Forget dust, what about all the other things that designers or buyers forget: fingerprints on shiny new surfaces... result: things stop looking new. Grime build-up in the nooks and crannies of classic profiles ... result: not so classy looking. Those funky new colours that are so "on trend" but nothing else matches and in a few years they look completely off-color. As for dusting, well people, it is a fact of life and every house no matter how sleek, cluttered or empty will gather dust. Couple of things you can do about it: Hydronic heating has really cut down dust for me because you don't have warm air being blown through the house through ducts. (It's also way cosier). Secondly, remember that every time you have your windows open, more dust comes in. So when ventilating after a hot spell, avoid having them open for long periods when its very windy. Thirdly, has anyone tried Grabit dusters? They *really* make dusting a quick, simple and efficient job. They pick up and hold rather than redistribute the dust. Also they are so light that you can confidently flick them around even fragile items without knocking them over - so this all saves time.

Glad you're enjoying Houzz.

while it is always a dream to have a home that matches your "dreams and desires" sometimes budgets must come first. Do you really want to splash out a lot of money on a look that you may not be able to afford. With mortgages so expensive and eating into our everyday lifestyle costs and jobs no longer guaranteed, I think your priority should be to put as much money into your mortgage while you can and just have a comfortable home where you can afford to be happy, healthy and free.......... don't burden yourself with additional costs just because it is "trending" at the moment. Trends change and so do your wish lists as time goes on. Think Comfort and Affordability.

something like this might suit by moving not enlarging the door between kitchen and living allows for better use of wall space with a tall pantry and base cabinet with wall shelves continuing over the couch space, continuing base cabinets along the north wall with a a modest island and extending dining table with extra folding chairs stored in the pantry