I searched for this thread to warn you about something I just saw on Curb Appeal. There is a house redo on there now that is similar to yours. The guys had planned to add a covered gable (larger than what you originally wanted) to the front. The city would not approve because of setback lines on the property. They could not have a solid covered structure and had to go with an open structure. You better approve any plans with the city before starting roof work, or at least find out what the set back is for your neighborhood. The Curb Appeal episode should be online by tomorrow.

I think I am definitely sold on getting rid of the pony walls, moving the DW to the end of the run and using an OTR microwave. I actually have new HVAC being installed this month so I'm going to ask the installers when they're here what the implications of moving the return vent over a couple of feet are. I'd lose an outlet that I never use anyway, but otherwise I don't think it'd cause any problems. I don't really want to go with nonstandard-sized appliances. They cost more than the bigger ones and there are lots of townhouses/condos in this area with similar-sized kitchens, and all of them have standard-sized appliances - I don't want to be "that weird house with the odd-sized fridge" or whatever, when it comes to resale. Plus my fridge is actually new and I like it very much. Here is my latest and greatest U-shaped variation: I'm trying to depict having the fridge built with the 2 full-height panels on either side and the fridge-depth cabinet up above, in case that isn't clear from the drawing. The sink isn't as off-center as I thought it would be, and as someone upthread pointed out, it was off-center in the original drawing anyway because my window placement was a bit off. It looks like the faucet would only be about 2" to the right of where it is now. I don't really care for the integrated drainboard sink, sorry. I actually wish I could get rid of the drainboard entirely but there always seems to be one random frying pan or knife or something that has to be hand-washed. I would do a small trash pullout in the sink cabinet, if I did one at all. I might not. Something about the idea of having a trash can in a cabinet skeeves me out a bit. Latest galley: The more I look at it the more I think I might prefer going with the galley version and nixing the corner issue entirely. Technically it gives me a bit more lower storage (including the pantry pullout in that), but a bit less upper storage. But like I said before my uppers aren't full now anyway. It has 15" less countertop frontage, but 10 sq ft less space overall... the extra sq ft loss mainly coming from corners.

I have followed your plans a bit, and have read through quickly, but have a couple problems with the newest plan. I feel strongly about these things on your behalf, so I hope I don't come off as rude or only negative, because I know you've worked and come a long way here. I really am only trying to help you avoid regrets. 1) The biggest problem is that the refrigerator is completely out of the work area, and through the cleanup zone from the stove and prep areas. The stove, prep sink/prep work, and fridge should form the age-old work triangle. The idea of zones is to share things like the fridge, but not cross through and create traffic problems between workers and things like open dw doors. I've said it before, I think the cook takes priority in having access to the fridge, because he/she often needs something QUICKly, and doesn't have time to traipse through the kitchen and around everyone and everything to add something to what's cooking on the stove. 2) The island size seems, sorry to be blunt, but ridiculous to me. Based on the aisle measurements, it seems to be about 8 ft by 9 ft. This is almost the size of some rooms in our house! How will you clean it? What will you use as a countertop? I love expansive islands, but I am afraid this one will be so big, and not look nice, as Laurameh expressed above. I prefer one-level islands, though, and don't think varying heights would solve the problem here. 3) I hope you're not planning to hem in your cooktop with structures that divide the counter? There are ways to achieve the hearth appearance without the towers shown in magazines that come down to the counter and all the way to the front edge. They would block movement, reduce flexibility in your work area, and block the light from the windows. Comments to other discussions that have gone on before: Aisles: I have 4 ft aisles behind my sink and baking areas, but only 3 ft aisle between rangetop and island. It is as Bmore explained...Dishwashers, fridges, and oven doors take room and people need to get safely around them...Maybe even work on the opposite counter. But in the cooking area, I want to prep, turn to the stove, turn back to retrieve prepped items, etc. I don't want to run back and forth, just turn. Also, the tighter aisle, hopefully, discourages traffic from going through and routes them to the wider ones. As a matter of fact, I've shown a photo of our 36" aisle before, because it's much roomier than I expected, and 2 cooks, or cooks and our 2 dogs fit there pretty well! :-) 30" counter between 2 tall elements: I think you've moved past that, but just in case...I could agree with Bmore's and Lisa's comments about the hazard of that becoming a junk area only and not having room to work, in some cases. However, if the area has a specific purpose, it can work great. We have a 30" counter between a wall and a fridge. It is our 'breakfast/snack center.' We have our toaster oven there and keep things like cereals, crackers, chips, and bread in the cabinets there. I could also see such a spot as a place for the coffee maker and supplies, etc. If it has a purpose, a limited area like that can serve you well.

This is totally a room where 3-4 small scale, but very comfortable arm chairs, with a couple on swivels for TV watching, would work great. Add a round coffee table (a hassock as shown below for putting feet up) in the middle with an interesting light--arc lamp or pendant--centered on coffee table. These chairs are too high , but you can see how well floating several comfortable armchairs work. Measure carefully before you choose furniture so that you have clear walkway. Three chairs might work best. If you get a couple upholstered dining chairs for a round dining table in the corner, you can pull them into the living room space as needed. Definitely consider some great pendant lighting and a rug to anchor living area to define the spaces.