Thanks Meghan. In my research today, I came across another possible solution - a bottleless countertop water dispenser. It looks like it's about the size of an air fryer, and it gets attached to a water line so it uses your home water supply. They have various features but the one I am looking at has hot, cool, and cold filtered water. It's not the ideal solution but if I can incorporate it into an appliance garage or something it could work. Anything to stop paying for and lugging 5 gallon bottles! (and get rid of the giant dispenser). They seem to run about $2-400.

I'm seeing Moen has a hot water dispenser, but sadly not a chilled one. I'll include a link, just in case you're interested:

https://shop.moen.com/collections/instant-hot-water-dispenser?

The island is huge and there's little space between the sink and the cabinets is what is a very large kitchen. I'd consider shrinking the island. The kitchen is very white and beige. You could punch is put by painting the walls a bright color r painting the bottom cabs. Or just bringing in color with chairs and other furnishings. I knew someone who had everything red in a rental with a white kitchen --- a red stand mizer, a red toaster, a red coffee maker. It added a pop of color without touching the kitchen.

If the former owners don't take those stupid signs, I'd ditch those, too.

Given that changing the island might be a big investment, I'd live with the kitchen for a while to figure out if the island's size is as awful as it looks. You might find the narrow distance convenient.

I had the same thought as katinparadise - get rid of the kitchen table, extend the kitchen into that space, and put a walk-in pantry between the kitchen and laundry room.

It looks like you have at least a 7' opening between kitchen and dining rooms - I suspect removing those walls would eat a lot of your budget, and I'm not sure you'd gain that much.

I can't wait to see what some of the talented folks here come up with, once they get a measured floor plan!

I love a tree with just lights and no ornaments! You could totally make that work. And if needs something extra maybe try an ivory or champagne ribbon or garland in it. Easier than individual ornaments.

I can understand not wanting a full bedspread...

How about a Kantha or Cambodian silk patchwork quilt throw for the foot of the bed in summer, and a tartan throw with the blue/brown/cream tones for winter?

^^^This is very attractive, but would necessitate the homeowner getting all new cabinets, appliances, lighting, flooring and furniture, as well as installing vintage beams in the ceiling. In sum, a total gut renovation. Mucho $$$$$$$. I don't think that was her question.

In that case keep the layout how it is. It works and that's all that matters.

To make it a littlee"prettier"You can always get a similar table like the one you have but one that has covers to hide the shoes. If not an issue, moving on.

If the cord is not an issue, keep it out the way by making sure it's at flat as possible on the floor. Usually my experience is people trip when it is hanging far from the power source and a hazard.

The dining table seems to be the one you like and it is already custom and under the light, so perhaps if you wanted you could find one that has rounded corners like you said.  Otherwise the space looks absolutely fine currently.

That is a good idea...I'll see if there is a rose association. There are not a lot of rose enthusiasts in our neighborhood. I do love the coloring of Chicago Peace. In the Fall when the nights are cool, the colors can knock your socks off.

Any suggestions on a sherwin williams color that you think may work? we are gettin all new carpet as well. a lighter color.

i used Chatgpt for the color backdrop from floor to ceiling. thoughts?

Thank you so much!!!

As you can see in the picture, the only ground cover there is gravel. I'm looking for a paver patio and perhaps some synthetic turf.

I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say house with plants? Here is pano of the courtyard. The house surrounds it on three sides, the fourth is a fence.

Things I'm looking for include, types of trees (considering proximity to fence/driveway), Should the trees be planted in the ground or in large planters.

We don't want to put an attached pergola as it would block the sunlight and we'd like to keep it sunny inside. So most likely considering a detached pergola closer to the fence.

Thanks.

Yes, remove the boards and extra dirt. Hire a strong teenager for an afternoon to take care of that for you. I think you’ll be surprised at how different that area feels when it’s all open and one level.