That's just silly, Ink, though as usual with a good point at the core of it. Scrap, I think you did start off with a question that sent the conversation in some rather scattered directions. I think it is a natural error given what you are doing, which is to try to practice landscape design at an advanced level without having taken the introductory course. I sympathize, I do it all the time myself - end up specializing in "learning the hard way." I got a real kick out of your self-description of "wanting to do the PhD." Believe me, I relate. If you were to consult a landscape designer, s/he would start off interviewing you about your needs and aspirations for the site and would design according to those identified priorities. What I think is happening here is that, having perhaps not clearly articulated or listed those priorities because you think you know them, you are being distracted from them by one or more of common practice, alluring ideas, or other people's input. These things have led you down paths that move away from, rather than toward, realizing your preferences. I first heard this process described as being seduced by features you don't need when shopping for software, years ago when the department I worked for was shopping for its first every computer program. Same idea here. For example, somewhere, perhaps in your blog, you spoke with some clarity about a fence for the left side, where it should go and why. Yet in discussions here you have zeroed in mercilessly on the right side, where there is literally no point in doing anything because of your neighbour's tree, I think in response to some comments made. Another example is what I tried to point out three posts up. Why don't you make your priority list as if you were going to consult someone. What would you tell them was important, and what you needed the fastest? What is bugging you the most? I encouraged you to look at the walkway as you said you hate it, but if it currently meets your basic needs while other needs go entirely unmet, then that is wrong too. If you consult someone, they would be able to think all the way through the process from your most immediate needs to a final plan. Without experience, I don't think you can. Frankly, in my yard I can't either. I deal with what needs doing at the moment, and while I think three or four steps ahead, I focus mostly on leaving as many options as possible open for the next few decisions I have to make. I often find myself doing something completely unexpected but serendipitous. If I were to put my plans on paper, they would always incorporate a few areas deliberately grayed, labelled "see how this looks when I get there." Perhaps the right first thing is to build your fence. Or even just to set your fence posts. You can figure out the precise style of pickets or panels later once you see the posts installed. You can figure out the plantings later, once you see what it's like with the fence in place. Will you feel enclosed enough, or too much already, with just a fence? You won't know till you get there. Make the decision then. The fence issue seems like a logical place to start. Why not tell us about your fencing needs? Perhaps someone can help you flesh those out. But this time, don't begin by telling us what you have decided so that the discussion has to tear that down in order to get to new territory, and then has no direction once it gets there. Tell us first what you needs are, why you are thinking of a fence, and what purposes it needs to serve. It is the process of articulating those items that generates good ideas. You may not even need any input once you have made all that clear to yourself. KarinL

JudyG, more wood lol. The flooring in the entryway is mosaic ceramic tile. Circa 1961. It asks for nothing so I am considering keeping it. The oak wainscoting on that one lone wall you mentioned, I could probably take it off but there was a staircase there at sometime according to the original house plans so id have to peak... It matches the entryway wainscoting. Actually, I am open to any and all suggestions. I recently painted the dining room and am happy with the color (living, dining and kitchen) but I took everything off the walls and never put it back up. I just keep looking at this blank slate and wondering how I can get it up to speed. So flooring first. I'm swaying hubby over to hardwood and I'll get my way. Lol. Thank you!

I don't get this house. Besides all that has been mentioned above...The front door (the main door to the house) dumps you (and visitors) into the dining room. If that were a formal dining room, seldom used, it would be odd and awkward, but it is the ONLY dining area in the house. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, kids studying, dropping book bags, school projects--all as the first thing everyone sees when they walk in. There's no place there that can stay a bit messy (like a breakfast nook). As I look at other spaces and see huge usability and interoperability issues, I think that this is, once again, a house that no one has given thought to how people live. The rooms exist like pieces in a Tetris game, not as a unified whole. Who puts a toilet next to a bed head? Who gives prime exterior wall space to a closet? Who puts the tub and the crapper in the same room ("Sorry, honey, I'm in the tub. Use another toilet.")? Why split that room into two that way? Who designs a media room with no closable door (and a bedroom right above, with no closet)? The only--only--thing that makes sense is the location of the powder room--away from the beaten path yet handy and discreet. But with a pointless pocket door. There are so many violations of Architecture 101, it amazes me.

Before you pick an entrance sidewalk material, first verify the gravel base thickness: - For pavers, you need 4" minimum. I see fresh ant hills protruding out so I would question the thickness. On top of that goes 1" of sand bedding, then the 2 3/8" interlocking pavers. - For the asphalt driveway, 4"-12" gravel base. Then depending on the company it will probably be laid in a single 2" thickness, or done in 1 1/2" + 1", or if a better company, thicker or how you prefer and are willing to pay. The reason I say verify base first is if it is adequate, will the sidewalk and asphalt match height. Or if you have to dig out the sidewalk area anyway to redo the base, then that may affect your decision of material. If that is a cornfield next to you, then corn country has freeze/thaw. I would never recommend any paver except interlocking pavers - flat patio blocks (e.g. 1" or 1 1/2" thick) just move too much and aren't appropriate for an errant car tire pulling over the sidewalk. If timing is an issue an asphalt drive can be installed up to a batter board for slope. It can also be sawcut later for a straight edge, but may have dips where meets sidewalk. The suggestion of installing the sidewalk first is good though, then the asphalt can be thickened to raise as required. Look at natural-color concrete for a sidewalk option because it complements anything, and ties together with the foundation parge coat, window sill, and door/garage slabs. The most ornate finish to use that would not compete with the stone/brick would be California finish (e.g. no stampings or colors).