Oh, if I could do a wider opening and pocket doors between my kitchen and DR, I would. But I'm losing mine when we remodel. Like heidihausfrau, our pocket door between kitchen and DR is narrow; even narrower than hers, mine is only 27"! It's ridiculous. We're widening the doorway to 31" or 32" (can't go wider than that). We had initially planned on installing another pocket door but since the wall that currently houses the pocket door can't accommodate a door any wider than we currently have (runs into exterior wall), we would have to switch the pocket door housing to the other side of the doorway, which meant changing the location of the light switches, tearing into the stairway support wall, changing the shelving in the pantry so that it wouldn't interfere with the pocket door ... in the end, we decided to nix adding a pocket door. We're also widening the doorway between kitchen and hallway, from 29" (swing French door) to 47" (no door). We can't install double pocket doors, either one on each side or double-upped with bottom rail nor do we have room for swing doors (would block light switches, etc). At first we weren't sure about going sans doors for both entries. We used the doors between kitchen and hallway and kitchen and DR when our kids were little but we hardly ever close them now. In fact, we took the hallway/kitchen doorway off its hinges months ago to see if we would miss it and we don't. judeny: thanks for the great idea to do a hinged swing door! I had nixed going with a swing door because my DR is narrow enough as it is; I don't want a swing door eating up space (it would also have to swap sides so it would run along the wall between wall and table). But if I can do a hinged door like you did and keep it folded up against itself along the same wall the pocket door occupies now, I just might be able to install a door between kitchen and DR after all. (I wish you had pics to share with us.) Do you remember how far from the wall the door extends when it's folded against itself? TIA! AujS, don't forget to plan for where your light switches will go on the pocket door wall. I'm sure you want them close to the opening so make sure your contractor knows so that he makes sure there's room for an electrical box to house the switches.

Mike, you have a nice space there. Lots of light and plenty of cabinets for a first home! I think with a good paint job, your cabinets will look very nice. My only suggestion is that if budget allows, you do the floor after the paint job (less prep of the floors!). However, if there is only enough money for one of the three at this time, I think you are right in doing the floors before moving in. Rantontoo's point about the floor being raised is a valid one. I am sure the installers will tear out the laminate, but nonetheless make sure there is enough room under the dishwasher. You could box it in and then if it ever needs to be removed, ruin your new floors (pre or site finished). Also today's refrigerators are super sized and with a new floor, there could be a height issue as well.

Thanks for your feedback! Of note: our contractor did not think he would be able to relocate the heat vent without major expense and also going into the floor upstairs. The drain pipe is going to be looked at by a plumber tomorrow. We don’t want to sink a ton of money into the project so options are somewhat limited. With a support beam being added where the wall is being opened, it doesn’t leave room to the route the plumbing or vent. We aren’t doing the work ourselves, the contractor just opened up the drywall today to find the surprise vent. :)

I dislike orange/yellow and prefer cool tones or neutrals (kitchen counters are black with brown speckles). I was thinking of getting neutral couches (tan) and adding color with rugs and pillows and other decor. I’m avoiding gray as it seems it doesn’t go well with the lighter wood floor. I’d welcome any thoughts or ideas.