If it's a low traffic, I'd bring the cabs as near as possible, since no kitchen ever has enough storage. I think this will be something you can get fairly close, but expect to make some on-site adjustments as the build progresses. Getting it to *exactly* touch the trim won't be easy: Often, the trim is set back a bit from the actual opening, and if you are using Ikea or similar cabs, there's often an end panel of matching wood [rather than the box itself being finished] that adds half an inch to the length of the cab run, and you need to consider the countertop overhang, as well: do you want it to touch the trim moulding, or would you rather have the molding cut to accomodate the overhang? Then there's the issue of the cab co. you choose, and whether they make things to your exact size, or only in certain predetermined increments... I'd allow for 36 inches of walk space, which would [usually] mean a 37.5 framed opening, trimed with 3/4 boards on each side to drop it back to 36, then figure roughly 3.5 inches for trim and .25 for set back, leaving you with a 43 inch 'no cab zone', including overhangs. You'll want the trim to match the rest of your house, so if this is a remodel, just meassure what you already have.

And I just really don't like the fridge crowding the window. I wasn't particularly keen on that either but it was the only way I could see getting the fridge to that side of the kitchen without some kind of structural work, which is a no-go for Noah. Well, that's not quite true. I did figure out a way to move the fridge to the other side of the kitchen without crowding the window but I wasn't thrilled with either plan. But this isn't my kitchen so I should post and let Noah decide.Instead of moving the fridge to the window wall, I moved it to the top wall and moved the range to the lower end of the window wall. I added a walk-in pantry and a cab with counter against the pantry wall for the MW. It's a bit of a twist turn to load the DW but I know a few who have something similar on purpose and really like this set-up (hollygator's the only GWer whose name comes to mind, though). There isn't a lot of counter between sink and range in this plan, unfortunately. So I did one with a corner sink set-up. (heads up, funky, this one puts the DW in the prep zone, ducking and running for cover, lol.) I tried to get the set-up to be fridge, DW, 12" cab, corner sink but there just isn't enough room to do that. If the fridge were narrower - a 30" fridge instead of a 36" fridge - then it would work. There's loads of counter between sink and range in this one but not much upper cab storage and the DW is in the prep zone. Without knowing more about the flow of Noah's home - where do groceries come in, the main traffic routes through the house, etc - it's pretty hard to know other pros and cons of each plan that we have proposed. LOL, Lisa. As one of the most helpful, creative minds here, you are allowed a brainfart or two once in awhile. Good thing because I have 'em more than once in a while. You all just don't know it because I wait for them to pass before posting. =)

I would investigate companies like Karastan, which specifically makes runners for stairs. Otherwise, choosing a wall to wall carpet for your stairs could be a huge waste of money. Let’s say the carpet comes off the bolt at 12’. That means 12’wide! You stairs need 3’ for a runner. If you choose a pattern in the rug, that complicates the simple math. Simply, you are paying for lots of waste. Wear and tear…how many tootsies are going up and down your Mediterranean staircase every day?

Thanks everyone for your comments, very helpful (and reassuring). Martha- We will only need about 6 inches of baseboard for the small area that won't be covered by the bookcase. I think we'll be able to get an intact piece of existing baseboardfor that. Lyndee Lee-fortunately lighting won't be an issue. The living room is flooded with light from southern and western exposures with no buildings blocking the light (9th floor). The bedroom will be a little darker, but that will make my husband happy LOL. kats737-crazy old house person here too! Elizabeth-the contractor and plaster specialist are going to discuss/make suggestions about the millwork, whether to remove the section that the bookcase will cover, or adapt the bookcase around it. We're not sure just yet. summersrhythm_z6a-We need space for many more books than a secret door bookcase would give us LOL. My husband is downsizing a library of 10,000 to about 3,000 and I REALLY need this 12-foot run of wall for one of the bookcases we'll have in the apartment.