Either B or C...we're not the cheapest house in the neighborhood but there are some that are significantly larger/more extravagant/ pricier than ours. The neighborhood began development about 20 years ago. The original builder is completing the development. We actually chose the neighborhood before we decided to build. We chose it for the school system (best in the city), location (very close commute to work, shopping, highway, etc), and the overall feel. When we walked around while shopping for houses, other people stopped us to introduce themselves and tell us how much they liked their house, neighborhood, and the builder. We also ran into about 7 different acquaintances that all lived there! We looked at another development that is newer but the houses all backed up to each other so the backyards were not private. That was a deal breaker for us. We couldn't find a house in our price range to buy in our chosen neighborhood, so we bought the last lot and are currently builder. So far, relatively smooth sailing.

I'm with rhome in tossing B first. There are things I like about A and C, but I think I'd have problems working with either. If non-cooking traffic is a major concern, A could be a problem, especially if you are having to carry pots of boiling water or pans with hot grease across that end of the kitchen to get to the sink. That layout needs a prep sink in my mind and the island would make more sense than giving up limited counter space in the cooking area. Also, make sure you'd have room to get into the corner cabinet -- the dog dish and shelves look like they are too close. The fridge is too far removed in C -- I'd want to put in some fridge drawers near the range so you have a tight work zone there and let the large fridge store food to the table and extras. But that would take away storage for pots and pans unless you want them under the top of the work table. Without it, I'd have a very hard time working in that kitchen. If it were me, I'd keep working on DH and working with mock ups of the layout (tape, boxes, move tables and chairs, take notes about every move you make in the kitchen during the day -- and try to walk through planning a big dinner party, birthday party, etc. I think the sink island and shallow storage idea or the prep sink in the island give you your best use and function of that space. Is DH afraid of the cost or just saying it can't be done? I moved gas to my island when we bought the house, then capped that off and ran water and electricity to the island to have a prep sink when we remodeled. We have a slab foundation, no basement and a bathroom above. That aren't a lot of arrangements more limited than that and I used to think it was not a possibility for us, but we did it and it wasn't that expensive (about $500 for running lines under the slab). We got so much out of it too. We also closed off a doorway (we had 3 going to the driveway and garage along one wall of the kitchen and breakfast room) and gained a hutch with refrigerator drawers and and espresso machine that has turned out to be a popular favorite -- but we almost didn't do it because we thought it would be too difficult and expensive. The cost wasn't that great (spent more in cabinets and the fridge drawers). The challenge came when both reusing and matching brick were more difficult than we expected. Instead of a brick wall, we put in a faux barn door that ties in with the garage door. There are ways to work around many things that are less trouble and expense than you might think. I'd at least ask those questions before you close doors on possibilities.

Well, yes cost could be a factor. If it's $10 grand I don't know if we'd still want to do it but we can find that out. Either way, the fireplace isn't centered. Even now, without any reno, our furniture is larger on the left side (chair, table, lamp) than the right side (chair only). Furniture is another factor I agree. I've been moving furniture around and looking at measurements of new furniture trying to see what works. One reason we were not sure about stairs was b/c we'd be gaining space but it's not too usable like others said above. (b/c of a door for the stairs, too) An idea would be to put the door at the BOTTOM of the stairs and although we'd have to leave some space we could put a chair or something on the yellow wall on the left. Without moving the stairs we still are taking 2.5' off of that corner and even our love seat wouldn't work that well b/c the sofa isn't lined up well with it. It's possible though. We have a really nice coffee table that isn't being used in this house b/c the 12' LR doesn't allow room for a sofa/loveseat/table and still a good walking space to get into DR. Thanks for your comments. There's pluses and minuses to everything of course. We'll have to weigh it all out.

hestia flames, good point! I didn't think about the fact that they all left return, and it might be awkward. Oh, I'm just stumped trying to avoid an OTR microwave situation. What about on the other side, to the left of the range, with NO appliance garage underneath it? That would cramp some of my anticipated counter space of 30" on that side of the range, since the doggone thing would have to be counter depth. OTOH, I don't want it on the opposite side of the sink run, because I really wanted to use those uppers for glasses and dishes right next to the DW. And, we think that the micro upper sticking out to counter depth wouldn't look as good on that side, either. What a dilemma over something as simple as a microwave. Anyone wish to share about micro-drawers?