It's hard to tell from the picture, but if the colors "go" together, it should be fine. None of my rugs match, but they pretty much flow together throughout the main floor.

Congrats and enjoy turning your new house into a home! SS or black appliances would definitely work with the maple, but making the switch to Energy Star would be low on my priority if the appliances are in decent shape. First thing I'd change is the wall color, and agree with Teacats that a white like BM White Linen would be great but could go with a deeper Bone White. I think the white appliances will look much nicer and like they belong. If you prefer a light blue or other color, that could also look nice. Whatever makes you and your family feel optimistic and says "home", but that would not be most shades of green for me. If you're the type that can be happy working with your existing kitchen, wander over to the kitchen forum for inspiration on how small changes can have big impacts, but don't go there if you're likely to succumb to kitchen envy as many have big budget kitchens. Since design is an aspect of what I've been involved with professionally and I really enjoy decor, I can look at and appreciate lots of different styles, knowing they wouldn't work for me. I like your existing, and know with a few updates like new blinds, paint and adding art, I'd love it! I don't know that bar seating will be so great for your son or for family communication while dining, so I'd opt for an expandable pedestal round table or an expandable square under the chandie and not go with a fan. Could you be happy with a small loveseat and one or two comfy chairs in the adjacent carpeted area serving as your family room? If you'll use the computer station, fine; but if it doesn't suit your needs, you can always take it out. Patching the walls is minor. Many here have found great quality, solid or veneered furniture that's far superior to much that's mass-produced today, on Craigs List, ebay, estate sales, consignment shops and Goodwill. Trick is to take your time adding wonderful pieces as you find them rather than trying to get all the furniture at once. Happy nesting!

@nhbabs yea, I had my husband repost because initially my post wasn’t showing up in the discussion boards and I wasn’t getting any comments! Then like two days later, I started getting comments so it must have appeared....or it just doesn’t show me my own post when I look at the discussion boards. Who knows.

I would not begin any work on this project until you've converted it into a clear, simple plan that shows the complete extent of work. It should have dimensions of proposed work called out on the plan and materials stated. Lot lines should be on the plan so we can see how much space there is to work with. The pictures do not give a great idea of the existing grade. You show across slope in order for the camera to pick it up, and sufficient background should be included so that it is clear how the area relates to the larger yard. It would be good to see how this parking & path connect to the house in case there is something being overlooked by the design. From the description, I'm confused about what you're going to end up with. You are ADDING 14' of width? ... or adding enough width to create a total of 14'? The cars seem to clear the public walk so why are you adding 9' greater depth to the parking spaces? Maybe a little would help but 9' seems to be creating complexity and expense. Many/most communities have tight restrictions on parking areas within the front yard. Be sure to run your plan by the municipality to make sure that what you're doing is allowed. Or they make you undo it. Personally, I would be against expanding a concrete drive with gravel. It will be an automatic downgrade in appearance as the gravel looks rural and is messier. I'm not sure how you're planning to contain the gravel, but it must be figured out so as to know the complete project. I'd stick with the concrete and put the project off for a while in order to get the right material. Or find a way to break it into phases to make it do-able. Another thing that is unclear is how cars will access a wider parking area unless the drive apron is widened. This should be shown on the plan, too. In many cases, people use groundcover on slopes so they do not have to cut grass on slopes.