I appreciate all of the feedback to my question. You've given me many things to consider. We are adding a shower to the first floor bathroom. It will be a roll-in shower with all of the necessary blocking for grab bars, etc. We experimented with a borrowed wheelchair to be sure that we will be able to roll under the new vanity and negotiate doorways, etc. Our current office could become a first floor bedroom if needed, and we have specified lever handles everywhere. We have been working on the plan for months and thought all was settled until I read this weekend about potential problems with hardwood or other hard surfaces. Previously, I had heard mostly about problems with carpet. Your comments have helped me put conflicting advice into perspective. We probably will go ahead as planned with hardwood. A large area rug in the middle of the living room will probably work since it is not in the main flow of traffic. I will be sure, however, not to use any smaller throw rugs or walk around in slippery socks. As I said, we have been planning this project for over a year. We are almost ready to sign the construction contract, so I am trying to make final decisions and pin down all of the details.

One of us is ok with 42", the other isn't sure. Since your cabinets aren't finished, go down to Lowes or Home Depot with your tape measure. You'll see that their cabinet/island displays tend to be 42" apart ... and it feels "just right" to me. But the point is, look /measure /decide for yourself. I'm started second guessing my lighting needs, so the designer and the lighting person suggested a Kohler lighted medicine cabinet. Is that too much? Put in all the lights you're considering ... but be sure the fixtures are on separate switches, and you can use exactly what you need today, tomorrow, whenever. But you'll be prepared.

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For aging in place, try to keep the primary work zones & appliances on the same wall and, as Darbuka mentioned, use the "Ice.Water.Stone.Fire" mantra to guide you: Ice -- Refrigerator Water -- sink, prep or cleanup Stone -- workspace Fire -- cooktop or range So, arrange the following on the same side: Refrigerator + 42" of counterspace + sink + DW + 24" counter & storage (if possible) As you age, you will find not just carrying, but also lifting heavy objects such as a pot full of water more difficult. So if you can arrange your Kitchen such that you can slide pots/pans along the counter rather than lifting to carry to the other side or even to a cart, you will be better off. I'm planning my retirement home and my Kitchen will do just that. While my refrigerator will not be along the same run, it will be across the end of the peninsula with at least 48" (hoping for 51" to 54") so I can take things out, place them on the peninsula, and move to the prep sink just to the left of the peninsula without having to lift things again. So, I'll be able to slide to the prep sink (with plenty of work area on both sides), then to the range/cooktop, and, finally, to the Cleanup Zone. The Cleanup Zone will be on the other side of the range/cooktop so that I can slide things over to that, if necessary. Basically, I will have a "U" with the refrigerator, extra wall oven, and "Gluten Zone" across from the base of the "U". I will not have an island b/c they become obstacles if someday one of us ends up needing a walker or wheelchair. The peninsula and legs of the "U" will help protect the primary work zones from traffic without being an obstacle.