To go to the current DR we go through the current LR - it is not that big of a deal and have no problems even carrying full soup bowls, just around the corner. We don't use DR that often but when we do we like the "bowling alley" room to have long table that can be extended forever and fit lots of people. Closing the doorway to current LR would help kitchen layout but it is not an option - no good way to get to DR and we might have to re-arrange the rooms to original when we decide to sell the house in the future. I was wondering about the range being across from the sink and distance but where else can I put the stove?

Sue, at first I thought you're making hand soap but after reading the ingredients, I'm not sure. So, are you making laundry detergent or hand soap? Why I was puzzled: I use almost the same ingredients for my home mix laundry detergent. However, by leaving the water out, it's just laundry powder detergent. It's much easier and no heavy mixing involved. Plus, it's easier to store as well. Instead of Fels Naptha bar soap, I use Zote bar soap. Zote bar is twice larger and I just need to use 1/2 of the bar. My clothes are clean and smell wonderful. 1/2 bar of Zote, grated (1 bar = 14.1 oz) 4 1/2 cup Borax 3 cups washing soda Stir all ingredients together well. I store it in a used large can of coffee (28-32 oz. can). Usage: 2 Tbns. for 1 regular size load on a top load washer. Use 1 Tbn. for front load washer. Use a little more for oversize load.

Fabulous idea, and I think it will make the people who sleep there feel more comfortable since it is such a large, open space. The hangings will add a lot to the decoration and "luxury" feeling of the room.

I'm an engineer. I have remodeled my own homes, I'm not a seasoned plumber. Here's how I see it: You can get a thermostatic valve with a diverter - to the shower head or tub. But you will need another valve to chose between the shower head and the hand held, also you will need a vacuum break for the hand held - this can be a separate vacuum break, or one that's built into the hand held connection. In my opinion - you should get it all from the same mfgr. Otherwise, if you have problems, you are putting yourself in the middle.