Agreed. and since windows make an essential and large part of a space, Curtains/ blinds become an important design element.

Firstly, one can play a lot with furnishings if you are staying in a rented apartment. those white walls are nothing but a clean canvas and you can really use colors through your furnishings like cushions , upholstery, curtains , rugs etc to add colors . Secondly , instead of wall shelves etc add small side tables on emptycorners you get etc which gives you platform surfaces to display your nick knacks.. You get many freestanding display shelves online and in market where you don't have to use screws in wall. :)

where can I see the link. sorry I am unable to find it. alternatively pl can you email the link to cmeeta@gmail.com .tx a bunch

Try to keep a band ( designed metal or board ) around the sink on three sides , which can makes the water spill less on that three sides ....or try to keep a rectangular hole on corners around sink for slab which doenst look like hole and get a decorative cover for that, and connect that to the outlet at down...so that its easy to push water around the sink so that it drains... Or get an extra slab just to place around sink where water spills and place it on top of existing slab if you don't want to remove the existing sink and place...