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.

What a beautiful house, Shahbaaz! I live in a similar house - a 150-year-old colonial bungalow in Kumaon. You have already received lots of excellent advice from better-qualified people, so all I would say is, keep its age and heritage character the central theme. The white tiles do clash, I am afraid ... flooring with terracotta tiles would echo the roof and look lovely. The columns and the arches over the doors and windows are amazing. But I'd say, leave it all chuna-painted - there's a beauty and softness to it. Don't let the painters add too much neel (indigo) in the limewash -- in the hills where I live, they put far too much if I don't watch out and the result is a harsh white. Natural lime has a softer, creamy look.

Pawan, I am glad to see your home coming out in a great shape - kudos to your designer. Coming to your original question, I don't find it over the top , it is barely visible from the front angle and the great tree is definitely helping you there...Still if you want to minimize the earthen impact of terracotta red see the image you may want to add a few rafters as shown in the pic below ( wooden or metal..) I would recommend you to stick to grey, black and whites as a central theme. The red on the railing can cede ground to white. Climber Vines on the terracotta would add to the tree and your home.. I would recommend you to hide the ugly cabling if you can do something about it :) Thanks Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.

I Understand. That's a common concern with my clients. But if you choose to have a 3-inch false ceiling, it will not kill the height. you need a minimum of 3 inches for the electrical conduits to pass. And as for the unhygienic environment, it is only created if you have a tray ceiling for cove light. If you install a plain ceiling after a thorough cleaning, there will be no hygiene problem. I hope this helps you all the best