June

Today was a rare day bcos there was no worker in my house! They have done what they are supposed to do this week. So it was just me and my newly delivered washing machine at the balcony. Everything just seems so surreal .... Sometimes I still can't believe that I'm completely changing the look of this place. Really Looking forward to the acid wash next week so that I will have clean tiles. And finally a pix of my neglected MBR. No walk in wardrobe here. Just a normal wardrobe and a new door.

Met up with contractor this morning. The electricians were there to do more wiring and the tiler was filling in the grout lines. The tiler was actually 'summoned back' by contractor to re-fill some of the grout lines which were not properly done. What happened was actually quite funny. Yesterday, contractor brought his parents to my place to do QC. His parents are retired but still help out with renovation work bcos they have years of experience. They noticed that some grout lines were not properly done and recalled the tiler to redo. I'm impressed that they have strict standards for tiling and were quick to rectify the 'problem' instead of trying to hide it.There is no need for me to rush down to see the tiles or to discuss what needs to be done. The issue was settled promptly while I was in office buried under work! Efficiency aside, there is one thing however which is bugging me now. I just found out this morning that the grout colour is grey!! GREY!! The colour I dislike most! Somehow I feel that the grey grout makes the tiling looks unfinished...like there is cement stuck in the gaps that I need to mop away. But of course in this case, it cant be mopped away bcos it's permanent! Contractor explained that grey grout is the best match for my wooden tiles. He said white grout is too white and will become patchy over time, while black grout will make the tiles look dirty and will also discolor. He said many of his clients have problems with black and white grout and have to do touch up. BUT...the point is I dislike grey - major dislike! Anyone has grey grout lines at home?? here are some shots of the tiles. the lighting is dim though.

Havent been to the flat for the past four days as work is keeping me really busy...I know...its unthinkable... But I've been in touch with contractor and there is nothing much happening except the finishing touches to the tiles. The shopping, however. continues online! I have been looking for rustic lights for some time now but still not much luck. The lights i like are either too expensive or too small. Here are some shots of what I like:

Went to the Electrolux family sale early this morning and bought this washing machine for close to 50% off! The hefty discount was given bcos there was a slight scratch at the side. But I just couldn't see the scratch, despite the salesman showing me exactly where it was. So I'm mighty pleased with this purchase!

The common bathroom is the only part of the house that is left mostly untouched. I find that there is an old fashion charm, possibly bcos of the tiny tiles. I will only be changing the fittings, painting the pipe and adding a kerb. This is the best position for a kerb. Not exactly pleasing to the eye but functionality rules over aesthetics in this case.

All the best to you too!

Met up with contractor today to discuss the kitchen cabinet. The tiling work is progressing well and it is likely to complete by this week. The place is still covered with huge cardboard and this is the best shot I could take. The colour of the wood tiles is not that accurate due to lighting as well as dirt on the surface. My reno has been going well so far. I was actually mentally prepared for a tough time after reading all those frustrating encounters with contractors on renotalk. But my contractor has been responsible and efficient so far. When he was away for a week recently, his workers continued to work, even on Good Friday. i'm keeping my fingers crossed that things will continue this way till completion. Now I can't wait for tiling and painting to be completed. We think the place is gonna look quite spacious !

Hi, my contractor will be hiding the top part of the pipe with gypsum board and painting it white to blend in with my wall. The bottom part of pipe will be hidden in my lower cabinet. Hope it looks nicer this way.

Hello there! I guess there is really not much of a choice. I have another ugly pipe in the MBR toilet and a not-so- ugly one in balcony.

The first pix is quite close to what we have in mind. I don't cook often too, but I have little tolerance for oil and fumes. I mop the floor every time I cook, even if it is very light cooking. I'm hoping a powerful hood can suck in whatever oil there is.... See, I'm paranoid when it comes to oil and fumes. Hahaha! but seriously, I'm going to have some framed pictures in my kitchen ..so need to reduce oil and fumes.

Thanks! What a coincidence! I was just looking at pix of your bottom kitchen cabinet! My kitchen area will be quite similar to yours, except for the furnishings. Do you have a problem with oil and fumes bcos you don't have a hood? I'm installing a chimney hood and have been trying to visualize how it will look on it's own without top kitchen cabinet. My contractor even suggested a black hood for wow effect. I'm not sure if I can find one..I also donno whether I can take it! Hahaha

Thanks for the suggestion, May! Will check out your blog. Your blog has so many pages like encyclopaedia! I think you need to do a contents page

Hi juxstapose, did you manage to find the $3 wood tile in hafary?

This pipe in the kitchen is really an eyesore! A popular way of hiding such pipes is to build a false, tall cabinet around it using the same laminate as the kitchen cabinets so that it blends in with the bottom and top cabinets. But the problem is I won't have any top cabinet on this side of the wall, which means my pipe hidden jn the fake cabinet will look quite jarring...ie. It extends out from the bottom cabinet and has no top cabinet to blend into... (hope you know what I mean). There got to be a better way of hiding the pipe....more brainstorming needed!

Hi, I'm not sure when the cabinets will be up. We are still working on the design. That's my top priority in the entire renovation! I have changed the design a couple of times and I'm still fine-tuning it.. But I think we are slowly getting there...Fingers crossed!

A big part of balcony wall was knocked off to bring in more of the greenery into the house. I will see a stretch of greenery when I'm watching tv in the living room. Now the problem is, the hole in the wall is too big and it is directly facing the main door. What are we going to do with this to ensure some privacy and not block the greenery? Have been brainstorming some ideas with contractor. We will have to wait till entire flooring is done before deciding on a solution.

More picture update after a quick visit to the flat this morning. MBR toilet wall tiles are up. Neat and clean looking. Will add some greenery here when reno is done. See the monster pipe on the floor? Contractor joked that it's like an arm rest for my WC. Now he has to think of a way to conceal it, since I'm not going to have a vanity counter. Kitchen flooring is in too! Colour was recommended by contractor for contrast with the wood tiles elsewhere. I'm not keen on grey but decided to take a risk and go with his suggestion. So he should be feeling the pressure to pull off the look, not me! Haha.. Here's where the washing machine will be. The ugly pipes are hidden underneath the raised floor. Where dining meets kitchen...

hi, the tiles are from hafary. I think the price is $3. I dont have the code but I think there are few wood tiles in hafary that are of that price. So you should be able to find it easily. Good luck!

Hi, have pmed you. Good luck!

This is likely to be on my dining room wall These cuties were salvaged from the flat's country style kitchen.

Even though this is the third week of my reno, I have actually not finalized my design. I still haven't decided what laminate I should use. I'm adopting a 'revise-as-you-go-along' attitude. Some people may find it unthinkable but its working out for me. The reason being I have so many ideas that I can't decide which one is best. While i have little interest in the actual works like piping, wiring, hacking, and tiling etc, I am very hands-on when it comes to design. What started out as a French-feel design has since evolved into modern Scandinavian. And in the past week, I have this inkling that it's slowly turning into something rustic industrial bcos I find myself being attracted to wood-and-steel combo. But I hope it doesn't get too industrial or I will have to change my blog name to 'Bachelor pad'. Anyway, here are some pretty pictures Love this green vintage lamp which was salvaged from the old Mindef years ago, but hate the price -$499 Bought this from a Dempsey road restaurant which was undergoing renovation. it was originally from a primary school in Sri Lanka. Not sure if I will install this bcos I find it too big, though contractor said the size is just right. Simply love this table made from poplar wood. Still considering whether to buy it. I think this will go well with the table Or perhaps a more feminine version?

The grains on the tiles look pretty realistic but unfortunately they feel just like tiles, though less cold. Definitely not as warm and cosy as good laminates. But I decided to go with tiles bcos I'm highly allergic to dust mites and mould and was concerned that laminates may turn mouldy underneath. I think this also partly explains why I hardly visit the work site. So much dust flying around !

Haha! Sure... Just uploaded a couple of pix.. But difficult to take a good shot bcos the place is like a war zone.

It's been two weeks since Reno started and everything is going well. Contractor does such a good job of supervising the work that I don't even need to be there regularly. Finally dropped by this morning bcos of aircon installation and was pleasantly surprised that floor tiling has progressed so much. Tilers hard at work....(they finally got to see the elusive owner:) ) My lovely wood tiles...workmanship is good too Hard to find a spot to take pix.. kitchen walls are all gone New door for MBR

You gotta be kidding!!! What search words did you use?