Hatrabbit, you're likely to see a wide range of opinions expressed on this thread. For maximum output and variety, I space my trees very close together, leaving just enough space for air, light, and spray to get through. If things get too crowded, I prune or remove. Those 15 and 20 foot guidelines are better directed toward the commercial grower who must allow for tractors, blasters, harvest trucks, etc. Misterbaby.

In reference to your question--"Is there some reason why I shouldn't put food in the same space as a gas water heater?" The answer is Yes. The plumbing codes prohibit installing a fuel fired (Oil, gas or LP) water heater in a storage closet. The plumbing codes also prohibit installing a fuel fired water heater in a bathroom, bedroom or a utility space that opens directly into a bathroom or bedroom. There is an exception to the rule. If the water heater has provision to draw combustion air in diectly from outside the structure and if the door to the utility space is fitted will solid air tight weather stripping and it has a self closing door it may be permitted with the expressed approval of your local inspector.

Edited to add a link: Harborview 48 x 28 laundry sink Good heavens, if the new sink area you propose is as clean and tidy as those in CindyR's photos, I (as a guest) would be absolutely fine with it. I understand your need for a large sink for dirty tasks, and with the right sink and good housekeeping, no visitor will ever know that the last few uses of the sink were to rinse out a mop and re-pot a flat of annuals. In fact, if we lived in a one-bath house, I would gladly install such a sink in the bath to facilitate the washing of small dogs and the younger grandchildren, if only to spare our aging backs. Also added: Stainless would degrade the ambiance substantially, imo, as would any tendency to use the bath to store unattractive (and potentially smelly) items like mops. A strong "no" to 2 sinks. Why, when you can one handsome huge one? Two different sinks shouts Utility Room. The soapstone would probably work. Leave the mirror. Please lose the wall cabs.

Open concept sounds like a great idea. “Sounds” is the operative word. Sounds bounce all around in a large, single living space. Think carefully about how you and your family will actually live in one room. Can you run the dishwasher after dinner and still hear the tv? If you have kids, do you really want your living room on display to anyone who appears at the front door with all the toys all over? Can you run the food processor , the microwave, the exhaust fan while someone in the living space is trying to talk on the phone? Will it bother you to see all the dirty dishes piled on the counter while you relax at the dinner table? Where do you hang pictures if you have few walls?