Thank you roj leather and Simon for your recommendations. I like the hanging chair and the almanda creeper on the wall. This will certainly liven up the patio.

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.

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.

Hi priya, Its good to see your participation in the professional industry, we all have the realization one day or another that college didn't teach us anything, the real thing to ask is that what have we taught ourself in the first place. how many books have we read from our own college library, how many thesis reports have we gone through, how many art/science/construction/interior exhibitions have we attended. how many sketches have we drawn in 365 days. my advice towards first step of learning would be scanning (with your eyes of course) your office library (reference books, materials,samples, models, catalogs etc) I promise you, you will be amazed to know that you are sitting in a knowledge hotspot.