Here is my first thought... Think about the floral chairs. You mentioned that you use tablecloths quite a bit. The floral pattern may limit using a pattered tablecloth - unless it's a stripe fabric. Something to consider... But I do like the chairs. I'm not crazy about using all upholstery, as in your second photo. Did you not like the silver tub chair from World Market? The only reason why I say this is because of the white chairs and white cabinet. If one is a brighter white, it may not look right. The metal is more like a neutral. Also - it looks like you have more red accents in your kitchen - the solid upholstered chair is more rust. Here is another patterned chair with more red tones: Also - when your guy makes the table, make sure he gives you enough overhang on each end (short ends) so you can get two chairs there if you want. As it appears now, you would be limited to one chair, sitting between the legs. [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse-dining-room-farmhouse-dining-room-charlotte-phvw-vp~1603708) [Contemporary Dining Room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2103) by Charlotte Architect Pursley Dixon Architecture

Yes, I have open concept. I have oil rubbed bronze on my front door. All the other doors are satin/brushed nickel. Kitchen faucet is stainless. The only bronze fixtures are in the open concept space. All the other lights are recessed or fans. Lamps are wood in one bedroom and Stainless in another bedroom. Office/other bedroom has a black lamp. It all works. Promise. 😁

Maddie Victoria, Don't blow off Buehl's request for some additional information. She's a very experienced planner. You will be getting some great advice from her. If we told you that there was a way to get both a walk-in pantry and an open or semi open plan kitchen at the same time for less money, would you be interested? In order to properly advise you and present viable, cost-efficient options, we need to know where your windows, doors and walls are located. We need to know where the front entry and rear exit are located. We also need to know where the fireplaces are located. We also need to know some general, basic measurements. We aren't talking about a full, time consuming CAD. The easiest way is to hand draw it with labels on a piece of graph paper with some general measurements. If a specific measurement is needed later on, you can add it. I really think there is room to get everything you want. You just need to give us the tools to explore the project.

I think the decision would be best made knowing how you use your home. Do you like to entertain? Do you tidy up the kitchen after each meal? Knowing these types of things will help because if you entertain, the kitchen is always a typical gathering place, and keeping an open floor plan would be very conducive to this. If you typically keep a tidy kitchen, having an open floor plan won't be an issue. Looking at your proposed sketch, I wouldn't do a hood vent over the island, but instead would opt for one thats retractable in the island. I'd also do the cabinets on the sink wall a little differently and not in a L shape. I think the open concept has tons of potential and could look absolutely stunning, but would have to be designed properly to have cohesion with the rest of the spaces. In my honest opinion, the rooms shown are currently not living up to any potential with the furniture choices, layout of the rooms and overall design. On the option of keeping the wall and a galley kitchen, I think it is spacious enough to work really well too, but would still want to see the rest of the joining rooms space planned and design better. I feel this home has some amazing potential but first to get really clear on which way you want to go before beginning any renos, I would definitely suggest you have some 3d renders of the space with various design plans. Personally, I'm leaning towards the open concept. Hope this helps!