Hmmm...interesting idea about the microwave on a shelf in the base cabinet instead of the drawer. So silly that I didn't think of that in the first place. Much simpler than the fancy (and pricey) drawer! Thanks for the idea. I will go back to the appliance place and talk to my cabinet guy about that. Yes, unfortunately, I'm sure we have hard water. We've read and figured out what the numbers mean in those reports that the Water Authority provides annually, talked with our town's Public Works guys about it, discussed it with plumbers, etc, etc. In our last remodel, we had a huge problem with the water hardness because it caused some corrosion on stuff that we thought would never corrode and the consensus of all the experts was that it was all due to the water hardness. As a fix, we did buy a whole-house water softener, but ended up disconnecting it because a plumber told us it was a bacteria factory, plus we disliked the feel of the slimy soft water. Maybe it was the wrong water softener, or was installed wrong (this was the accusation of the plumber who did not install it, accusing the plumber who did install it)...who knows, but now we're living in a different house (although same neighborhood and same water) and I'm hoping the Miele d/washer with softener will do the job on the glasses. Which other hood manufacturers would you recommend? Are there others that are likely to offer a 48" wall hood with 1200 cfm motor for $1300? I checked the Broan again on the internet and found that instead of $1400, I can buy it for $1250 or so inc. shipping and tax, so the price is getting better, but I'd love to know if there are others out there that offer same features for better price. Thanks again. Really appreciate the opinions and info! Susan

This is the original image IMO the flex room that you intend to use as a dining room is too far from the kitchen. What furniture do you intend to have in the family room? What furniture do you intend to have in the area in front of the fireplace? Now image having to carry all the food from the kitchen around all this furniture over to the flex space. Not an easy thing to do. How big of a table do you want in the dining area off the kitchen? It is very small. If you have a table with chairs, maybe a high chair, are you going to be able to open the cabinets doors on the left? If someone is sitting at the island bar, are you going to be able to open the pantry doors behind the island? In moving the wall for the stairs, the garage is now too small.

I would like to see more importance given to the front door with the side entry and garage I don't think it will be visable. I would change the living room to exterior entry doors or consider just one unless you have already considered furniture placement. I would change the kitchen/dining room to be more accessible but I'd keep in mind the sight lines with the island sink. It's not too far but I picture lugging dishes around that wall. Do your kids enter through the front door? (ie. bus riders/walkers) or will it be little used. I'd be tempted to swap the study and porch entry to open up the front door space. [Traditional Entry design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2107) by Boston Architect SAVOIE Architecture [Traditional Exterior design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2107) by Minneapolis General Contractor Stonewood, LLC [Eclectic Entry design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2104) by New York Architect Richard Bubnowski Design LLC [Traditional Entry design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2107) by Portland Maine Architect Whitten Architects If both upstairs bedrooms are occupied (not a guest room) I'd move the door to the common wall so it's not as far for bedroom #3. If it's a guest room I'd keep as is:) Love the size of the kids play room!! Love the connection to the outside and patio. Upper level looks ready for fun! I would as gaonmymind mentioned seriously consider not having an open balcony unless your kids are older.

Are you really committed to a cooktop plus two ovens? Because one possible solution to your concern about not having enough pantry space is to just do a stove. You could, at the same time, address the issues raised above. What if you took the cooktop out of the island and narrowed the island? I know you have a big bank of windows above the sliding door, but you could put a stove there. (Were you going to do an island vent over the cooktop?) Then you could build the microwave into a cabinet next to the fridge, and have plenty of space above and below it for rollout shelves. If you are not willing to conceive of such radical changes, I would definitely consider swapping the ovens and the fridge. I would want the fridge to be closer to the island as a landing spot when pouring drinks and pulling several items out of the fridge at one time.