summersann

No door between living room and balcony? How will you be keeping the rain out (pardon me if you mentioned it previously)?

This is great! Thanks adidaem! Our ID included a tall unit for our mops, pails, vacuum cleaner, ladder (tall things). Half of the space below the stairs is pull-out storage for smaller items that need storage. The other half is going to be left empty for bigger items like luggages, our pet food, stuff. ID is also suggesting a laundry storage area in the service yard, so that all our laundry supplies (including ironing board) go there. Somewhat like these: Our kitchen cabinets will probably also be used to store some dry goods and stuff because we don't cook that much and don't have that much stuff in our current kitchen cabinets anyway (my current place's kitchen cabinets are used to store really silly things like countless plastic containers from packing food. quite a waste of space ). There'll also be a cabinet for shoe storage behind the wall at the main entrance. ID included that so that besides the area where we can slot our everyday shoes, there'll be somewhere for us to store fancier shoes or shoeboxes. We'll keep the cabinet cuz it's good for storage, but again, we don't have that many pairs of shoes (I only have 7 pairs of shoes ), so half of that cabinet could be used for storage (maybe newspapers and magazines!). We also have a huge wardrobe in our bedroom right now (when we don't even have that much clothes ), so there's a possibility of using some of that wardrobe space as storage. The good thing is our ID is very big on space planning, so she always reminds us about storage. Shall remember to ask her for more details to check that the current plan has enough! We're retaining our current railing because it's actually quite vintage and nice. Goes with our concept well. The ID suggested painting over the rails and varnishing the wood handle on top

We wanted to have cement screed, but decided against it eventually cuz it didn't suit the look we really wanted. But yes! Cement screed can be rather lovely. If anything, it's very artistic.

Good point! Need to check the actual dimensions for the "new" walkways in the Master Bedroom, and see just how much space is left. Slipped my mind cuz I was getting too excited about everything else Thank you for reminding us! And nope, we don't want kids (oops, sorry government). The ID actually left a room for us for "the future", but we specifically asked to remove it, haha I hope so too! Now waiting to see the detailed drawings. Will probably not have any to show for a while though! The firm doesn't release designs until after the renovation is done. Maybe I'll ask for some and try my luck

If it's really these shades, I say Yes! Goes well and looks classy

Happy moving!

PM-ed you!

This is why I'm never going to be an interior designer. Warning: my sketch is completely out of scale My favorite area right now: the little corner on the left upon entering the house, for us to place our everyday shoes and to hang some bags/outerwear (shoe storage problem: solved!). I specifically asked for this, because I'm so in love with the idea. Our designer did a great job sketching it out right after I tried to explain what I wanted. It looks gorgeous (on paper). Can't wait to see detailed drawings. What made me fall in love with the idea: The other area I'm excited about is on the 2nd floor, in the new Master Bedroom. After I stated my preference for a work-table (for two) and lounge area in our bedroom, our designer revised the floorplan. She also knows about my obsession with casement windows, and so suggested a panel of casement windows instead of the original fixed glass panel idea for the new Master Bedroom wall overlooking the staircase. Very excited to see how it turns out! Something like this? : We're keeping our toilets clean, and have finally decided to go with shower curtains, because they complement the current look better than shower screens. I'm finally going to get my medicine cabinet! Well, kind of. Mirrored cabinets for both the toilets upstairs. Something like this: We also decided to go with our gut feel and do away with the traditional dining table in the designated Dining area. The most coincidental thing is that before we even mentioned our decision to the designer, she showed us her revised design - two-thirds of our island is open-bottomed, only 1/3 is cabinet (and the microwave oven will be housed there). She explained that in that way, our island could function as a bar area for when we want to have simple meals or drinks. We told her about our decision to do away with the dining table, so she expanded the island and made it wider. Our island can now sit 4-5 and we can use it as a dining table! The best part about this is that the designated Dining area can now be converted into a lounge area (or anything else that strikes our fancy later)! I also especially like the built-in bookshelf corner that the designer included below the stairs, facing the living room. Reason: I told her I like to curl up on the sofa to read. So she created a little "corner" for me! Mom also gets a little dry vanity area in her room, courtesy of the designer. She wanted to create a wall so that the bedroom door wouldn't appear to be jutting out when left open. I love how she pays attention to these small details that make a big difference. She changed the position of our new Master Bedroom door with this same reason in mind - so that the door can "rest" against a wall when opened, making it seem less obtrusive. That's all I can think of for now. Please feel free to give suggestions!

Not sure about the changes in any rules on this indemnity form, but we got our seller to sign the form so that our ID can apply for permit and start work the day after we collect our keys. Seller has signed it, and passed us a photocopy of his IC as well. Our ID has it and is using it for permit submission in a few weeks' time.

Good luck with the selection! Working on the design is keeping me happy right now, while we wait for the key collection in December. Congrats on your wedding and all! Looking forward to your renovation process!

I agree that the void looks strange because it's right next to the tall unit. But from what I understand, the scandi-look is a lot about accessorizing with loose items rather than too many built-ins because those give a very "heavy" feel. Perhaps an open shelving above the fridge may help the place look less cluttered?

Your nicknames for these designers are hilarious! All the best with the selection!

Thank you! Had a 3+hour meeting with the designers yesterday night. Very excited about the revised plan! No details to show yet, and our designers don't release designs until after the renovation, but I'll use my (very) limited sketching skills to draft up something on our floorplan! Shall hopefully share it tonight!

Agreed We met 11 IDs, and our quotations all came up to be about the same (~80k, not inclusive of electrical rewiring). And the price jumped fast whenever we decided to change anything. In the end, we gave up! We just picked the one who could design the best, give us the best ideas, and was the most willing to work with our budget without going too over it still in the midst of bringing our budget down, but looks like it's not going to go anywhere lower than 90

Best suggestion ever! I'm using mine as a "movable" decoration piece. Haha

Nice! Another EM owner! Have fun with the renovation process!

Gathering ideas before meeting the ID on Monday! Lights for the stairwell. Pretty, but lacks the cosiness that a home should have. But there's definitely something here! Time to get creative. Work table, and its surroundings. Always thought the kitchen countertop is best kept clean and clear. But, a picture to suggest otherwise!

nice layout! our animals were also a consideration when we started looking for an EM

love your pictures! very nice vintage mask used

I read this in your own blog (or somewhere else). It totally inspired me to do the same, hahaha Thanks for your tips!

This kind, can?

Definitely going to give this some thought. Still deciding!

Going fast!

I'm deciding between the two. I have shower screens where I live now, but I hate how it occupies space. But mostly, I hate the soap scums that are ridiculous to clean. But I recall staying in hotels with shower curtains, and those irritated me as well as they tend to billow in and stick to you when bathing. Super gross.

I love Jonker street! Interesting buy Hope your reno goes smoothly!