Hi Vishruti, how'd you end up using this space? What'd you plant?

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. Please contact us if you are keen on formal advice. From what little you have commented, I am inclined to imagine you are not up for a 15 bed house or resort. On the contrary you would be looking at more of a dormitory hostel for travellers with all amenities. There are several such hostels in Europe and US which I have used personally, so I can probably help design something similar. If you have unlimited land and budget of course you could build anything!

Hi Ashwini, A loft bed in the master bedroom is a good idea when - 1] Your kids are too young (4-10 years) 2] The room has a high ceiling 3] The room is big in size (at least 12' x 15') If all these conditions are met with, you may go for a design like this - In the above picture, the fan is at a reasonable distance from the loft bed. The beds do not eat away the bedroom space. Also later on when the kid's grow up, this space may either be dismantled completely or closed from the front to act as a storage space. On the other hand, kids tend to grow up fast and their needs change accordingly. Hence, investing in a permanent arrangement such as a loft bed might not be such a good idea. Options such as a sofa cum bed might be helpful in such situations - It is extremely functional and useful. 1] Your kids can use it for as long as they want 2] It can be easily shifted to other rooms 3] It can also work as an extra bed in the future (when your kids grow up and there are guests at home) As far as our opinion is concerned, a separate room for the kids is always a better idea - 1] They learn to live independently 2] You maintain your privacy as well as theirs 3] A separate room means more space and less clutter 4] Both the rooms can be designed as per the specific needs of you and your kids to result in better functioning spaces rather than just piling on and cramping one Hope these ideas help you with your design. All the best! Regards, RnD Atelier Nagpur