Ok, mighty. I just responded to every statement you wrote and then I lost it all. Very frustrating. In a nutshell, I agree with all of your suggestions. Some other changes I want to make...on the garage I'd like to bring the right side forward about a foot to offset the section like my inspiration picture. I didn't realize I could separate the existing windows and use traditional ones. Would you suggest repeating the same windows on the second floor? "Flaring of the shingles at the foundation or at a belt line could help too. A taller trim board at the head of the window and no flat trim board at the sill would help a lot. If the nail-fin window doesn't have a proper projecting sill (most don't) add a PVC sill nosing from ATW (see link). You could also add a small band molding to the outer edges of the jamb and head trim of the windows. You could also add a classical crown trim to the head to match all the classical pediments and cornice returns." Could you post some examples? I understand your link, but I'm not sure about the rest. No view, unfortunately. Just an obnoxiously huge window. I've seen 3 windows close together with the one in the middle a little bigger. I kind of like that. I can't find a picture though. That is a pathetic post on the porch. I'd like posts like the inspiration pic. Hopefully my builder can improvise. (breaking out into a sweat) "Why couldn't your architect figure out these basic architectural detailing enhancements from the photo you gave him/her? I suspect he/she not only skipped some courses but perhaps the NCARB exam." I'm not too impressed with the drawings. I like that he listened to our wants and needs and didn't just do what HE wanted, but...I was hoping for a WOW when I saw the drawings. We've waited many years to be able to afford this. I don't want to be satisfied, I want to be thrilled. Thanks for your input. Any other ideas are appreciated. mythreesonsnc - again I agree with all of your comments. Not sure why the architect didn't add these design elements. The front three double windows are existing. I'll post a picture of our "mobile home". This is what I've called it since we moved here. The rest of my neighborhood is custom homes. No two are the same. We bought for the location. Most homes are riverfront. If I could afford a teardown I would. Here is a link that might be useful: our Sears kit - mobile home :(

I've had this same problem (for years). I've got a large bay window and didn't want to pay for custom treatments. If fact, I would prefer no window treatments at all, except for about an hour in the morning, when the sun really shines in. Then I discovered that Lowes has just started carrying a selection of bamboo style roman shades that they can cut-to-measure. Some even have the built-in liner, if you need privacy. If you're lucky, you may even find a $10 off $50 coupon. I will almost always have them raised, except for Saturday mornings when we sit down to breakfast around 9am. Check them out!

This is so odd... when I responded to your last post all the renderings you did with the prep table down against the wall didn't show up so when you said "as I listed above" about the problems with it I had no clue what you were referring to. But now that I CAN see it... of course it doesn't work! What a dumb idea that was on my part! I'm so very visual sometimes I can't see things unless I can SEE them. Your pics are so very helpful, I couldn't do this without them. I guess that's the problem with cyber communication. Hmmm... so variegated heights don't work all that well. I would probably do them both desk height and use one of the extra dining room chairs. They would both be height of the prep table which WILL be back at the end where it originally was. That is, if I can retro-fit IKEA to a lower height it'll just all be counter height and I'll put an extra stool there. Does anyone think a built in bench would be cool on the end closest to the family room?

Hi Lukki- I know what you mean about opening it up. We lived in this house for 23 years before we did the MAJOR kitchen remodel. We went down to the studs, knocked out our living room wall, took out a window & put in the skylights. We did this the beginning of last year, and sometimes I still think I'm in someone elses house! I give you a lot of credit, I would never attempt a DIY!! Back to the topic. I think the baoding cream would look good with what you have right now. You have a lot of wall space still showing, so that will lighten it up. I don't think it looks dark at all, you've got the window above your sink and the patio door. Are you keeping the yellow? Funny that you have the same colors as I do! I would go with the larger tiles like I have. You can decide after they're in if you want to enhance or not. I spent a LOT of time spraying my slate with water. One minute I wanted to enhance them, the next minute I didn't. I am glad that I did, and I think for my kitchen I made the right choice. You will just have to see what looks best in your lighting. I'm not sure if the beige tile info I gave you would go, I think you'll have to bring in your door and granite to tell. If you can, paint a foamboard with your paint color & bring that in too. I had all 3 in tow when I picked out my backsplash. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make about my kitchen. Best of luck tomorrow, and let me know what you choose. Who knows, you may find something completely different that you like! Patti