Here is my first thought... Think about the floral chairs. You mentioned that you use tablecloths quite a bit. The floral pattern may limit using a pattered tablecloth - unless it's a stripe fabric. Something to consider... But I do like the chairs. I'm not crazy about using all upholstery, as in your second photo. Did you not like the silver tub chair from World Market? The only reason why I say this is because of the white chairs and white cabinet. If one is a brighter white, it may not look right. The metal is more like a neutral. Also - it looks like you have more red accents in your kitchen - the solid upholstered chair is more rust. Here is another patterned chair with more red tones: Also - when your guy makes the table, make sure he gives you enough overhang on each end (short ends) so you can get two chairs there if you want. As it appears now, you would be limited to one chair, sitting between the legs. [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse-dining-room-farmhouse-dining-room-charlotte-phvw-vp~1603708) [Contemporary Dining Room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2103) by Charlotte Architect Pursley Dixon Architecture

Thank you both for such helpful information! The dining room area will be approximately 11' by 17', so according to the formula above, a 28" chandelier would be appropriate. I could probably get away with the 32" fixture I have selected - see below. Geez, I didn't realize that the photo would be so large! Not sure how to resize. The living room portion of the space will have lighting as well. I plan to have two sconces on the opposite end from dining room, two table lamps, as well as a floor lamp, along with several recessed lighting fixtures. Hopefully, that lighting will suffice. There will be artwork along one wall, so perhaps lighting to illuminate the artwork would be a good idea. Thanks again! This is so much fun!

Is that a powder room or pantry in the top right corner? You can probably fit this plan (m/l) without changing the entries, but I think it's an interesting option. At 11'7", the aisle between peninsula and fridge could be almost 48" (with a CD fridge). High chairs (if you still use those) could go on the short sides of the table, then kids could move to the bench as they grow. Open DW door would block access to upper cabs to the left, so dishes would be stored to the right of the sink. I guessed at some measurements, and the first drawing is not to scale: ETA, two entry option. Prep space is smaller, but again, not to scale:

I vote for the art. It pulls the space together in a very relaxing way. Even a wall sculpture or some piece of art. We moved to Florida from a large contemporary house in NY. It had high ceilings (18 ft) and walls of windows. However the kitchen was dark. We decided to put skylights on the roof to bring in more light. It was unbelievable how much light came in and how beautiful the kitchen looked. Looked like a different house. I know people worry about leaks etc. We had them for 40 yrs, through storms, blizzards, and they never leaked. People forget how effective skylights are and how much light they bring into a room. They are so much more effective than windows for bringing in light. Now in sunny Florida, before moving in, we had skylights installed in the kitchen, family room, laundry room, small powder room. If I could, I'd put a large one in the garage! Jane