Thanks everybody. There are so many talented people out there. Bmore, that's a very good point about the center doors not opening as far in option 1. We had not considered that. Originally, we did have something akin to a corbel. I worried about it getting too cute. DH will post that later. Country smile, my main reasons for this "hutch" are for a large expanse of counter space plus additional storage. The need for counter space is one reason I do not want to bring any part of it to the lower cabinetry, as several people have suggested, though I agree it would look attractive. DH and I refer to this section of the kitchen as a hutch, as a way to differentiate it from the other sections. But it does not have to be furniture like, just attractive, proportional, and functional. I agree with others here that the all glass option opens up the space, and is a good contrast to the large floor to ceiling wall pantry, which will hold a small microwave, food, etc. Though this kitchen will have far more storage than my current kitchen, it is not huge. I am just not certain if I can afford to give up this space that I might need for practical items and don't want to end up adding fabric down the road. I too am a dish freak, though they don't all go together. So, I want practical and at the same time pretty, hence, trying to combine the glass and closed doors. LWO, a good point about not making the whole thing so wide. The architect suggested we could do that and I also felt it was crowded. DH is working on getting the final plans drawn up for the cabinet maker, but will play will all of your ideas later. Many many thanks to all of you. GW is becoming our KD.

I am now looking at buying the Marvel 15 inch beverage/wine fridge which has dual zone temp control with range from 40-65F. The 3BARM "Luxury" model can store 4 bottles of wine and 60 12oz cans. It has 4 shelfs, some that are adjustable to accommodate taller items. I am limited to the 15 inch wide model because I am pulling out my old trash compactor which was never used and that's the only space I have. I am less concerned about actual wine storage and prefer having more storage for sodas and water. Marvel also has the 3SBARE 15 inch "Chateau" model which is more expensive and it can only hold 4 wine bottles and 36 cans. I think it has a larger compressor and that takes up more of the storage space. The Chateau has a few nicer esthetic features (glass shelves, glide out vs pullout etc.) but I think the electronics and basic configuration is the same between the two models. I can get the 3BARM for $1400 or the 3SBARE for $1650... I am thinking of going with the less expensive model to get the additional storage capacity. Thanks again for everyone's input! Really helped :) Here is a link that might be useful: Marvel 15 Inch Wine/Beverage Fridge

Large seeds are probably better sowed directly where you want the plants to grow. Very tiny seeds can be difficult because of the possibility of drying out. So it depends how diligent you can be, and how organised. Are you going to remember where you sowed things and where you need to keep the area moist? Or are you going to be like me, wandering around the garden in a vague way, trusting to memory, getting side-tracked. And wondering why the ___________ [fill in blank] never germinated. Another thing you have to watch out for is the frustrating cutworm. He is a caterpillar, in his larval stage, and will become a moth. But on the way to getting his wings he spends his time slinking about chomping through the stems of the very plants that you have sown. Like cucumber seedlings. You will see them - both the felled seedlings and the caterpillar - but you won't suspect the caterpillar because of his air of innocence. And he's so smooth and attractive. (You probably only see them though if you've got your hands in the soil, fiddling about.) So, you need to protect the seedlings of things like zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber - all those nice fleshy seedlings. Little seedlings possibly aren't attractive to cutworm. (You can use something simple like a plastic milk bottle with its base removed, and no lid.) So, in summary, the main thing is to keep the area moist. And to know how deep to plant seeds. Little ones are planted very shallow. Big ones, about .5 to 1 inch. Don't walk on them. Don't stand on them admiring the garden. And there is just one exception when it comes to watering: with peas or beans, water at sowing but not again until they have germinated, or they will rot.

It looks like you may have solved your spacing dilemma based on previous comments in the thread. With that, if you're interested in a big open lantern look but in a different finish, we do have these options from the Savoy House Townsend family. Satin nickel (not as polished/reflective as the finish you showed above, but very similar) Warm brass Classic bronze Matte black (a new and very chic look!) I'm personally very fond of things finished in brass or black--they just look so stylish!