january

I want to install a nice metal door gate for my apartment, but this mgmt has "design guidelines" for the gate which, frankly, I don't want to follow because it's ugly. I understand the design guidelines for window grilles as they can be seen from the outside of the building and it is nicer to have a standardised look. But what's the reasoning for door gates? It wouldn't affect the outer facade of the building in any way. I don't think it is fair for them to have the same design restrictions on door gates and window grilles. If I were to go ahead and install a gate whose design is not approved by the mgmt, they apparently can and will remove it by force. Do they have a right to do that? Please advise. I'd rather not get into a dispute with the mgmt; at the same time I want a nice looking gate.

Hey there, love the clock. Thanks for putting it on your tblog. You know what. I did not think about that. I guess I'll just buy king sized stuff and er, cut to size (if needed). And I guess I can't buy fitted sheets anymore. Went to Arab St yesterday to hunt for fabrics to style the house. (Also picked up a parking fine, argh!) There are 3 stores that have really really beautiful fabrics from Italy and Japan. Price also very nice, about $70ish per metre. I think now the master bedroom will be styled like Kenzo Maison, but more subdued.

So your tv console is a solid concrete platform... I see. I thought it was made from wood i.e hollow inside. I'm guessing you did this because you wanted to place your speakers on it? And your daughter is indeed a little angel. Of course, using a prime lens also makes her extra extra pretty. I will stop talking before I start to sound like a stalker. You're a lucky man. And I adore your house.

Yeah I went to the kim keat branch. Do they have other branches elsewhere? Dunno why must take off shoes, maybe cuz their flooring is really low quality and will be scratched easily Anyway I asked that sales person to take me to one of his client's place to inspect design and workmanship before I make a decision, which he kindly obliged. As expected the colour coordination was horrible (teal and cream, gimme a break), and workmanship isn't even that great. But they seem to be having extremely good business... so, they must be doing something right.

Do this. [img=http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oboLkEwzOZk/TQw8dpX8sVI/AAAAAAAADWE/I5GzqSlYXL0/s800/DSC_6805.JPG] And you will get this. Why is your floor so glossy? It's like an Apple ad You know, I really like the way you've arranged your AV equipment, it looks really nice and neat on that platform. How do you intend to deal with the wires btw? Is that a false wall behind the TV?

I approached Sky Creations as well and I don't have a good impression of them. They take a cookie cutter approach to home reno and that wasn't what I was looking for. And I think I have better colour and space sense than their "ID", who really is a sales person. Plus he kept bragging about how he had a few "ang moh" clients; like, relevance? If you're looking for a contractor, I think they're okay. But if you're looking for a designer, then I wouldn't recommend.

A few things to look out for 1. Check the edges and joints are smooth 2. Check that cabinet doors are level (not one higher than the other) 3. Check the insides of doors (near the hinges) to make sure that there are no extra drilling holes, cuz that means that the carpenter has made a mistake in drilling. 4. Look out for "wavy" laminate finishing. This is very obvious if you choose high gloss laminates. That's about all I can think of right now. Hope it helps.

Clocks wishlist Nothing like a Twemco flipclock for ultimate coolness. I think this is the one in Chungking Express. Twemco clocks are ridiculously expensive. Maybe I'll just settle for something else instead. Perhaps something like... ...LED wooden clock, from ultraj26's tblog.

Slanted walls and ceilings are very common... it's not until you do reno that you start noticing such things. Which is why when you take measurements, always take from two or three points and note down the minute differences. My "very experienced" contractor didn't do this and ended up having to replace the marble top for the bay window. His problem, not mine. But anyway, slanted walls and ceilings are very common...

Hello all Does anyone know if Sanctuary Dian is still active? I called them a few times but no answer. If anyone can let me know the right number to call that would be much appreciated! If not, please let me know where I can get a rectangular ottoman w/ wheels constructed. Thanks!

You can buy at any curtain shop.

Thanks for dropping in patsy_sg @singabox: I bought the slim divan from this shop at Blk 118 Aljunied Ave 2, behind Geylang East Polyclinic. It's the only furniture shop there, so you won't miss it. Cost $190. I *think* the base is made with wood, not spring, but I am not 100% sure. edit: You can most likely get it from other shops too... the brand of the divan is "Maxcoil".

Some of the furniture came in today. 1. Bed from Le Mercier. Now I need to find a weird mattress size of 170cm width. Prolly have to custom make. 2. Slim divan from HDB shop. Just proves that you don't need to pay a lot to get good stuff! The bed above uses exactly the same steel legs. I'm gonna order two more of these for the other rooms. 3. Dining table and chairs from XZQT Alt view Everything's still plastic wrapped, because the reno has dragged on for so long and is not completed! Hopefully having all the furniture in will give the contractor a sense of urgency.

Unless you have really well-trained ears, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference anyway. Don't be pressured by audiophiles, just buy whatever that suits your budget and purposes.

much appreciated reglxt today: Marble slab installation/rectification Furniture delivery - Double Bed from Le Mercier, Dining table + dining chairs from XZQT, Single bed from HDB shop

I was told that the ceilings will never be straight as they have to follow the slope of the floor above. And the slope is for the water to drain properly. Well done hanging the prints. Maybe I should call you to help me hang stuff next time Out of interest I googled the museum track system...Looks like something that can be DIY-ed. But wouldn't there be wires hanging all over.

Count me into this group buy! I live in the East so I don't really wanna go all the way down to Pandan Loop if I can

Thanks marshmallow, and it's not even done yet Well it's kinda like shipping cargo... you contact a shipping company in the country of origin to ship the goods, get the furniture company to help you do the paperwork to get tax rebates, and then you contact a freight forwarder in Singapore to receive the goods from the port on your behalf and deliver them to your home. Cost wise it really depends... it's cheaper if you can fill up a whole container. Surprisingly if you're buying designer furniture it can be significantly cheaper than buying from local stores, unless the local stores are having a sale. Then again you're only limited to existing stocks. Also if you're going for the classic English / modern American look, there are very few stores in Singapore that carry furniture like this that offer reasonable price and quality. It's definitely more troublesome than buying from local stores, because what happens if there are defects and stuff. I wouldn't particularly recommend doing something like this unless you're familiar with the country you're ordering from.

It's true that the prints seem to be hung a little too high... but how did you get them hung so neatly? That takes quite a bit of skill!

reglxt, which shop is this? I have yet to go to IMM in my search for home furnishings... There's a nursery right outside this condo, so I'll definitely get some potted plants from them after the move in. haha that atas mirror, price also very atas. -.- But I guess it's worth it.

I think if you top up a bit more you can get natural stone i.e granite or marble. You can call up marble suppliers to get a quote.

Best reply of the thread... thanks yoongf!

Seems possible! Will need to call the contractor tmr and start threatening reminding him... Thanks Lundquisto. I think you are referring to the müller rollkontainer.. We're gonna use that as a side table actually. We got it from Germany, costs a few hundred euros.

@lazybum9: Table is customised. We're gonna put the washing machine on top so it needs to be able to hold at least 80KG... will update once it's done. Picture time This is the altar. Spray paint glossy white. Obviously the finishing is not as smooth as those from Minotti... but it's good enough. Bedside table in MBR. I really like this design, and it's quite well-made. This is one of the few items that made using solid wood. Decorative mirrored panel in MBR, which looks a lot more modern than I expected.

Just found out that this condo has a design guideline on metal gates... few days ago I went to Metalworks to order this beautiful gate from them, and now I can't use that design, need to settle for some ugly jail-type gates. Boo. Also, some bathroom wall tiles are cracked. Defects team is rectifying right now. On a brighter note, the custom carpentry in the MBR is done! There's a mirrored panel and also a bedside table, which looks really good. So I'm happy about that. The altar table is also done, and it looks okay if you don't scrutinize it so much. I forgot to bring my camera just now, but will post pics later.