Thank you all for your comments. Desertsteph, yes, the 2nd photo looks a lot like the layout we will have as far as wall, door and light placement, floating vanity, etc. (but we will have 2 recessed sinks). Mostly I am trying to figure out whether to do that layout with the wood shelf as shown in #2 or the tile ledge from #1, but with the rest like #2. Treasuretheday, I see what you mean about #1 being harmonious because the ledge is the same depth and color as the side cabinets next to the ledge and same color as the ceiling. Would you still like the ledge best if it were added to bath #2 (with the walls coming all the way out on the sides of the vanity and the walls a different color than the tile ledge)? I am considering stopping the mirror at 7' tall and putting 1' of tile that will match the ledge above the mirror to the ceiling -- will that help tie in the ledge better? You have the same concern about #2 that I do -- the feeling that the faucets are under a shelf. I found some really pretty deck mounted faucets to use if I go that way, and I would not want them to be hidden (why I am considering #3, plus less cost). Weedyacres, I hadn't even considered potentially hitting my head when I lean over to brush my teeth. I don't like that the shelf would protrude into my sink space, but otherwise like the look. I have 4' between the vanity and the opposite wall, so I could pull the vanity cabinet forward 3-4" (or just make it deeper for more storage), so that the shelf is behind rather than directly over the faucets. Does anyone think that would be a good idea? Here is another bathroom that has a tiled ledge (taller this time) that is just next to a wall like mine would be, rather than next to cabinets the same depth as the ledge. Does this change any opinions? [modern bathroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2105) by toronto interior designer NathalieTremblay - ARCH DESIGN [modern bathroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2105) by toronto interior designer NathalieTremblay - ARCH DESIGN

Cameron, Allison, teacats, oceanna... thanks so much! It's the smallest details that really make all difference, isn't it? Allison, your home is gorgeous inside and out. It must be a joy living in such a beautiful space! I love, love, love your unfitted kitchen. I wanted to do something like that but our space was a bit too small and DH was resistant. My single victory was talking him out of the granite countertops he wanted... Cameron, I thought I was the only person running around Colle val d'Elsa and some other non-touristy parts of Italia with my face constantly hidden behind my camera :) I never tire of looking at these kinds of photos, thanks for sharing yours! DH provided a niche and hook ups for the a/v wiring, but not for the TV itself. We would have needed to do a bump out of some sort to accommodate that and the Isokern has an operable flue, so the heat that builds up would have been a problem for the TV, I think. Allison, you find that it is uncomfortable to view the TV at that height? In fact DH has wired every TV hook-up in the house fairly high on the walls. A mistake, methinks.... Cameron, you asked about window coverings... maybe we'll have nothing at all. The home is on 8 acres and we are a good 200+ yards from the nearest neighbor. I had thought about installing some decorative iron grilles in the upper 2x2 windows. So I think you're right; a box faced with iron grilles would work, but that would weigh quite a bit and we'd have to make that a seriously strong box. Unless I used some of those rubber floor mats that look like wrought iron! That big, featureless wall has been problematic for me from the planning stage; I'll do as you recommend Allison, and just wait until the furniture is in and I've lived in the space for a while before deciding which way to go. I shall practice restraint. I shall practice restraint. I shall practice restraint.

there are supposedly pros who specialize in cleaning stones, tiles, and regrouting. Check your local Angie's List, call one or two, and see what they have to say I personally would't paint stone, I don't like the artificialness of that solution, but maybe cleaning(sometimes stones do need major cleaning..and get it) will give you results you'll like well enough. If you think that stone doesn't correlate to style of your house(which can happen), that's a different problem altogether, which I'd approach with rethinking the whole fireplace.

Wow, it really looks great! I know you just got rid of yellow on your house but have you considered a yellow door? It could be a homage to the old color and be a really great modern pop. Here's a mock-up of black window trim. I'm not a fan of the extreme contrast here. Not sure I like it as much as say, black windows. Your windows look like they are in good condition and don't need replacing, so that doesn't seem like a viable option.