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.

I have tumbled travertine (basically a form of marble) in the master bedroom and a marble mosaic in the master bath. It is higher maintenance. It stains and it wears differently in different areas. I am not doing natural stone in my new home. There are some fantastic tiles now that mimic all the stones, and a good quality porcelain tile will be very durable. Some ceramic wall tiles are "weaker" but I have had excellent luck with porcelain tile. Granite floors. Sure. But as people have said they also require maintenance like periodic sealing etc. In a house that size you don't want a different kind of floor in every room. I would stick to one or perhaps two types of floor tile in the main rooms. You can get away with additional types on walls in the bathrooms but I would keep the floors consistent. As far as cost goes, there is a very broad range of tiles and stones. In my shopping I have found some very good high quality floor tiles for reasonable prices. Stone has priced out higher...at least the ones I have looked at. Good luck!

Hello there, You could start with concealing the concrete niche as it is with prelam boards and laminated plywood on the sides only. This will preserve the slabs as well. You could paste laminated plywood on existing concrete walls as well. This would be incredibly cost effective and wouldn't need for demolition etc. Regards, Aurum Ideas and Spaces Bhubaneswar

Creative Creaturz, 1- There is no such thing as a floor tiles trend that some one starts and everyone copies. Often designers choose their own pick based on design in mind and often the taste of the clients. If you can afford go with a professional for selection. Wholesellers don't have a lot of display and time you may want to go to other brand stores/galleries for varieties. Yes , you are right builder/contractors often choose uni colored tiles for convenience, lesser costs, standardised look and larger floor feel. Multi colored tiles look better in bigger areas unless your style is eclectic. Neutrals are always better to change themes. Gels with multiple designs. Bigger Tiles Merits, Looks cleaner and stylish, lesser grouts, much easier to clean. Demerits: Needs expert installation, costlier. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.