A narrow, long space like that can feel like a challenge, but if you figure out how you want to use the space before you start designing you will find a lot more success and fewer headaches. Here are some considerations before you start your plan: How much does privacy matter, and not just from neighbors but privacy from the indoors to the outdoors (considering you glass walls and ceilings you’ll need to think about how the space will work from both the inside and the outside). How do you plan to use the space? More specifically, do you plan to host lots of big parties or are you looking for a quiet place to enjoy your morning coffee? Or both? What is the material of your boundary wall? How can you use the wall to enhance the design and functionality of the space? Could you grow a vining plant up the wall for more greenery, or add narrow planters at the base of the wall for a vegetable garden? Do you want any type of covering for the space, like a pergola, roof, umbrella or other sun covering? Do you want it for the full space or just one area? What is your budget? Depending on your goals and timeline for the project, you might have to adjust the rest of the plan (if you don’t have the budget to make your dream space happen, consider taking the project on in phases and slowly save up to make the next phase happen). In the meantime, we’ve created alist of considerations before you start a landscaping project, as well as ideas for pergolas, andpatio lighting ideas. Here are a few images to get your design wheels turning:

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.

vedikaseth Bombay rains are harsh! The one thing you can do is use flexible covers that work similar to roller blinds, and are transparent which allows the light to enter. There are many companies that offer such a product. Just choose one where the installation is easy and taking down the sheets is not an issue once the rains are over. Do keep in mind however that the water will still enter the balcony, you will simply be reducing the force of rains, and will require a water outlet.

Hi Zainaba, You may go for both American pleat curtains as well as roman cloth blinds for your window. 1] American Pleat Curtains These look lovely and add elegance and grace but have a tendency to "fly" with air circulation in the room. You can provide a weight chain to solve this issue. Also avoid giving lining to these curtains. Some of them such as linen and cotton curtains tend to shrink after being washed and their polyester/satin lining does not. In the process you may lose the shape of the curtain. Best to stitch the curtain and the black out lining separately and provide a two track curtain.Also keep the curtains length more than that of the window so that its bottom gets tucked in behind the bed back/headboard. It looks neater that way. Also, these can be easily removed and washed at home. 2] Roman Blinds Roman blinds are a neater option as far as window shades are concerned. The look graceful and showcase the fabric, its print and its make way better than the american pleat curtains. However, they are difficult to remove and you need to call the curtain tailor to have them removed for washing. Hope this helps! All the best! Regards, RnD Atelier Nagpur