I actually prefer the original exterior. The one with the door centered feels off balanced

Agree with CP.

However, if you really like the modified version better, and wanted to balance it out, I think maybe it could be accomplished by making both windows (that flank the door) the same size.

That said, I have a "thing" with bathrooms and kitchens/pantries sharing plumbing walls. Just no. :-) The first time you have a serious plumbing problem with your toilet, that requires the wall to be opened up, you're not gonna be thrilled with it affecting your kitchen.

However, if you really like the modified version better, and wanted to balance it out, I think maybe it could be accomplished by making both windows (that flank the door) the same size.

No it can't because the window on the left is the window for the stairwell. I'm guessing you don't want a tiny square window in the stairwell and conversely I'm guessing you don't want a giant window in your bathroom.

Exterior: somehow the modified elevation makes the front door look cramped, though it might not look that way in real life.

Interior: in the original it's nice to have another way in and out of the kitchen, and if you are in the kitchen when company arrives, not to have to walk all the way around to the door. Although, in the modification the stairs can make it feel nice and open. Also, the original walks you in to a view out the back. I don't know about the Feng shui about that (I suspect it's not good) but it's a good guide into the house, and may look nicer than seeing the coffee table with magazines strewn across it (oops, I'm thinking of MY coffee table).

Speaking of company arriving, your side entrance is great, near the garage parking. For folks using the front door, where will they park? If some will park by the garage, consider a walkway hugging the house from one porch to another. And even if there is plenty of parking/dropoff by the front door, consider such a walkway anyway. It will be handy for yourselves, as well, to be able to walk from one porch to the other easily.

bp if you look at the site plan, there is a parking pad right in front. :)

Oh... I thought it was a little "hall" behind the stairs (it looks like an archway, to me, across from the full bath), so I thought making that window smaller wouldn't be an issue. Sorry about that.

Cp, I saw the pad and didn't know how many cars it holds. And anyway, we often go from one door to another, and at my folks' (yeah, I know I say that a lot), we really wish we could cut through the landscaping instead of walking along the driveway to get from the garage and rear entry to the front and service doors.

I like the modified one better because I think the kitchen lays out better without the second entry into it, gives you more cabinet and long stretch of counter-top with out a break.

The entry door also looks more centered to me on the porch this way on the plan view, although not on the elevations so not sure what is going on there. I think its the window, maybe just get rid of the window in the powder bath.

good luck :)

without the second entry into it, gives you more cabinet and long stretch of counter-top with out a break.

Those of us who frequent the kitchen forum have learned that we don't necessarily need longer stretches of countertop. We need layouts that create good work zones.

The entry door also looks more centered to me on the porch this way on the plan view, although not on the elevations so not sure what is going on there. I think its the window, maybe just get rid of the window in the powder bath.

Sorry but then it looks totally unbalanced. I personally think Doug got it right the first time. Here it is without the powder bath window.

No, no, keep the window in the powder!!! Please! :-D

Looks better with the window.

I think I like the original exterior, but the modified interior. I don't like that in the original, the powder room can be seen directly from the island seating. But, I'm pretty sure I'd be happy with both versions honestly. :) One of those lovely situations where you get to choose between two great solutions.

So funny, Doc, 'cause I voiced the same concern (powder visible from kitchen/dining) in another of the OP's threads, and was assured that it wouldn't be a problem... Glad I wasn't the only one to "see" that! :-)

I am still trying to get over the fact that someone listened to me.

Run the thought past ARG. He has intimate knowledge of how the original plan got to where it is. Many times one perceived minor change to a plan has a domino effect and can adversely affect other design features. Other times it is six of one half dozen of the other.

belated comment on this plan, without having read the previous discussion. Depending on anticipated use of the middle "room" off the main floor hall, I would want the option of that being a study or music room or such. If that is this room's function, I would prefer that the door (or double doors?) open directly into the hall/entry. This would also add a thru perspective from entry to windows there, as has been designed in the rear hall here and is always a plus. Granted, such a door design wouldn't be ideal if the room must also frequently function as a room for over-night guests.