Wow, that does look great (maybe I should put some of the crushed stone all the way in front of the porch LOL). I'm just a little leary of putting the wicker so close to that end that gets soaked every time it rains, esp. my favorite rocker (even though it needs some work on the back legs). I know you probably just "invented" the solid blue pillows, but *where* did you find the patterned "fabric"? Please tell me it's fabric - it's perfect! I really need to hang some baskets up too - was just telling my dad last night they'd give some shade from the front - he suggested blinds! Thanks so much for PSing this for me - I found more of the beige "caned" pattern cushions on sale at Target yesterday (I ran in for rain check but they had them). But after seeing this, I *have* to use the stripe! We're going to put white vinyl up under the deck and close off the stair risers too it's been sitting in my basement all winter, now it's warm enough to put it up so I'll be calling my cousin to ask if he can do it some weekend. DH didn't get the oak double rocker out of the basement yesterday - we were trying to get the driveway fixed up from plowing (and picking stones out of the lawn that got thrown there from plowing/shoveling). Should we even bother getting it out? I still want him to get the big salt crock out - last year used it (occasionally - most people come in garage) for umbrellas. Maybe I should look for a glass top for it and use it instead of the little dark table? It's a little taller than the wood tables. Maybe we'll haul them out today and take more pics.

I like the green in Tibb's second picture above, and would like to see that, darkened just a tad, with the same color woodwork and garage door. The white windows are very distracting and detract from the pleasing natural appearance of the home. If nothing else I would paint the frames.

Thanks for all the input and design ideas. I am almost sure on the dining chairs from west elm. https://www.westelm.com/products/finley-high-back-dining-chair-h2914/?pkey=ccontract-grade-furniture%7Ccontract-grade-dining-furniture&isx=0.0.2975 I will be going again in morning to checkout the upholstery colors and try them out to make sure they are comfortable. No kids in the house, only adults, so not worried about food on the carpet. I will rethink this rug placement. I also like the idea of plating some evergreens in front of the fence, so i have a nicer view out those windows. I will update everyone tomorrow once i come back from west elm with the final dining chair decision. This table is 108 inches long. I think 8 chairs should look perfect with it. 10 might be pushing it?

I really like Mama Goose's last design. I know it looks like there isn't enough space between the range and sink but you'll be doing all of your prep on the island. And if you're a clean as you go cook, the sink so close to the range is ideal. Her layout also keeps the kids out of the work zone as they can access the fridge, microwave and pantry storage without walking through the cooking zone. It's hard to say if you should be designing the kitchen with the assumption that you'll put sliders where the bay window is. If it's something you really want to do, it might be worth it to find a way to do it now. It all depends on how long you expect to stay in your home. We always operated from the perspective that we were in our forever home; we ended up living there for 25 years. As we prepare to remodel the house we just moved into, I'm less inclined to splurge like I did before because I don't see us staying here for more than 10 years. I'm always surprised and impressed by how many folks on these forums remodel kitchen after kitchen as they move around or build house after house. I think I'd rather have my fingernails ripped off. LOL