mlweaving, thanks for asking! He's doing very well. Still no weight bearing, but everything is healing up as expected. He sees the docs again next week and hoping for permission to start some physical therapy. He can't wait to get back to work, maybe the last week of January. As far as the huge pantry, yes, it was that way by design. I have a special needs child who gets into foodstuffs that are in drawers/cabinets and I didn't want to have to worry about child proofing (ie ruining) each drawer/cabinet door. The simple solution is putting all food in a pantry which is easily lockable (he still can't figure out doorknob covers, but I have several other more complicated solutions in mind should he eventually figure out the doorknob covers). Plus I do shop at Costco for bulk items and I'll be storing small appliances like stand mixer, bread maker, crockpot, and I'll be putting a second fridge in there also. I'm considering a section for the printer/shredder/paper recycling as well. I have yet to design the panry in full but I think it will store a lot. As far as how often it will be used....not sure....we don't entertain frequently. But it could be a nice place to wait for the bus each morning also. Chispa, Thanks for the input, good point about the clearance. The whole entry is 8 feet wide, with a bench there it would be under 7. The sidelights are 18" wide a piece.

doorih, I love the example you posted. The other ones...not so much. Will your entry be similar? I like how it shows off the entry and separates it from the other rooms coming off the entry. It's well done! DH lays wood, vinyl plank and other flooring. He's done this pattern many times. Angles and points are his favorite way to install tile, wood and even patterned carpet. Our den's antelope patterned carpet is laid at a 45 degree angle. But it will definitely cost more for the install and there will be more material to buy.

@Architectrunnerguy - Thanks! That's a great suggestion however the lot is very close to a historic district and although it's not necessary the city asked we be considerate and not design a garage that's prominent but instead design it so that it's in line or as close as possible to the front door. Our designer has suggested that we keep the foyer 7’ wide and the sitting room be 7.5’ wide and open to the side. We feel that it's too small and are hoping to get some ideas on how people have done their houses with similar restrictions @chispa - Yes please! It would be a great help! @Denita - That's a good idea, we're currently still looking and speaking to different architects however we haven’t found one that has had a creative solution to this. I was hoping that maybe someone in the houzz community had encountered something similar?

Start by finding other homes that you like the look of and want to emulate, and save the photos for reference. I dare say that "make it elegant" would not be enough of a directive for even a hired designer to work off of.