Might I add, we would like to keep the second layer of windows above the vault intact so it still looks grand from the back of the house

A vaulted ceiling could be done for $$$$$. IMO, you can achieve the look you want by replacing all the heavy traditional trim, including the balcony rail,with simpler trim. Replace the formal light fixtures. You can change the shape of the fireplace/chimney. Add faux beams to the upper ceiling. But I don't think you need to add a vaulted ceiling. The cozy feeling is something you can create from the top of the windows to the floor with your choices in furniture, fabric, rug, paint, and accessories. My concern would be how this cozy casual greatroom will relate to the rest of this apparently traditional style home.

I would NOT add a dishwasher or any kitchen-like cabinetry or sink in a dining room. Add a second dishwasher just for glassware in the kitchen if you really need an extra one, but not in the dining room. Not ever, no way, no how.

I would install those cabinets in my garage...a perfect place for extra storage pieces. I assume your kitchen has cabinets already and these " gifted" cabinets would not be an improvement.

Hi felizlady, I think you are commenting on the wrong thread

I don't like a tub/shower combination either. I replaced a t/s combo in our master bath with a beautiful 48"x48" corner shower with frameless glass outer walls and , porcelain tile inner walls and floor, granite sill entry and good shower head and adjustable wand on a vertical bar. If you really want a tub, have a separate tub and separate shower if you have the space. (You could also choose to have a normal tub inside a very large shower enclosure, as I have seen on Houzz.)

I vote for putting the den tv across from your favorite tv-watching chair or sofa. If that place is there in the corner, then keep it there. If you need to see a tv from the kitchen, put another tv in the kitchen.

I like your choice of backsplash tiles, but would prefer it in smaller-size tiles. The pattern is beautiful but it may not show as well in the fairly small space you have available for the backsplash. The two tones seem to match your counter perfectly.

were you considering a one way slanted faux ceiling? like from the top of the balcony to below the upper windows? i suppose it might be done as the new material wouldnt be load bearing.

fabric would be nifty too...

actually, i like the fabric option a lot.

Wow I will be honest that I had not considered fabric before... will definitely have to consider it!

We were thinking of closing off that side of the balcony and creating a new wall for an art gallery above. So that way the vault would be symmetrical in the room. It already over looks the foyer which we like.

felizelady you are posting on the wrong dilemma

Okay you are not seriously thinking of this dust catching fabric ceiling I hope I think live there for a while and see how you fell this will be a big $$$$ undertaking.

Purchase a home that has the ceiling style you desire. No sense ruining a perfectly good home that someone else would purchase who likes 2 story ceilings.

yes as its not purchased yet i'd keep shopping. but i still like the fabric.

nnigrt, but the fabric won't look like the image because it will be longer on one side and shorter on the other. It's a great look for an event, but not a home.

Buy a different/ less formal house, or build one, so you don't end up back here with the disaster you will create by messing around with this one, which can not become what you really want. That fabric concept.........uh no. Unless you're hosting a wedding......