Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain.

Seems weird not to incorporate it into the design -- I'm all about having things "look intentional" rather than working around them later. Like could the island have connected to this, rather than extending past it? or been L-shaped, so there's room for an extra stool, and also a wall cabinet? Anyway, hard to discuss that in the abstract without kitchen plans. I'm with miacometlady's original advice to not worry about it right now, and decide how to deal with it once the bulk of your kitchen is in place. You might find that you hardly notice it, with all the beautiful new finishes, or it might seem obvious to put some stainless or glass shelves there, or maybe simple is best and one simple hanging picture does the job. Don't stress about it until After. :)

Hi, There are a number of ways in which the area under a staircase can be utilized. In case of a cramped house or space restrictions, this space can be used for providing storage, services or even a powder room as elaborated below : In case there are no space constraints and all the other areas are taken care of, the space below the stairs can be used for add ons such as a library, study, cellar or a minibar. In case there are any dogs in the house, this area serves as a spacious and compact kennel too : Apart from this, if the space is to be treated solely considering aesthetics, it can be livened up using a bit of indoor landscaping, sculptures and water body : Hope these ideas help. Do let us know what you decided to choose. All the best! Regards, RnD Atelier Nagpur

Hi Anindita, You can actually give the foyer with wardrobe a somewhat mud room kind of look. Add a closed shoe-rack right between the door and wardrobe (slim enough to accommodate opening main door and wardrobe door comfortably). Put a vase with paper flowers really bright colored(Orange or yellow) on the shoe-rack. A Ottoman next to it (in bold print) and by a tall plant (like royal/lobster claw plant) on the open end (end facing the living room). The wardrobe doors can be covered with quirky funky posters/decals of anything you like.. fav. rock bands..attitude quotes..wanderlust places..or just color blocking diy on paper. I think you can safely stick paper paintings/posters using two-way tape. Something on the lines of......... On the wall adjacent to wardrobe, add a really nice looking hanging hooks and hang a mix of hats, jhola bags & any quirky art or any hanging indoor planter. Add a area rug (toward the living room) to give some definition and such that it would look all in place when viewed form inside the house. P.S. The images for reference are sourced from different sites and copyright of the images lies with respective owners.