Thanks everyone. I was hoping to come up with a plan and get things done before we moved in, but now I think it will be better to live with it as is until I know how the kitchen functions with its current layout. I still feel a little conflicted in that I know there are lots of people who would love these "cool vintage" cabinets. I feel like changing something so old is a little wrong. However, I am not rustic. At all... And it talking about the kitchens character seems a little like calling someone the "funny sister". I am hoping to find some way to dress the cabinets up a bit, molding? The other thing is I like light kitchens and not in love with the idea of black hardware, cabinets, etc. I agree that is a great idea for this kitchen. But do I bend my style to it or try to bend it to me...the rest of the house is probably best described as colonial. I will stew on it a few months, again I appreciate all the ideas! This post was edited by ssnewbie on Sat, Aug 2, 14 at 18:48

I was also astounded at how expensive some really ugly, small houses were in Toronto in particular. A bunch of these houses are ugly. Just boxes. I'm surprised that these are Canadian houses; I would've thought some of these designs would've faired poorly in snow. P G, my inlaws did a split arrangement out of necessity in the 50s. With 9 people In one of those tiny 1.5 story brick homes up Yonge St, they had no choice but to convert a sitting room to their bedroom for several years! I'm from the country, and when I was a kid we often visited family members -- multiple households -- who had a moderate-sized living room with a bed tucked into the corner, where the parents slept. These were not poor families. Yes, our idea of how much space we "need" has changed. i really like some of the plans in your slide show. The U shaped one, with entry in the middle, courtyard patio ahead, living to the right and bedrooms to the left, looks quite livable, especially as an empty-nester/retirement home. Maybe with one more bathroom, though. I agree that some of these plans look quite livable in spite of their small size. 14-15 handles the problem of one bathroom for three bedrooms handily: the tub is in its own room, with a half-bath right next door. Soak as long as you want, no one's kicking the door for the toilet! Yes, that looks practical -- one room for the toilet /sink, another for bathing -- much more sensible than this modern idea of putting a toilet alone in a tiny closet. My daughter reports that this layout is common amongst her British in-laws.

Right Adam I am guilty of filling the voids too so now I try not to make them. The couch/love seat because I have had both at times on the one side of the table has worked out really well and it does give a nice sitting area for company while I am cooking and want them out of my way. It is also a nice spot for morning coffee. And always keep your mind open to making changes as your life style changes. When my hubby was sick I moved a table and chair into our bedroom so I could be in there with him but not in bed. I left it in there because I find I use it for morning coffee , my first cup, when I do have company so I do not have to face them before I am ready. LOL I did consider taking it out of there now hubby is gone and putting a nicer chair in there and I might just do that too. I honestly love to change things up. Shop my house to make it look different and new and fresh to me with out spending any money.

I read all comments & none were about the mantel. Is it possible to add a much bigger wooden mantel? You said you were getting rid of the gold around fireplace - is it possible to change FP to a new one that is also larger? I do like the wall & I don’t mind the planters. I might’ve changed them when doing the floor but if you don’t want to add plants to them I think capping them is best - maybe with something to match the new mantle?