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lyfia, thanks, and we agree. The glass company said building codes only require us to use safety (tempered) glass for the two end panels; the center three could be annealed, if the glass started 18" off the floor. How crazy is that? We'd never want to take that risk, either. Yikes. Fortunately the bid for tempered glass was only about 15% higher than annealed glass (which really surprised me.) So we'd only consider tempered 1/4" if we use glass. Laminated glass (with the plastic skin in the middle) would be the safest, but it's super pricey. I think safety glass would be OK. Another option is 1/4" plexiglass, which I think would work as a substrate for the glass mosaic, as long as I didn't go too big with the panels. (I think big plexi panels might flex, which isn't good for a grouted mosaic...?) At some point I need to go ask the folks in the stained glass/mosaic forum here. So far the pricing for thick plexiglass seems comparable to tempered glass. There would still be small grouted glass pieces on one side of the divider (we could put it on the low traffic side) but I don't think the surface would be risky for kids, since all the sharp edges would be embedded in grout. And it would be pretty hard to break. We considered colored plexiglass panes too, but it just seems so "mod" for the informal, earthy textures in the house. Colored tempered glass and frosted tempered glass are way too expensive (pushing $1000 just for the frosted glass idea, for five 5' panels.) I considered frosted films and frosted spray paint, but I think those ideas have a limited life span (especially if the house has active kids) since the spray frostings can scratch off. And DH keeps wishing for color, and he's got me agreeing. It has to be somewhat transparent or it blocks too much light. So, now considering a fairly open wooden framework, with smallish glass mosaic panels scattered. Still playing with ideas...!

without seeing the house in toto ... i think the eaves/cieling should stay brown to match the house... but the side walls in the dark brown ... make it look cave like ... but i dont know about the grey green... but it did make me look to the stone work ... and wonder how playing off those grays ... would incorporate the walkway ... into the entry way .. the green... and i understand its not much green ... would be adding another color ... instead of harmonizing.. what is there .. if you played off the brickwork .. i think is would swallow the door with color ... as compared to the way it 'pops' now ... ken

I am just starting to think about what would be ideal. I am honestly feel fine with the current configuration except I would like more pantry space (which I might add under our stairs). I guess I could use a bit more prep space which I guess lowering the island might do. I typically use the island when guest visit for a buffet style serving area. The kids sometimes do homework or eat there. Sounds like a few of you think lowering it would be nice. Would you change the shape? If so, how? Not sure where else the dishwasher could really go. I do have and love our undivided large sink. As for the cabinets, sounds like you all think leaving it dark is okay?? Always imagined a white kitchen but I guess the rest of the room is very light (maybe it gives it some balance). I thought about maybe changing the back-splash. We are hoping to live here for a long time. My built in microwave/oven combo just went out so I wanted to brainstorm big before I pulled the trigger on a new combo set. Just thinking about updating. Thanks for all of your feedback so far. I really appreciate it!!!