Caligal, it really sounds like you want to stay with your current home. However, I'll just point out that right now the inventory of foreclosed homes gives people unprecedented chances to obtain homes they could not hope to have before and many will not be able to afford in future (let's hope no more such "wonderful" home markets). I don't mean go looking just for a bigger home (although in your case some additional size would be nice), but rather a lifestyle improvement: A decent home in a location that is particularly desirable to you. You know, location, location, location. Things like good schools, a pretty sociable neighborhood, close to family, en route between friends and mall (they'll be dropping in), favorite amenities close by (cows in pastures or high-density shopping, your choice), good proximity and transportion to work. Whatever floats your boat. If you're not already in a place you'd really like to raise your children and even be happy growing old, this current opportunity to make your home there should not be passed up for any but the most important reasons.

Lav: It's just that fridge and big sink on that wall seem to eat up all the countertop. Plus, the fridge needs like, 4" minimum clearance against a fixed wall... I wish that wall were a little longer cause I'd love to have the fridge to the left of the sink like that. I always seem to want to prep to the left of the sink. I don't know if I can change that habit, can I? I get having a prep sink closer to the stove, but this copper sink is made for prep with the cutting board that sits on the ledge and the drain tray. Not to mention that after what that thing cost, DH will probably throw up if I mention getting another sink, lol. Bellsmom: I was told that having the whole wall open is a problem with structural stuff. That's why DH wants a rustic railing with upright beams in part of the opening. I can't tell exactly but the island makes the walk around about 30"... seems too close to the step down for safety? Rosie: Your words are food for thought. I am definitely a sink/window prepper. I tend to live in front of the sink for some reason. Don't really see myself doing too much between the fridge and stove (in the original layout) And, as I said above, I tend to want to work to the left of the sink. Angie's idea is very appealing though. I like the smaller area to cook in and less walking around. I like the fridge out of the main area, so anyone can get something without, 'excuse me'. The one thing DH does is make adult beverages (killer old fashioneds for those familiar with Wisconsinites) and we're always in each others way when that happens. I thought a bar sink over by the window could double as a kind of prep sink and I'd have mondo storage over there, too. But, it does close up the room somewhat, at least for traffic, but maybe not in a bad way. Idaho: thanks for the info and I was kinda thinking that empty corner could be a safe cubby or something like that. Keep our Cracken in there, lol. Marcolo: are you saying to leave the fridge as it is in Angies plan? I'll have to play around with that configuration, too. Thank you...

Hi Melissa, I think your ideas sound lovely. Your “plant shelf” can be the perfect “tower room’ of wanderlust! But you would not likely want it as plain and messy as the above picture! Here is my idea, put a curtain up over the wall window cutout... swag it to the left or just have it hanging straight (like your lower level) on the left...a swag might be too much. Coordinate the color with your teal geometric drapes in the lower level except do a slightly antique floral softly tropical pattern. Use a fairly narrow dark wood colored tallish stand, “right sized“ under the wall window cutout. Small in length and width dimension but tall enough to come up to the bottom of the wall cutout height. This should be pushed against the wall, be simple, maybe a single drawer, not extend out from the wall very much and not be much wider than the cutout if at all, but big enough for the typewriter, obviously. More of a stand than a desk. Or a cabinet or bookshelf as Hemingway used. Put your typewriter on top of this. Put a tall vase against the open space between the wall cutouts to the right of typwriter stand. Make it large enough to fill that space and balance the curtain on the left. In the vase put some tall dried reeds or bamboo. If you do a tropical Hemingway style up there, the old typewriter combined with bamboo could work. (I know, you don’t want plants, maybe a vertical piece of wall art between the cutouts.) or you can do a floor lamp but have a the stand be substantial enough make a statement. if you make the typewriter stand extend further to the right, you could use your desk lamp idea to fill that space. This vignette, if right sized, will look interesting from ground level but will look too simple as you’re walking up the stairs. You will feel like something is missing and want to try to add more...first simply try adding an area rug to tie things together, it could be a small thin almost threadbare antique rug up there on the “plant shelf“ floor. I think visually you can have the setting you dream of and it will look intentional and right sized from below. It will give a hint of wanderlust and imagination instead of museum. (The OP has a dog, no mention of a cat, but if she wanted to get a polydactyl cat, it would fit right into the scene and I venture to guess this is where said cat would want to hang out. In that case, get a cushioned ottoman to complete the scene and perch the cat.)

Hi - why not paint a big board sample - (2 coats of each) and view against different walls in each room? It will offer a clearer view upon how the available light will impact upon them in each space. Changes in light quality and quantity effect all colours, but most especially near neutral colours such as these. You want to know what you are getting but neither are likely to look completely the same from room to room. Note what you like and what you don’t. Chantilly Lace is a much more neutral white than White Dove. (CL has lower Chroma) You may prefer that aspect. But equally, if one of the spaces feels a little dim, you may enjoy the extra Chroma (colourfulness) of White Dove, to help bust through the gloom. Also they have enough difference in Chroma between them, (minimum of 0.2) that should you choose, you could use both of them. One for trim, one for walls. Both Super White & White are more neutral again than Chantilly Lace, but not as light. 🌈