For the living room, the focus should be the balcony area. So flipping the couch to face the wall and not the dining table will help. Kind of like this pic. Even if you already have the sectional that is in the diagram, you should be able to flip it. In fact a sectional would probably work better than the couch in this pic. I also really don't like the style of this pic, but it showed what I meant, For the girls' room: No matter which bedroom you choose, you should maximize floor space so that they have the biggest play space possible in their room (as they get older you can add desks for school work and such). To get this space, I would give them bunk beds. This configuration gives them an open feel and more storage, essential for girls. You posted two different kitchen designs. This makes it hard to give you advice. I agree with other posts that your sink should be away from the wall. This allows you to have stuff to the left of you (drying dishes in my house), while you wash vegetables on the right of the sink. You need the same space on both sides of the stove, also. At least 24 inches on both sides is good. 36 is better, though. The first design has a nice little countertop space that adds a place for your daughters a space to sit a watch/ talk to you while you're in the kitchen. When they added this to the first design, you lost cabinets on the other wall. This is bad, as the space is already storage limited. Try making the rounded countertop bump out into the living space more. If you play with the shape, you could make it work without losing the cabinets on the other side. It doesn't have to be rectangular or a perfect circle. You can see how this one isn't confined to the floor plan of the kitchen. I think this is what you would need to do to make it the most functional.

I have some suggestions if you are thinking budget friendly changes. Make a photo gallery with different size frames and arrange them parallel to the stairs, so you can enjoy each photo as you climb up. And for the area that will be on a level with your upper floor, try some pretty decal that will connect the photo gallery to upper level. And last, if you have budget add some beautiful hanging lights in the stairwell. Also think about repositioning your refrigerator.

Rohanth, See if this inspires you.. alongwith some of the ideas suggested by RMs above. If its feasible please do away with the grills and replace them with tempered glass. You may have to play with lighting to enhance this area. You can call us ..its easier to explain over a call . Thanks Nitin CORNERSTONE DESIGNS Bangalore.

Yogender Sharma To make a grass cover, the first thing you will need to ensure if whether the structure of the half basement is capable to holding a green roof. The next would be to waterproof the top again, keeping in mind the soil and the constant contact with water. Once these things are done, you need to locate were it is you want the lawn and ensure you have access to a drainage within or at best near it the area. You will then require the services of a horticulturist to help you set up the lawn. In terms of cost, it really depends on quite a few factors Existing condition of the structure Location Quality of Horticulturist Type of Green Cover etc....