Ha! I actually did originally refer him to an Architect. Result: Beautiful home nearly 3x over budget and a year of lost time. I will run the final design though our rater/design team but think he's done a good job overall considering the variables. Iam tempted to raise the pitch but the drawing doesnt show the 12" raised heel which should help the squat appearance. I agree Athens and will pass along the suggestion. I know they are committed to using stone for the fireplace and column bases so tying them together seems like a good idea but think youre right about it throwing things off-balance.

I can't imagine that putting a door to the DR would be very expensive--it's a DIY project if ANYONE in the family could do it in a weekend. The two houses I've dealt with that had pass thrus to the DR drove me nuts. It would be so much nicer to have a door there! That, and having a 1/2 bath would be absolutely top priorities for me, but the 1/2 bath could add more cost than she might be able to pay for. If you use a small corner sink, the pocket door will be fine. Since she wants electric, I would STRONGLY encourage her to look at the positives of induction, and get a range with an induction top. It is SO much better than regular electric--easier to clean, much safer, absolute and immediate control of temperature, boils water faster, doesn't heat up kitchen, it's energy efficient, etc. My induction cooktop is by far our favorite feature of our kitchen! Even though it cost more than we'd planned on, it was definitely worth it. It's not that difficult to learn how to use. (I'm only a few years younger than she is, and I don't usually like learning how to use new stuff, but this was easy.) Of course, that might mean new pans, but maybe the family could go together for a present of one of the more inexpensive sets that works with induction. Also, you may have the extra expense of running electrical to accommodate the induction, but from a safety standpoint alone, it might be worth it to have the induction. It seems like plan #8 might work best, especially if you switch the double sink with the prep sink. That way, your mother could also use the prep sink (make it a large one) to work with her plants easily, since it would be right by the back door. Also, this end of the kitchen could have her tea materials, beverage cups and glasses for the rest of the family, the MW, toaster oven, and she'd have the large window view and lots of natural light to do these pleasant daily tasks. The double sink under the smaller window would put it, the DW, and the dishes closer to the DR. If she wants more storage, I'd get rid of the curved upper shelves (in one of your plans) by the smaller window, and add 3-6" to each upper cabinet, unless she has lots of knick-knacks that she wants to reach up and dust as she gets older. Obviously, an island would give her more storage than a table. If you make the island 36" w x 48" l, you could have two 24" wide cabinets opposite the range, and a 12" deep "table" overhang on the dog dish side. Anne

It would be very helpful if you posted something different. Your IKEA layout isn't enough. We need actual measurements of all walls. I suggest hand drawing your kitchen space without cabinets with each wall/window/door/doorway marked and labeled (including trim) as well as the distance between each wall/window/door/doorway. Label where rack l each door/doorway leads. Then, post a sketch of the entire floor so we can see how traffic flows in and around the kitchen. The Layout Help FAQ has a sample layout. (I'll see if I can find one on my phone but if I cannot find one see the FAQ below. 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

Really nice find. Agree you should address the potential hazard of the wood stove near all that wood -- consider having a pro take a look at it and suggest options. On that taxidermy suggestion ... IF you (or your family member) caught it or killed it and proudly had it mounted by a pro, then yes; however, if you didn't, please don't hang someone else's trophy on your wall. Furnish this cabin for use by the number of people who will be using it most often -- not by the maximum you'll have only once a year. You can always keep some reasonably comfortable folding chairs for guests rather than cluttering up your space with additional seating rarely used. It appears that adding some storage might be in order -- go vertical to get the most storage from the footprint of any items you add. Some kitchen storage around your refrigerator is well worth considering. That cabinet in the corner is claiming a lot of space for the amount of storage it actually delivers. Items with multiple purposes could be worthwhile. A large storage ottoman could be a window seat and provide guest seating as well as storage. Choosing one with a lid that flips from a solid side to a cushioned side would mean it could be used as a coffee table or ottoman -- by adding wheels, you could more easily move it to use it for those additional purposes. You might want to rethink the rugs you're using by the door by the kitchen -- replacing the two with one longer runner (one that will catch pine needles and dirt) that is small enough to be washable in the largest machine at the local coin laundry would be a good idea ... especially if you choose the rug with the additional objective of making certain is not a potential stumble hazard. A cabin makes a great place leaving behind the drama(s) of daily life. That usually means that keeping any people pictures to be displayed to a minimum -- even zero -- is a good idea. Your cabin is located within an actual nature scene so you don't need to hang pictures of that kind because they'll not be able to compete with the real thing just outside the window ... and shouldn't try. If y'all have a hobby or passion, especially if its something you both enjoy, consider art that would convey your interests without overwhelming your space. https://www.touchofclass.com/rhythm-metal-wall-sculpture/p/Y647-001/ http://www.metal-wall-art.com/sailboat-tranquility-metal-sculpture.html https://www.jatashop.com/row-boaters-metal-wall-art.html https://www.ebay.com/itm/Golf-Scene-Steel-Wall-Art-24-Diameter-PGA-LPGA-Golfer-Metal-Man-Cave-Decor-/182259547516 https://www.touchofclass.com/rhythm-metal-wall-sculpture/p/Y647-001/ Aside from a couple of minimalist art pieces to make your cabin your space reflecting your personal interests and tastes, wall art should be kept to a minimum. Let the windows and view hold sway. You have some large windows for enjoying the view. Consider adding some stained glass -- and not necessarily larger window hangings; a few of the smaller, thicker Tiffany style glass sun catchers could both reflect your personal interests and compliment the natural light shining through your windows. Easily changed, sun catchers could laud your pet(s) and/or acknowledge the changing seasons and/or celebrate different holidays and/or occasions. Enjoy your space.