We do have a few more walls we can open up. The one partial wall separating the living room (really our Family room) from the kitchen can definitely be bumped back some-it could actually be just a simple column but I am not sure I want it completely open to the kitchen??? I think it could all be taken out except for the dark black square that is shown. This is the wall behind the red sofa in the photo. On the wall behind the LR(FR) going into the breakfast/dining room, we could either open up the family room wall in the center where the TV now is OR just open it on the left side to match the right side. -see bottom photo- And where the kitchen window seat is -the designer left that area with as much open space as possible as he sees it as a good entertaining area backing up to the patio and where people will hang out at the island. I don't think it needs to be 5"7" wide though. We are also thinking about changing the window seat to a double french door so that space would be a high traffic area. and then put wet bar and coffee station on the left or right or both. I know it is hard to envision so will have to have the architect redo some of this. Or will see if I can tackle on graph paper or something! Thanks for your thoughts!It is helping confirm we need to do more with the walls!

Thanks, Michelle! That back entry is a 5x16ish' mudroom. I plan to have coat hooks, a bench, cubbies, etc. in that area, so I was actually hoping I'd have a lot of storage. I'm thinking of eliminating the door from the mud area to the south to maximize wall storage area (and I have an exterior door in the laundry heading north to my laundry line and outside shower, so there is an exit already). But if you have specific thoughts on storage in that area, I'd welcome your input. That's the area I plan to focus on after the living room. And by midwest, I mean southern Missouri. Does that count as midwest? I'm originally from Texas, so this feels north to me, but people here identify as southern. So, while we have real winters, especially compared to where I'm from, we don't have to wear full snow gear often. Here's what's driven the living room design so far: - my architects love the idea of a wall of windows to the east for light and views - I wanted a big window on the south wall to allow in southern light and heat during fall/winter/spring - I don't care if we have a fireplace, but it makes the exterior look nicer to have it. - The "study" nook resulted from eliminating a room that would've been a small study. The architects eliminated the room in order to move the half bath from above the kitchen to where it is now, and the leftover space is the nook. I don't think it'll be awkward. I like the idea of nooks after reading Sarah Susanka's books.

Things I'd reconsider: - The exterior is a series of jigs-and-jogs, which will drive up the price and complicate the roofline ... for zero benefit. For example, why a bitty outdoor space between the master bedroom and the living room? Simplify everything. - The bloated garage overshadows the size of the house. If you really want four bays (why?), I'd suggest you go for two two-car garages set at a 90 degree angle so they can share a driveway. - Half-bath in the garage: you want the toilet and the sink to be on the same wall. It's space-efficient and functional, and it keeps all your water in one wall. - I agree that the kitchen is a mess. The garage door would be better located so you'd enter between the kitchen /dining area; this would give you a more direct route into the house and would avoid walking through the work area of the kitchen. I can't read the numbers, but the layout needs work. - Notice that the pantry door swing covers almost 1/3 of your shelves, but you won't really be able to step into the pantry /close the door to reach those shelves. A bi-fold door -- other options would work too -- would work better. - A sliding door in the dining room would be better; walking around the swing door will not be convenient. Note that when people are sitting at the table, access to this door -- your only public access to the backyard -- will be hindered. - That's a very big covered porch -- why so much space? My covered porch is 12x30, and it's "just right" ... we have a seating area on one end, a small table in the middle, and a grilling area on the end. People can walk past the table without anyone needing to move. - We've seen this master suite before on this site. Honestly, nothing works in this bathroom /laundry /closet area -- by far, it's the weak spot of the house. It's a bunch of choppy little spaces and an excessive number of doors. It's not going to be attractive or functional. - A foyer is important to you, but look at the location of your door. When you enter that door, you'll be pushed towards the right ... not towards the living room.

Okay - did the corrections and think I have a close approximation of your space. Each block represents 1 foot. The gray area is the space needed around the island for walking with people seated - should be clear of furniture. Can you take a picture of the full wall where the fireplace and tv nook are - not sure I got their placements right. Do you plan on using the tv nook for the TV? How did you envision the living/seating areas when you designed the kitchen? How many people need to be seated - do you need a dining space and how many people need to sit at the dining table or are you just using the island for meals?