I have to join this discussion of Hardwood in the kitchen. I am a little biased in this discussion because of being a tile contractor for almost 30 years. I have seen alot of hardwood kitchen floors. I have to give you the cons of putting hardwood in. Hardwood floors look great. As far as durability I am not sold. Hardwood floors look great when they are first put in. Depending on the traffic in the kitchen I give them about 4 to 5 years is when you see significant wear. I have seen alot of hardwood floors in kitchens with water damage. Now I know you think you wont have a leak from your dishwasher, refrigerator or a general plumbing leak. Well these things do happen and when it does the hardwood needs to be totally removed. Some times this is not so easy if the hardwood goes under the base cabinets. I am not saying do not put hardwood in the kitchen I think you should look at whats going to work for you. There are plenty of porcelain tiles that will give you the look of hardwood but give you the durability of a porcelain tile. Tile installed properly will last a long time. Hardwood will last but it will look warn to the point that it would need to be refinished at a cost around $2000.00 depending on the size of the room. I don't want to upset the hardwood floor lovers I have it all over my house except the bathrooms and kitchen. The floor is 20 years old 4 kids 2 dogs and still looks great. I am sure what ever you choose it will look great.

i also wouldnt be too happy with this design, ist very boring, all Brown and tan... so. get some nice blues and teals for throws and cushions, maybe with bit of yellow in it a round or oval coffee glass table would work much better here and reflect more light, adding teal accents - vases, and Greens- artificial plants etc. rugs - some ideas - , get colourful deco accents on your fireplace mantel as well, no more tan ;) i love your clock, but i dont think this is the best place for it, i think a big nice artwork with some Pop would work much better here - clock could go to Foyer, staircase wall etc. artwork - good luck, hope that helped a bit.

I love the reading nook, too. We had one in our old house, we called it our "Harry Potter cupboard" and the kids' toys had a home there. Love the open shelf idea, could also do floating shelves, drawer seating with a cushion (drawers giving storage) for the reading nook...oh the possibilities are such fun!

What do you think of putting curtains hanging from the ceiling..light and airy. On the back wall a low, long table where you could put a water feature or candles, or a few Quartz lamps. What about birch wallpaper on that back wall or distressed wood. A lowered bed witih lot's of pillows