Black wrought iron from the top of the glass "fence" to the ceiling of the balcony would be pretty. The contractor will know how far apart to install the WI for safety. I wouldn't have any fancy WI design, just plain. The WI could also be installed horizontally. Extending the glass would be pretty, too! If the area was fully enclosed you could keep the french doors open more often and incorporate this balcony area into your living space year round. Also it would keep out dust and wind and rain & would be easier to keep clean, maybe there could be a vent for fresh air when the weather was nice. Could you talk to someone who has enclosed their balcony for more information? Depending on the sun exposure, you might need screening, too. The furniture & colors should harmonize with your living room. Ask your family what they might use the balcony for. If to sit and enjoy the view and plants, you will want one type of furnishing and if to eat on the balcony you'll need a table and chairs, too. This is a cute balcony arrangement, but I do not know how comfortable the little WI chairs would be: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sa9w-hXyEeI/AAAAAAAAVrc/hb9dAYdw59c/s1600-h/image%5B45%5D.png

Thank you roj leather and Simon for your recommendations. I like the hanging chair and the almanda creeper on the wall. This will certainly liven up the patio.

If I understand the seasons in India correctly, you have already been through the rainy season. Don't wait until the next rainy season to get the problem with your drainage fixed. Now will probably be the ideal time to get it fixed. Please get someone who will tell you what to do and then have the work done. The paint on that wall in your beautiful home will keep coming off!

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.