I think a comfortable distance between the island and the counter is around 42". It seems that you have only 30" between your cook top and the counter. I might be a little too tight. The wall between the entrance and the kitchen could be 4' long instead of 6', you would then be able to move the island a foot which would give you more room between the cook top and the island. Could you switch the location of the toilet and vanity in your dad's bathroom so your enter facing a vanity instead of a toilet which is a lot nicer.

I would say definitely teak for outdoors in the tropical climate. Wicker would be fine if it's in a covered area. Here is an article about different woods for tropical climates. "The price of sustainably grown tropical outdoor furniture is becoming more and more affordable as the industry utilizes other varieties of sustainably grown tropical hardwoods, such as the following: Eucalyptus is a sustainably harvested plantation grown hardwood that possesses a smooth finish, lovely grain and a rich honey-red color that weathers beautifully due to the high oil content of its wood, and it smells good to boot. If allowed to weather naturally, the wood will take on a pleasing soft gray patina. It can be stained to retain the rich golden red color of the wood, however most people prefer the soft gray patina. Eucalyptus is less expensive and much easier to maintain than some of the other woods used for outdoor furniture. Balau is also one of the hardest of all tropical hardwoods. It is much more dense than teak and is in abundant supply. Like eucalyptus, it is more affordable than teak and will also withstand years and years of exposure to the elements. You will want to treat the wood occasionally with good wood oil if you wish to preserve the natural color, however this is a very low maintenance outdoor wood. Teak for good reason has become one of the most sought after of all the tropical hardwoods. Although it was at one time the preferred hardwood, along with mahogany, for ship building and decking, it is now grown on teak plantations due to its scarcity. The demand for teak is still high among those who are able to make the investment in furniture made from this beautiful top quality wood. Teak outdoor furniture is one of the more expensive options for outdoor furniture." http://www.thehouseandhomemagazine.com/Articles/Vol1No8/OutdoorFurniture/tabid/228/Default.aspx

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.

Ankur, There is no point leaving a dead space. Please check with builder if you can shift the french window by a feet out. Rather use this standing space in the interiors and when you need you can open this window. Many builders are now providing this feature as a USP calling it a BALDOW.. Thanks, Nitin CORNERSTONE DESIGNS, Bangalore.