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.

And how about durability as a flooring option? I mean .. What is the expectancy of its shine, gel layer and life in general? In a nutshell is it a viable option for living room floor? And if yes, then would its edges match or would it still be like tiles where edges don't quite match?

Hello there, You could scoop them out with a flat trowel and scrap cement backing with that as well. But it won't be much of a success and you will lose around 30-40 %. You could DIY broken tiles mosaics as an art ; frame and fix it on the wall itself with an appropriate glue. Or search for other DIYs on youtube. You could replace them with decals as described @cornerstone studio , but there's a catch ; high heat areas could deform and de-glue the decals as well. There are many projects possible with broken tile mosaic. Just search and follow an easy one. Regards, Aurum Ideas and Spaces Bhubaneswar

Priya, This is definitely NOT looking so odd that you have to change either the tiles/laminates. We understand your dilemma, it may be very diffcult to match colors of two different materials and finishes. To make you feel better, acrylics do fade a bit with use.. so eventually it might match as well :) As of now, you can add colors on the walls/ceiling/chimney remaining area. Get very good bold color handles. A kitchen rug,  dado mounted racks and colored accessories for taking away the attention. Stickers recommend above may be good options. Do try to make sure you have cutlery tray near the hob, not suggested to miss function over symmetrical looks. If the last section is a sink it is very close to electric panels. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.