Yes, rethink the dumbwaiter if that problem can’t be solved. With a second floor and a lower garage you’re only going to get able bodied people bidding on the house anyway. (I say that and I was rooting for the dumbwaiter).
I think I agree with @greenwich. If it’s too much trouble and inconvenience, let go of the idea.
Regarding dumbwaiter… for some reason my real estate agent is really adamant about the dumbwaiter. Waiting for the draftsman to get me next set of plans so I can analyze if that dang dumbwaiter is still causing us problems
Regarding Living Room Windows
Making the living room windows taller is a really good idea. However, I think it cannot happen. Here’s the reasoning behind why I have to make this type of cost decision that is not in the very best interest of design:
We have analyzed the structure behind the walls and there is a double top plate (we think) coming across behind the wall about 8" above the existing windows. We know this because we had to open up wall above French door area to check the header and structure and we can see the double top plate location and we are assuming that it is in same place across that back wall.
Because of the double top plate in wall, we can only take those windows a maximum of 8" higher.
I measured up the ‘ratio’ of the rectangle grid windows by the front door. They are 1/3 higher than they are wide. To mimic that ratio we would have to heighten the living room windows 12"… can’t happen
I called and checked… the square windows are already built and are on a truck to California, arriving early next week. So, I will have to eat the windows that were ordered for those openings. After careful analysis of the plans for the remodeled area and the new 2nd story I don’t think there is anywhere I can use these windows because they are ‘fixed’ windows and all the other locations (except above bathtub in master bath) need opening windows for ventilation. It doesn’t make any sense to stick these windows somewhere in the back of the house just to use them for the sake of using them. So… the square windows will just get dragged to my garage to be stored forever. I really doubt I am ever going to have another remodel with this style and architecture (it’s unusual for San Diego) with exactly a 36" x 36" opening 
Ordering new windows at 44" high x 36" wide will cost $1,300. That does not include the cost to tear out all of the plaster and stucco in order to move the header up 8" and put in new studs that will hold up that header. And then patch everything back up!! My guess is that it might approach $2,000 to correct my design mistake (wouldn’t be the first time!!)
From the exterior, all windows in the front of the house are set at the same top height. It might look strange from the outside to have windows at a different height… OR it might look really neat
But, here is the main reason I cannot make this change right now. Unfortunately, I had to submit plans to get a permit to change out the windows. In the plans it shows that we are replacing in an existing opening. If I change the size of the windows technically I have to submit a ‘plan change’ to the City and go through review again and pay more fees. The last thing I want to do right now is pay more fees I think the inspector is nice and he would not say anything, nor would he go around with a tape measure and meticulously measure every new window and opening.
Final Nail in the Coffin… it is going to take 5-6 weeks to get new windows ordered, built and shipped. This means that I will not be able to have an inspection and get this permit closed out for another 7 weeks. I’m tired of waiting for something to get done around here
So, we are going to live with the square windows!
I took some pictures with pencil lines drawn at 8" height and with shelf in location. They are in the Flickr Group
I think that I will print out pictures of the lighting choices and take them over to property this weekend with my agent and see if she has a favorite.
Unfortunately, I like 2 or 3 of them and it’s hard to decide
I really like the Ballard Design one but I’m worried that it might be too ‘dainty’ / thin and will get lost in the dark wood in the ceiling.
If it was a boring plain box room I would go for the biggest thickest statement piece I can afford. But, this room has a whole lot going on between fireplace surround, grid windows on each side of the fireplace, huge huge views, thick wood beautiful French doors on the right side, medium brown wood ceilings and wood plank floors with pegging.
Dainty and low key might be the ticket
It’s really hard to tell the final style of the room when the floors are all covered up with dirty paper
Then what’s the rush to get this fixture now?
Seems like this light could easily be installed at the end of the project, when you can see how the room comes out.
In hindsight, not much rush. But I’m trying to finish up living room and anything I possibly can while waiting.
I guess Ballard didn’t have that much to offer (and I understand your concern about the delicacy of the one I quickly posted), but I did notice this one that’s similar to the “vineyard” (wood) from Overstock. I like the lines of this one better than vineyard, though the specs say it’s shorter at 31 inches high. Note that reviews say the wood is darker IRL.
Did some of the plaster fall off the fireplace near the top 1/3rd crease?
My carpenter is working hard ‘filling in’ that section so that it has a smooth curved transition between the sections. He pulled out a section of the plaster at that crease because it was too thick and not drying properly. If you look closely in the picture, he has the fan going to try to dry the plaster between coats. He is going to have to work several coats in that section, drying between each coat. We want to create a nice curve between the sections and it is taking a long time between coats of mud.
Same thought I had when I walked in yesterday morning. Hey, what the heck is going on over here ??
Today we are moving a tall skinny existing vinyl window that is in the 2nd hall bedroom to the large hall bedroom. I wanted to add another window into that bedroom that is same size and shape to mimic the other tall window in the room. The windows will be ‘flanking’ where a bed can be located. Miraculously, the window in the other bedroom that is going to be turned into the staircase, matched same exact size and shape. Since the other bedroom is going to be changed to staircase/pantry/powder room, the window will be cancelled out.
But, of course… get the window out and realize that the lower sash in bedroom is obscure glass (upper sash is clear. They must have done that for privacy) and the window being moved into the room is clear glass. So, I have to take a lower sash out of one of them and change to either obscure or clear to match the windows.
My giant window order is on it’s way!!! I am so excited to see these windows and french doors. Truck left Mid West Wednesday night. Now I have to try to call the ‘middle man’ local delivery company and light a fire to get them delivered the minute they get off the big truck! Tried calling the delivery company yesterday and noone ever answered the phone. I’m going to keep trying today.
Reason I am trying to be pro active is because I have had problems with this delivery company before. I’ll get a call about 2 days after they get off the big truck with ‘we are not going to be delivering in your area until next week’ and I get livid because I need these things now!!! Today, tomorrow… Not Next Week!!
Have you considered rectangular?
Or long drop
Or this! 
http://www.lampsplus.com/products/rosa-25-inch-wide-bronze-tiffany-style-glass-pendant__2x414.html
ETA: Absolutely don’t change the windows! Not worth the $$ and aggravation. There are lots of other really nice features in the room.
Consolation… I am the biggest lover of bling and would love to have bling everywhere if I could. But I don’t think the bling/crystals work for the Mediterranean / Spanish Revival living room that I want to try to design.
Believe me… I’m going to squeeze it in somewhere, even if it is just in the master closet
I went back to Houzz to look at photos of Spanish/Mediterranean living rooms to get ideas for lighting. Here’s what I found
OMG!! these are beyond fabulous… look at the glass droplets. Obviously custom and big $$$$
http://www.houzz.com/photos/900604/Living-Room-mediterranean-living-room-los-angeles
http://www.houzz.com/photos/5320081/N-Mission-Hills-mediterranean-living-room-san-diego
Morrocan style lamp
http://www.houzz.com/photos/12508156/Spanish-Home-in-Rancho-Santa-Fe-mediterranean-living-room
Don’t really think this one looks good in the room
http://www.houzz.com/photos/48930/Living-Room-eclectic-living-room-birmingham
http://www.houzz.com/photos/1128737/Solana-Beach-Residence-traditional-living-room-other-metro
And, for some reason I cannot find my original inspiration photo that I used to design the fireplace surround - don’t know if there was any lighting in that photo
Cb, do not spend major $$ on a light fixture. As long as it is decent and fits the style… A finicky buyer will rip out what they don’t like and replace. We did - twice.
I especially like the first two and I agree about the glass droplets!
The Spanish revival ones are cool
1, 3 or 8!