Hollysprings, we are in a low cost of living area, luckily, so I think we can stay under the national average cost. We have the skills and tools to DIY a reasonable amount of the project, and the estimate we get from the builder will probably determine the percentage we plan to DIY. This whole thing started with needing a new roof, so we have also talked about simply building on the square footage we think we will want and using it as a mudroom for a few years, finishing out rooms as the budget allows. Right now we have enough space with just the 2 of us, we simply really, really, really need a mudroom, and our current kitchen is kind of falling apart. The master bed/bath addition is kind of a 'while we're at it' idea, and hopefully we will need it in the not too distant future!

Thank you, everyone, for your comments! I guess we should remove the porch railing! Most of the aluminum storm windows are missing panes so I was planning to replace them with white vinyl when we paint. The windows are an uncommon size, though, so I'm a little worried about the cost. There are only a few original windows, but the "new" ones are from the 70s, so they're all old. All the windows are wood and painted white-- and they're ALL drafty and in need of re-glazing, which is why we need the storm windows! I'm adding a better photo of the front porch-- and the chickens. The color I picked for the front door is close to the color of the sky. sheepla-- is there also no hand rail on the steps of your porch? I'd love to see a photo!

I will send a sofa pic when I get home. You are right about the placement but... the stove is fixed and the TV is in the only place without window glare. I am open to a multicolored rug and prefer nothing traditional or with fringe. We are on a working farm so light colors are out. I would like to tone down the gold sofa and am open to about any other darker color. The front door is the main door and is used for farmers, kids and everything in between. Thanks so much for taking a look! Although we are farmers I am looking for something in terms of style for an updated look that will combine both farmhouse style and a more modern look. I appreciate all your help.

Reagan: I've run a successful sink replacement business for several years and can tell you that you're going about this backwards. Unless you're changing your countertops or cabinets, the existing sink cutout and top material dictates the parameters for the new sink. You can't fall in love until I tell you whom you may date. You haven't said what your countertops are made of, but they appear to be plastic laminate. If so, your apron front sink selection would be limited to a Kohler 3942: You've pictured a full apron sink which requires a full apron cabinet. Without altering your doors, cost effectiveness requires you to select a short apron sink. If you like white, I'd suggest a Kohler Whitehaven or an Elkay Quartz Luxe, however, neither of these will work if the top is plastic laminate. They will work if your top is stone or estone and you have a matching remnant that can be seamed in the rear. If you're replacing your countertops either will work. The Whitehaven pictured above is available in a 32 1/2" short apron, however, since you're keeping your cabinet, your drawer fronts will have to be trimmed and reinstalled to butt against the apron ends. This doesn't look bad on a 36" sink, but may look funny on anything shorter: