Oh, and family of three, we cook most nights and I bake quite a bit (hence the desire for a large open work space - I hate trying to roll out dough in a limited space). We don't eat at the island but at the dining room table - island seating is just for my daughter and her cousins/friends to be able to sit while helping, doing homework, etc.).

Also, kitchen will be vaulted (my husband and the architect have assured me it will be great), likely with soffits over the cabinets so they don't become dust collectors.

Hi Kristin,

Congratulations on your future home ! Do you have a floor plan available of the entire first floor to show where the kitchen is in relation to your other rooms ?

Is the structure at the left end of the island something specific ? Bookcase, etc.

I saw the walk in pantry in your ideabook with the "hidden" entrance that looked like cabinetry - is that something you're interested in ?

Christopher

Here's the main level floor plan.

I have no idea what that structure is - my best guess would be structural support that could be turned into something interesting.

I like the idea of the hidden pantry entrance with cabinetry in the pantry (at least the visible part) but I imagine that will come down to a budget decision. The other choice would be a swinging or pocket door.

Kristin - thank you for the additional information.

The built in "hidden" pantry entry is definitely going to cost more than a standard door or pocket door into the pantry.

Yes, I think it will really depend on where we are overall budget-wise.

I thought you were looking into changing where the guest bedroom was so you didn't have to walk such a convoluted walk from garage to pantry.

cpartist - I couldn't convince my husband on that one. I did sell him on combining the media and playrooms into one larger, dual purpose space that can be flexible down the road, though. The architect also laid out our furniture in the space to see about making the great room work, though, resulting in moving the fireplace. Life (and marriage, and housebuilding) are all about compromise :-).