I agree with divadeva. More lights. If you can add pot lights do it. If they're already there add task lighting and up the wattage on the bulbs on the pot lights (replace with LED and you can make them brighter because the wattage on LED is lower for brighter light). If you have all of that add decorative lighting. If ventilation is an issue find a way to move the air around or add air filtration. Maybe the HVAC is deficient. Maybe you can add a HEPA filter instead of the standard one that comes with the unit. Call an HVAC specialist to see if there is a way to boost air flow in the room.

I wouldn't put any water under there because of potential mould issues (in fact, there looks like there's a bit of mould already -- is there?). You could tile the bottom of it and put a strip of LED lights under the glass. What did you have in mind when you initially thought of the idea?

Fareham, Although from your description it appears to be grouting gone wrong thing but attached pics tell a different story. The size of floor tiles selected is not appropriate. It appears that someone may have walked over the tiles while the cement was still wet. If waterproofing was not done properly then these things may eventually snowball into a bigger problem. Looking at the pics , we would not recommend you to call the same contractor anywhere near your place again. It will be costly fix but it should be redone (at least the flooring tiles) to avoid further damages. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.

Hi MJ, As per your requirements, you should hire an interior designer. This need to be planned properly. Please let me know where are you located? You can refer the image below to get an idea. Regards Prity