This is my first post on the forums. =)

My suggestion is adding windows to the two smaller bathrooms and also to the laundry area. Natural light is so nice to have in those spaces, and windows can help with ventilation too.

thank you hhwiseman. We will definitely be adding windows to the bathrooms, laundry room and mudroom. I need to get the walls to stop moving first :-)

I like the general layout of the mud/laundry. I'm not sure the scale of the walkin closet is right - it doesn't look like enough space to have hanging rods on both sides. That's not a big deal, though, because you could simply just have a rod on one side and shelving or cubbies or hanging hooks on the other side.

I can't tell what that box is just to the left of the stairway. Is it necessary? It seems to add to the clutter and busy-ness of the area.

Also, in the kitchen (even though you didn't ask) I can't tell which of those boxes are the refrigerator. But I don't like the location of either. Both are too close to the congestion of the island/mudroom door. What about moving it much closer to the dining table?

Thank you LittleBug5. I'm not sure about the walk-in closet either (I presume you mean the Master). I'm not thrilled with the Master Suite as a whole - need ideas here! I've asked the designer to "redo" the whole left "wing". I'm actually thinking of asking him to swap the Master suite with Bedroom 4...
The box to the left of the stairway is our freezer. The refrigerator is marked just on the other side of the mud room wall, closest to the door to the mudroom, right across from the island. I have it (in my head) moved to the left so it doesn't interfere with the island at all (I have a more detailed kitchen layout from my kitchen designer). As far as moving it closer to the dining table, I've tried that. I have stone pillars to either side of the rangetop (visually separating the dining area from the kitchen area to the left and to the right it is between the wall oven and the countertop). With the pillars, the only space for the fridge on that wall would be in the dining space and I do not like that at all...

Just some perspectives (since I can't see actual dimensions)--your master shower is as large as your master bed.

I agree about the master closet appearing that it may not actually function as it has been drawn.

If you will have 2 users of the J&J on a regular basis, then figure out how to get one single door (lock) for the toilet containing portion, rather than 2 doors. Otherwise, one will always be locked out. Easily solved by turning the vanities, for example.

It appears that the guest bedroom (bath) is meant to be wheel-chair friendly). I point out that the bedroom closet is not. As well, the door appears too narrow for easy wheelchair access to the bathroom (since it is approached needing a 90* turn into it).

Is the upstairs (or down?) just a bonus (or basement)? Or, will there be real living space up/down there? I ask because, if real living space, I wouldn't have to send people regularly through the mudroom to get there. If it is just accessory space/storage space, then it doesn't bother me.

How do you intend to use the long counter that extends to the left of the range? It seems that that will be very expensive, unused space. But, maybe you have a lot of china to display, or?

The kitchen forum (if you post a better image, with dimensions for the kitchen) will be able to give you specific information and advice on kitchen layout optimization. I cannot tell, right now, your aisle width between island and range, where your fridge is and where your ovens are. Generally, I like to see (in such a large walled kitchen with a single dining space) the fridge nearer to the dining table than it is right now. But, that is a gross generalization. But, with your DW placement, and dining placement, I do think having the fridge at the other end (closer to the dining area) would make sense for quick satisfaction of thirst so people aren't walking through your working space (between range and sink).

Also, you might consider whether it would be beneficial to have a prep sink on that long counter near the range (and to slide the range one way or the other) to optimize prep area without having to drip across the aisle from sink to range. And, frequently (dependent an aisle width) it is good to offset the sink and range. Esp if you anticipate more than 1 cook in the kitchen.

I agree that the master bedroom isn't quite working. Could you move the handicapped guest room over to that portion and have the master nearer the garage? That doesn't completely solve your problem: You still don't have a clear, easy entrance to the master bedroom, but I think it might be a step in the right direction.

I'd consider moving Bedroom 3 to the left a little, which would allow that hallway to access Bedrooms 2, 3 and Handicapped. All those secondary bedrooms on one hallway would work nicely . . . then you'd have your master on the other side.

What are your plans for the Handicapped bedroom? Will someone live in this bedroom all the time?

Consider a handicapped person's entrance into the house -- probably through the garage. They navigate the turn in the mud room, and they have to scoot through that very narrow aisle in the kitchen. Too much effort for this person! In addition to making a "clearer shot" into the house, I'd consider moving the Handicapped bedroom to what you've currently labeled Bedroom 2. It's the easiest to reach from the garage to the bedroom.

However, once the wheelchair user passes the gauntlet that is the mudroom, you have nice, wide-open hallways.

If the handicapped bath stays "as is", I'd want to see some storage added. A linen closet or a tower cabinet. This person will benefit more than anyone else from having things "right at his fingertips".

In the master bedroom, you have lots of space at the foot of the bed that appears wasted.

I think you have too much cabinetry in the kitchen. Carrying it allll the way down the wall will result in expensive, not very useful space. Think about it: Who's going to stand beside the table, facing the wall and mix up a cake? The reality is that all the work'll be done in the kitchen's main area. You have a nice-sized pantry, and that's less expensive than cabinetry AND can store a whole lot more stuff. I'd end the cabinets where the island ends, and allow the table area to have more space -- or put in a freestanding china cabinet.

Why three sets of French doors to the back? The center set will provide all the backyard access you need. I'd replace the others with windows. Windows cost less, they are more energy efficient, and they're less easy for a thief to break into (and more doors = higher price if you're putting in a security system). Doors will take up more space on the patio, meaning it's harder to place your outdoor furniture.

With light pouring in from two sides, your great room won't be dark, but it also won't have that lovely light-filled quality that so many of us love. I'd consider slightly high ceilings (for the great room only -- this'll provide a nice transition between it and the kitchen/dining) and transom windows over the tops of these great room windows.

I like having a table near my front door --- doesn't have to be big or elaborate -- where guests can drop their keys or purses. Will you have space for such a table under the windows?

I know you said you're not thinking about windows until the walls "stop moving" - and you're right to do so, but when you reach that point, be sure that your windows "match" on the front of the house.

Thank you, kirkhall.

That's funny that you noted that the master shower is as large as the master bed - never thought about it that way, but true! I want a 2-person shower, hence the large shower.

Your Jack n Jill suggestion and your handicap access comments make good points. This may all be changed after reading other comments because I'm asking the designer to put Bed 2, 3, and 4 all together, moving the Master to where Bed 4 is...

The upstairs is just Bonus. A place to put the kids/grandkids for sleepovers, etc.

The long counter that extends to the left of the range is actually visually/physically separated from the kitchen cabinets by a stone (?) pillar. The cabinets in the dining area will be for buffet serving, china cabinet display, wine rack.

I will post to the Kitchen forum with more detail - good idea. I have 4' aisle ways in the kitchen, hoping that is enough not to offset range and sink... The fridge placement is a frequent comment... aesthetically, I can't figure where to put it closer to the dining area than it is... it's about 16' (as the crow flies) from the dining table to the fridge... The wall ovens (microwave stacked on double wall ovens) are to the right of the rangetop, separated by a stone pillar the same as the one to the left, separating the dining from the kitchen.

I've received consistent comments re: bedrooms and the cabinetry in the dining area. Thank you, Mrs.Pete! I'm working with the designer to rethink ALL the bedrooms and my previous response to kirkhall may clear up the cabinetry in the dining area.
As far as three sets of french doors to the back, I am actually hoping to make it a nana wall or some other stacking sliding doors so I can expand the living space for entertaining. We entertain a lot so want the flexibility to "grow" when needed. (that's why my dining area is set as it is. I can expand the table into the family room area if needed)

I do plan for higher ceilings in the family room with clerestory windows (?) to bring in more light. I LIKE light! (10' ceilings throughout except the family room may go up to 16' per designer).

There will probably not be space for a table near the front door, however, the coat closet is there and I'm sure there will be a sofa table behind the sofa that will be parallel to the front entry (back to the front door).

Yes, matching windows on the front of the house. The front porch area will be "matching" in that the doors will be either 3/4 or full lite and the windows to either side will look like the front doors, just not operational. (we are building on acreage with a lot of privacy so having a lot of windows is not a problem).