I love all the thought put into that table! Given the need for the addition to our kitchen, it is hard to sort of "fake" where the island would be and what the stool needs would be for now. But I have definitely been thinking about the stools, as if we do away with the kitchen table I want the seating to becomfortable! deedles, we do have a dining room - the door next to the seating area/range run is into the dining room, and when we have dinner together we eat in the dining room. Breakfast is in the kitchen, usually me feeding the kids during the week, and the four of us on weekends. lunch is pretty casual, and often not all together. The dining room being so close to the kitchen helps get me comfortable with losing the table. I envision making the opening btw dining room and kitchen larger if we do an addition - it's currently 36". The problem with the counter height table on casters is that it doesn't reside in the right place for prep/cooking, so would be being moved back and forth constantly. But, I like the idea of not doing an addition if we don't need to!

I declare my bias up front as a disliker of islands. Island lovers will tell you it's worth it to cram them in no matter what, if that's what you want. And we're both right. Unless we're both wrong. But seriously. It's your house. Your bias is the only one that counts. My thing about islands, particularly in small rooms is that they're a hazard to navigation. They're always THERE and you're always walking around them. So my suggestion is, if you must have an island (though I prefer a table, always) then go for a nice, solid MOVEABLE island. Either on lockable wheels, or just one big and heavy enough that it stays in place. Nobody wants a wimpy, tippy island. They come pre-made, or you could have one made custom, or there are pieces of furniture that would serve the purpose. That way, if you hate it, or even if you just have a party, or want to do something in the kitchen that requires a lot of open space, you can just move it off to the side for a buffet or bar station or whatever. You are also freer to make an island like this a little bigger, since you can move it out of the way if it bothers you where it is. It also leaves the "dining or island?" option open to the next owner, and doesn't make it for them. Which I think is even better for resale. Just something to consider.

Yes, we plan to have a closet/utilize the space under the stairs leading up to the 2nd floor (this closet accessible via the study). No closet under the stairs that lead down into the basement currently. Can you fit a closet in this one? Only concern is this is the only real wall in the great room. Unfortunately we need all 3 spaces - formal dining (now serving as main eating area), study, and guest bedroom. I don't want books/computers/laptops/electronics in the dining room. I play the cello - need separate music space/area, so I'm combining music area (place store music books, cello, music stand) with a small desk/books located in the study. Both in-laws live out of state (as do most siblings) and for various reasons, we've had family stay with us for extended periods of time (i.e. months), so don't want to go into guest bedroom to access my computer, electronics, pay bills, etc. Live in northeast OH, so mudroom area/place for coats is essential. benjesbride - That floor plan you sent is almost identical to ours! Only difference is the right side of the house continues to come forward, ours doesn't - ours has to recede due to lot restrictions. If it helps, here's the topo (house on the pie shaped lot)

I’m back!! So much progress :) Painter is coming next week so look past all the wood tones. Still haven’t picked colors. Probably shoji on cabs and black island. Changes with the wind ;) I added a photo with measurements as I still can’t figure out what table layout/if any will work here. And if no table.. I have this empty space. Maybe a bistro? The island will have 3 backless stools. 2 in front and 1 on the end. That way they can be out of the way when not in use. I would love ideas!