"And if you're lucky, the apartment complex will have landscaping that will include some trees--that will make screening from your side much easier." There may be a landscaping plan on file as part of the approved plans available for viewing at the local town hall. I would recommend checking. Since the project is already into construction, the ability for an abutter to make landscaping suggestions at this point has probably come-and-gone unless the developer is unusually receptive. But this need not necessarily be left to chance. In my state (MA), many communities have adopted Site Plan Review bylaws and regulations that would allow for reviewing landscaping plans as part of that process before any construction can begin. Personally speaking, as a local Planning Board member, I have a responsibility to listen to abutter's concerns including visual impacts and then try and work with the applicant to mitigate reasonable concerns which could include landscaping options. However, the time and place to be properly heard is at the corresponding public hearing, not during construction.

I live in Los Angeles and very pleased with the designer I am working with. She is very traditional, tries to save me money, does a lot with fabrics. Please e-mail me: francebelguim@yahoo.com for number. Donna Claire

I don't think that's a Craftsman house, though I can understand why one would think so. Those columns are Neoclassical; Craftsman columns tended to be square or angled. My guess? Edwardian, Italian Renaissance Revival style, circa 1910. I know, very precise guess, but it looks a lot like my house would have before the woodwork was painted. (I would love to see an exterior pic to see if my guess is in the ballpark). I do think you have a lot of flexibility in the interior. Craftsman furnishing would look good and are appropriate to the era of the house (even if the house isn't Craftsman). Probably any period-appropriate furniture would look great. But I think it could look good with other styles as well (like the pic above of the kids at the dining table, with mid-century modern elements). I think it would look fine with contemporary furniture (say, Pottery Barn), but I don't think it would show off the apartment to its best potential.

It's nice that you tried to create a floor plan and gave dimensions. However, the kitchen area you are asking for help with doesn't match up with the photos you provided. You say there is only 31" of floor space between the cabinets and the wall, but I can see at least 50". I'm guessing you measured the space between the refrigerator and the wall? Unless there are cabinets that I can't see on the wall opposite the sink area, you have room for a 30" square 2-person table with chairs right there. If you want a table for more people it should move into the living room, because dining tables start at about 36" wide by 60" long, although you can find drop-leaf tables that take up slightly less room. There might also be space for storage across from the range. Wire shelving is great for pantry items, freeing up counter space and allowing more cabinet space for dishware and cookware.