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Luxexplorer

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Posts posted by Luxexplorer

  1. Posted

    On 6/20/2016 at 0:22 PM, vieracmx said:

    Hi, I have intention in getting a 40 yrs flat too. But worry about the cost of doing overhaul. so worry about the trunking and toilet part.. the unit i eyeing for have 2 big aircon system inside the house. I dont even know why.. can the aircon be place outside of the house? The house is extremely run down, unlike your original condition. 

    Can u send me ur quotation list and the renovation cost? It will really help me alot.. thank you in advance, hope u see my message.

    hi Vieracmx,

    I spent about 47k for renovation excluding the furnishings and I think it is quite reasonable considering the cost of materials nowadays. Whether it is a run down flat or well kept flat, old flats full renovation is a must (unless it was recently renovated by previous owners), i had changed all electrical wiring and pipings which are the most crucial to me and the best part is you can really express your style with a full renovation. My suggestion is find a contractor who is experience in doing old flats renovation as their are limitations for somethings we want as the new BTO are much easier. 

    I will try to find my renovation quotation and PM you. Cheers and good luck

  2. Posted

    Really impress with the Ikea kitchen cabinets. Each time when I visit IKEA i marvel at their kitchen designs but don't have the courage to consider it as always have the notion that it might not last as long as carpentry build in. And also dont know if the coordination for their cabinets will be a hassle versus one that just dealing with the contractor. Anyways, great job there.

    Always exciting to see other homes on the verge of finish. 

  3. Posted

    On 30/04/2016 at 9:53 PM, Grizzlybear said:

    Hi, could you please PM me the cost of your caeserstone kitchen top (with dimensions) and blum pull out drawers? Thanks in advance!

    Sorry for late reply as I didn't check. In for a whole. I paid $180 per foot run so that should be an easy gauge for you as the total cost depends I'm how big is your kitchen.  I used it for the kitchen cabinets as well as the sideboard .

    Different designs also different cost :)

  5. Posted

    On 3/23/2016 at 10:53 AM, bykaraanne said:

    Love the Singapore Specials! I want to get one but worried about my unit being too small for them. 

    Hey! There are some smaller HDB approved mongrels under the ADORE project. Consider to give them a home as they are so street smart and fast learner. If not, you can look into adopting some of the breeding pedigree dogs which are often rescue or abandoned by those irresponsible farm or home breeders. They are in dire need of home too and I am sure you will find one who will connect with your family.

  7. Posted

    On 4/27/2016 at 0:02 PM, ricepapergirl said:

    Thank you for this wonderful review! Yeah we are definitely thinking of going with them. Any idea how long in advance we should contact them beforehand?

    If you are not so flexible with your timing, its best to book in advance up to 2 -3 weeks. They are very popular and hard to get slot. The last time when I need to move my 2 meters teak table here i used them as well and not on floor excess they charged me only $80 with 3 workers. But I gave them $100 and the rest for their coffee. Most importantly is realiable and dont break anything. I believe Shalom is quite good but for me I like that the "goodness" of Helping Hand since they hire only ex-convicts who have trouble finding jobs and thus giving them a new start

    • Like 1

  8. Posted

    On 4/25/2016 at 10:07 AM, ricepapergirl said:

    Oh! That's useful to know! I was thinking of using helping hands as well! Will take this into account (husband and I might just take a week's leave to move in and settle stuff)...

    I always use Helping Hands. They quotations are always reasonable and even if a little more I will support them because we are doing something good out of it as well. They are professional and so far have never broken any items from my numerous moves

  10. Posted · Edited by Luxexplorer

    Hey Catt! Excited to see the renovation of another 3 roomer kaki. I love your choice of the Kraus Apron sink and I have ordered my 33" Kraus from Amazon without any problem. If your kitchen can afford the space then go for the 33" because it takes in so many of our pots and pans during our major cook out especially with dinner parties and when it is deep even better because the kitchen looks real neat when the pots are well hidden from view.

    Cheers

     

  11. Posted

    2 hours ago, lianaalin said:

    Hi! Are the kitchen cabinets in matte white or glossy? How's maintenance like thus far?

    Hello Lianaalin! Its glossy white and not difficult to maintain even after our every day cooking. Usually i will wipe down with a wet cloth and go over with a dry one so that the water  mark doest show. I used to have black gloss kitchen cabinets and that was a killer since the oily fingerprints show up every single time you touch it.

  12. Posted

    Hey Bipps! Renovation is  a tiring and a bit stressful process but the end product will be all worth it. In my honest opinion, those small little things that bugged me then just don't seem like such a big deal after I have moved in and some things still can be rectified. I am thinking my home is too white and also looking to paint a dark teal in the bedroom :)

    May I asked if you can provide the link for the 2 mirrors? Actually I like your 'ah neh' gold mirror a lot. LOL Really beauty in the eyes of the beholder! TIA

  13. Posted · Edited by Luxexplorer

    13 hours ago, wsketchpad said:

    Yups! I'm gonna use Caesarstone just like @Luxexplorer!

    Sorry for hijacking your tblog, @hellofromanotherside. haha.

    Hi hi!  LuxExplorer here :) and i apologise the hijacked for some countertop  discussion for those considering.

    After installation and registering for warranty, the cesearstone staff will come by to give a demonstration on how to take care of the material.  Scratch-proof , heat-proof and in the event if any chipped off they can repair as well. ( that would really require a super duper hard knock ) they will give you the logo which you can stick on as a "brand "

    I used to use solid top for my previous home and what frustrates me.was the scratches and marks which will surface after some use. Currently I am using the black solid top for the vanity because my sink actually has a huge cut out so I thought it will not be so wasteful but unfortunately the scratches are already appearing and it is not even not as intensively used. I will review this with some photos over at my blog later so that you can see it . 

     

    ** the most beautiful marble-ly quartz  I have seen is from silestone.  Especially the matt ones look absolutely gorgeous but a big hole in pocket 

     

  14. Posted · Edited by Luxexplorer

    I think horizontal tiling has been the standard forever but vertical tiling could visually " elongate" the space and it doesn't look too bad here. Could be something new which has yet to catch on because everyone just assume that's the horizontal is the norm; )

    That said , my tiler and contractor ran through laying direction and pros and cons  before starting work so could just ask your ID  to give you a heads up especially if they decided not to follow the norm 

  15. Posted · Edited by Luxexplorer

    k48mcn.jpgzt6gpx.jpg

    For those who were keen to know more about the flooring Magica Woodtime Italian tiles from Hup Khoon @ Balestier. The colour is Pecan and there is a choice of 4 colors. Size 15x90. My sales lady was a tiny hunchback lady named Ah Hoon and her service was superb as she was so patient with my numerous trips to confirm the tiles and color.
    Here is a close up of the color and texture along with with the foster dogs who are living with me while seeking a home. ( that's why my home needs to be pee/poo proof) For this tile, you can clearly see the "design" of distress wood which is what we really like. Color looks different because of different direction and the sunlight. Both are taken in natural lighting.
    As most of us know is that the longer the tile, the harder it is to tile and the grouting lines will also be wider compared to homogeneous tiles. Have to be prepared for 2 mm or so and that there might be some warping after the tiles has been laid basically translate to our feet feeling some unevenness at the edge as we walk. At that time of tile selection we keep hearing about warping but no idea how it will actually affect us so we end up choosing this tile instead of the first choice which was at a whopping 20x120. 
    We have discover some warping for some areas but we found out we don't mind as it gives a even more realistic feel to the wood texture. Cleaning is a breeze and we simply love it

  17. Posted

    23 hours ago, pankponk said:

    Yeayyy for no gate :dancingqueen:will show this to my hub and try to brainwash him no need to use gate :yeah:

    Actually we already agree no need to use gate but then because our flat near the lift so it's dilemma now 

     

    Pankponk, being nearer to the lift wouldn't it be better since it is much harder for someone to break in. He/she has to be really fast hand & fast leg as it has lots of traffic? Actually on this topic, I am curious how easy it is to break into with these digital locks in the market nowadays? Anyone has any ideas about this?

  18. Posted

    On 3/10/2016 at 9:12 PM, bykaraanne said:

    And!! Go to Daiso, get the melamine sponge (they have it in stick form, or just get the bigger individual pieces) and clean your shower screens with those. They work a CHARM on glass shower screens and leave them streak free and sparkling. I use it every week on them. 

    Either use plain water or spray some white vinegar solution and wipe down with the sponge. Works wonders, trust me. I use the sponge for my sinks, taps (they will SHINE) and the stick for my WC as well. 

    Bykarrane, can you PM me the photo of your digital lock please? At the same time, the Daiso sponge is it the blue one? Think I bought the wrong one which is white colour. The stick also no stock because will be perfect for cleaning my windows

  19. Posted

    23 hours ago, Rynaed said:

    It definitely doesn't look like it needs any varnish or paint.  I love that color of wood; it's just so warm.  I was originally hunting for wood tiles in that exact tone, but unfortunately, all the ones we found were way out of budget or just not quite right.

    I know exactly what you mean about the tiles. I think that is where we spent the most time on and went to the showroom numerous times. Found something nice, out of budget. Those within budget and I really did try to like them but always something wasnt right, texture too rough, colour or the distress wood just doesn't seem real enough. Eventually we realized that is all about compromise so we paid for what we liked and tried to cut down on other areas. Afterall the floor space s the biggest item in the entire home and it is the basis of the design.

    All said, I am glad the renovation is over and now enjoying those items I have agonized over.. LOL

     

  20. Posted

    On 2/25/2016 at 5:55 PM, bykaraanne said:

    Loving the new RT forums! So much faster and more intuitive! 

    Anyway, last portion of the house to be completed, my home office. I work from home so this is what I look at on most days. I still haven't finished with the shelves, but I suppose I'll never be done with them unless I travel. 

    HOME OFFICE PHOTOS:

    IMG_5505_zpsj0fb8wae.jpg

    It's a teeny room so I had to work hard to get everything in + not have it too crowded. It's also made up of moving pieces so that this room can become a nursery / toddler room if needed, or guest room, or just remain a home office for the husband and me. 

    The grey sofa is actually a sofa bed, which makes this into a spacious and functional guest room should someone come over. The side table you see in the pictures is the BEFORE of a DIY project which we never got around to yet. It will be marble top + gold legs. Haha!

    The blue chair is a reading chair

    Zooming into the area we have the shelves with spacious drawers for all my business folders / home bill folders + tech stuff, plus loads of space below for my law books, business books and printers. The top two shelves are for decor (since this is what my clients see on a call), but they're not quite there yet, I know.

    I chose the wall decor because it was the cheapest but chirpiest option! Also, the Giroud jersey framed is signed by the player and has TO KARA on it. :wub: This is my most prized possession, followed by my team signed ball, which I've yet to pump. HAHA. 

     

    Hey! Love this home- office. You see we cant have it all; because I have knocked off the bedroom for the beautiful dining table but that means when i work from home, I am always at my dining table. I haven't find space for my printer and all my stationery has no space to hide them. My dining table is always in a perpetual mess with tons of paper and laptop etc all lying around. :(

    It looks pretty complete to me liao

  21. Posted

    On 3/9/2016 at 9:19 AM, sapphire89 said:

    It's very windy at my place too from the limited times I've been up there... The wind messes with the fan and you don't really feel it. I might have to try the reverse mode for the fan and see if it works better when it is windy. The island itself is very tall and I'm going to have to get a step ladder thingy for my mum and sis when they decide they want to come over and bake. But my neighbours who signed the same ID said they concluded we're like bakers who needed the space to decorate cakes... They were stunned by how young we were :D

    Your "no gate" is looking amazing please. Now I wonder why I have gate. I still think the yale one that I got was too ex but in SG they're all standard price so oh well! Will go get a digital peephole soon so that can catch any movements outside the house.

     

     

    Hey! I am also doing some research on the digital peepholes so do share once you have decided on something. I am quite halfhearted on this so not able to make a decision.

    So you are a baker? like a real baker who bakes for sale? If you are, do advertise here I am sure lots of kakis will be keen.hehe

  22. Posted · Edited by Luxexplorer

    15 hours ago, gallopingpenguin said:

    Congratulations on your lovely home!!! So unconventional to not have a gate, salute! Also loving the look of your toilets, so nice and bright and clean :wub:

     

    20 hours ago, Rynaed said:

    Hi Luxexplorer!

    I'm so excited to see someone with a no-gate door since we have also decided to do away with ours.  Your door looks gorgeous, so it's really encouraging :)

     

    15 hours ago, gallopingpenguin said:

    Congratulations on your lovely home!!! So unconventional to not have a gate, salute! Also loving the look of your toilets, so nice and bright and clean :wub:

    Thanks for the compliments and swing by to have a look at my new home :)

    Rynaed, it was also love at first sight for this door. We have requested to leave it unvarnish to achieve a raw look even though we feel it still look very "finished". Down the road, i guess we can have it varnish to a darker color.

    Gallopingpenguin, the toilet is one of my favorite area. I absolutely love to do all my business there. Haha! Only such a pain to regularly maintain the shower glass door. Love your kitchen and now looking at it, I would have love the shaker style.. LOL

  23. Posted

    Hey Rynaed! Poppin to your blog to have a look after you left the note on mine that you are also not having a gate. I love your old main door actually and if the condition is good I would have get the contractor to send down and repaint it. I was looking for your kind of door in white so that I can have it painted but only found what I have now which is in wood color. The only thing we did was we requested the door to remain unvarnished and that is the most "raw" form we can find.

    Congrats to your new place and I love the space your new home offers.

    • Like 1

  24. Posted · Edited by Luxexplorer

    On 3/8/2016 at 8:45 PM, bykaraanne said:

    Love the door without the gate!!! Hmm. Makes me so tempted. Haha.

    Have you considered getting a digital peephole viewer for extra security? :) Those are so affordable and useful IMO! 

    Your dining area makes me want to buy a resale flat. Maybe for my next place. :) 

    congrats again and enjoy your new place!

     

    Hey Bykaraanne! Long time no see :) I am also loving the gate-less door but now I have make a habit to look through the peep hole before opening the door just in case someone is hiding outside.. haha. I am still considering the digital peephole; seems like a really useful gadget but it looks quite big so unsure if it will spoil the look of our main door. Also different people has been giving different reviews about the battery drainage so I am still sitting on the fence. Personally I think it is a great technology as well. Currently still doing some research on the different brands for this item.

    You know I had to sacrifice one bedroom for this 2m dining table hor..but because I bought it back when my home was 1200 sq feet and now it is 700sq ft so bo bian. Really love it especially when throwing party at home. Over CNY, it was perfect because can have 1 steamboat pot and 1 BBQ pan going at the same time.
    So you have finished decorating your whole place? 

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