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Umaisarah

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Posts posted by Umaisarah

  1. Posted · Edited by Umaisarah

    Found it! This is what I hope my dining set will look like after varnish and upholstery. Just need to convince my hubby to go for full upholstery :P

    4564316263_1b0e883a3a_o.jpg

    (Picture copyright www.julian-bowen.co.uk)

  2. Posted · Edited by Umaisarah

    It black and grey for the table n chair. My bad, I remember wrongly :P ya is $210 per chair.

    Oh! Oh! I found it!

    What my dining set will look like after varnish and upholster. I think it looks real glam and will go nicely with dining lights, no?

    4564316263_1b0e883a3a_o.jpg

    (picture copyright www.julian-bowen.co.uk)

  3. Posted

    Hi, need some advise on which outdoor wood to use for our balcony, Chengai has been vastly promoted on this forum. But following the threads, after 6 months there are issues on warping and wood splitting which is quite alarming for an outdoor wood. Merbau on the other hand seems to be the able to address these issues but still priced lower than Chengai - so I don't know what the catch is, & not much feedback on it so far here, so I can only assume not many bros & sis' are using it. We are also looking into the possibility of deploying Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) which almost looks like the real thing.

    Not many companies are offering it so far, the only one I came across is Goodhill and Kianson. Any suggestions on this, anyone?

    Not sure if you have considered bamboo as an option. They do have a strand woven type which is more durable and suitable for outdoor decking.

    I'm doing mine with bamboo, in fact they're installing it right now as we speak :)

    I'm going down later to inspect and take pics to update my blog.

    Bamboo more eco-friendly as u don't chop down trees which takes years to grow back.

    You just need to oil it regularly to maintain the colour and lustre. But drawback is tt it comes in only 1 colour.

    Chengal advantage is that you can stain it to what colour u want, but then you would need to restain it often to keep the colour. This can be quite a hassle, not to mention expensive.

    Either case, bamboo vs chengal, the lower base is still made of chengal cuz it's the one of the hardest of the hardwoods.

    But tt's only my humble opinion. Chengal is a more popular and durable choice than merbau. WPC looks good but will feel 'fake'. It's like laminate vs solid wood :)

  4. Posted

    Had u visit the furniture shops at Sungei Kadut Ave? Cos there maybe a better and cheaper than u vanish and upholstering it for $380 per chair.

    williamm.jpg

    My feel is this type of colour may suit your lighting.

    Err....where u get $380 from?

    It's actually $210 per chair for varnish + upholstering the seat.

    $180 if varnish only

    $275 if varnish + upholster the whole chair.

    I did go to Sungei Kadut last weekend. Went to Mode Studio, and Zen. The chairs at Mode were very modern looking, didn't fancy any of them. Zen had more in the style I want but the chairs looked more or less like my current chair.

    What is the colour of the table in the drawing? Is it black, black brown or walnut-brown. Not really clear leh.....

    But I like the chairs, but without the arm rests. Quite fancy-looking....:)

  6. Posted

    BTW, am looking for a ncie mirror for the dining room... any suggestions??

    Oh there was a similar question in another thread. Linking it here. I bought mine at The Mirror House. You can also try the Wholesale Teak Company. They are opening their doors again for another round of sales this weekend :)

  8. Posted

    Picture ???

    Okay, pictures here :P

    4562341075_1650d861b7.jpg

    David from Barossa Furniture told me that a similar sideboard will cost abt $1.6k in the shop.

    Pictures of my chair, in case anyone's interested :D

    Side view 4562347525_7a36daed8f.jpg Back view 4562984966_c4711af33a.jpg

    Sorry for the poor quality, taken w my iPhone.

  9. Posted

    I didn't get my dream dining chair, but I did get my dream bookshelf!

    While at Park Mall, I spied a bookshelf that had a similar design to the one I had in mind. The shop was Air Division, whch I remembered from Home & Decor mags, sell some pretty expensive stuff. Anyway, I braved myself, stepped in, touched and felt the bookshelf then subtly checked the price. Okay, not as expensive as I thought it wld be. After 25% off, it was about $2.3K.

    Then I saw another shop at the basement, Nakim Home, and after a few enquiries, discovered they do custom-made furniture. So I showed Alex, the owner, a design of the bookshelf which a kind soul had done up for me, and after punching some nbrs, he quoted me $1,800, in solid teak wood in dark walnut finish.

    Now, I've asked about 3 carpenters previously to quote the bookshelf for me, and the cheapest I got was $1,500 but that was for solid ply and laminate finish. So, I figured I'm getting a good deal for $300 more but in teak wood. So, I confirmed after a feeble attempt at negotiating the price. Good thing is that it'll take 8 weeks for Alex to do the shelves so I hv abt 2 months to save to pay for the balance :P

    I'm so happy about the bookshelf :sport-smiley-018:

    Oh, forgot to mention that the shelf would not come with the pull-out stool. I can do without it :)

  10. Posted

    err so you are going to do $480 for the table and varnishing for 6 chairs ($180 or 1 for $180?) and mouldy side board ($400)??? You going to use back the same color or a darker color?

    Final answer :)

    1. Varnish table in dark walnut $480

    2. Varnish chair in matching colour and upholster seat area (not sure what colour yet) $210 each

    3. Total price $1,740

    4. Dinner with the family Priceless :D

    Hubby dun want to varnish the sideboard cuz we're already giving it away. I told him we can varnish it and sell it off for like $600 or something.

    Anybody interested? :)

  11. Posted

    I didn't get my dream dining chair, but I did get my dream bookshelf!

    While at Park Mall, I spied a bookshelf that had a similar design to the one I had in mind. The shop was Air Division, whch I remembered from Home & Decor mags, sell some pretty expensive stuff. Anyway, I braved myself, stepped in, touched and felt the bookshelf then subtly checked the price. Okay, not as expensive as I thought it wld be. After 25% off, it was about $2.3K.

    Then I saw another shop at the basement, Nakim Home, and after a few enquiries, discovered they do custom-made furniture. So I showed Alex, the owner, a design of the bookshelf which a kind soul had done up for me, and after punching some nbrs, he quoted me $1,800, in solid teak wood in dark walnut finish.

    Now, I've asked about 3 carpenters previously to quote the bookshelf for me, and the cheapest I got was $1,500 but that was for solid ply and laminate finish. So, I figured I'm getting a good deal for $300 more but in teak wood. So, I confirmed after a feeble attempt at negotiating the price. Good thing is that it'll take 8 weeks for Alex to do the shelves so I hv abt 2 months to save to pay for the balance :P

    I'm so happy about the bookshelf :sport-smiley-018:

  13. Posted

    Some updates to share on my dining chair adventure.

    So I had 3 options basically.

    Option 1 - varnish chairs only

    Option 2 - varnish + upholster

    Option 3 - buy new chairs

    I already had a quote for $1,200 previously from Furniture Reborn to varnish my table + 6 chairs. So I thought better get 2nd opinion and another quote. So, I did a little googling and came across this furniture company Barossa Furnishings which also specialises in furniture repair and restoration. The owner David came down to inspect the goods, agreed that it's a good idea to upholster the chair and said he wld quote me. Abt 10 minutes after he left (superfast!) he quoted me via SMS $480 for the table and $275 per chair for upholstering and varnishing ($180 if I only varnish). And he would do my mouldy sideboard for $400. So, if I do the maths correctly, his quote is $1560, abt $360 more than Furniture Reborn. I contacted FR too but the guy sounded blur when I said I wanted to upholster. Said he wld come back to me with price, but so far quiet.

    Then, I shared my idea with DH on upholstering and he made a face. Didn't like the idea (arrghhh :( ) But then he also said he not fussy :o as long as the chairs are easy to maintain (ladies, does this sound familiar....???) So as compromise, I plan to just cushion up the seat. The chair's design is still pretty good and classic, even though it's a pain to sit on it :P Barossa quoted me $210 to just upholster the seat area.

    Spent the better part of the afternoon tdy looking at furniture shops. First stop was at The Life Shop where I asked abt the Sawa Chair. Bad news, fans! They no longer carry it :( They had one unit in the warehouse and it looked to be in a sorry state. Going for abt 50 bucks frm original $350. The salesgirl said she can re-order frm the factory but it'll take a few months. Talking abt Life Shop, I remembered its glory days...but now it looked quite pathetic. My fear is that it'll go the way of Barang2. Sigh....

    Next stop was Evov Living at Balestier which was nearby Life Shop. Saw dining chairs which were pretty unique but the sales guy was kind of discouraging saying that somebody else was interested in the whole set and is coming by tmrw to buy it.

    Final stop Park Mall and my fave shop Natural Living. Confirmed delivery date for my bed and coffee table and looked at their dining chairs. They had a better-looking version of my current dining chair (costs about $400++) and when I asked, they said they had dining chairs with the same type of weaving as my sofa set. Showed me some pictures in a catalog and they looked good and will match the rest of my furniture. Sales guy said he can sell it to me for $300 a piece, down from $500. Made a call to my MOF but he said has to think abt it cuz he hasn't seen the thing. Sigh... so much for not being fussy :D

    Anyway, cut very long story short, I'm going for the varnish+upholster. With a new varnish tt will match the table, it's going to be fab! It's also the 2nd cheapest option. Made an appt to see David down at his shop on Sun to see his workmanship and hopefully cfm the order.

  14. Posted

    Agree, agree, must change table to darker colour. Mbe a dark walnut.

    As for chairs, looks like i'm going for upholstering, but not the whole chair cuz my hubby not too keen.

    So to compromise, I'm only doing the seat part cuz tt's very uncomfortable rt now. so at least with padding, more comfort.

    The back of the chair is actually quite nice, so it'll be good to keep it intact.

    But most definitely need to varnish the chairs as well.

    Hv more updates of my dining chair dilemma in my blog :)

  15. Posted

    think if she paints the table dark borwn, it will go much better with the white cushions and the light? Have to see also what colour is the cushions of the sofa set....

    Current colour is dark brown, but I'm planning to make new cushion covers, mbe in yellow :unsure: ? or just plain white or khaki?

    I'm just thinking that the last quote I got to varnish the table (+6 chairs) was $1,200 :(

    If I do the maths, I might be better off just buying a new dining set :D

  16. Posted · Edited by Umaisarah

    Oh, such a feminist! How could you? Wouldnt it be great if the other half is involved in the selection process? In that way, you can benefit from more ideas. Two heads are better than one, no? Is arrogance the common trait among the red devils?

    Cheers.

    :fire: who are you calling arrogant?

    Yah, they want to take part in the selection process, but not in the FINDING process. LOL

  17. Posted

    I almost bought those chairs in fabric, think they said can make in fabric, not sure though... decided against it coz my table is already so heavy and bulky wanted a more streamlined chair...like the Sawa chair a lot!!

    Oooh! Do you remember how much the chairs cost?

  18. Posted

    would the white wash clash with the lights though??

    What about something like this?

    leather-loft-dining.gif

    Very nice ;) but I had a bad experience with supposedly leather dining chairs which flaked within a few months so now quite wary.

    If I don't upholster my chairs, then i might go for these types

    Iman Wickerback Chair from Life Shop

    4557202063_0ff66fc0cd.jpg

    Sawa Chair, also from Life Shop

    4557208641_7fb0456316.jpg

    Does Life Shop has an outlet at Paragon? They only showed the Jln Ampas showroom in the website.

    Last reosrt, hv to pay a visit to the shop whose name I borrowed for my T-blog :)

  19. Posted

    Actually the existing chairs are pretty good match for the resort feel, maybe at each end u can put a teak wood bench vanished dark wood color instead. Then have the tables and chairs revanished in to semi gloss dark wood color. You can always swap the chairs or bench according to the seats required. The Bench can be reused as side tables too.

    Personally I feel that your dining lights will not go with wicker dining sets. It will either go with ultra modern (glass and metal) or more traditional settings (deep wood colors).

    Agree :) this is what happens when you buy things on impulse :P

    I do have two wooden stools which I place at each end, and which I just put under the table when not used. One of the stools have started to crack already so I'm looking for a stool or bench too.

    I hvn't decided yet whether to go with dark wood or the other extreme which is white-washed.

    Will see if I have some inspirational ideas from the web or not.

  20. Posted

    not really sure, only reason we ended up getting from pasardina was we overheard a couple talking about them in Jones the Diner, saying how good the stuff was etc, hehe...

    i agree, think you have to stay with more traditional stuff based on your table, one idea would be to put covers on your current one (not upholster, but those removable covers ? )

    I did try a few years back but it looked really ugh :(

    Also my current chairs are really uncomfortable to sit on for too long a time. I think there's something wrong with the design such that your butt (excuse my french) doesn't really sit properly on a flat surface. We bought some Ikea chair pads, but that just makes it worst cuz the pads don't fit properly. Really hate my current dining chair :P

  21. Posted

    when i look at the lights, i think of a table that is either glass or white.. dark wood with that lighting looks quite out leh.. those very very light kind of wood table also ok...

    but if you are keeping the table, then i think the zanzibar bench should be okay.. the chair is okay too, but white looks weird with the table don't you think? caspian is totally out, match the lights but not the table.

    They do come in the honey colour (which is 25% off, btw :)) and dark brown, but we chose white to go with the lights.

    The Caspian chair idea was inspired by this photo I saw on Loyd Pek's blog where he had matched a modern-looking chair with wooden table. In fact, XZQT has a similar-looking chair (model name is Jam) but I liked the look of the Caspian with its flowery design (no picture, **** it!). I think the picture I posted up there doesn't really do the real thing justice :)

    Anyway, I'm also exploring another option which I've described in greater detail in my T-blog. Hope to hear your comments about tt option, too :)

  22. Posted

    you could also try Pasardina in Dempsey, look for Bob or Doreen, they're the one who made my table. Think they can also re-upholster and they are experts in teak also....

    Oh, I did call them actually cuz I remembered they custom made for you. But :( they dun hv such service.

    I did notice tho that Dempsey area has a lot of shops selling teak furniture. Are the rest any good?

  23. Posted · Edited by Umaisarah

    As i said in the other thread. I dun like the 2 selections of chairs. I would still stick to wood.

    This is my idea, and I do not know if you like it. I would think to revanish them to dark wood color semi gloss. Then to have those old french design type of chairs. The uphostery must not bee too dark though. Then you can put some lace dolly or candles or nice crystal dining wares on the table itself. A touch of french elegance. :yamseng:

    But, too bad i have a uncle minded husband and he said, "I want a round marble top dining table". :jawdrop::bangwall: I am still trying my best to change his mindset. :P

    Thanks, Zelly! It's a cool idea but I think it will clash with my resort-like sofa set :P, but I do agree about keeping the dining area elegant.

    I'm surfing the net to get some ideas on what is 'modern contemporary resort' :D

    It's a good thing I didn't design my own house - I think it will end up very obit with mismatched furniture and looks!!!!

    But, too bad i have a uncle minded husband and he said, "I want a round marble top dining table". :jawdrop::bangwall: I am still trying my best to change his mindset. :P

    Lol :D Wouldn't it be great if hubbies just stay out from the furniture selection, and leave it all to us wifeys or wife-to-be? But my hubby told me str to my face tt he doesn't trust my selection, and to be frank, sometimes I don't trust myself either! :D:D

  24. Posted

    Thanks Patsy and England for the comments on my chair dilemma.

    Yah, am now rethinking about what kind of chair I want for the dining.

    My DH is really pushing his idea for the wicker chair but I keep telling him IT WON'T MATCH, DEAR :P

    Your comment, England, got me thinking tt mbe I should stick to wooden chairs, so what I did was pay a visit to The Shophouse at Gillman Village. Remembered that they had quite nice teak stuff there. A nice girl by the name of Siti served me, showed me some nice looking pieces. Price was cheaper than XZQT or the Teak and Mahagony ones, but still considered on the high side (abt $300++ per piece).

    Anyway, Siti gave me such a brilliant idea that I kick myself for not thinking about it sooner. She saw me eyeing some the upholstered pieces and asked why not I just upholster my current ones. That way I can save a bit of $$. I didn't even know can do such a thing (duh!) The Shophouse apparently provided such service and she asked me to leave my name and number and get her designer to contact me.

    So when I came back to the office, I did a little internet searching and came across a few other companies who can also provide upholstering service. At the same, I can ask them to revarnish the chairs and table too (and mbe even change the colour? I am thinking ash-white, hmmm......)

    At the same time, my ID is emailing me some pictures of chairs to recommend, cuz i oso asked her help. She designer, mah...so must be able to advise me on these things too.... :)

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