lots of knick-knacks that she wants to reach up and dust as she gets older. Obviously, an island would give her more storage than a table. If you make the island 36" w x 48" l, you could have two 24" wide cabinets opposite the range, and a 12" deep "table" overhang on the dog dish side. Anne

I hope this picture helps-- there's an existing part of the house framed that includes the kitchen, table space, and great room and then there's an addition that will include the pantry, butler's pantry and dining room. I've tried to put the old floor plan together with the addition plan in this picture. Ignore the kitchen layout that is shown on here-- that's what the previous owners were going to do. We need a smaller island and room for a skinny harvest table with 6 chairs. We're moving 4 generations into this house, including a great-grandma who would never sit at an island to eat :) I've shortened the wall length of cabinets quite a bit to 16' long and moved the sink into the island to make the 3 spaces possible (kitchen, eating area, family room). Thanks!