annkh I think I have space for everything. The kitchen renovation adds a lot more cabinets than my existing setup. What are your thoughts on mitering the ends of the crown to the slope of the roof? That's the only way I can get the taller cabinets in. I guess I could go with 39" uppers. I'm still thinking about ways to reduce my price. I've taken some suggestions by livewire. I could reduce the cost by doing the following. -Creating a 9" full door base for my cookie sheets, cutting boards, etc. This would eliminate a costly all drawer base cabinet. I will, however, have to extend the easy reach corner base cabinet 3inches. I don't think it would add that much cost to it. (potential savings $200) -Go with a chimney vent. (potential savings (700-800) -Go with a blind cabinet in the wall corner. The blind corner and larger wall cabinet will add some cost, but I will save around $600 on the square wall corner. I will also need to order a trim piece for the other wall cabinet that butts into the blind corner. What is the normal size trim that goes there? (potential savings ($300) -The sink cabinets will cost around a thousand dollars. $450 sink base, $500 for the legs. Finished flushed ends added to the sink base $60. two trim pieces $80 I really like the look of the apron sink with the legs on both sides. I may be able to look at a spec book and come up with a similar look. Half legs would save a little bit of money. -DIY paneling for the peninsula. This could save me anywhere from $700 to $1200 depending on the tier discount I receive. -Raising the cabinets will add to the price.

Nan-that is what I envision - grabbing a seat and slowing down a bit instead of standing and hurry hurry hurry. Plus I think that someone on that end seat could SIT while helping prep and still be in a good spot. Williamsem-you pretty much summed it up. I just worry that in the end the broken up prep might bug me but you are right - I'd have a nice chunk on either side plus behind me by the stove. Yes I do want 1 4 drawer stack and maybe that will be it! Lyfia-I am not exactly sure. I will measure tomorrow. The walls started going up today. kksmama-thanks for the pics! I like the stools that tuck under nicely. The view is unobstructed that way. On the other hand the stools with backs that you posted look like they would be more comfortable to linger. Thanks everyone for your thoughts, even if it was just repeating my thoughts for me to read in someone else's words. It's very helpful. :)

Thank you for all of your comments . . . I so appreciate your input! I've decided to go with the top knobs pulls. I found a photo online of the the Atlas pulls and while I love a single one very much, on a lot of cabinetry they look a bit heavy. So while I was really on the fence, given that the Atlas are about 50-60% more expensive, and I didn't love the chunky look, I'm going with #1.

From your other thread. You live in the northeast, family of 4 with 2 elementary age kids, and you plan to stay in the house a long time. 2 acre lot that slopes generally from the southeast corner down to the northwest. You plan to build on the higher part of the lot towards the back of the lot, and the garage will be detached to the right side. I'm encouraging you to build the house that best fits your needs, and is a pleasant place to raise your family and to be comfortable for many years. Unfortunately, the topography of the lot is less than ideal. You also seem focused on being able to watch young kids playing outside, when those kids will probably be at least 2 years older when you move in. How much longer will you feel a need to keep an eye on them? People often underestimate the power of sunlight, especially over the winter. I think mostly because our houses -- the houses we have lived in, were not designed and built with this in mind. I know its more favorable to have southern light for passive heating, but wouldn’t it increase the amount of a/c needed in the summer? Currently that is our larger expense as we prefer a cooler temperature in the house. It more the light than the heat. In the summer the sun shines generally overhead (on the roof), rising in the east and setting in the west. The east, and especially west parts of the house get the most sun. Your house has a large western exposure, so in the summer it may be warmer and take additional cooling. In a 2 story house, the upper floor will always be warmer than the lower. In winter when the sun rises later and sets sooner, the sun is lower in the southern sky allowing light to enter south facing windows, providing light and a bit of warmth. Generally, a house that is oriented along an east/west axis with minimal western exposure will be the most comfortable. Think rectangle with the long sides facing north and south. Rooms with windows on multiple sides are also nice. Utility spaces like a garage work well on the west acting as a buffer. A 3D model showing the house in place on the lot can be really helpful. You can see shadows for various times of day and year, and just see what the house will look like as built.