Kirkhall, I actually agree with you, but I have heard that prep is 80% of the work. Plus DH, who is also in the kitchen, prepping, cleaning, etc likes the idea of facing the TV while washing dishes and prepping. Me, I like that I was able to shave 3 ft off the plan - and was a little worried having a 17 ft wide dining area - seems a little wide for a 6 seating table. Approx 14ish seems more reasonable (kind of like plan 1). I am kind of neutral to which way it faces actually and see advantages both ways. The only arrangement I am actually not that fond of is kitchen, dining and great room all in a row left to right. As far as fridge placement, I can work that out if it's not ideal. It was just a quick revision. Thanks for the link to CamG's house. I like the upstairs, and it could work with a few modifications. But both DH and myself do not want a WIC off the bathroom, we need a soaker tub as well as shower for the master, no water closet, and I would like a master 17-18 ft wide and a width of about 15 or so. The rest of the upstairs would be flexible I think. I would welcome any more opinions about the modified summerfield plan (hallway etc) vs plan 1 (no real utility hallway) . I think these are my 2 working choices at this point.

Your choices work well in the space. As long as the colors and styles are complimentary you really can't go wrong. I like the idea of smaller rugs in the pattern for the area by the bed, or if the rugs are large enough, you could layer the sheepskin rugs. Great space!

There's an article here about bamboo/silk rugs - https://www.rugknots.com/blogs/main/what-hullabaloo-about-bamboo-silk-rugs And from here - https://www.rugandhome.com/blogs/decorating-guide/17369596-rugs-101-material-benefits Bamboo The patriarch of the grass family. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world and shockingly strong. Most natural bamboo rugs use bamboo from the Anji Mountains of China, the bamboo capital. They are considered eco-friendly and sustainable because bamboo is a naturally renewable resource, that grows extraordinarily quickly. You always want to catch spills as soon as they happen and blot intensely. Their life expectancy in your home depends on the traffic but 3 to 10 years would be a good estimate. Viscose One of the most commonly used faux silks, viscose is a type of Rayon (also known as “Art Silk”). It is considered semi-synthetic because of the use of natural cellulose - wood pulp – in its production process. Interestingly, the newly popular “bamboo silk” is a type of viscose made from bamboo instead of wood pulp – so bamboo silk is also known as bamboo viscose. The silky, cool, breathable fiber is a natural replacement for real silk because of its affordability and performance. Regularly vacuum (always raise the beater bar) and blot spills quickly – do not rub – and you will enjoy the natural beauty of viscose for years to come.Sari Silk Made from the left-over fabric and thread of saris, Sari Silk is an absolute gem. A sari is a four-to-nine yard length of cloth, traditionally made of silk, that women in India wrap around themselves as their garment. By re-spinning the pieces of brightly colored material, the final product is outstanding in its own right. It comes mainly from India & Nepal and holds its color and vibrancy. The variegated yarns hide traffic patterns and they are easy to maintain. Soft but sturdy with a high sheen with rich, bright colors. Like silk rugs, if made of pure sari silk, they are not meant to go in high traffic areas. However, when fortified with wool, they will wear very well. Wool & Silk A truly spectacular combination, Wool & Silk fell in love at first sight. They are happiest when they are together. Both are natural fibers, wool coming from the sheep’s coat and silk being produced by silkworms. Silk is considered a luxurious fiber because of its high sheen and soft “silky” feel. Though it is considered fine and delicate, do not be misled, silk is extraordinarily durable. When wool & silk are used to make a rug, the rug has more dimension and usually provokes a more eye catching appearance. Many times the field, or base, of the rug will be wool, and the design will be in silk, which makes it pop. These two fibers make a winning combination both aesthetically and functionally. Due to the outstanding look created by wool & silk rugs, rug manufacturers have started using faux silk (i.e. viscose; art silk; bamboo silk) instead of real silk to bring costs down. These rugs have some of the same great looks but their durability will not be as high as a real wool & silk. Wool & Silk rugs are easy to maintain. Regular vacuuming and quickly blotting up spills with a damp towel are keys to a long life. See rug care instructions for more details. Previous Testimonial Next Testimonial

enduring, thanks, you bring up a lot of good points. i noticed in my existing laundry room that the tiles are all loose. i had assumed it was just because it is old and in need of a refresh, but wonder now if this is an indication of a poorly located washer? i also see that the dryer vents out onto the roof (a lot of old lint here). i didn't know there were ventless dryers! i will have to read up on those. thank you! Jan, initially i didn't think I should do the laundry in the smaller bath since that bath is small as it is. but the exterior wall of that bath is on my deck, which would be much better to clean out the dryer vents that way. so your and hemina's suggestion of moving it to the other bath is warming up to me. i agree with you regarding the attic not being worth tapping into. Laura, thanks for those suggestions. I do think we need a second bath and do feel it will add value. i also am thinking about having the upstairs laundry be a secondary unit stowed away somewhere, and putting the main laundry in my mudroom, since it is closer to where I am most of the day. perhaps a laundry chute would be a fun and useful item to add. i need to work on the location and concept of how i do laundry a bit more, think through all of my home's issues too. thank you so much everyone. it has been such helpful feedback!