Valerie Low

Week 2 23/4/12 The progress of the reno is a bit slow. Today, the toilet walls are all laid with cement screed. I'm sure tomorrow they will start the tiling work as all the tiles have arrived. Did not take photo of the bathroom, when I arrived at the site it was already quite dark. I only managed to take some photos of the tiles. Logica Nero italian tiles for the kitchen floor Foyer tiles - we were worried about the foyer tiles previously. During our visits to Hafary, the sales person gave us 2 sample foyer tiles - they were identical. But the display set in Hafary was a set of 4 running tones. So, today when the tiles have arrived, i laid a few of them on the floor to make sure that the tiles we received are running tone tiles - and yes they are!

I think got black square floor tile at the tile shop next to Hafary - forgot the name. But it's not the 200x200 size, probably slightly smaller. I also thought of doing this flooring initially. But my toilet is so small, it won't look nice. So I gave up this idea.

I spot a cute blue typewriter, is it still functioning?

Hi renotm, why don't you place the track lights parallel with the sofa? I personally prefer that way so that the lights won't shine directly on me when I'm sitting at the sofa.

Hey, nice seeing you there renotm! Haha don't say that, we need more time to make decision, that's y you got to go first Yeah we got most of the lightings from Catalina except bathroom lights. Wah, so lucky of you to receive $10 discount. Do share with us your purchases in IKEA.

I can't wait for my subway tiles to be up too! Those photos are really inspiring. I think subway tiles best match with black and white mosaic floor tiles - but hubby forbids me to choose mosaics as floor tile as they are not easy to maintain. The black grout lines give a more distinctive brick-wall effect. It looks good too and i suppose it will be easier to maintain in the long run. Because if use white grout line, dirt and dust will accumulate and slowly contaminate the grout line. But i still love white grout line - so pure and clean!

Really? Haha we were there in the noon. There was a promotion - spending a minimum of $20 at their cafeteria to get a $5 discount voucher. The numerar worktop is not under workspace section. You can find it in the kitchen section it is actually a kitchen worktop but can transform into a study table.

I thought Hafary is at Balestier, which Hafary did you go in the beginning? Btw, first time dropping by... like your balcony! Can't wait to see your reno progress.

Weekend Shopping Every weekend we shop! But didn't buy anything because afraid we would change our minds again. This weekend we finally did some serious purchases. On Saturday, we went to Catalina Lighting at Bedok Industrial Park to buy our track lights. Recommended by fellow forumer, XTR, i think their prices are the best compared to the shops in Jalan Besar, Balestier, Geylang. Because they are the supplier. This place is actually a small warehouse, so you don't get to see those fancy lighting hanging above you. You will only get to see catalogue. Shop owner may show you the real product upon request. We were there for about 2 hours, the uncle was very patient to explain all our queries and to let us know the pros and cons of the lights we chose. Today, we went to shop for bathroom products. We have always wanted to get a real slim basin for the common toilet and finally we saw this in IKEA. The depth is just ideal for our small tiny bathroom. We bought the last piece. Luckily we were quick enough to get this last piece as the next shipping only available in June.

Finally your subway tiles are up! Lovely. Are you using white grout lines for the tiles?

Absolutely love your birdcage pendant light! Good job!

I like the wood laminate of your kitchen cabinet. But I'd prefer if the top cabinet is white to match with a bottom wood laminate cabinet. The track lights indeed provide some 'mood' to the kitchen. But i think if you do not want the track lights to act as spot light, you should just use the 24 W energy saving bulb, so that it will give you flood light, and not directional light. Got this advise from the lighting shop people. Btw, how long is your track light in the kitchen? 1m?

Nice! Got mirror at the foyer, can 'zap' the look before leaving home. I like the dining table with underframe leg!

Yah...we will retain the floor tiles, cause we plan to lay laminate. There are no extra tiles from the previous owner lor.. But contractor did tell us before that during hacking the MBR floor tiles near the bathroom might be affected. I suppose they will lay the bathroom tiles up to that area.

The pipe colour in the common toilet is too contrast. But MBR one is still acceptable. Since they don't want to repaint for you out of goodwill then maybe next year before CNY you all can DIY the painting again. I think white/cream is the safest colour. Choose paint is such a headache, since we don't know how it will turn out to be.

Week 1 20/4/12 Yesterday was the 2nd day of reno. We rushed home to take a look at the progress of the reno. All the tiles in the kitchen and both toilets have been hacked. The workers were still cleaning the debris though it is already after 7pm. The foyer - debris all over, the workers make a sloped walkway so that they can easily walk in and out. Kitchen cabinet all cleared! MBR toilet. The floor and wall between the toilet and the MBR. Tiles are damaged. Wonder if they will replace that area with the toilet floor tiles? Didn't manage to walk over to the common toilet as one of the workers was clearing debris in the kitchen.

You have so many electrical gadgets hehehe no wonder you need so many points. But since it is given as a package, then good to have more. How about the right side of the living room? Is that supposed to be your dining area? Maybe should have a power point there.

I love your idea of utilising the corridor space for dressing room. You have planned it very well. Hope you have a smooth reno journey! Would love to see some pics too!

My contractor also told us that he will shift the sink counter top in so that we can open the box up door from behind - which is the laundry area. At least can put brooms, whatever cleaning stuff there.

8 power points for the living room? That's a lot! Do you need that many?

The flowers are so beautiful! I like flowers too, but i'm not good at them. Whatever i plant will surely die. Even for cactus.

Good to hear that you finally found a contractor! Wish you have a smooth reno journey!

I'm also using subway tiles for both of my toilets! Hope to see the effect of your wall tiles. What floor tiles are you using to match with the subway tiles?

Congrats! Your MBR looks pretty narrow with the wardrobe placed opposite the bed, is there space for walking?

I understand what you mean. It is a good idea! But if we move the WC slightly to the right, there may not be enough space for the basin already. Anyway, let's see how after the hacking is done. Probably will get a better idea. My contractor also told us, nobody rotates the toilet bowl one.. hahaha Really dislike the small common toilet!