Raj - What you say is true that a lot of interior design's margin is in furniture. I will not sugar coat it. And many designers may seem to be more interested in that when you bring them in. But I have had several clients call me over the years saying they are building a new home and would like to consult primarily on layout. When you speak to someone is tell them you are not ready to order furnishings or window treatments, but that you would like a contract that focuses on layout, planning, and interior detailing (i.e. doors, trims, floors) - i.e. the bones of the house. What I would suggest is when you call for a designer, you be prepared to pay a good consultation fee. A good rule of thumb is that you can expect to pay between $3-$10 per square foot of your home depending on the area of your country and the expertise/experience of the designer. If you are not averse to paying this type of fee, and communicate to the designer that your interest is in getting the best solutions, not in purchasing furniture at this time, I'm sure you will be able to get the level of service you desire. If someone you talk to doesn't seem thrilled to provide this kind of service, move on to the next person. Don't rely on "fame" or how well known someone is. They may be well known for doing show houses or just because they've been in the field the longest in your area. Not because they're the right fit for you. You could also check the Houzz directory for good designers in your area. The difficulty is that there are often decorators whose expertise and focus is really just on furnishings not so much on construction - and they serve a purpose for their clients. But there are other designers who provide more of a wholistic approach and have more familiarity with building a new home. These are the people you should seek out. Houzz is a fantastic community - and as I said you may get good advice here but there's really no replacement for someone to work with you in person. Sorry for the super long post but I feel passionately about this and I think this advice will best suit your needs.

A good beginning would be to replace the walkway up to the house. A new brick walkway or stamped concrete in the same color as the brick on the house will pull all of the elements of the exterior of your home together. I made my walkway 3 feet wide with 2 feet beds on each side of the walkway in stamped concrete. Create the walkway at a distance from the house in an organic natural flowing pattern up to the house with planting beds flowing beside the walkway. Take the brick right up to the from door. Soften the entrance to your home by opening the planting beds up by the house into large organic shapes. That's what I did with my home and it changed it dramatically! It's a lot of work but what a difference!

What kind of a look are you looking at for your house. A minimalist modern look or a contemporary ethnic look. First and foremost you need to do away with the current drapes and replace them with fabric blinds or light curtains so that there is some natural sunlight in the room. Paint the entire room white so that instantly brightens up the room. The long 27ft wall can be wall papered with a bricked look 3D wall paper on light grey or beige or just a textured wall in beige or grey. Also removing your sofa from there will open up the space. The current drawing area can be used as a foyer/entryway with just a bench and a shoe rack. Rest of the details I will share after making a rough plan with all furniture placement. Also what is your budget for renovation.

Hi Sru, Mixing two diametrically opposite design styles is very difficult and often the outcome is unsatisfactory. We would suggest that you choose either one of the two. If you opt for traditional you can make use of the following tips : - A traditionally styled home or space need not have too many intricately carved elements or antiques. A few iconic ones scattered throughout do the trick. You may always underplay the rest of the furniture whilst highlighting a single chair or you may highlight a wall either by using a colour or wallpaper and keep the rest of the walls neutral. This way you don't end up with a gaudy design. - Invest in a good piece of furniture such as your bed, or dining table set or sofa. Try Lajpat Nagar market in Delhi or Chor Bazar, Raj Company in Mumbai. All the rest items such as tv units, cabinets, wardrobes can be made in a modular fashion and finished with veneer to maintain continuity. Avoid laminates wherever possible. (some of our projects elaborating the concept) If you opt for a modern design you can make use of the following tips : - The exterior of the house needs to blend with the interiors. Hence, you may have to rework on it. - When designing a modern space, a lot depends on the furniture and decor you are going for. It has to be simple, elegant and yet stand out as a statement piece. So invest likewise. Rugs, good lighting fixtures and figurines are always good options. - For other rooms you may use modular furniture or go all out and buy iconic items that make an impression. Try 360 or Natuzzi for furniture options. (some of our projects elaborating the concept) If you want a bit of both, go in for an eclectic theme. Use antique furniture with modern patterns for a quirky look. A mix of decor items and accessories may come quite handy to complete the look. These may be the items you have collected over years of travel etc. (some of our projects elaborating the concept) Hope this is helpful. Feel free to get in touch in case of doubts. Regards, RnD Atelier