Ideally your addition toward the driveway would essentially take this from being two joined angles to three. I would use the exact same angle creating a fan effect from the aerial view. Either also extending the shed addition, or adding a porch/enclosed mudroom to mirror that shape. a two story addition, providing a garage, entry space, and relocation for the master bedroom.

As far as your railing goes I would change to horizontal- like this: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3d/b9/fa/3db9fadbde6bf47cf5b755eb1ec6984d.jpg

I think that opening up the space and moving the kitchen to the master bedroom is a great idea: there is already plumbing in that galley kitchen wall. You could take up both spaces and make a very inviting, very function, with lots of storage kitchen for entertaining.

Keep in mind that with all this, your budget better be hefty.

as my husband would say "TL;DR"

(too long, didnt read. i hate when i've typed up a big email to him and i get that back).

I send mine memes about donuts. That's his interest.

I like the great room.

Thank you! Yes, I Agree it's too long. That is why I put "long post" in the heading and that I need help with everything. I wanted to include pics because they speak more than words and it might help showing what the issues are. If it's too long, keep scrolling I guess! :) I Appreciate You All!

Hi saraalane! Great choice in cork: soft & warm underfoot, durable, and comes in just the colour you're looking for!

We have a variety of chocolate and espresso shades of cork, like this one:

Espresso in Florence Premier Cork

I read the whole thing and can appreciate your dilemma. I am also trying to figure out my 1987 contemporary house, that leans rustic inside. We are starting a kitchen renovation and it's overwhelming. Good luck.

Thank you so much Annye! It's so frustrating in so many ways. I have a call into an architect because I think it's the only way we are going to get any satisfaction with it. Modern, yet rustic, so dated, how to update it without ruining the architecture and style. What are you thinking for your kitchen reno? I am thinking for us soft white cabinets because even though I Love the natural wood, I NEED something different in the other rooms. And my old kitchen has the almond with oak trim cabinets so white will be okay. I will stay with a soft white cabinet. A medium brown quartz counter (because I painted the orange counters with a counter top paint in a brown and it's nice color wise) and I already have a pebble back splash that mimics the stone fireplace... Darker cork floors... Do you have a post on here? Would love to see your house! Good Luck to you too!

I thought I would give an update! We had the architect out last fall; he gave us some ideas of what we could do with the roof line. We are adding on a one story garage with a covered breezeway to the right of the house. This leads to the "back room" which is the laundry room. I am moving the kitchen to the great room, so the old kitchen will now be the formal entryway with closets and small nook office. I finally found some inspiration photos on Houzz that speak to me and will work in my house! I've wanted white trim and cabinets, but wasn't sure how the contrast would look. I will change the super white to a soft white/off white so it blends more. This will brighten the house even more and update it to more of my style. Thanks again for all of your help.

40th Street · More Info

Will do! Most likely late Summer or Fall. Contractors are booked up! And you know how it takes longer than we think! Thanks!