Hey Amit, Since the Living Room is almost like Grand Central Station, (Or Dadar, if you look closer home) it is necessary to optimize the foot traffic to avoid problems. It would be ideal to create the living area near the window and dining area near all the doors. A window seat or a bench could go along way to increase seating space. One thing you need to look for in your designer or furniture for this space is to find multipurpose smart furniture. It will help you bring about the maximum space utilization. I hope this helps. Please do get in touch if you think we can help you more! Best CUBSpaces Team Miloni 9921364291

actually, to brighten up this dark and small feeling space, i'd look for a creamy base colored stone like khasmir gold or ivory gold, being sure to add an overhang on the island (if you like movement in the stone check out juprana granite) then exchange the pot rack over the island with either a pair of great pendants or a statement chandelier. from my own kitchen remodel experience i'll share you with you this: you'll get a much better price from a granite company then you will from a large home store ;) and be sure to take a cabinet door with you to shop. you can continue the granite onto the wall as a backsplash...they can cut the stone and make it go higher up the wall than the standard 3 inches which can be a great look. but if you really want tile, go for something simple that won't compete with the granite....like a cream colored subway tile. you can apply thim in a running brick pattern or a more modern stacked geometric pattern or even a herringbone. to control staining from food prep, don't use a white grout, use a slightly darker grout color that is inspired from the stone countertop. just remember that using a pattern on the countertop and another pattern on the backsplash can easily become overwhelming and then neither element stands out as the focal point. if you are spending a lot on a granite countertop, do everything you can to make it stand out as the best feature.

Bet your farmhouse kitchen is cheerful and delightful! I'm curious what colors you have in the adjacent living room. Are there any fabrics or unique accent items you'd like to have more attention? Feel free to bring a pillow or quilt or pottery piece from the living room to your yellow tile to get a feel for what color might capture your heart. Will it be a mellow, blend-in kind of look? Or something that adds a "pop" to your rooms? Cant wait to hear your discoveries!

If you love the marble tile, go for it! You can always buy a stainless or white range hood backsplash like this http://www.wayfair.com/Air-King-Range-Hood-Back-Splash-SP2430-AXK1174.html to slip in place when you are cooking something really messy. I have a travertine backsplash and use a stainless sheet when frying. It works great and no worries about stains ruining the stone.