Thanks everyone! I only have 32" next to the DR wall for a 30" one door refrig unless I move the DW to the left of the sink. Rhome, The sink and DW in that pantry area is very creative and a good use of space but I live in a trad colonial in CT with a wooden backyard and I'd probably prefer an exterior view when I'm doing the dishes although it would be a great food prep space. With that corner cooktop area did you have the ovens on the wall by the hallway? desertsteph, I'm not sure that there would be enough space for a counter, refrig 32-38" and corner cab 36" on that LR wall. Or were you thinking about a blind cabinet? The wall is only 73". The shallow cabinets would be OK if there is enough space to open the refrig door or doors if a person is standing at that work counter or cooktop on the peninsula. There would only be 5' of space between refrig and peninsula. I'm not sure whether this makes sense but in a galley style like the design #3 layout is there any way of building the wall on some sort of slight curved angle for the refrigerator and cooktop? Not placing either on an exact diagonal but just enough so the refrigerator door next to the LR wall could be opened. I'm guessing it would probably cause a lot of wasted space.

If you are in this area also check out www.kustomkabinetry.com. I used them and the experience was phenomenal. They are Mennonite and work with an Amish builder that does the doors. I have solid cherry, all totally custom. They use computer software to help with planning and do the install. Any pictures I showed them they made it happen. Definitely not the deal déjà has, but still cheaper than the box stores with MUCH better service and quality. I contacted Mr. Yoder and he was up to a year waiting list and we were not comfortable doing so much of the work on our end, and only communicating by mail. Amazing deal if you can make it work. Good luck!

I read an article on this site not long ago (can't remember where now) that I thought gave some good advice. Buy a couple of high quality pieces. Really nice sofa and chair for example in a neutral color. Then accessorize and add color with less expensive pillows and smaller more original pieces from flea markets as others have suggested or even second hand stores. If you spend some time browsing photos on Houzz and start an idea book you will soon see the similarities in what you like or don't like. Even colors you gravitate towards. So you could get some nice pieces and ideas from Ethan Allen but don't buy everything from them. Fill in with less expensive and unique pieces. It will keep the room from looking like a showroom. Also once you pick fabrics or pillows you like paint stores (at least my local SW) is great about helping pick out paint colors. I think you could very well pull a room together based on an inspiration photo and help from furniture and paint stores. I am no whiz at decorating but I have learned a lot from reading these forums. Good luck and have some fun with it :)

I live in Ohio and just purchased an Amish made dining set. Great quality. I looked at Costco and our local large furniture stores. Quality was just not there. Also looked at comparably priced Canadel dining sets. Looked nice but reviews pushed me away. What I learned is that most of the Costco Asian made furniture, as well as large furniture stores, are made with rubber wood. Malaysian oak is rubber wood. It is significantly inferior and explains why so many Costco reviewers complain about loose screws. Screws pull out of this inferior wood. Also, reading about rubberwood furniture explains why so many people complain about strong smells from their furniture. Rubberwood is loaded with insects and must be heavily fumigated. It takes several years for the gases to be released. Rubberwood has a great marketing campaign, and misleading blogs to enhance the image. Hope this is useful to someone.