One more thing I noticed with that kitchen in photos that rubbed me the wrong way: it looks like the main sink is across the wall ovens, and the stove faces the island seating area. I personally like to have my sink right across the stovetop for efficiency. Or at least near the stovetop!
2 Likes
An all wood ceiling would be too much but I think having some wood beams would be nice for a rustic look.
But also, an all white ceiling is a classic look that doesn’t need anything else, really.
It is hard to stay within budget while incorporating all the ideas that look so great in the photos! Definitely something I have to tell myself firmly every time I see something on Pinterest that wows me.
3 Likes
Ahhh-I see what you mean on the threshold now…good plan. We have a smaller shower that is open on one side that I like and don’t notice it being colder. H and I are same height so I’ve never really thought about needing to adjust the shower height or car seats/rear view mirror settings.
1 Like
If you are going to devote the space for a walkthru shower, it does seem to make sense to make no-threshold, with ability to roll in a wheel chair. (You probably would not need that in older age, but if you did it would be super helpful. And it seems future buyers might think same.) To make it affordable, you should avoid high cost tile options.
4 Likes
When picking out shower tile, please consider how easy it will be to clean and maintain the shower. The previous owners of our House2 were huge fans of limestone… we are slowly replacing these porous, hard to maintain surfaces. 
9 Likes
A rule of thumb is less than six feet between the kitchen and stove. I couldn’t manage it in my kitchen and I do notice that whatever the distance is, it’s just a little too far.
3 Likes
I noticed the sink vs stove placement as well! Zoomed in looking for a second sink near the stove but could not spot one. That’s a very odd choice functionally in an otherwise beautiful kitchen.
4 Likes
Especially odd since that kitchen has TWO sinks, but neither near the stove.
4 Likes
Right?! Really strange layout! I zoomed in just now and saw that second sink. Since my kitchen plan has been finalized the way I want on paper, I don’t pay attention to these details in any of the photos.
2 Likes
When we built our house (now two of them!) eons ago I got a book on basic kitchen design which focused on kitchen layout, work triangle, distances between appliances, required counter space next to a stove or fridg etc. so you don’t walk your feet off in the kitchen! Most of this is on the internet these days but really studying it can help you focus on WORKING design in your kitchen. I’ve seen a lot of pretty designer kitchens that aren’t that practical on a day to day basis.
I have some drawers in my kitchen and wish I had a few more. If I redid it a couple more lower cabinets would become drawers. But I did put in some pull out racks (easy to install myself) that made a huge difference.
I have good pantry space now but in my first house we had a small pantry cupboard in our little kitchen space. I still miss it. The storage for such a small space was perfect.
Make sure you have enough electrical outlets especially on kitchen counters.
4 Likes
Where is the refrigerator in this scene? And the dishwasher?
2 Likes
I’m guessing the fridge is the large panel door to the right of double ovens and the dishwasher is on the back side of island by the sink.
2 Likes
Agree!! I am looking for low maintenance everything. I don’t want to spend my fun years on the lake cleaning the house. I will definitely inquire about all options inside and out being low maintenance. Our deck is a trex like material.
3 Likes
I took one if the builder’s plans and had the wall extended to make room for a 4 1/2x 8’ pantry. That is what we have now and I like that size.
One of the large panel doors on either side of the ovens looks to be hiding the refrigerator. But I have looked for the dishwasher and not found it, possibly it is to the left of the sink on the island. One would hope so! Some of these designer kitchens look to be designed as props and not working kitchens at all.
I have my sink, stove and refrigerator in a tight triangle of 3 feet or so but the ovens are not close by. There was no way we could swing having everything close together, a compromise I can live with.
4 Likes
Trex is good in a colder climate–in a hot southern summer it can warp. Not so pretty. And it gets REALLY hot on the feet.
One big decision that can be cheap or costly is window coverings. So much depends on property location and personal preference but they can be big bucks depending on what you choose.
3 Likes
That was my setup in my last house and worked great. I didn’t mind the ovens being a bit further away. My current “downsized” house has a smaller kitchen so it’s not an issue. I do hope to do a kitchen reno in a couple years. The existing is fine but not what I would have chosen… so maybe I’ll have my own thread at some point 
. Until then I can enjoy and get ideas from here.
1 Like
I just saw a news headline saying that lumber prices are falling… good news for those who are thinking about new construction.
3 Likes
Excellent!!! Have a link?
Just flashed on my screen… probably can be found. Let me check… 
Googling “lumber prices” pulls up a number of articles on this…. Like this one.
1 Like