Leather sofas can really dominate the room and can give an overall cold feeling. I would add some earthy elements, like a wood coffee table with glass or metal. Go to Restoration Hardware's website and look at their sofa room scenes. And I'm sorry I think the art is too harsh for the room. That's all your eye goes to in the room. too overpowering. I would look for something softer or maybe a cool mirror and I would add color to the room with pillows and some colorful lamps. I also think woven blinds would look great. They add warmth and give a finished look. The color of your window treatments should contrast your wall color a bit, not match it or else it starts to look generic and blah.. You have warm walls, warm floors and the woven blinds, like Hunter Douglas brand would pull it all together for you.

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.

Thanks Patricia and cpaul! I hadn't thought about glass. And I guess I should specify that a fully modular kitchen would not withstand the climate lol. The doors and Windows in General are traditionally made of teak wood and do warp somewhat but it's not a huge issue, so I fiured if all I am dealing with in the kitchen is the cabinet door it shouldn't be too hard to maintain. I actually ended up finding a blog about someone living in the tropical Philippine weather and how they covered their concrete counter with cabinets. Here is the link if anyone is interested http://myphilippinelife.com/our-philippine-house-project-kitchen-cabinets/ I think it turned out quite nice :) . This was their starting and final result. there are more photos in the blog. They basically recommended some prefabricated cabinets and strong hinges and screws for the wood frame.

hi for internals you can use marine ply or water proof ply branded or non branded. In terms of finishing materials we suggest not to use ply etc since its kitchen. you can go for glass which looks elegant and easily maintained. Thanks Bhakti Bhojwani Team Ornate