(I think that some may not realize your exterior is mirrored to your floorplan, at least I think so--it isn't a direct match either way though, as I look at it more closely). LL's interior changes are better. So are yours--with the change of stair. I'm just not sure if that stair actually will work in the space (someone like Renovator will need to count them and tell you). But, you still have 3 ways to get from back hall to other places in the house: back hall, pantry, kitchen, out back hall, past fridge, past island stools, past dining chairs and out back hall, closet, utility, foyer, out. It is very circuitous. And, the most cramped option is probably the intended option (past fridge, past stools, past dining table). Just my observation.

Now I am starting to wonder if I am doing the right thing. You all have me thinking whether I should reconsider another shot at progressives. Or something. For most of my life I excellent vision, 20/10 or better. Biker buddies nicknamed me "Eagle" and would assign me signage reading on long road trips. Good old days. Then in my 40's my reading acuity started to go. An optician recommended progesssives, explaining my far vision was also declining, down to 20/15, resulting in some eye strain. (I said can't you tell my eyes and brain to settle for 20/15?). I am compliant. So I wore those continuously for maybe 5 years. Reading of course worsened over time. So I figured I needed higher power. This is where it got weird. Both the opthomologist (I'd seen her to work up some peculiar passing symptom that freaked out my primary care doc - MRI etc. No brain tumor, just a 'migraine variant') and the optometrist pronounced I really didn't need to be wearing glasses for distance correction. All up to me. Huh? For years I sport these 4 eyes every day for no reason?? But the optition argued strongly for progressives. I say why wouldn't I just use readers? He says, because you would have to put them on and off all the time, and that would be ridiculous. Hmmm. But these cute little ones make me nauseous and I can't read a line of print? *And* I get to pay hundreds of dollars? No thanks. That was that. So I go with the Walgreens readers. Now it's been a few more years. My reading acuity has become really horrible. I'm wearing readers almost all the time - can't read a thing or do computer work without them (= livelihoood). And I think the readers have probably screwed up my far vision even more, as that seems less acute as well....crap. I know the obvious answer is another round of consultations, measure where I am at, look at options, etc. Maybe Elton John size progressive glasses for work, and littler peepers for social. Yet......This may be crazy, but I want to believe there may be something else to try that might stabilize or improve vision. I've known people to swear off readers and claim to will themselves to not need them. And doctors who respond that is physically impossible. But what about that Demicnet's vision recovery posted above? My question is whether anyone has had experience improving (or worsening) their vision with exercises, or other less traditional means. What is "eye cupping", Demicent? Anyone ever try one of those vision acuity training contraptions? (I hesitate to admit there is one in this very room. DH brought one home from a Sharper Image clearance last year, hoping it could help his pool game. Never used it, still in the box...Shall I crack into it? Sigh, the things I do for this Forum..) Ideas?? Experiences?? Opinions??

Thx Cathy- I am waiting for Slow to chime in here. I have been out scouting my studio and my stash places in the garage and I may have come up with a combination that will be larger. I will have to combine a larger ceramic ball, a different finial and I still need to find something for a neck. I have even considered a large vase I have as a base for the ball. If I go the component way I will have to cement it all together and then cover it all in crete prior to mosaicing. Tomorrow I will dig further. I know I have a tupperware stand around here that went with a large relish tray that will work, now to find it...ugh. I will take some more pics tomorrow of the various choices. Thanks

I can post some pictures of the inside. It is very traditional, and that is where the dilemma is. I don't really want a craftsman feel outside, and traditional inside. There is NO way to bring craftsman elements into the house. I was really just wondering about a slightly more relaxed feel to the entrance/columns, not necessarily craftsman, just more casual like the rest of the house's exterior. The round columns are beautiful, but noob's comments tweaked my brain and now I'm thinking the round columns might look contrived. I agree with you, it would be great to have designer to give us direction. And believe me, I have tried to get a good one for this project. We have had two architects to tell us that thickening up the roofline was important to bring balance. I had a landscape designer out, who made a gorgeous plan for the beds and pool area. She mentioned we should remove the columns and replace with wood, but didn't have much else to offer. It's a real problem, like you hinted at, to find the right designer. I've had THREE designers (from remodeling companies) out that can only tell me that what I've drawn is "perfect". Ugh. Being new to the area, it is very difficult to find people who really know what they're doing. It always turns out that we pay for opinions, and get nothing usable. We have designed and built several homes - one can be seen here: www.209colonial.com This is the home we just sold. My husband can build anything, and I do all our wall finishes and fabrics. I'm just not creative at all for this sort of thing. Before we actually commence work, I will have my architect draw the columns and frieze, for sure. The back of the house is coming along fine. The ugly wood balcony and white spiral staircase was removed and the railing was replaced with wrought iron to match the pool fence and gates. The vinyl siding is being replaced with cement board to match the porch and other trim. The pool has been remodeled and is so beautiful - can't wait for spring to use it! So, lots of progress, and yes, it is overwhelming, but I think we can handle it, if we take our time to decide what we want. :-)