Hello all, I am reaching out for help. We built our current house 19 years ago, and will be empty-nesters in the next 4 years. I know so many features I want in my next (and probably last house) but have spent 6 months searching thru online floor plans and cannot even find a good starting point. I am hoping someone out there can help me. We are two engineers, so I have vision, and can make changes to plans, but really want to start with SOMETHING close. First, I essentially want Jack-n-Jill masters. My husband snores incredibly. He spends most nights in our current guest room. I just want to accept the fact that we need two bedrooms for us, but I only want one bathroom for us to share. This can be limiting on floor plans, but even if a plan shows two bedrooms on the same side of the house with two bathroom, we can remove elements (and add more closet space!) to have only one bathroom. Two bedrooms, on the same side of the first floor are what is key. I don't want a dining room. I want one eating area. Not a "nook," but one everyday, large-enough for occasions, eating area. An open floorplan set-up is what I am going for so when the kiddos (and extras) are over. I don't like a kitchen sink staring out into living areas. I would prefer one that looks outside. (This detail is a struggle.) Currently, I look into my backyard while out the sink. I don't care if it's a side yard, front yard, etc. I just want to look outside. I want a second entrance that is not the garage. Currently, everyone pulls beside our double-bay, side-entry garage, and just naturally wants to walk thru the garage into the kitchen. No one comes thru my front door! The second entrance would be great, because I love the concept of a drop zone. A bench, places for shoes, etc. The laundry room does not need to be in this area (i.e. I don't need a "mud room" at this entrance) but the drop zone with a nearby powder room is great for days we are working in the yard or people are coming in and need to wash up. There will be a third bedroom for guests. I would prefer it to be downstairs so everything is on one level. However, if I must have a 1 1/2 story, and put a bedroom/bathroom upstairs, that works too. Lastly, I need one flex room. Office/TV/exercise. I cannot express how much I would appreciate it if someone can help me find a floor plan that is a good starting point. I have all the build details in my mind, but can't move past this point. I am thinking it should be less than 2800 sq ft. Thank you greatly in advance!! Deidre

I decided to took out the half wall on second stair and replace it with wood handrails and iron balusters. Since the drywall was not cut perfectly, I am thinking of install some trim to cover the area outlined by white lines in the picture. It may be ugly to have the new trim connect with the old trim along the stairs, which is also white (red circle). What is the best way to have the trim placed?