Thanks for the input, mrspete! I read the ice, water, stone fire and it makes a so much sense. It was very helpful to read it all spelled out (and the humor was very entertaining too). I also like that layout with the island you mentioned above, but I have a couple of issues with it. One is the counter-depth fridge; I really want something larger. Two is the range. I strongly prefer a cooktop and wall oven. And three is that the size of the island won't allow me to have a dining table. So I worked on these variations: Option 1 with a smaller island so I can fit the dining table. I just seems too tight to me. Or option 2, with a peninsula. This is very similar to the layout I have now, but removes a wall and adds more cabinet/counter space. But that takes me back to the U-shaped layout. :( I did think about how our family really cooks. Mostly I am doing the cooking while my husband stands in front of the sink, or by the peninsula and chats with me. In this layout he could sit or stand on the other side of the peninsula to chat while I am working. That would get him out of my way.

Don't use a clock in a dining area. I think the mirrors are a little bit "churchy" feeling. Use painter's tape on the floor and tape out a "rug" 36-42" larger than your table top. Does it run into the baseboards or the furniture? If so, then you need to rethink things. A beautiful piece of original art no wider than the firebox opening should hang 5" above the mantel and set the tone for the rest of your color way here. Right now, the room feels quite cold and exposed. An accent wall is a pretty good idea with the skylight brightening things a lot.

Here is a plan that could work. You could keep the same basic kitchen layout (the appliances work where they are, IMO), just remove some walls to open it up, essentially transforming it into a galley kitchen. Some of my measurements are off and the cabinetry could likely extend a little more to the left as you have it in your plan. On the right of the kitchen, bring in the peninsula and cabinetry so that they end at the wall (otherwise the passageway between the kitchen and pantry becomes too narrow). I would skip the overhang for benches, and fully use the space for storage and extra counter space. Remove the uppers above the peninsula. Remove the pantry around the fridge and add uppers and more counter space on that wall between the fridge and range. I would consider mounting a small TV in the kitchen somewhere, on a full motion/swivel wall mount so that you can push it against the wall when not in use. Or use a tablet computer, and get a stand/mount for it. Removing the hall in front of the bedrooms and bathroom, and the overhang for the peninsula, gives you enough space and clearance to add a pantry and more cabinetry, or just a wider pantry and no cabinetry. Alternatively, you could also place a desk, wine bar or message center against this wall. Moving the entrance closet by the front door provides separation, no more "walking into a big room" feeling, and improves the flow between the living room and kitchen. It also give you a wall for your tv, making it easier to lay out your living room. I would replace the wall unit and purchase one that is less substantial. Consider mounting the TV on the wall and having a unit underneath, and maybe shelves on each side. Do you currently use your living room or your family room more often? I would suggest making the larger one the family room, and the smaller one with the fireplace into the more formal living room or sitting room. Mounting the TV above the fireplace (or removing it altogether) also makes that room much easier to lay out. The master bedroom door is in a awkward location in terms of natural flow. Even in an open space, it would make more sense to have it accessible through the "hall" passing from the entrance between the kitchen and family room.

Hi, deb - Glad that helps! I like the etagere to go higher than the vanity, and it would look nice with a plant on the top shelf. A plant, by itself, looks fine too, the bigger the better IMO.