I would break it up into various rooms, approximately 10 feet by 15 feet each, though a longer one with a long narrow (2 feet?) water feature against the wall and seating and plants in the center part would work. Plants on the wall, making it vertically green. A path leading from room to room should jog, so you cannot see straight through. Change the theme of rooms, large fancy pottery, an outdoor dining area, sunbathing area if possible.

HI RinaI do agree I love jewelbox rooms, but I consider them more cosy ... and with a grey marble floor it goes all Versace Italianate! I am trying to balance the colours by bringing in a pattern on the covers rather than plain. I feel this will bring colour without overpowering the room. In the pictures I showed above, the rooms are basically neutral but the colour is brought in via pattern - I think this might be the way to go...Ideally a green or blue on a subdued grey would be the best, but I dont know what the market is like for Sumit...Cushions can do a lot to tie in the other white/grey elements.Shelley - navy is a good suggestion, but as Sumits area is quite tall and thin, trying to keep the general area light Any more suggestions most welcome. These are just ideas after all and Sumit will choose what works for the room in the end ;-)

This is a great space to work with. Since you have a good length, you can break the terrace into rooms.. with yew to divide the areas, or tall plants with shallow roots. Grow grass in curves and a pathway to lead visitors through the various rooms. Couple of ideas for garden 'rooms': Bamboo with golden stem or black stem as background, with charpai and 'moda' seating with cushions. A light under the foot of the bamboo, looking up will be alluring. Put up a trellis with fragrant climbers like jasmine and seating underneath on a part of the terrace which gets shade in the evening so you and your friends and family can relax. A dry garden with hardy plants like tall grass and Palm tree, pebbles on the ground to create the look. Plant a small flowering tree in one 'room' Add evocative lighting to create the mood in the evenings. As you can see there are many possibilities. Please ensure the ground is well protected from water seepage etc before you start planting. Also ensure the height of the periphery wall is taller for it to be safe for children and adults. Bear in mind the size of the plant, roots, sun and water needs before you choose your plants. Enjoy the creation..!

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.