wabisabi

Comparison to the new window: Here is the close up of the handle

Took pictures of the broken lock on the old window: Some can't be lock and there are gaps, too bad can't capture it clearly

I just chose my quartz table top today, but forgot to check with my contractor what brand it is. I was in the hurry... Anybody has suggestion which brand is better? Silestone? Caesarstone? Iquartz? I want black color, but I don't want something similar to black galaxy granite. After seeing black galaxy for a few years get bored already......

I haven't check out the Fascina window, so not sure how much it cost and if it is cheaper or more ex. But I heard it is nice and expensive . I went along to install this window because my neighbour already installed it and I visited her flat to see how much it cut the noise. After I heard the difference, got convinced already lah..... Here picture of my neighbour's window (middle), I think it looks quite neat:

Do note that I got the double glazed window from my general contractor, not direct to window supplier. But I have compared the one that done by previous owner 2 years ago (I guess it was done directly to window supplier), and the one I got from my contractor. The one done 2 years ago has a lot of gap, crooked here and there, and also brittle. Some of the lock broke during reno! The new one has followed the curve nicely and no gap. So I guess I got a good quality and the one installed it is quite good. But it cost a lot to replace those many windows...... and I have really lots of windows.... I'll take some details photo of old existing window compare to new one...

Tom Browne place is masculine, neat, and I just like the vibe. The second design that I like is done by Kelly Wearstler for Cameron Diaz. Diaz apartment is feminine&glam, but I really like its textures

Today I am going to post some inspiration pictures from magazine. These two design I like most, maybe can be an inspiration for other who want to do renovation. First one is Tom Browne apartment from architecture digest: and his boutique

By the way griffindor, I can't send you pm, don't know why

The double glazed window is quite expensive, for those in the photo I paid $2300. But it is much bigger than average window (my ceiling height 7 feet) and mine is on curvy place, so installation is more difficult. My window total width is about 10 feet. It definitely cut a lot of noise, but not 100 percent. Yes it need HDB approval. I'll pm you my contractor no.

I bought this light at Lightcraft sale. Only $89 for dining area hopefully look nice

After we left the white wash chemical a while, it turn a bit greyish like this: I was a bit worried about the result initially. The parquet design is quite complicated, and the original color of the wood is not even. So with such sheer white, I scared it will look ugly. But after a while it looks quite ok. They said tomorrow will be more even color after sanding and varnishing. Here is the close up: I think it look raw, slightly old and suit the old house......

After sanding and vacuuming, they apply the white wash:

Today they are polishing the parquet. The original color is glossy rusty color. Can see the original color on the side of this picture. The middle part they already sand it.

Balcony light is up. I found the exact same style as the one in Cluny court. The bulb will be changed to LED bulb Those windows are existing window. It was done poorly, but it is quite new. I wanted to change these window, but it is expensive for such a long long window. Maybe in a few year can save money to change this to double glazed version with clear glass instead of tinted. We need double glaze because the sound of buses are quite loud. It looks green and serene in this picture, but actually outside is very near to main road.

Hi June, I like the design of your place. Very Nice!! This web is a great inspiration, as I also have a small corner of brick wall in my home office. Right now still haven't decide how to decorate it, but your blog give me a lot of idea. I want to do some DIY too ...

Haha thank you for the encouragement! I am now waiting for the carpenter to finish "their study". They haven't figure out the technique on how to put tile in the middle of glass door cabinet. Although there are wood frames, but they say it is difficult to make. So hopefully we can go ahead with option2 design for the kitchen.

I am looking for mirror with black frame plus black glass shelf. I want the front shower to look and feel masculine. Anybody know where to get this? I have visited many bathroom supplier but haven't seen one like this.

The double glaze window are up!! This is one of the reason I bought this flat. All those green outside

Painting at balcony area is in progress too. The vintage chair all are get dusty, but will re-varnish them after contractor finish all dusty work.

Downlight from Cree, come with high color rendering. Also look good and nice. Painting of wall and window is in progress

I have been busy for a few days, and the family got some virus, so everybody get sick since Tuesday. Yesterday went to visit the site and the progress are very good. This contractor did the job neatly, looks like I am going to recommend this contractor if the progress is always like this. The finishing are smooth, edging sharp, no complain if need to change things, and handle all our demand patiently. Some photos: This is ceiling light for kitchen area, bought from Vlux at discounted price. Made in Spain, edging are real mahogany. Looks good.

Just finished discussion with carpenter. We had a long discussion on how to make option 2 design. They find it quite a challenge to create the cabinet door with tile in the middle of glass.

Ok, this is the design for the kitchen part. I try to design in to be in tune with the building architecture, which is late art deco style (streamline moderne). So I try to mix in modern contemporary, late art deco, and peranakan element in it. Hopefully doesn't turn out to be a rojak So which one you like better: Option 1 is more modern, clean look.. The part in the middle of the top cabinet is peranakan tiles. Option 2 is a glamorous peranakan look, more of a modern interpretation of peranakan look:

These are some of the purchased item, mostly for the home office that will look slightly industrial-vintage. Small desk and chairs are for the children room. s

I have a dilemma with the vintage rattan sofa. The cost to reupholster these cushions is $1550 (new thicker cushions and new fabric). The cost to re varnish is $600, that is not including the shipping cost. Restoring this vintage piece is expensive. We can get a new sofa with this price. On one hand, this is a genuine piece that belong to this house. On the other hand, this sofa is a bit awkward (scale is too big for the living room), and I have to throw away my sofa from my old flat (I can't keep two sofas, no space). If I don't restore it, it already become a bit shaky, and blotchy because some part of the varnish has gone.