What if you got one of the "tamer" trumpet vines for the really hot & sunny side, and put the clematis on the east or NW corner of the porch? Or a climbing rose on the hot side of the porch? I envy you all that sun! We have a very shady yard & not much can do about it as they are the neighbors' trees. If I had your large west facing roof, I would be contacting solar electric installers. In NJ we have a very helpful state program, generous rebates & you can sell the elec. you don't use to brokers. We have friends who watch their meter run backwards!

Yes, the Bluestar induction is too new for any reviews. It has 12 settings, not 9 as was first thought. And the knobs are what I will demand on the next induction cooktop I get. The touch controls just don't work if your hands are damp, and you have to watch them to make sure they don't change (any spatters may change the settings). Other than the lack of knobs, the Wolf is fine. For the hood, Vent-a-Hood is better in my opinion (and the factory is not far from where I live). However, 600 CFM is just right for induction, but it's not even remotely good enough for gas. [This assumes the standard 3" extra on each side. eg. 36" cooktop = 42" hood. If the hood is larger--6" or 12" on each side--and the distance up from the cooktop is close to the minimum, or the gas cooktop has no greater than 8K BTU burners, then you might get by with 600 CFM and gas, but if you're going for a 18K to 25K Bluestar you need some serious airflow.]

I could use some advice on what type of lighting to use in our entry way and the tiny hall leading to the kitchen. I need help with kitchen lighting too! We are presently getting quotes for new cabinets, pendant lighting over the peninsula etc. I've learned a lot here on Houzz, but lighting still vexes me. Should all the lighting fixtures on a main floor be in the same finish? All answers welcome if you have a sec. Thanks and have a great day!

Hello Mike ! It would be well worth the added value if you were really looking for an addition. Check out my portfolio for some ideas, although I am located on the east coast it may help to connect and see if we cant help you some way some how. Maybe help with design ideas... A steel structure, free-standing or attached with a glass/poly-carb ceiling can always work well.