Hi Abdul, the first thing NOT to do is panic! Collect your thoughts and analyze the problem. A huge component to architecture is learning how to problem-solve. Try doing some bubble diagrams to get a feel for what types of spaces you need to design. You don't necessarily have to know what they are going to look like yet. Just get a feel for what needs to be accounted for and programmed (i.e. number of rooms, lobby space, laundry room, housekeeping space, front of house, back of house, etc.) Next, I'm not sure what your concepts are or what year you're in, but try keeping the form simple if you're having trouble with it physically. If you have problems sketching ideas out, take what you think is your strongest concept and build some sketch models out of chipboard or something cheap and that you can work with quickly. This helped me out tremendously when I was in school. Remember that the site and context of the project should always be in the back of your mind when thinking about the concept for your design. Is it located in a city or the country? Does it overlook a lake or body of water? Does it sit on a hill or is the site flat? These are some of the questions to think about that could impact your design. Finally, nobody is going to really be able to tell you exactly what to do. Many architects have differing opinions, philosophies, and styles when it comes to design; so there isn't going to be a "right" answer. Whatever you decide to come up with, make sure you believe in it, and pursue it with passion! Hope this helps you out a little bit and best of luck!

likithraaj, OMG - serious? You really need to sit down and do up a proper floor plan complete with where plumbing, electrical, hvac etc., etc. are going to run. I can't believe you've demolished your home before having a proper floor plan! Hire a local professional interior designer to come out and get that portion done right - and, to anyone else out there - GET YOUR DESIGN ON PAPER FIRST BEFORE YOU DEMOLISH. It is so much easier to change things and not be pressured into making last minute decisions. likithraaj, your going to have to make some quick decisions - ones that I'm not prepared to assist you with at this juncture until a proper floor plan has been submitted. Good luck - and forward a floor plan.

Oh, wow, 10 years ago! There is a special tool meant just for grout removal, your local hardware store should have it. It will be time consuming but aside from removing everything it's probably the way you'll need to go.

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.