ok, I'll post a link to kitchens for you. clickHERE In case you get lost, come here and go to the top where it says 'home forums' (there's a few options there) - it's above the topic line for this thread. the 'new here? Read me first' by buehl thread is about 10 or so down now. just scan down the list for it. Also, on the 1 page here or on kitchens you can go to the left of the area where you'd type your thread post and title and you'll see a 'Gardenweb forums'. under that are a few, but I think if you click on it a bunch will open up for you. there's cooking, gardening and many more options! if worst comes to worst, post here again and I'll check back tomorrow again. or someone else will show up. I do agree that the architect should have put in what you wanted to be there! also, think about aging in place things as you go. we have some threads here about that too. That time of life gets here faster than we wanna think. Besides some of those things are good just in case someone breaks a leg and is using a walker... I don't think the 'link' thing worked properly up above but if you click where the green HERE is it'll open up and show the URL, then click on that to go to kitchens.

What part of the country do you live in?

Those are STUNNING, HIGH-END floors! I mean it! The tile size, layout and in-lay accents are STUNNING! There are people who would LOVE to have those floors (sigh...or the BUDGET to install them). That being said, they are in the creamier/peach travertine colouring. Peach and gray don't normally go together...now without a TON of Certified Kitchen Designer help. Because you have a high-end home with some higher priced finishes (LOVE you space BTW!!! Bright and unique...two of my FAVOURITE things) I would HIGHLY recommend hiring a well versed (ahem...long established) Certified KD. Save the money you would spend on the flooring ($2/sf to REMOVE the tile + $18/sf to install new tile) and hire a designer to help you see where your home can go without removing the amazing tile. To replace (equal value) the tile you have, you are looking at the HIGHER priced tile installs (higher value product + HIGH value labour). Replacing all that tile won't be cheap. If you are unsure of your budget, then I suggest you sit down and work some numbers. A Certified KD will help you find a balance between budget and style. It appears your kitchen is in more need of a redo than the flooring. I would keep my eye on the prize. And yes, wall colouring can reduce the "floating" sensation you have in your home. Again, the KD can help with home colours as well. Please keep us posted. I think this will be an impressive project when everything is said and done (and yes...I think reupholstering your furniture is a GREAT idea).

What a darling house! I'd play around with the color blocking and not assume the siding and garage door have to match. Maybe paint the garage door to match the brick, as in @celerygirl mock-up, and then decide what to do with the siding. A new front door and light, and maybe new more vertical railings. I agree the bench should be removed and some vertical planters added in that space.