We prefer the bifolds a LOT. We do not put the bifold on a track at the top, so we can swing it out of the way. To keep it from going into the closet, or pantry, there is a stop only at the top, The bottom of the bifold swings freely, and I do not have to worry about hurting my feet on any track, or getting dirt out of the track either. We are also going to use these bifolds on our master closet. With french door style, 10 lights per panel. We are putting clerestory windows inside our walk in closet, going into a room bumpout which will lead to removal of a pair of windows and the loss of that light source. So we will still have the light, still have the wide closet opening, and we will have privacy as well with no curtains. The bifold french style is sold by Home Depot. Check the brand Pinecroft, which they generally do not stock but do order for you. Plus, you can always mount the doors with separate hinges on either side of a doorway, making them look like a real pair of french doors. I've done that before. Looked nice.

I'm not too worried about the dish storage for unloading the DW. I'll have a 24" cab next to the sink and a 36" right across from the DW. Slide those puppies right across the granite and into the drawers. Easier then I have it now. WOW.. I just looked at pics of claybabe's kitchen... really beautiful. I think I'm going to pass the two ideas by the architect about either a tall oven cab or installing the single oven u/c . What if I were to install the Advantium at about microwave height in an above the counter cabinet or maybe even lower the cab a little so it won't be too high for me? I'd do it right up at that north end where I'd have the single oven install under the counter. Sounds like a great idea to me now but sometimes I come up with this stuff and then later on I realize it sounds just ridiculous. But that would put everything in one space and give me additional counter. I realize I'm leaning toward a less traditional look then most people. I'm not a traditional girl. I'm all about the outside which is what I love about that large window. My home is mostly a one cook home. When family/friends come over, and I probably feed people once a week... at least once every other; it's all about "what's Aunt Elyse cooking?" or "Oh good Elyse... is it Italian night?" My boys lift lids, peel back aluminum, pick, give me the thumbs up and ask how much longer. Maybe I'm a control freak; but I like to take control of the cooking inside my home. Outside, different story. DH has a smoker and we have a nice grill which we both use. Our outdoor kitchen will include both with a sink and plenty of seating. That'll be in addition to the seating/eating area on our patio. When I have 15-20 for the holidays, it's always informal. I set up a big buffet and we have people in the dining room, in the kitchen, on the patio, and eating on their laps in the family room. I love all that movement around the house. I don't know why I'm venting all this except I guess I'm working it out aloud. I keep saying "thanks"; but I mean it... thanks to all. I LOVE THIS FORUM!

rockybird, I would love to hear what your architect says. I thought $2K was really high too. We went to IKEA to see if we could customize Pax doors this weekend and I think it's possible, but it was so crowded, couldn't find a sales associate that could help us and we were too hungry to deal with it. So we left. I usually can't deal with IKEA unless it's on a random Tuesday morning and no one is there. justgotabeme, that site is awesome! I've bookmarked that for our exterior doors, when we change out. I love some of their designs! We are going back and forth over the doors and the current plan is just to get plan birch panel doors (like the above photo ineffablespace posted), drop a similar header and just call it a day. That would run us about half of the price of those glass IKEA-esque doors, including labor/installation. And it would provide some warmth and wood tones in an otherwise very white hallway. The ventilation will be in the header. Too many decisions, too many decisions. I still need to start my Christmas shopping!! :)

Thank you both! Sorry that I don't understand what this means: " would recommend a fiberglass door like Integrity or Pro Via with Low e 180 to maximize the VT on your north facing door and get under the .32." Do I need to pull a permit to switch from my current slider to this one? No changes at all otherwise. I mean, I am painting and stuff, but no structural changes? Are you saying I should wait and do this with a permit while repairing part of a kitchen (where door is located)? I cannot seem to figure out how to find a thermally broken aluminum door? @eastbay10 - can you help me understand why a fiberglass door is a better way to go? @Windows on Washington - what does it mean to "outperform"? So sorry - I am really new to all this!