If this were my house, I would do away with the breakfast bar because the dining area is very handy close by. Of course, if you have school age children, that breakfast bar might be a keeper. Since I hate to sit on high bar stools, I have no use for these breakfast bars in all the new homes. LOL! As you become a "mature" person and into retirement, climbing up onto bar stools might become more problematic. Just my opinion.

I might put a pantry where that breakfast bar is. I love pantries for food storage, but then I love to cook too. Have you thought about storage near/in the kitchen for recycle bins, pet food bags, large cooking pots, etc.?

I think the use of the 10' ceilings in the living areas will make the rooms seem bigger, even though they are not too small. Personally, my 9" ceilings in my home are enough for me. I never understood why people thought they had to have cathedral ceilings in a bedroom or bath....but hey! this is the Small House forum...right?

Thanks for the info to your blog. I look forward to visiting there.

Teresa

I understand why you like the breakfast bar with a toddler growing up.

If you have the bench near at the side door built in with the top hinged to open, you can use the space inside the bench for boots, mittens, scarves, bike helmet, etc.

Usually the fireplace extends out from the outside wall of the house and is more or less flush inside. Do they build them differently in Canada?

Is this the same plan that has a basement workroom under the kitchen?

Also, if you want more closets, have you thought about getting rid of the door to the master bath from the hallway? You have access to the second bath right across from it. If you got rid of that door, you could put a linen closet in the master bath and have a long row of closet space in the hallway...and keep the laundry room!

The front porch isn't very deep, but if it's just an entry area, it should be okay. I would take the money and use it to screen the porch in the back. No matter where you live, sitting at a small table on the porch, without the bugs, neighbor cats, etc. joining you can be pretty nice :)

I love the bench in the dining room and would leave the entry bench with hooks in the front hall just as it is. It adds a lot of character to your home and is great for company or for yourself! Also like the eating bar, which helps divide the kitchen from the dining area. In open floor plans, the breakfast bar gives a little definition between rooms and more space for food when company comes over. Looks like a great house. Enjoy!