Depending on the budget, you could hack a portion of the wall "closed welcome passage" and put up a wall horizontally by the main entrance (creating a passage way to the living area. The window there should be able to shine a bit of light into the house. Replacing the wall between the living area and garage with Large glass panels would also help brighten up the house. At the same time, will give your house the elite concept (of having a vehicle in the living area) http://homememo.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/kop-properties_sky-garage.jpeg Hope this helps. :)

Hi , I think if ever you want to sell this property in the future - you will need to follow Vastu guidelines in the design at this point - otherwise this may hinder resale. Assuming that the architect has followed this and the plan is set - I would suggest you use colours and artwork to create the look that you are after ... Also consider shelving going across the full window wall - this will give you extra storage and also somewhere to grow herbs etc in front of the window - maybe even have a deeper shelf at worktop height and a stool infront of the window ? If you do a picture search on elements that you would like to add - ie kitchen "turquoise accessories" or kitchen "gold" etc you will get lots of inspirational images to help you get an attractive kitchen ... Best of luck with it all ! :-)

Let us start begin with your preferred usage for the space. What is most desirable in your home (a space for storage, entertainment, work, etc.)? In my parent's home, for example, the area underneath their basement staircase is used only for storage. Although, it is possible to use spaces for multiple purposes. For example, a dining place that may compliment your kitchen (whether primarily for everyday seating or entertaining guests), may function as a dual space. If an lcd space is desirable, I would love to design some possibilities that will serve its purpose in completing your home. If you are unsure of what your function you want your space to have, perhaps it would be better to establish the mood of your space in completing your home. Is it a calm and tranquil space that you are looking to have or a busy and excitable space that you are looking to enjoy?

Kartikeya, You may want to share the plot measurements with pics f the 3 adjoining houses for reference. Also share the FSI/setback requirements of your area. Thanks Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore