After I had finished my Archi Masters I was working for an architecture firm who also did a small amount of work for a volume builder. They were actually a pretty good quality builder and at least got the orientation of their 'pre-designed' plans correct. We had the ability to make minor changes to every job and it pained me to see so many simple to implement passive options not being incorporated. Had most of their clients known that they would be saving MONEY over the longterm by making a few minor changes to suit their site, they all would have done it. The problem is unless someone can sell this idea to them as a financial/lifestyle choice, many just think it is about saving the world. It is a no-brainer if you have in interest in it, but for those who don't know, there is no-one there selling it to them, especially on the lower end of the market.

Better to convert the 3.5 X 2.4 bedroom in to bathroom, your plumbing is next to it. Your study should remain where it is.

Agree with all 3 above, immerge - yes have pantry next to fridge and take bench all way to wall, so longer, take away those cupboard on the wall above bench to extend bench space, ea100 - yes you could extend bench so wider. If you have the budget I would try to change all the laminate to another more neutral colour like a very pale grey or antique white. Love bbean's suggestion of a taller table that can go under the bench or even be turned at right angles to the bench when you want a more sophisticated table arrangement or 4, using bench as extra serving dish area. Occasionally I will put our table under our kitchen bench if I want to serve food as a buffet for visitors - works very well - have done this even for a tupaware party and then all chairs faced the demo area, worked well.

Changes cost an absolute bomb so consider your modifications carefully Joy. Looking at both plans you've not altered the design much rather you've moved rooms around whilst trying to retain the original content. Some rooms appear less usable as a result. The #2/bed/study is one, seems too small, even the guest bed seems smaller and it didn't appear large to begin with. Without room dimensions it's a bit tougher to make comments however. I wonder why you made the guest bathroom a powder room given the location is such that it won't be used as frequently as the bathroom off the main living area? Sure put the doorway into the guest room so the bathroom can service the bed/study too but don't lose the shower up there. Nothing worse for guests than having to pad through the main living area in their pj's to the shower or worse with a towel wrapped around their middles on the return trip to get dressed. It's enough to put some off their cornflakes! I'd seriously rethink some of those changes Joy they will cost you a lot with little gain methinks. I'm sorry to sour the mood I know it's an exciting time but I'd hate to see you make expensive and possibly unnecessary decisions.