Walnutcreek, what a cool lamp! Somehow I'm really seeing that on a buffet or a console table. It would be gorgeous! Suero, that table is lovely. You're right, it's way more than I want to spend, but it's absolutely beautiful, as are all the other things on their web site. I like all the choices of woods and finishes too. Well, the budget's a problem. As is my lack of ability to make a decision. I'm currently stuck between the West Elm nesting coffee table paired with the Ethan Allen end table with drawer; and the Crate & Barrel Sims coffee table & matching end table. (For the second end table in either case, I'm going with that little orange metal table.) I think the wood on the Crate & Barrel tables is much nicer, but the tables themselves are a little boring; in addition the West Elm + Ethan Allen (gads, how many people pair *those* brands together?!) are more practical since they give me a drawer and a de facto shelf or two. Have read not such good things about West Elm quality - not sure if that applies to this table, which is constructed differently from their usual furniture. And it irritates me that I'd have to pay $70 in shipping, for this table!!! (And it doesn't even come assembled!) I don't know - there's the style thing. Maybe I just don't know who I am. I want to project a slightly funkier image than what I think I'm coming up with... maybe it's the carpeting that's the problem. The carpet ain't funky. And the funky furniture on top of the carpet just don't go. The furniture that goes with the carpet ain't so funky. I am *not* a fuddy-duddy! I'm NOT!!! (Or am I???)

Look at Bmorepanic's layout on Fri, Mar 12, 10 at 12:09; it has a similar layout for a range on that wall...only with more work room. You really need more than 12" next to a doorway for safety's sake. While 12" may be Code, that doesn't mean it's best, especially if you have/are planning to have gas. There also isn't much workspace room overall next to it...I know it's better than what she currently has, but that doesn't mean it's enough or that it can't be even better. Another consideration...be sure to have at least a 24" overhang if you have the range (or cooktop) in that location. I do not recommend seating behind a range or cooktop, but if you insist on doing it, at least make it safe! Venting will also be an issue...for truly adequate venting, you need an overhead range hood...in this case, you'll need an "island range hood". [The majority of downdrafts are ineffective. Telescoping downdrafts are better, but then you have a vent in front of anyone sitting there and it's only effective for items right next to it and shorter than it by several inches.] About island range hoods... First, island range hood's are more expensive than wall hoods. Second, an island hood will hang down in front of anyone working or sitting there, will block the view to/from the DR & Kitchen, and will put the noise of a hood in your visitor's ears...and if you put in a raised bar, it's even worse b/c your visitors will be sitting another 6" higher and closer to the hood. Third, island range hoods need to be larger and/or stronger than wall hoods b/c of the increased air currents...meaning more $$ and more noise. Noise can be cut down by getting an even stronger hood and running it on low, but that adds yet more $$$ Fourth, that hood hanging down will most likely be a "commanding presence"...unless you get a low profile hood (meaning a thin hood) and/or glass (which means cleaning it often)...but those hoods have even less capture capability b/c there's no place to trap smoke/steam/grease/odors/etc. for venting out...so that means an even larger hood and more power and probably mounting even lower. IMHO, it's made even worse b/c the area is so small...a large hood will overwhelm that small peninsula. There are three main differences b/w BmorePanic's layout & JohnLiu's: Seating on the DR side of the kitchen. Is there room to take 24" of counter + seating space out of it? I can't tell from the pictures. Refrigerator location...I like John's location better b/c it puts it on the periphery and allows outsiders to get to it w/o interfering with those working in the kitchen DW location....I like Bmorepanic's better...it keeps the DW out of the Cooking Zone and out of the best Prep Zone...also across from the range. Why is that the best Prep Zone? Two reasons: (1) Because it's directly across from the range so going back & forth is easier and (2) It's out of traffic coming in/out of the kitchen. ...

I've been a silent observer tracking these wonderful suggestions coming your way. Please continue to keep us posted. I agree, the sink needs to be moved off center, rather than be centered under the window. Your main dilemma still seems to be the fridge placement. Functionaly, I like Val's layout the best, nice access to fridge, sink and then stove. However, agree that the fridge does block the window as one enters the room. Lavender's layout has the fridge in the corner to the right of the sink. However, I would hate walking around the fridge when working between the sink and stove. You would almost need a prep sink close to the stove. Have you thought of moving the back window to the right if the fridge were placed in the back room? Sometimes the solution is to spend a little extra money to achieve a much more functional layout. I finally became "unstuck" on my layout after deciding to spend $300 more to move my sink two feet to the right, away from a corner. That was the best $300 I've ever spent.

Jillius, I made the Saturday afternoon "deadline" he wanted. I didn't think I would. But, thanks to you and everyone's incredibly generous help, WE did it! I'm thrilled with the plan! I read through the thread again just now. It is completely blowing my mind to see how the design evolved and changed over the course of a week into what we have now. Everyone played an important part with all their input. I will be forever grateful to all of you. It might take a few years to have it all up and running, but I will keep you all posted on the progress. I will start a new thread whenever he gets the walls and roof on. Laughable, I'm am dead serious, just last night my husband said, "You are going to have to start calling me 'Mr. Rebunky' on your GW." Hysterical you said that. Imgch, thanks. I love your reveal! I'm going to go look at all your eye candy again right now. Aloha!