It's generally organized by the classes of work. Starts with things that are point on the map related: site work, foundation, driveway, services in from street, then the building phases and subs that are more material related, framing, windows, cornice and outside trim, windows, roofing, finish masonry, siding, decks, porches, patios, exterior paint, finish grading, gutters and downspouts, (outdoor stuff like swimming pools, cabanas andoutdoor kitchens, if ya got 'em) Then on to inside stuff, all mechanicals, Plumbing, wiring, smart home, home theater, HVAC, ducting for water heater, range vent, insulation, wall finishes (dyrwall, plaster), Millwork: doors, trim, mantels, staircases, skylights; kitchens and baths (too much to list), Special finishes- terrazzo, tile, polished and stained concrete, faux stone, columns, architraves, custom built-ins. Finishes: hardwood, carpet, paint, faux finishes, builder's hardware, fixtures of all kinds- final electrical and plumbing, mostly. Other areas: backup power supplies, solar electricity, sump pumps, attic ventilation. Probably thousands of things for others to add and improve upon. This is off the top of my head. Casey

Ash, if you want to keep your current large layout with the new door, I do think you are worrying about nothing. You're looking at a diagram now that shows your kitchen, quite bizarrely, from a birds-eye view that doesn't exist in real life. The issue is how it'll look from the family room and secondarily from inside. The wall whose balance will define how the kitchen looks is the stove wall, which is very nicely strengthened by being framed by those little wing walls that define and separate the kitchen and family spaces. The wall you're concerned about will be seen mostly end-on from various angles and simply won't matter in the way you're imagining, which is in comparison with a more birds-eye-view "perfect" diagram no one's going to have in front of them. End-on views from us earth-bound sorts shorten distort and hide "perfect" sidewall layouts anyway, which is why attention is grabbed by the wall in front that can be seen. Even from inside the kitchen looking at the window wall, though, it'd look quite good. So you're going to start all over again, do it for another reason. :)

It is very hard to have a single seating are for more than 6 people. One can have multiple ares for larger crowds, but 6 is about the max in most rooms. One can gave a bench of extra dining room-like chairs to bring in. Why a bar? Most people like to fix their own drinks and a bar tray on a table or sideboard, with an ice bucket and water pitcher are all that is needed. True bars belong in basement rathskellers if one just must. Your layout is very awkward due to placement of the fireplace. Only 4 people can really be seated around it unless a sofa covers the widow and goes on out into the room. It's just awkward.

Condolences for your loss. Mother's Day is coming up. You might consider a digital picture display with a light colored frame with happy pictures loaded to add light and prompt happy memories.. https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+digital+photo+frame&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd_b7llbnoAhXEmuAKHRT1DIgQsxh6BAgOECs&biw=1366&bih=654#spd=9152850867742305625 You might remove the too small rug altogether and add a small light/bright colored storage ottoman or even a coffee table where she can keep family photographs. Agree with the suggestion that you try swapping the loveseat and rocker locations. With the loveseat moved, you can dress the patio door/window. If that is a sliding door, a wood or metal rod in the bottom rail might make the room "feel" more secure -- no need to block it with a sofa. A lot of people don't care for vertical blinds but I consider them perfect for a patio door or even a large row of windows in an informal / contemporary room. White vinyl vertical blinds would provide more privacy and light control options than drapes. If your mom's window is on the north side of the building, she'll not be getting any sunlight directly into her room and that may be one reason why the room is "dark" . If any light comes in ... or even if it doesn't ... consider adding a brightly colored sun catcher or two that can be attached to the window via small plastic suction cup. https://www.google.com/search?q=tiffany+suncatchers&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwigr7T2k7noAhUvmuAKHahuBwcQ_AUoAnoECAsQBA&biw=1366&bih=628 There are fabric covers for sofas and love seats. Perhaps you could find a light colored one for at least one of her pieces. Alternately, a light colored afghan or throw might help. Instead of getting rid of the cabinet(s) in the corner(s), you could add a tall thin lamp with a large white shade there. If the big box store options are out of price range, check with Habitat for Humanity or Good Will or other local charity sponsored thrift stores for bargains.