I had a friend in a similar situation, but a different fridge height. She went to a really good local appliance store and they removed a piece of trim from one of the fridges to get that crucial half-inch! So examine everything that's removable, like feet, trim, etc. Then the delivery guys measured again before they slid it in. (I know from experience with this store that they would have taken everything back, no charge.)

It would be possible to put a play corner in the first two drawings but not in alternative 2. I would recommend a corner of storage furniture to corral the toys. I am usually a fan of built-ins but not in this case because eventually the kids will outgrow their toys and you won't need that storage there anymore. The built-in exception would be a window seat under one of those windows on the plans. Some of the storage could be cabinets or bookshelves for bins or toys underneath a window seat. I'm not a fan for toy box style storage because they either become a black hole or the kids throw everything out of them looking for what they want and then do't put the rest of it back. As for the kitchen placement, near to the deck would be best in you like to eat outdoors on the deck or entertain on the deck. We entertain a lot and the kitchen is on the other side of the house from the patio. It's a real pain and a big part of my design brief for the architect was for the kitchen to be next to the patio. I even wanted a pass-through window from the kitchen sink to the patio for ease of clean up but unfortunately I wasn't able to work that out.

Mike, you have a nice space there. Lots of light and plenty of cabinets for a first home! I think with a good paint job, your cabinets will look very nice. My only suggestion is that if budget allows, you do the floor after the paint job (less prep of the floors!). However, if there is only enough money for one of the three at this time, I think you are right in doing the floors before moving in. Rantontoo's point about the floor being raised is a valid one. I am sure the installers will tear out the laminate, but nonetheless make sure there is enough room under the dishwasher. You could box it in and then if it ever needs to be removed, ruin your new floors (pre or site finished). Also today's refrigerators are super sized and with a new floor, there could be a height issue as well.

Consider a privacy film for the door-the curtains take away from the pretty doors. I agree that the curtains are too stark. They're also too short and not full enough. If the curtains are 84", try 96" instead. Try to find something closer to the wall color. The gray, white and navy are a bit blah. Is there a color you like that you can add in with different pillows and a throw as suggested? I also agree that the coffee table is not quite right. I'd consider a round ottoman, maybe in leather, that you can add a tray to for drinks and a bit of decor. What is the distance inside the U shape? You could add a pretty demilune shaped table next to the door to ground the artwork. Maybe something like this with just a small lamp and pretty bowl. https://www.hayneedle.com/product/belham-living-james-half-round-mid-century-modern-sofa-table.cfm