BlackCookie

This is beautiful. Where did you get it from? I saw a similar one from Ethnicraft but this is just gorgeous.

Joining in requesting for Mr K's contact. Not that I need it immediately but in a couple of months' time.

Oh, please don't get me wrong. I just have a slightly different take on scandi design with practicality in mind. Bearing in mind clean lines will be rather in line with the scandi look as well. I reckon a cabinet that's flushed i.e. no doors or having just hidden doors, will give it a very clean look while preserving practicality in the kitchen. That wouldn't be very far from retaining the scandi concept as well??? Cheers

Covering it up might be in line with the scandi look. LInes will be clean and one more benefit, you wouldn't get so much dust settling on the fridge and with the "oil" that comes from cooking, the dust might be rather sticky and tough to remove after a while. I would suggest geting your contractor to build it a shelf to flush it against the rest of the shelves.

Although it's a pity to do away with the high ceiling, the mahjong area is incredibly important. No prizes for guessing what I do during weekends... By the way, do a check on the ceiling. The absolute pain is doing the ceiling when you're living in it.

Such a beautiful house. I'm surprised you're not already mad with the carpentry. I would have gone into fits and rejected the entire batch. This is horrible. I wouldn't compromise on my home and your patience is commendable. But MILs will be MILs... I feel sorry for you!

We have seen too many attempts at minimalism and failed terribly because of ideas that overridden the concept. I think you have done an excellent job there and stayed true to your concept. Many fail to understand that it's very difficult creating minimalism without sufficient space. Very nicely done...

Nope I'm a lurker.. I didn't mention clearly... I've only seen both the house via the blogs here on RT. My house will only be ready next year so I'm doing "market research".

We have seen Newnyew's house and the details is amazing. I'm even more amazed that she did such an excellent job for you as well. Thumbs up! The choices on the wardrobe handles... That's a simple picture but I'm guessing alot of time put into the research. Beautiful house!

Are both different houses?

Wow... I love the amount of light coming into the house. This looks so spacious. HDB really putting effort to give people what they want...

Minimalism is tough with kids. Perhaps you can lean towards, "clean look"?

I was in Toronto when I was a kid and that was eons ago. Since you're taking your own sweet time in doing up the place, where are you staying in the meantime? My place will be ready in 2013 but meanwhile, I'm thinking the area outside my boyfriend's parents place would be a great place to raise kids as it's a cul de sac and there are very few cars. And the way I see from the pictures you posted, seems like a safe place to let your kids cycle and roam around while you grab a chair and sit by the porch. That's life!

I love the no gates thing. The last time I experienced such sense of freedom was when I was living in Toronto. In Singapore, no chance. Not that we're afraid of burglars but it has become social norm to install gates. Forget about the grills, you have no real need for them. But do invest in very good security on top of what they have provided you with. Looks like a great place to raise kids!

Hi euphony, Thanks for sharing your process with us. I can't wait to see some pictures. It's actually a rather brave choice to buy a house in Malaysia as I can't imagine myself commuting past the customs on a regular basis. Having said that, I have friends who make the daily commute. Interesting video... I feel that minimalist concept can appear a tad cold especially if you can afford space. But I'm sure you can inject some warmth... Take your time in the reno which is what I plan to do as well. I believe in enjoying the process and not be rushed into certain decisions.