I think the marble naysayers have jumped on the bandwagon without really living with the stone. I have statuary in my bathrooms and love it. Most stains can be removed with a simple baking soda and water poultice. Acid etching is harder to deal with since it removes the polished surface, but its part of having a living stone in your home. If it becomes too bad, you can have it repolished. With a darker stone, you won't have as many issues as a white marble. In order to really know if you can live with it, I suggest you get a small sample of the stone and do some tests. Here is an example. http://www.dohiy.com/2013/04/21/marble-countertops-the-post-acid-test/ Please note that she used bleach and oxyclean to clean the stone after her test. Stay away from both since they can etch the stone just as much as an acidic food. Instead, clean with a ph neutral cleaner like isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), and for heavy stains, the baking soda poultice mentioned above. You have to remember that marble has been used for centuries as flooring, table tops, countertops, etc. throughout the world and most of these installations are still here and aren't stained and etched to the point that it has been ripped out and replaced. Just think about all of he luxury hotels in Europe and how many times they have been exposed to Hangover type guests without any damage.

Please find attached pics of what we had planned. But the same looks congested and placement of the fridge is difficult. We had thought of a parallel kitchen but due to the placement of the window, we are losing space. Vastu is another concern. Kindly advise.

It Depends on the size of the cut out and how is it connected to the other parts of the building. For example- 1. If it is connected to the kitchen and living room and has sufficient space can be used as dining with double height and skylight. 2. We can hang a chandelier that kind of shines or be something visually appealing in natural light 3. for function based we can make it a electrical room or a small storage along with skylight P.S. there are numerous options but we need to find a suitable function of it first and we also need to see if it is either designed for other thing rather than just being a sky light.

Yes Anita, you can have it done. Just be vigilant with kids around it. In case you still have questions, please feel free to call us. Would be glad to help. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs Bangalore