Hi Sudha, I can help with art for your bedroom. Please visit http://www.spkcreative.com/index.php#.T-i1fGh970c to see/purchase my affordable, vividly cheerful abstracts, which has been shown in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can find sizing and pricing options for commissioned works in the I Am A Butterfly Gallery http://www.spkcreative.com/thumbnail_list.php?mgd_id=168503#.T-i1lmh970c. I ship worldwide via UPS (except for PO boxes and military addresses). Best, Shari spkcreative@gmail.com www.spkcreative.com

Eventually when you come to resell, a pool is an added plus. But for your own purposes, emptying the pool and adding a deck over it with a hinged door and steps placed below would be great for storage (as per option b but bearing in mind you could revert). All the best for your lovely new home.

I think kitchen and eating area should be next to each other and kitchen should be near or next to an entry for ease in putting away food stuff. The sitting area should be near an outside view to add relaxed vibe to area and the TV should be opposite sofa for easy viewing.....sometimes necessary to move the TV and rewire accordingly. Good luck.

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.