For a colonial, I prefer bluestone. If you're in a freeze/thaw climate and you use salt to deice, I'd be worried about limestone. Here's an example of a bluestone porch and stair treads:

So here is what I came up with. Mahlgold, although it was simple advice to draw to scale, it really forced me to think about how I would use my space and I did a little tweaking.So that was a good thing! Would still like everyones critique for improvement, and I have some layout questions. I moved the range over to the left to have a larger counter surface for taking things out of the fridge... I am also a righty. The other thought was that I could put the micro in the upper cabinet next to the fridge. The 12" cab could be for utensils, food wraps, etc. I made the corner into a lazy Susan and added a larger cabinet next to it for additional pot storage.Then I stepped it back for the dish/glass cabinets, and added a 15" bookcase. So here are my new questions. The fridge is 33" deep, and the bottom freezer is a door/ not drawer. So I figured I would need 36" clearance from the front of the fridge, so the aisle is a little deeper. Is that correct? On the 104" wall perpendicular to the fridge, I left a 30" aisle. On the opposite side, I left a 36" aisle, measuring from the 36" cabinet out. So now I have a 72 x 24" island which I can have a DW and my farm sink. Would there be enough room or a waste basket cabinet in the island? Since I live alone, I was thinking I could put a bench under the window which would take up little space, and pull the table out for when I entertain. That should give me enough aisle space for access from the kitchen into the living room, and going out the back door. The W+D space I still have some time to configure. I'm a big gardener and would love a slop sink next to my W+D, as well as some closet space for muddy boots, etc. So what do you think? Does think look like a good functioning plan or should I make any changes ?

Sorry about the mess in background, working on some stuff in the kitchen/dining room. Also, that stand/learning tower does not usually sit next to the fireplace.

Big improvement because now we can see the wonderful lines of the windows and woodwork. If you want to keep going, here are a few ideas: --Order a large armful of white birch logs for the fireplace so that the firebox isn't so dark. --Get some crisp, craftsman style pillows tfor the uphostered furniture--just do a Google search for them. The pillows you have are kind of tired and floppy. --That salmon has to go. It really dates the room. Paint everything the same white color as you have, though keep the wood trim the same. That said, there are mission/craftsman style leather and wood pieces that would add color to your room if you're slowing replacing the furniture. --Remove the scroll-y sofa table. If you need a table, get a long, slim Craftsman style. This isn't exactly right, but it gives you and idea about how straight lines echo the style you have. Avoid curly, scrolly anything for an authentic yet modern look.