Buehl: What do you mean when you say that a fridge next to the mudroom entryway would create a "black hole" in that corner? Assuming the fridge is counter-depth, wouldn't the window illuminate that corner? Or does "black hole" refer to something other than light? I'm asking because in my current kitchen design, which looks a lot like the one you've drawn up for Firstyeargardener (great work, btw!), I have the fridge basically where you've put the message center above, except that my fridge would be roughly 70" from the window wall, instead of 42". What problems do you foresee with that? Hope I'm not hijacking the thread here (I'm kinda new at this), but maybe this question might be relevant to the OP too? Firstyeargardener: At the risk of repeating myself, I wonder if the half-wall solution I mentioned in my previous post would make you feel better about closing up the opening to your dining room a bit in order to accommodate the banquette. That's what we have now: instead of a 6' wide opening, we have a 3.5' wide half-wall (42" tall) + a 2.5' regular doorway (minus door). From the waist up it's 6' wide of light and air from the next room, but from the waist down it's a cozy corner for the banquette/eating area that keeps it from feeling as though you're floating in the middle of the passageway. It's one of the few things in our current kitchen that works. One of the few things we're going to keep in the remodel.

On the first floor, you could give up ap 12" of kitchen width, and the dedicated mudroom, then change the back entry to the garage. Coat hooks and shallow shelves on the back wall of the garage could be used as mudroom storage. Make the master bedroom closet and the laundry on the second floor shallow/reach-in. Depending on the roof line of the garage section, both areas could possibly project into garage attic space. As cpartist posted, you need to work with a designer; looking at the proposed kitchen plan, a KD, too. First floor, with changes to kitchen layout: Second floor: Superimposed view: Alternate kitchen plans: Kitchen bump-out:

Agree with one larger dining space. This would free up some needed space for a larger family room. Do you use the living room? Do you have a need for a small office or away room? The mudroom does seem a bit awkward. Better access to the covered porch from main living areas would be nice as mentioned. But, with the back facing north, you also don't want to block more windows, otherwise it will feel dark. Some added windows on the side of your house would be great for some additional light into those spaces. I know you had said, the laundry is in the basement, but I might plumb for them in a mudroom, especially if you're going through the trouble of remodeling. On that same thought with the powder room, maybe consider a shower as well if you plan to stay in this house for a while. Might be a time where stairs proves to be difficult for any number of reasons. For instance, if an adult or even a child has a broken foot or leg, having an accessible bathroom on the first floor would be a benefit, not to mention for selling. Good to really evaluate your needs and how you want to live in the home. Make your architect aware of all this, conversation is key and should be a team effort. If you honestly don't feel she is listening, then yes, maybe you find another. It's your home and you're money. Might also post in building a home forum for advice or critique. The kitchen forum would be helpful once you have worked out some layouts. Good luck!

How do you plan to enter your house on a daily basis? Where will your parking be? What direction does the house face? This plan has bigger issues than swapping the laundry room and pantry. Where do you come in and kick your shoes off? Where do you park and how will you unload your groceries? How do you access the side yards without going in and out the front door or the back french doors, which, btw, would be a pain if you're using those doors frequently. Many homes have side doors for family entrance and yard access or at least a single door entrance on the rear of a house near a corner. Will your basement have a daylight entrance? If not, it's going to be really hard to get anything big to the basement with the stairs location. Sorry for the questions but I'm just trying to make you dig deep ;)