Holly are you saying i have to replace all of the crown in the kitchen? I am not trying to save anything between the 2 windows where the range area is currently. I am ok with the expense and have already gotten the quotes from the cab company and for the modernaire hood insert. But for the cost I want to be sure want to be sure about not using the vv96 in that area and the staggered cabs. I know what I have is really nice, it is just not what I want.

Jillius, I made the Saturday afternoon "deadline" he wanted. I didn't think I would. But, thanks to you and everyone's incredibly generous help, WE did it! I'm thrilled with the plan! I read through the thread again just now. It is completely blowing my mind to see how the design evolved and changed over the course of a week into what we have now. Everyone played an important part with all their input. I will be forever grateful to all of you. It might take a few years to have it all up and running, but I will keep you all posted on the progress. I will start a new thread whenever he gets the walls and roof on. Laughable, I'm am dead serious, just last night my husband said, "You are going to have to start calling me 'Mr. Rebunky' on your GW." Hysterical you said that. Imgch, thanks. I love your reveal! I'm going to go look at all your eye candy again right now. Aloha!

Welcome Annet! How much are you willing to do with it? Are you planning to gut it and start over? That would probably be the best way to "fix" it. As a short-term fix, I suggest clearing off the counters. That will not only make it look less cluttered, but will free up valuable counterspace. I would also consider putting all the things hanging on the wall someplace else - in a closed cabinet, if possible. Finally, the open shelves are part of the problem. While open shelves can sometimes work, they can also make a room look cluttered if there is too much going on on the shelves. Long term... I recommend checking out the layout help FAQ. We need more information to be able to help you find the best layout for you and your family. How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information . We also have a "read me" thread that may provide other useful information for you. New to Kitchens? Read Me First! http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638784/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first .

blondelle, That's a neat idea. We hate how dark and claustrophobic the bar area feels, so we had assumed that an open, L-shaped kitchenette design would feel more inviting and spacious for guests. But maybe we should be considering a U, and/or a small range. My mom wouldn't use a stove when she visits (her stove and oven days are over!), but my sister's family would use a stove. Also, I feel like the glass cabinets make the space feel less claustrophobic, given the low ceiling and how small it is. But you're right that we'd be able to store more stuff in normal cabinets. We won't need a lot of stuff in the kitchenette (mainly dishes/glasses), but our main-level kitchen is fairly small, so we'll also be using any extra storage space for things like our holiday platters/china. jmm1837, That's a great thought, but I believe we'd get use out of the full-size fridge. Our main-level fridge is often quite full, so we'd love to store extra drinks in a full-size fridge downstairs, which would be great for entertaining. And my sister's whole family is always on a special diet, due to the kids' food allergies, so they definitely would love to have a full-size fridge for their own use when they come to stay with us. (They just spent a week with us, and it was a nightmare juggling all their groceries, and our own, in our jam-packed main-level fridge.)