Oh, dear! Maybe some of these 'powder rooms' need a copy of the book my DS's psychiatrist SIL gives to young children. Title is: "Everybody Poops". Reminds me of an adventure a friend had while traveling by car in a rural area of Spain. She had some gastric distress and was in dire need. Her DH stopped in front of a modern home. My friend rang the bell. Lady-of-the-house answered. Friend asked if there was a 'bathroom' she could use. Lady proudly showed her three rooms with tubs and showers. Friend was dying. Finally the homeowner said, "Oh, you need the TOILET!" Time to take the pantaloons off the table legs, folks. The Victorian Era is O-V-E-R. Let's retire 'powder room' while we're at it.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. The guests will enter from the front (walkways and parking). The kitchen is 22 1/2 x 16 1/2 so the space is there.I like the idea of swapping locations in the kitchen to seperate and allow for views of fireplace & pool area. The difficulty with configuration is there will be an 18 ft ceiling. The 18 ft limestone fireplace will be a focal point on one end and the range hood will have a stone or wood face extending up the 18 ft. on the opposite end. To move it to the side of the room will oook odd. The laundry was made small (10 x 6 1/2) as that was a compromise to allow for a large pantry (12 1/2 x 6 1/2)and a pass through. We looked at lengthening the laundry b 2 ft and shortening the pantry 2 ft but my wife is not to excited about that as our current laundry is 9 x 5 and we're fine with it. The garage is a standard 2 car because the plan will allow for a detached 2 car at the end of the driveway next to it. We were quoted $25k for a two car complete addition (also matching stucco and tile with same garage door)so that will be our next project along with the pool. We are negotioaing the addition of the foundation for it to have electrical and slab ready. Door swings are not correct on the plan though you have a great eye as I dint see that. Swings along with plumbing, electrical, television connections, etc will be decided once we have the correct plan configuration. Windows are also not finalized. At first we did not like the idea of a door near the bedroom. However, that room will initially be our oldest sons room and then become a guest room in a year or so. We like the idea of it now but we have also considered a door entry next to the garage door instead (enters into garage). However, once garage 2 is added it will be odd to walk from one garage into another instead of into the home.

Dekeoboe, Thanks for posting those images within the thread. For the stools, we'll probably change the 8 stools as shown to 5 stools (one on end and two on each side) since we have 5 in our family. Lafdr, Thank you for the many comments. Our lot is 2 acres, but we probably only have about 1.2 buildable acres because of the pond and woods. Also, the lot is much deeper than it is wide so we don't have a ton of width to the lot but I appreciate the thoughts about getting more windows/natural light (which is important to us). Think we'll go ahead with the Jack N Jill bathroom. I'm guessing that the doors won't be locked much. For the stairway, we're picturing an open staircase something like this: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/nemo-contemporary-staircase-orlando-phvw-vp~3745201) [Modern Staircase[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-staircase-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_745~s_2105) by Winter Park Home Media Design & Installation Storch Entertainment Systems So we wouldn't be able to locate the coat closet under the stairs if we opt for something like that. Still not sure on what we want to do for the sitting room. Would you remove the walls and just have a wider bedroom? We're still debating the advantages and disadvantages of the sunken room. We think it will look cool, make it easy to transition from tile in the foyer/kitchen to hardwood in the great room, and give us another 14" in ceiling height in the great room, but we understand the safety issues and some of the functionality issues that could arise. bpathome, We appreciate all comments that improve the functionality of our home. We will flip the pantry. pixie, We'll make the changes to the kids closets. Good ideas for other possibilities for that 6x8 extra space in the one bedroom. I'll discuss with my wife. You're right - we may want to add a door to the closet. I'd like to shorten the closet a little but don't know how with the current layout because we want to maintain a wall for the covered patio. Excellent idea for changing the mudroom door to enter into the hallway across from the pantry. That will give us access to the mudroom if we enter the other garage door also. My wife loves that idea and is now asking why I ever drew it the other way :). Switching to 5 stools should solve the issues with space in the island right? Yes, that circle is a fire pit. Against code to have fire pit under an enclosure? Bummer. Scrapbook and kirkhall, Thanks for the notes about the pocket door. We'll be moving that doorway to open across from the pantry. Thanks all and please keep the comments coming!

I really like this floor plan. I think the keeping room is less of a room and more like an open area, but I like it nonetheless. One thing to consider -- in the real photos of the various styles, there is an Exterior #2 and #3. #2 shows windows on the dining room/kitchen side of the home which I like. #3 shows none which makes that entire exterior look bare. Also, with no windows on the opposite side of the house on the garage/laundry/family room side, you are only able to see out the front and back of your home. It always makes me feel a little closed in when I can't see out all sides of my home. I also do not care for the interior shot where they took out the closets in the foyer. Looks too big and empty, but the closets finish off the space and are very practical. You need a place to hang guest coats and your own as well since I don't see any other closets on the main floor. We have 4 closets on our 1st floor and we use them all! I would also like to see a place to hang kids coats & school bags somewhere near the laundry where I expect they will enter as they come home from school. Since you mentioned you are enlarging the garage, have you considered doing a pop out into the garage from the laundry room so that you could put a coat rack/bench across from the washer & dryer? I can't tell if there is enough room for this as is along that wall with both laundry doors swinging in. I love the idea of the butler pantry area for serving coffee or desserts. We use this space often and it is great for entertaining. The pics of the two-sided fireplace are beautiful and I personally would keep it regardless of how much it is used. It's a nice focal point for the most used area of your home (kitchen and family room)