A houzz contributor, not too long ago, had made a wine rack out of 4'x4' wooden pallets, that are used in the US to move a load of goods with a fork-lift truck. Perhaps they have them in your country. He cut them in half so they were only two feet deep and stacked them up to high counter height. The wood would be a nice contrast with your concrete, might add a little warmth to the space. cascio.offsite@gmail.com

I think a comfortable distance between the island and the counter is around 42". It seems that you have only 30" between your cook top and the counter. I might be a little too tight. The wall between the entrance and the kitchen could be 4' long instead of 6', you would then be able to move the island a foot which would give you more room between the cook top and the island. Could you switch the location of the toilet and vanity in your dad's bathroom so your enter facing a vanity instead of a toilet which is a lot nicer.

If I understand the seasons in India correctly, you have already been through the rainy season. Don't wait until the next rainy season to get the problem with your drainage fixed. Now will probably be the ideal time to get it fixed. Please get someone who will tell you what to do and then have the work done. The paint on that wall in your beautiful home will keep coming off!

I would say definitely teak for outdoors in the tropical climate. Wicker would be fine if it's in a covered area. Here is an article about different woods for tropical climates. "The price of sustainably grown tropical outdoor furniture is becoming more and more affordable as the industry utilizes other varieties of sustainably grown tropical hardwoods, such as the following: Eucalyptus is a sustainably harvested plantation grown hardwood that possesses a smooth finish, lovely grain and a rich honey-red color that weathers beautifully due to the high oil content of its wood, and it smells good to boot. If allowed to weather naturally, the wood will take on a pleasing soft gray patina. It can be stained to retain the rich golden red color of the wood, however most people prefer the soft gray patina. Eucalyptus is less expensive and much easier to maintain than some of the other woods used for outdoor furniture. Balau is also one of the hardest of all tropical hardwoods. It is much more dense than teak and is in abundant supply. Like eucalyptus, it is more affordable than teak and will also withstand years and years of exposure to the elements. You will want to treat the wood occasionally with good wood oil if you wish to preserve the natural color, however this is a very low maintenance outdoor wood. Teak for good reason has become one of the most sought after of all the tropical hardwoods. Although it was at one time the preferred hardwood, along with mahogany, for ship building and decking, it is now grown on teak plantations due to its scarcity. The demand for teak is still high among those who are able to make the investment in furniture made from this beautiful top quality wood. Teak outdoor furniture is one of the more expensive options for outdoor furniture." http://www.thehouseandhomemagazine.com/Articles/Vol1No8/OutdoorFurniture/tabid/228/Default.aspx