I'm not necessarily committed to changing anything in the vaulted room, I agree, it has an airy quality that I like, but the kitchen feels really dated to me, so I am hoping to do some updating in there that *doesn't* disrupt the flow with the living room. Just don't know how to do that. Not shown is the other half of the main floor, which is painted with more modern, fresh colors (gray in the formal LR, deep grapey purple in the formal DR right off the family room pictured here), that definitely don't flow with the style of the part of the house pictured here (posted over in the discussions side of things, I'm a beginner and still learning how this site works!). So there is already the issue of inconsistent style in the home.

I really wish it was possible to really test drive a workstation sink. We’re intrigued by the idea but definitely need to fit two people working in the kitchen at the same time (I’m the family ‘chef’ but my SO frequently helps out prepping and cleaning as I go, and often we prep more than one meal at a time, so there’s a lot going on in the kitchen at once.) They’re expensive enough - especially for the larger ones since then you need a custom sink cabinet, etc. - that we don’t want to commit unless we are sure it will help. We’re not rolling in money but we’re realistic about the issues caused by my health problems - sometimes we are just going to have to go for something more expensive because the functionality is worth it. (We do use cutting boards now. My big thought is how well a surface in a workstation sink would work for baking type activities, and where I could do those things - rolling out dough mostly - if the sink didn’t work for it, which seems likely. There are possibilities, I just need to think them through.)

1. What color and type/brand of flooring would you recommend? Looking for a "wood look" flooring that will stand up to big dogs, dripping kids and is budget friendly and scratch resistant. No wood flooring will every hold up to big dogs. You'd be better off going with a wood look tile. They're not the cheapest, but they hold up well and won't need replacing after a few wet dogs run thru your new cabin. 2. What type and color of counter tops? Should the island and counter tops be the same or different colors? I love the look of quart, but would be interested in more affordable options that would hold up well. Since you say you're going for cozy, I'd suggest using the same color for a more harmonious space. Changing the color works well in larger spaces in my opinion. 3. The rectangular game table will be placed near the entry door. Looking for furniture placement ideas and decorating ideas. Not sure about this one, sorry. 4. What should I do on the wall with the fireplace. My husband is hanging a television at the top...ugh! Between the windows? The backlighting is going to be a pain to look at while watching dark shows. Please also be careful about curtains at those windows so close to the fireplace. 5. What color appliances? If budget allows, you can get "panel-ready" appliances and you can put in wood paneling. That could be great for a cozy cabin look. If budget is an issue, then I'd go with stainless steel, should match well with a rustic cabin feel.

Hi Gretchen. I can’t see the layout 😢 To me, when I look at that door I see way too much detail in the profile, all of it outlined in black, in addition to the distressed wood. It is a very heavy look for a small space. This is about what you like. If you like the glaze, go for it, but I think you should look at images of spaces in which that door has been installed, and make sure it gives you the look you are hoping for. So what is the look you are hoping for? I think you need inspiration images. Google images of small kitchens that use wood cabinetry and see what you think is pretty. You will learn a lot about your own taste, and you will get a lot of good information from them. I only found one with wood cabinets that I thought pretty, but I’m sure you will find more. By the way, the way to keep your space from looking like a wood suit is to choose a darker (or much lighter) wood for the cabinets than the oak of the floors. Since you used the word “modern” I’m going to just let you know that a simpler door profile in walnut would be gorgeous. It could not be more different from the door you are considering though.