Thanks for all of your suggestions. I would like to keep the main sink on the east wall so I can gaze out the window when doing dishes. And yes owls4me I did put the fridge on the south wall because the main traffic pattern is from the dining room, and I was trying to avoid having the fridge doors open while people are trying to walk through that aisle. I thought the wall oven placement would be ok in that isle since it is used less frequently (since I also have a range. I switched the microwave to the other side of the range, and slide the south wall cabinet run down further per the suggestions. Some have said the trash is too far from the prep sink. I was assuming having it close to the main sink would be more desirable? Bmorepanic, I love the idea of a window seat on the east window. Great way to add some personality.

Hi everybody, thanks for your comments. My kids are 4, 8 and 11. A somewhat larger kitchen and mudroom are really what's driving this project. The office was an afterthought by my DH. What he originally wanted, office-wise, was a big room (10' x 10' or larger) w/ countertop around 3 sides of the walls, so that we can have a couple of computers in there, and some free countertop space for non-computer HW/projects. Right now, the kids benefit from being near me during dinner prep while doing their HW, and they need supervision on the computer (either direct or over-the-shoulder/walk-by). At some point, they'll stop needing my mathematical expertise (ahem) and will probably seek out quieter places to study...their room or the other office desk, or one of the computer place (kit or FR). DH agrees now that the huge office/HW room he was envisioning isn't necessary. Right now, w/out mudroom, the kit table gets covered w/ backpacks, etc. The floorspace next to it get filled up w/ shoes, DH's laptop, and musical instruments, and the chairs get jackets hung up because we have one small, overfilled closet and some hooks that are too high for 2 of the kids to reach (there's noplace for shorter hooks; our entranceways are tiny). So the kids do HW at the existing DR table (where the barstools/slider are above). I bring my cutting board in to the DR and chop stuff in there. I don't mind that so much, because I can keep an eye on whoever's in the back yard that way, but it's a little messy. I love my breakfast-end peninsula. It's where I live! I can prep, pack lunches, and see out the big front window. When we clean off the table for guests, I can chat w/ them while prepping. In the design, I decided to open up the counter on the back yard side to create a peninsula w/ stool seating because I wanted to have that side open to the slider and big LR windows, and to be able to see/hear into LR a little better. The stools are more for socializing than eating, per se. I'm not big on socializing while at the stove; I don't stand there a whole lot, and when I do, I'm cooking. I'd rather chat while prepping. We are so used to everybody crossing through the kitchen that I don't envision anyone getting snacks as causing a problem -- right now they're having light saber fights and giving each other horsey rides through that space, and it's narrower than in the drawing. If they snack at the table, fine, if they snack at the penin, fine. I did add a prep sink on the range wall. I will play w/ moving it btwn range and fridge. Having landing space next to the range will be heaven! We have just 1 foot now and only on one side. The existing breakfast area is two feet shorter than what's shown in the design. We have some free-standing cabinets in that area now, and it's not too crowded (when we move all the stuff that should be in the mudroom). As far as family living space: we have a FR downstairs w/ the TV and computer. Living room upstairs is not formal, just a casual, comfortable room for conversation/reading/play w/ a stereo and no TV. No TV in the kitchen, either. I see that I do need another door to the DR in this design. Better put one in! Uh oh, one of the kids is out of bed...gotta run, thanks for the thought so far, love to hear more!

I love the concept of your design! It really sounds so well thought out. The general layout reminds me of the HGTV dream home from this past year. It was a mountain view, but the idea was similar and if you have not seen it, you might enjoy taking a look. I have only two ideas to suggest. I, personally would need a trash pullout in the immediate vicinity of the dishwasher and main sink. I would not want to dribble across the floor to discard the stuff I wipe out of the sink drain basket. I am a little picky about smells, and am not sure about your other trash area being below the oven - bacteria grows quickly in warmth. Best of luck, and may your family have great joy in your new vacation get away kitchen.

Mike - First of all, congrats on your new home for your young family - what a great space in which to grow! Good input from others. I saw your plan, read your intake (very good BTW) and then couldn't help but jump in with some concept thoughts. I start with an overall traffic & zone flow. I have to say, the basic bones of the galley lay-out that you have is my all-time go-to favorite, hands down. In terms of the tweaks to that listed below, there are some examples in my project photos & plans if that helps. Hope you (and your architect) don't mind, here are some thoughts: - Entrance: Mudroom/Laundry combo - Straighter path from garage to kitchen, groceries, coats, backpacks, mail, drop spot, etc. (won't be tempted to drop onto kitchen side). Easy entrance/exit to the home is a biggie for all ages. - Cooking zone: Cooktop, ovens & micro drawer. Good micro ergonomics for kids & adults & not visually intrusive. Side entry, out of the way but handy. (You can see a photo & plan of this lay-out on my site.) - Clean-up zone: Sink (I'd recommend something like a 36" Kohler Prolific, multi-person dream), DW, trash. Trash could be adjacent to DW or on the side. Then, it can be left open during prep & clean-up & close to garage for garbage/recycle take-out. Again, straight shot. - Food zone: Frig/pantry are always best together if possible so you can do inventory for shopping, meal prep & putting away groceries in one area - perishables & non-perishables. I hear what you're saying about frig/table proximity. - Eating zone: Combining an "L-shape" idea, I do this "T-shape" at times to avoid diner-style seating, ability to face each other & talk with the cooks without feeling like you're "in the sink" as much. Homework or lap tops can be in close proximity but not in the mess zone. I would predict 90% of eating could/would take place here, so frig proximity is now close to the eating area, as well. Not everyone has the room to do this but you do. It could be 30, 36 or 42"h. Dish storage can be on the back for kids to access & help. I always ask if you plate up food or serve family style at the table. This is also nice for guest buffet. - Tall cabinet/misc/storage zone: You have a great opportunity to use this workhorse wall area for wonderfully flexible uses. This can also change as the kids get older. Now, more food, toys, hidden message center & later, could switch to flower vases or a bar, whatever. I like to design for family growth & changes as you evolve. (I'm also an Aging In Place Specialist.) See the list of possibilities on the plan & an example of this in a photo below. 15" dp is ideal to find things easily & can choose to do the tip-down secretary doors (now you see it, now you don't)...or not. - Walk-in pantry: I know, I know this must've been a shocker to see its potential elimination. Believe it or not, I've removed walk-in pantries & replaced with reach-in pantries on my last 6 jobs & clients love it. After living with both, they all concur - quicker access, better use of floor space (not being spent for void/standing space), same or less expense, same or more storage than walk-in, do the math. This also enlarges the island. There are ways to deal with a counter seam, if necessary. Believe me, this is a national & international trend for the same reasons listed. Hope I didn't overstep boundaries too much. Also, sorry for this very quick rough sketch. I couldn't stop. The plans jump out for me &, especially for the family entry & a kitchen lay-out, they're such important bones to a house. Obviously, some concepts can be mixed, matched or ignored. Again, congrats on your new home, Mike. Rule #1: Envision your family living in it, having fun & the process will be an equally fun flow!