Thanks for all of the nice encouragement. There are several areas of the kitchen which I feel pretty strongly about, and then there are the ones I am uneasy about. I think the Marcolo / rhome concern of too many steps for something as simple as a bowl of cereal is certainly worth considering, and I am going to work to tighten up those functions which are common for us. I have one of those little "planning desks" in my current kitchen and at any given time it is piled with papers, bills, kids pemission slips, and mail. If I have somebody coming over, I quickly dump it all into a basket which quickly becomes a black hole! My little room behind the cooktop (Rachel's space) is to allow my mess, keep it close by, but keep it out of the kitchen area. I know this little space will be a favorite, and it is really there only to handle a roofline issue. The home planning area, is where I was thinking the kids could do homework --- they would be close by, but not in the loud main room --- I knew it would be darkish, and would have no windows, but that is a bit by design as the computer will not have a glare and the printer and all of that stuff can be tucked away in here. The butler's pantry will likely house the more formal china, and it is where guests can help themselves to wine, beer, drinks and a food buffet, though I think it will mainly function as a bar during parties, and food will likely be on the island. My thinking is the butler's pantry is a good connector to the dining room, and the great room, kitchen and porch. The corridor is wide enough for some milling around, and there will be a sink in there, but the related clean-up area will really be on the island. I'm OK with that. One of the other things that you've all made me consider, is the steps to do things like get cereal. What if the 2 cabinets flanking the kitchen table have a fridge and freezer drawer, coffee maker, mugs, sugar bowl, glasses and bowls on one side. On the other side, what if they have 2 big drawers (size of fridge drawers) filled with the cereal boxes. Silverware is another issue. Would it make sense to keep the daily silverware over by the table? If so, couldn't I just take the silverware basket out of the dishwasher and take it (or have the kids take it) over to that area to empty. In that case, a daily meal (cereal and coffee, and juice) would all be handled right there at the table. Clean-up would involve setting the dishes through the little pass through (I could make this a door, but I think I like the pass-through) and then loading the dishwasher, etc. Not too bad, it only involves the breakfast and clean-up area. Now, things are more complicated for other meals. Setting the table would mean getting plates, etc. out of the "dish pantry" area. In my little baking area, I think the comments are totally on --- I think I need to put uppers here for baking supplies. That would allow me to put drawers below for things like mixing bowls, pans, mixers, etc. The toaster could also go out here as well. I know I have lots lots more to figure out --- but thanks for all of the help thus far. Marcolo, thanks so much for the design and reclaimed wood, etc. encouragement. I have always loved these things and sometimes people look at me like I'm crazy, but I really love them. Good to know that I'm actually going to be current for a little while at least!

I believe those who argue for the value of exposing children to local pathogens, and getting vaccinations. However, on a planet where millions of people move across oceans and continents each day, usually from one giant population concentration to another, the same for animals, organic goods, etc., there's a lot more to concern oneself with than local bugs. We've never been in a situation remotely like this before. If we do not see a major tragic pandemic, with at least hundreds of thousands of deaths and serious collapse of local and even regional support structures, within the next decade or two, it will be a true miracle. Note that pandemics are actually pretty common. That it's been several decades since a major killer got loose should not be comforting. As we speak here, pathogens are morphing into new forms and health agencies at various spots on the planet are attempting to keep the newest something potentially truly dreadful caged. Being scared just enough to do some sensible family control would be a good thing. My son's work takes him into many nursing homes, hospitals and schools, all major vector crossroads. He tells me he washes his hands good just before he leaves the facilities, but does he always and good enough? He goes home to two small children. With this turn in conversation, I suggest stocking enough aspirin and other NSAIDs, decongestants, antidiarrheals and so on to care for everyone who might take shelter in a home as aids to comfort at least. :)

Visually I like option 2 the best as well. I think it adds and level of interest and is still in keeping with the overall style of your home. I feel that the pipe/reclaimed wood look is too makeshift feeling in appearance, and clashes with the very nice traditional moldings and other permanent features of your lovely home. From your first picture, the way it is framed visually by the door opening, anything you put here is going to feel prominent and special. So I think that something more moody and masculine is great, but I think the plumbing fittings and rough wood are not stylized enough to carry the space and will look like a place holder. If you DH wants something more industrial, then I would think about similar cabinets in your main area for lowers, but maybe painted or stained a different color. With a countertop that is different (stained polished concrete, matte soapstone, mosaic tiles, etc), and then for upper shaving if you both want a more open feel and different look than the kitchen proper. The last idea picture you posted, with more finished shelves (framed front edge for visual thickness and a more finished look) , for uppers only, could look quite nice. Or possibly pairs of John Boos stainless shelves, or even shallower than typical Upper cabins, with no doors, would give the a look you would like. I would also recommend being sure to add some good access for power outlets, probably a 4 outlet instead of typical dual plug outlet. Then the space can hold laptop, a TV, coffee pot and other appliances, be a charging station, work for crafting, and be all around useful.

Vinyl wears horribly. We have it now ( previous owner) and are about to put in wood tile . If your budget allows , tile is so much better in a kitchen then wood . We have bamboo in one house and had to do tile in kitchen bc if water issues. I like 2. Don't go too gray. Here is our new floor and yes we are painting the cabs since the honey oak is horrendous with the rustic For walls be careful I did a gray and it looked purple at sunset. And blue in the morning. A beige is the best but with that oak it might be hard not to bring out the yellows. We used behr smokestack. I like behr the best bc we use no voc paint and it works better than SW in my opinion. Look for more of a Greige than your picture. We tried one the color of your swatch and the wall looked slightly like Hawaiian poi and I repainted .