To clarify... You have a kitchen that's, overall, 15'3" x 16'0". Needs... This kitchen must be both kitchen space and table space for at least 3 (since you have no other table space, I recommend seating for at least 6) The sink and range must stay where they are Improvement of functionality Wants... Island Please note that you are limiting the location of the major appliances/fixtures in two of the three primary work zones...this will limit what can be done to fix the functionality of your kitchen. Can you show us the current layout and point out what you don't like about it? If we cannot fix everything, maybe we can zero in on what bothers you the most and try to fix what we can within the stated limitations. Is the reason you cannot move the sink and range budget? Something else? Primary zones: Prep Zone - workspace very close to a water source & near the range (usually b/w the range & cleanup sink if there is only one sink in the kitchen). Ideally, it should have at least 36" of clear counterspace Cooking Zone - range is center and should have both landing space and workspace (they can be shared IF you have adequate space on both sides of the range). Ideally, 24" on each side of the range. One side can overlap with the Prep Zone...as long as there is at least 36" in the Prep Zone and at least 18" on the other side of the range. (When overlapping, NKBA does say to take the largest needed space and add 12"...) Cleanup Zone - sink & DW and should have workspace around it that does not overlap with the Prep Zone. Ideally, at least 24" on both sides that does not overlap. If a one-sink kitchen, be sure the DW is not in the Prep Zone...put it on the other side of the sink. Basic workflow in a kitchen: Refrigerator/Pantry --> Prep Zone & sink --> Range --> Table or sink --> Cleanup & sink & DW Questions Where is the window? What are the widths of each wall/window/doorway and distances b/w each wall/window/doorway? What are the rooms around the kitchen? Can you post a floor plan of the first floor? Where does the family enter from the outside? Is it through the kitchen? I apologize, but other than overall dimensions, it's not clear to me what the floor plan/general space of your kitchen is. Can you draw up your kitchen on graph paper with all the dimensions labeled, doors & windows marked, and the rooms around it labeled? (Download graph paper from the internet for free, Google "graph paper") BTW...many people here have IKEA cabinets and really like them. IKEA can be a real budget-saver and may let you move some things you thought you couldn't afford to move (like the sink and/or range). I suggest you check out the IKEA kitchens on the Finished Kitchens Blog (FKB) to see them installed in a real home. Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA Kitchens in the FKB

Thanks for the pic dalmadarling. Your room looks very comfy and I love all the colors! I'm definitely a "color" person. I spent the day looking at floors. I am so overwhelmed. I had a clear preference when looking at the wood options in one store...I like the grain and look of Acacia. But now that I look for Acacia images on line, there are so many different looks and none of them look like what I saw in the store. I did notice that the store only had a glossy finish on a couple of their laminate options. None of the hardwood was done with a gloss and the salesman said that no one wants gloss because it shows everything. My aunt has a gloss, she loves it and she does not think it shows everything. I'm SO CONFUSED!

That's okay about the bed! I think it's great to look at higher priced items anyway to get inspiration then find something less pricey in that same style :) I only suggested the stikwood as a way to draw in some interest and texture and visual on that tall wall but it's totally not the only option in doing so. You could possibly do a large print on the wall. That bedding color is really nice and a great accent color! one thing to remember you don't have to rush to but a room together. And have it look like you just went to a catalog and bought everything. Surround yourself with what you really love. And you will be much more pleased with the outcome.

The treads are hardwood only on the edges. I had a house like that once. It's a less expensive way to build a staircase. You can replace the treads and make the entire tread hardwood or recarpet. Making the entire tread hardwood gets complex because you have to remove the balusters aka spindles and replace them on the new tread. I'd get pricing on changing the treads and on replacing the carpet and then decide how much you don't like it. You may learn to love it! My guess is that if the treads aren't full hardwood, there is no hardwood under the carpet. That makes it tricky when you want to change carpet at the top. If you're serious about changing it and want to spend the $$, I'd go to a good carpet store, likely an independently owned one not a chain, and get advice on options. But I"m in the camp of, the carpet is probably an expensive one and it looks in good shape.