pattimay Almostretired - As we've chatted earlier, you continue to sound so much like me. We are almost at breaking ground and my fear has been nothing but storage but maybe this will help. Our house plans do include enough storage that I'm happy with but I'm realizing since we just listed our home and we're cleaning it out everyday for a potential buyer we don't need as much "stuff" as we did in our younger years or thought we would.. The parties are more casual so the need for all of the fancy dishes are gone. Matter of fact I sold all of my china, next is the buffet. I don't need all of the ice cream makers, specialty pots, the one dish for one reason anymore. Not only that but as we get older we are finding everyone likes going out for dinners or parties and we plan on traveling more so who needs all the stuff thus no need to focus on "tons" of storage space.
In saying that, however, I do want to have space for a vacuum, broom and cleaning products. I don't want the vacuum in the coat closet anymore. I want things more easily accessible so I've planned more that way.
We do have a pantry and it is going to hold everything! No more cabinet to cabinet, downstairs for things, it's all going to be handy to grab and set. It takes up space but it's not valuable space plus it's where cabinets would be anyhow. I'm going from a 36 drawer and cabinet kitchen to one that has about 2 upper cabinets and maybe 8 lower drawers. We are doing away with upper cabinets and walls. We are putting cabinets or drawers (haven't decided which) on the other side of the island that faces the great room. They will hold wine glasses, DVD's, specialty drink napkins, basically party things that you would use more in the great room.
The key is to continue going through your home and realizing what you really won't be using and keeping in mind what bugs you most in your current home.
I don't know about you, but we've never built before plus this being our retirement home it's scary making all the choices and hoping we will be happy with it all 20 years from now. I watch my M-I-L and my mom and what needs they have and am incorporating them into our new home. That way they won't need to be done later on. Think and plan for the future too.
As always, good luck! Patti

almostretired pattimay Thank you and congratulations on ground breaking! I hear you loud and clear. I'm at my first pass of gathering unnecessary items for a big fall yard sale and you've given me much to think about. My motto is SIMPLIFY! I just told my husband we should keep the ice cream freezer even though we hadn't used it in years. Better rethink that one! My kitchen has always felt tight and I mentally am designing a larger one, but I have to remember that the kids are all gone now and what I actually need is a better designed one, not necessarily larger. I too think the pantry is the way to go so that fewer uppers and more elbow room will work. We've never built either and yes, the decisions we make now will be forever! We could go on and on, couldn't we? I am going to see if Houzz will allow us to send messages and get in touch with you. Thanks for your thoughts, they are helping me focus on our goal!

Echelon Custom Homes The granite on the perimeter of the kitchen is Giallo Napoleon. The flooring used is Anderson Virginia Vintage in Trace color.

Echelon Custom Homes The furnishing for this room were designed by The Interior Collection http://www.houzz.com/pro/jodimt/the-interior-collection. I am sure they will be able to provide the information you're looking for

Granite Grannies Looks like a Delicatus Granite. Could also be a Bianco Antico Granite or a Silver & Gold Granite.

Echelon Custom Homes It's Bianco Antico granite.

Echelon Custom Homes It's Hickory hardwood flooring.

Echelon Custom Homes It's Black Pearl granite.

Granite Grannies Looks like a St. Cecilia, New Venetian Gold, or Giallo Ornamental Granite. The rest of the granite counters are Tan Brown.

Echelon Custom Homes It's Giallo Veneziano granite.

Echelon Custom Homes It's Grizzle Gray SW7068 by Sherwin Williams