HI RinaI do agree I love jewelbox rooms, but I consider them more cosy ... and with a grey marble floor it goes all Versace Italianate! I am trying to balance the colours by bringing in a pattern on the covers rather than plain. I feel this will bring colour without overpowering the room. In the pictures I showed above, the rooms are basically neutral but the colour is brought in via pattern - I think this might be the way to go...Ideally a green or blue on a subdued grey would be the best, but I dont know what the market is like for Sumit...Cushions can do a lot to tie in the other white/grey elements.Shelley - navy is a good suggestion, but as Sumits area is quite tall and thin, trying to keep the general area light Any more suggestions most welcome. These are just ideas after all and Sumit will choose what works for the room in the end ;-)

Thanks a lot for your valuable suggestions and comments Rusty Empire,decoenthusiaste,emmarene & Chikka BangBang. My home is located in a small village in India. We initially planned to renovate our old home. But during the middle of renovation work, we changed our mindset to build a new one. Hence we made a house design by ourselves(3BHK) with the help of our local builder and to save the cost we tried to reuse all possible materials that were extracted while demolishing our old home((i.e.., like red tiles placed on the top of left side of porch). The project is in last phase, now I feel that still we could do something to enhance the beauty of exterior of home by getting some ideas from experts. I like to thank everyone once again for sharing your thoughts! @Rusty Empire : The entire building shown in pic is a single building, because of our inexperienced design it looks like disjointed:(:(. We just finished the painting of primer coating, yet to paint the final color. The pic you posted with color looks awesome, planning to paint the same color. I believe it would change the entire view of building @decoenthusiaste : The entire building shown in pic is a single building. Will post more pics in coming days, pls review it and share your thoughts. @emmarene : Right now I'm at my work place, so I don't have a main entrance pic with me. Will post it by this weekend. Please review it and share your valuable thoughts. @Chikka BangBang: That's gr8 idea, will think abt it. Thanks!

Ashish, The workmanship seems to be an issue with your stone cladding wall. Interlock joints are visible and dirty. This needs to be thoroughly cleaned and grey cement will need color touch ups. Some people go for a lacquer polish to enhance the look of the stones. However, it is equally repulsive for some people who like natural finish. Get a sample stone done first and then decide for the entire wall. It appears to be sandstone, hence it is better if it is coated with lacquer. Thanks, Nitin CORNERSTONE DESIGNS, Bangalore

It's great you're thinking about the design process so thoroughly! Designing a home is a big decision and finding the right architect is crucial. Here's my take on your questions, based on my experience: 1. Do well-established architects take small projects? Yes, many do! While some specialize in large-scale projects, many architects enjoy working on smaller, residential projects. The key is to find an architect whose design style and experience align with your vision. 2. Will they put their creative genius on a small project? Absolutely! A good architect will be passionate about their work, regardless of the project's size. They'll bring their expertise and creativity to any project. Think of it like a painter: they create masterpieces on small canvases, too! 3. What fees can I expect? Architect fees are typically based on a percentage of the total project cost, but they can vary. For just a layout and inspection, expect a lower fee, possibly a flat rate. It's important to discuss this upfront and get a clear quote. 4. Will they provide multiple design plans? Yes, a reputable architect will work with you to develop several design options. This allows you to compare different layouts, styles, and features to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. 5. How do I choose the right architect? Here are some key precautions: Check their portfolio: Look at examples of their previous work. Do they have a style that resonates with you? Read reviews: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or online. Ask for references: Talk to past clients to understand their experience with the architect. Get everything in writing: Have a clear contract outlining the scope of work, fees, and timelines. 6. Will an architect work with a lower budget? Many architects are flexible and can work within different budgets. Discuss your financial constraints upfront, and they can adjust the design to meet your needs while still delivering a beautiful and functional home. Bonus Tip: Start your journey by exploring floor plan options! Check out these great examples for 3d home designs to get a better sense of what you like and what's possible. Remember, the right architect will be a valuable partner in creating your dream home!