Oh, how I wanted my natural bluestone patio...well, it now looks anything but "natural." It's a hot mess! Original landscaper installed and used polymeric sand because that was "best." He recommended not sealing it. Or, as he said, "Let it sit a year and then seal it if you want to." Very shortly after installation, stones started turning orange or had deep orange/rusty spots developing like a rash. The polymeric sand grout started popping up like worms after a rainstorm by year two. Hired a new hardscaping/landscaping company who--at year three of the patio--power washed it, swapped a few stones and tried to remove some stains, installed a new type of polymeric sand (which is supposedly better for the larger gaps the earlier landscaper used), and sealed it. First, the power washing did leave what looked like swirls of gray "graffiti" on some areas, but that seemed to go away with sealing. Until it rained, I wasn't sure they had yet sealed it, but it was evident when water beaded up and remained on the surface. After it dried, white patches appeared all over the stones. Reading how this can also occur with sealing concrete pavers, I'm now wondering if that composite deck idea was better! All I wanted was a beautiful, natural bluestone patio. I've stepped on countless university and college walkways that do not have these issues, and that is the look I was going for. How do they achieve such beautiful patios and walkways without the issues we homeowners face? I know they don't use polymeric sand and their "deep pockets" must be able to afford the best stone and best installers.

mama goose: I like the idea of changing the location of the range and refrigerator, it would be nice to have the range out of the way of everyone and we would still have a nice stretch of counter for prep and baking. The shallow storage would work and I can see making the current pantry wider but more shallow to match the depth on your diagram or maybe even just making the space base cabinets? I will let my husband know that you liked his colorful diagram, he is way more talented at those things and has been super helpful! benjesbride: I had not considered the benefits of moving the pass through to the dining room, it totally makes sense. I will take a closer look and set up a stunt pass through to see how it impacts the traffic flow in the dining room. Not feeling great about the sink moving to the pass through but I will think about it. Thank you for your inspiration :) my husband was starting to think that he would be stuck with this kitchen forever!

Pipdog, the Architec is a great looking tub. Generally I don't go for a contemporary look but it's different in a bathroom and this tub is just a nice clean design. You will need non-skid strips lest you slip and break your neck. :O Unless they've changed the tub bottom and now have a nonskid surface, it is dangerously slick when wet. It took me one shower to figure that out! However, these strips came to the rescue: Nonskid strips I bought two packs (they're not expensive) and used both on the bottom of my tub. They're translucent and stick like crazy. Two years later, scrubbed, no loose edges anywhere. Enjoy your tub!!

It's been awhile since I made an update, but this is where I'm at now: Crown moulding is installed and painted. Double-curtain rods and sheer curtains are up, but talked to my aunt who mentioned that I should consider reinstalling them above the window to give the windows a longer sleeker look. Took down the art deco chandelier to have it cleaned and fixed, but I accidentally tipped it over while it was on the floor and it shattered into a thousand pieces. Turns out it was made of cheap pewter. So I found and installed a Turkish style chandelier I received from a seller in Turkey on Etsy. I also installed similar styled Turkish sconces (I'll be replacing the globes with more colorful ones soon). I pulled up the carpet from both rooms. I painted the fireplace insert black. I painted the ugly gold lamp stands black, and added new shades. Things still left to do: I'm still looking for a chandelier for the living room. Repair and refinish the floors (the floor needs a number of boards refilled). Figure out what to do about the gap between the floor and the quarter-round/baseboard that was revealed after I pulled the carpet up. Replace current projector screen with a floor-rising one so that I'm no longer covering 80% of the front window at all times. Install a picture rail about an inch and a half under the crown moulding. Update/add electrical outlets (which will include an upgrade to my breaker). replace carpet in the living room with a Persian style carpet that's approx. 9' x 12'. Replace couch and coffee table. Retile the front of the fire-place. Have a number of the cracks in the plaster repaired. Acquire and hang paintings and framed posters on the walls. And that's just the Living Room and Dining Room. Sigh...