@magspag Thanx for the advice. We wanted to save some cost by not replacing the floor tiles, as well as save by retaining the upper cabinet in its current grey shade. Guess we will go for all-black for the cabinets: both below and above the counter; and put in a new counter-top that contrasts--maybe, a light coloured granite or slate. Examples for this color-scheme are in the ideabook

Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain.

artificial garden lawn terrace with sitting ,canopy ,hukka sitting , need one hanging hammoch (jhula) .area is near about 800 sqft (15 ft by 53 approx) so plz suggest me some concepts ....need some area for out door sitting for camp firing...ll wait for ur reply

Okay! In that case i would like to suggest you to get rid of it, meaning the placement can be the same but change doors and windows to a different design as you want a garden look and feel right? Also add some artificial green carpetting on the floor - it is the most common and cost effective plan. Let the swing be there if its cool with you. Then on the open grills add some elements like a vertical garden. If you are habituated to keeping the shoe console on that side, let it be but buy a new seating, can be like an ottoman with sliding storage so you can sit and remove your shoes slide the storage and keep it there. A small coffee table like log or geometric shape with a nice easy chair can also add up a great vibe of a cozy garden area to your place. In addition to your budget plan get some things done on the ceiling and the lights too. Do you have a certain budget plan? because i have 100 of suggestions : ) - Layden Wangmo [senior interior designer] MAD DESIGN