The room behind the fridge is the stairs to the cellar. I don't see any way to expand into it. Huango - I've had several people suggest moving the range, but I haven't thought about moving the range AND the fridge. That has really given me a lot to think about! The one thing about moving the fridge to the spot that you suggested would be that one would be able to see the fridge from the living room and I am not sure that would be as ideal as seeing cabinets??? Also, I seem to suffer from inertia/fear of change. I am going to talk with the GC and KD about those moves. ideagirl - I do worry about the kitchen being too dark, but I also like the rich, craftsman look, so I don't think marble would be consistent with that. Also, I worry about staining marble. I still like the idea of soapstone. Maybe I could find a backsplash that would lighten things up a bit?? herbflavor - thanks for the suggestion on the microwave drawer, I will look into that. Thanks for all your help!

Try a 3-seat sofa facing the windows with a coffee table and two chairs, one at each end of the coffee table to form a "U." Use a drop leaf table behind the sofa to serve as a dining table/sofa table.Hang art opposite the grouping with a console or credenza below it. On the large wall add casegoods (bookcases, a secretary, display cabinets.) Additional art between the bedroom and entry doors. Scale is different below, but just for concept of a "U" and of a sofa/dining table.

I understand completely. I have a very bright desk lamp I shine on my sewing area to see! I would move the kitchen flush mount over the sink; Then I would line up the discs symmetrically between the sink and the island (3) and the island and dining room (2). I see the island is movable, otherwise pendants. You may want to consider the disc LED lights that have adjustable brightness in case you find you need more light in a few years.

I think the dining table really style wise does not work with that fabulous kitchen so maybe start here with a not no so country table and if you have a TV somewhere else then maybe no TV in this space .The solar shades in 10% will help a lot with the heat and if those upper windows are tinted do they help it does not look like they are doing much so maybe those could have fixed solar shades installed . I think LRs that are not used have a reason for not being used so maybe try to have the kids play somehwere else and start using this space for adult entertaining , I often serve dessert in the LR or just begin a dinner party by having appies and wine in the LR I think this could be a nice spot . I might look at a Saarinen ding table with some color of chairs that can be chosen from a rug in the LR for instance Maybe the credenza used in the DR with a nice piece of art above it The kids stuff IMO needs to go somehwere else if you really want to have this a space that is used. As for furniture sofa and 2 chairs are always a nice choice for conversation . I dao garee the drpes to the ceiling would be a very formal look and the space is not really large enough .If the kids have to be there then a nice looking storage unit with all closed staorage can handle all the toys for after dinner when you are entertaining. Mayeb a bit more info as to how you live .