What do you mean by timber strips? Wood flooring? If so, that's a big Yes. As for the dining platform, I've seen it done many times, but I'm not a fan. It limits the space--unless you have very high ceilings and an open floor plan. Then it could set a boundary. But it would not be a feature for resale.

I will include the picture once I collect the keys to the apartment. The apartment is 1400 sq ft. and it is located on the 16 th floor. The living room and the balcony floor is at the same level. The French doors, which I intend to remove, separate and protect the living room from the open balcony. But the current owner had installed aluminum casement windows at the balcony. These windows I think will provide sufficient protection from the elements, hence the idea of doing away with the French doors. The authority would not allow us to remove the three feet high concrete wall of the balcony. The idea of the platform (a) to differentiate the living room/balcony boundary, (b) to raise the floor height so one can drink tea at the balcony and admire the view too.

I was doing a little research on single level elevators/lifts...from what I found, it is all made to comply with ADA guidelines...4'X 4' minimum platform. After that..got nothing. Sorry. I'll think about it and come back if anything pops into my head.

Hi Ah Jun congrats on having a new home! My humble thoughts; 1) storage really is individual liking. I didn't do too much cabinets and wardrobes and I regret it. Space is important, but design can make space look bigger even with storage 2) flooring is important, have to see what kind of theme you want for the house. Recommend you see the designs you have in mind and mix and match 3) your induction cooker is built in? Will there be hood and hob? I don't recommend cooking in service yard cause of clothings and all though. 4) open kitchen can look spacious, but also can don't fully hack to have space for cabinets. Also if you cook do you do heavy cooking all the time? Cleaning is another thing to ponder. 5)are you looking at combining master and common 2? Can consider walkin wardrobe also. if you keen we can have a better discussion on this. :)