I'll give this some thought for you. Could you add the layout of the living room or some details about how you use the room? Is there any other living room or den or anything else that serves a similar function in the house? I see there is a lower level. Immediate thoughts: 1) Consider putting the carport door where the pantry is. Both the sliding door and the carport need space in front of them for walkways, and this way they can share the same space. This also eliminates the issue of not having room for standard depth counter/cabinets between the sliding door and the wall. 2) I think you will dislike the monolithic fridge wall section thing in person. It'll just be this gigantic thing standing there in the middle of the room. You won't have good sight lines to the dining room because of it, and it will seem in the way. I assume the purpose of it was so you couldn't immediately see the kitchen from the front door? You might consider elongating the closet in the entryway instead. You get a longer, more defined foyer that you have to walk through before you see the kitchen. 3) Can you maybe find a picture or two of an open kitchen that is situated in a way you like relative to the entry? I feel like this is a different thing from everybody, so it'd be helpful to have a picture or two to go on. We put a very large archway between our foyer and our kitchen (instead of leaving it totally open) and that arch gave me that open-but-separate feeling that I wanted, but my husband didn't see the difference at all.

It would be nice to have accurate measurements, especially for that stairway entry/landing area and just outside it. Until we know more accurately, I just offer a small riff on Lisa's great plan. A 33" fridge allows the Hoosier cabinet to be enjoyed from the dining room. I really like the idea of a door from the office. One can work in the office and keep an eye on items cooking If kids are in the future, the office can become a playroom and one can cook and keep an eye on the kids. A 12" deep pantry cab next to the DW with the one Lisa put across the aisle will be more than enough storage for everyday dishes and glasses. I would install a drawer in the middle of each for utensils. I think I'd do glass doors on top with solid on the bottom. About the two tall dish pantries, something like this for the drawer placement. And the pink represents where I would consider putting windows on the sides instead of a solid panel. You could do it just on the one side facing the kitchen. Or on both sides. If done on both sides, the light from the window on the stair landing would filter through contributing to keeping the kitchen light and airy. Not knowing what they intend to use the basement for, I've wondered about the wisdom of closing off that exterior door. It seems like there would be times when it would be so convenient to have it like if something big needs to be hauled to or from the basement. It gives a nice straight shot instead of having to somehow squeeze it around tight corners. And safety issues. Also, what if you're cooking and burn something? Even with a good hood, the more windows and doors you can open to eliminate the smoke, the better. I simply wouldn't want to lose the close exterior access point just so I could have a table and chairs right outside that door to enjoy my coffee on a summer morning, eat lunch or dinner, or sit outside with a book while waiting for dinner to be ready, whatever. Or what about when you want to BBQ? Nice to have outside access right next to the kitchen for that. I just like outside! And I don't see any reason to lose that access point. Also, if there is an emergency, like a fire or an intruder, the more you have outside access locations, the better. That's another reason why I would also like to see the pocket door for the office on that landing. No, I don't live in Paranoia Land but, rather, by the Scout motto. I think when you're remodeling it's good to consider these kinds of issues and plan for escape routes for worst case scenario situations if it can be done at reasonable cost and effort.

Do you need two table spaces? I would consider taking the breakfast space on the left and incorporating it into the Kitchen. Then, use the Dining Room for your meals. We did that and it's one to the best things we did! [BTW...when we started eating in the DR, my children's table manners seemed to improve!] The Layout Help FAQ has some questions that would help us help you get the best layout for your space and needs. How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include .

Is another living room the greatest need you have in your house? Will it be for the kids to hang out in? Or a quieter adult retreat? We turned our dining room into a home office with matching desks facing each other placed in the middle of the room, so together they are about the same size as a dining table. It looks like it might be large enough to fit a modestly sized sofa in there, with a small round table with 2-4 chairs that you could use as a gaming table. Any musicians? What about a music room?