Welcome to the forum if this is your first posting. Very nice layout. Your choice for water flow is borderline for a falls that high. Refer to the pump flow chart either in the directions or on the Manufacturer's website. Figure every 10 feet of hose equals 1 foot of elevation when you begin to determine how much water is actually flowing out of the falls. Always use the next size hose for better flow. Always better to think there is too much than to think, "Oh I should have gotten the bigger pump". You can always divert the flow. Elbows also decrease efficiency. For a really nice display go for a 2x capacity even 3x. It is all a matter of taste and what effect you are trying to achieve. You can trip the water rushing down the falls with a bowling ball boulder at the bottom or force the turbulance down to the bottom of the pond to keep the layers of the water column moving and mixing. Add more rocks on the falls to change the tones. You'll have massive air exchange on the falls. The water will release CO2, and gain O2, thus helping keep a balance. That's a good thing for a well planted pond and any pond for that matter. -Philip

If you use lisa_a's with 2 entrances to the pantry it may just vent itself easily as I'd imagine the pocket entry door to it from the garage may stay open or ajar frequently. You could possibly fit it in the bump back to match the entrance stairs. Fridges in garages are pretty common around here but we have more issues with freezing temps than overly hot. Otherwise I'd put it in that spot in the garage where the writing says small appliances for inside the kitchen. That's not far of a walk at all.

Yes, agree completely. Gray-blue tinted marble-like surface would work better. I am also beginning to think that white cabinets would be a no-go with this...would really want some color under the countertop to balance out the intensity of tile. The thing is that I was always obsessed with oriental tile patterns but I never thought that using them will also dictate a certain cabinet color. For instance, out of all the choices below (the last photo shows my chosen tile installed), I really think either blueish or gray-ish cabs will work. If I was really brave, I'd do navy blue, but I'm not. What cab color would you do? I also thought about doing different cabinet colors but I fear it would add to the overall busy-ness. Although my kitchen does have very clear zones (island, perimeter, breakfast nook flanked by glassfront towers) so different colors would not be illogical...Btw, I will be ordering painted doors from Scherr's, so COULD do different colors...decisions,decisions!

If you're thinking of getting into this hobby a diamond tipped drill bit and a drill(friend's or own) will come in very handy. Once you have those, every container you see you will want to drill and plant some succulents inside. Now what your problem is, is that it is overwatered. The dark colouration is an early sign of rot, and it is wrinkly because the roots are probably dead due to rot and it has no way of getting water. What to do Find a pot with drainage or make your own. Take out plant, cut of somewhere 1-2cm above the dark area. Set the cutting somewhere shady and dry and let the wound callous over. This will take 3-7 days depending on climate. Once calloused over. Put into a good draining soil mix. Do not water till you see new growth. I would also advice you to read up or watch some youtube vids on how to save a plant from rot and how to propagate succulents. That way you will be more prepared. And from now on, if it ain't got a hole, make one.