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.

HI there, Yes, our site can't upload renderings unless they are jpgs or png, so i have converted them for you..

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.

where do u stay... if ur really interested in changing ur kitchen in a spacious manner.. pls consult us for the same.. i will make more use of space with necessary electronics gadgets to be placed along with other necessary food items... Because whatever is the square feet we get in kitchen.. the fridge space and the sink space is dead to use, sink below space will be used for storing dustbin and fennel bottles,etc to store.. etc.. and if u dont have space for washing machine then that also will be used in kitchen if there is no space anywhere.. so basically make a list of ur requirement for anyone to work on it, so that they will give their best ideas on it..