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bykaraanne

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Everything posted by bykaraanne

  1. bykaraanne
    PICTURES OF BARE HOUSE (PT 2): Common toilet looks great and we won't be overlaying here again, after seeing the actual pictures. Will be constructing a corner entry glass shower (non-sliding) and changing the toilet bowl. Didn't opt in for anything so no sink here too. We actually like the accent tiles chosen and how they were laid out. Workmanship is impeccable in our opinion (especially hearing so many horror HDB stories) so we count ourselves very blessed. MBR toilet is going through some upgrades since we're having a BATHTUB in here So excited for this!! We're overlaying the wall with the accent tile (which isn't ugly tbh) and the floor (which we don't really like). Master bedroom is small but adequate. We're both capsule wardrobe people so we're only having a movable (no built-in furniture for us ) 1.6m wardrobe and a queen bed with two bedside tables, plus a small tv shelf / table for extra use if required. Trying to DIY my headboard!! Clean lines with classic touches. Common Bedroom is small, but since it's my office, I cannot complain much (I've always only had a corner for my home office). I work from home so I'm SO excited to have this space to call my own. A sofa bed / couch will go in here for guests, and then a full desk, wall storage and a bookshelf. Playing with stripes on one wall here, so wanna see how the wall pops out. SO MANY DESIGN IDEAS Corridor View from MBR That's it for now. New nest!
  2. bykaraanne
    PICTURES OF BARE HOUSE (PT 1): It's smaller than usual apartments people are used to here, since it's a 3R, but also a design challenge for me to maximize the space and make it beautiful. Some images here. We have zero built-in carpentry other than in our bathrooms and kitchen, so I am actually excited to start curating the decor pieces! I feel that the decor pieces are what makes a house a home so I really can't wait to start purchasing paintings / wall art for the place. All my rooms (living and 2 BRs) have this view which I think is already a blessing. I can see super far down and there are no high rise developments nearby due to a school and Punggol Promenade. It was a bit hazy today so not the greatest picture, but still makes me feel good that I have some sort of a view. After the rooftop gardens are done, it'll hopefully be even nicer. Living Room is small but sufficient space for everything we need. Don't have to buy mini-sized furniture so thankful for that, but still keeping it as airy as possible. Kitchen is super teeny but with some design tweaks we're hopeful it's look at least bright and have a bit of character. Can't wait for my marble-esque counter top and gold hardware! I do love the accent tile they've provided so we're not going with any backsplash, and also struck off the overlaying of the kitchen floor tiles and wall. The floor tiles are nicer in person, a soft grey as opposed to a concrete grey.
  3. bykaraanne
    LIGHTING: Going with simplicity here -- maintenance- and fuss-free lights. Quickly settled all lights, don't require extra light points. (1) Fanco 5-Blade Ceiling Fan with light (Aroma 54" white) x 3 Using this fan at our current rental and love it. Used to HATE ceiling fans with a vengeance (maintenance) and thought they looked ugly, but actually it looks kinda nice and saves space (since fan + light) for us. Since our area is very very windy, love having ceiling fan to make full use of the natural wind. One in the living room and one in each of the rooms. (2) Philips Ceiling Light (308073166) x 4 For both toilets and service yard and storeroom - waterproof and easy to clean. (3) Philips Ceiling Light (307593166) x 2 For the kitchen and corridor (to the rooms). (4) Replica Tom Dixon Copper Ball Lamp Shade (35cm) For the foyer/dining area.
  4. bykaraanne
    Thanks bro! That's good to hear. Will go ahead with the Panasonic then. Yep, we're seeing if we can trade one of the mounts for something else! Haha.
  5. bykaraanne
    FURNITURE (PT 1): We are going for no build-ins except for the kitchen! I know most Singaporeans dislike IKEA, but I've always used them and kinda liked them. So I am shortlisting a lot of their items that fit our theme. (1) Stocksund Sofa + Bench Deciding between the 199cm version vs the 154cm. The former = I LOVE entertaining so I love the idea of a spacious, seat-abundant (LOL) living area. But at the same time, the latter would make our home feel so much more spacious and lengthen the living room. Bah! Decisions! We also decided on a storage bench since it's 2-in-1, a coffee table of sorts (with a tray), but also comfortable to rest our legs, extra seating for when there's company and can stash some extra cushions or bibs and bobs. Also cannot decide between the dark grey and beige, but would probably buy two sets of the sofa covers since they're washable. (2) Replica Clear Ghost Chairs For extra seating that doesn't take up visual room. Love it when paired with a comfy couch so that there's a juxtaposition of styles. If my living room is already way too cluttered, then either change up the storage bench at IKEA for a smaller coffee table or place these in my office! (3) Faux Fireplace Still wanted the "London" side to show through... The "classic" part of our design. Either our contractor is making one for us or I'll be "forced" to ship one from Taobao. (4) Melltorp Table Deciding on this compact one or an extendable table. As I said, I love entertaining so I love having people around and cooking for them. But my house is small so I don't want to clutter it too much. Think the living area is already probably too cluttered! Haha! (5) Swivel / Retractable TV Wall Mount Since my TV wall is very very small (160cm), when I entertain I want to be able to tilt the TV a bit outwards or at an angle so it's easier to view from all angles instead of only at the "corner." Still don't know which kind to buy... Anybody with good recommendations, please hit me up!! To be continued... Haha!
  6. bykaraanne
    ELECTRONICS (PT 2): (4) Bosch Washing / Drying Machine (WVH28422GB) Because a stacked washer and dryer would render the retractable drying rack useless (provided by HDB), we decided to go with a hybrid since we won't be using the dryer as often... I like drying my clothes in the sun. But I wash quilts and our protectors every once in a while and it would be handy to have a dryer... Also would be useful during the rainy seasons. Always aimed for the Made in Germany washer but that's just $200 apart from this model. So decided to be practical! (5) Bosch Built-in Oven (HBN331E2J) Simple built-in oven (low-end range) because I only bake like twice a year -- once for Pineapple Tarts during CNY and once for the Turkey at Christmas, haha -- but decided it would be handy to have one anyway since I bake salmon etc from time to time. Already have the non-built in all-in-one one from Panasonic, but aiya, since building kitchen cabinets, right?! And not big enough for the turkey. (6) Karcher Water Filter Vacuum Cleaner I have adult asthma since I moved into my current rental place with 2 construction sites nearby, thus the air purifier. Already using a Karcher dustbag vacuum with HEPA filter, but was recommended this, so we're gonna upgrade. We LOVE our Karcher vacuum though! (7) Mitsubishi Starmex System 3 No need to say more about this. Decided on this immediately.
  7. bykaraanne
    ELECTRONICS (PT 1): We went to the electronic stores multiple times... And basically decided on everything we needed to buy. I'm trying very hard not to buy any Korean electronics (personal principle + preference) so that generally helped us decide what we wanted. (1) Panasonic 2-Door Fridge (NR-BR347Z) Thought long and hard about this vs a Hitachi and Mitsubishi fridge since I heard so many good things about the latter brands. But at the end of the day, this fit our needs -- compact and slim; huge vegetable compartment (we needed this for our bunnies); freezer at the bottom that's not pull-out kind (personal preference) and also very wallet-friendly (2) Panasonic 55" TV + 40" TV (55CX700S + 40CX600S) This was the hardest choice of all! Cannot decide between Sony and Panasonic, also cannot decide between old and newer model. Since Courts offering a lot of NTUC vouchers for this model, we decided to go for the more expensive one. I feel like I'm going to end up with a whole house of Panasonic electronics, since I already own a Panasonic microwave-cum-convection oven; rice cooker; instant water kettle and air purifier. Haha! Not by choice! We didn't do this on purpose. Similar smaller model for the master bedroom, because I need a TV playing US sitcoms to sleep. Cultivated this habit since hubby was in NS! Haha. (3) Bosch Hob and Hood (PCC695B90K / DHI623GSG) I've been in love with their stainless steel range (just the aesthetic and finishing of it) and the German brand (haha!) since a long time ago. So decided on a simple 60cm hob and hood. I cook rather often, so decided not to hack down the service yard wall (actually wanted to hack and change to glass panels, but decided against it). Wanted an all-German kitchen but the fridges I buey beh loh...
  8. bykaraanne
    Just wanted to come back and add -- totally get what you're saying. When I "embarked" on my London home, so many IDs kept wanting to push me into victorian... Which wasn't me at all! I think I ended up with a London Modern theme but just got my keys today so waiting to see how it'll pan out. Love your dedication to the them and how everything is on point!! I'm drooling over that tub especially, HDB's positioning in my MBR toilet means that I may not be able to get my tub after all, or ugly pipes Can't wait to see your house all put together, again.
  9. bykaraanne
    Just got our keys today! Everything was flawless -- no defects were found. Going down again tomorrow for pictures. Living room was a bit small (even though I expected it) but overall true to my floor plan... Time to start the Taobaoing and wait for the contractor's last word!!
  10. bykaraanne
    Are you still updating this? Wanna see it all with the furniture in all its glory!! Great reno, thanks for sharing! <3
  11. bykaraanne
    Hahaha seems like we're in all the same places. Got good help from there!!
  12. bykaraanne
    I can tell you are part of the Daiso group on FB right HAHAHA same poison items!
  13. bykaraanne
    DIY IDEAS We sorta gave up on the cornices + wall moulding trims (or applied mouldings) idea because of what the ID we first met quoted us and because of some houses I saw. NOT well done at all! This is the closest to "dream living room" I can get, so we are going to attempt to buy the mouldings and either install them ourselves or ask our friendly contractor's opinion! I'm thinking of installing TWO panels first to see if the "feel" is right. If yes, continue, if not, take out and patch the wall! (Credit: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/danielle-moss-house-tour-189298#_) AMAZON BUYS LOVE the Rachael Ray's lazy tools series. Also got some glass storage and Egyptian cotton towels. TAOBAO BUYS GROUPON BUYS
  14. bykaraanne
    Key Collection FINALLY got our key collection appointment, which is this week! Will update once we see the house. Since we're not pantang, we're probably one of the first few to go and open the flats because most Chinese wait till the end of 7th month. Can't wait to update this space! Contractor is going down with us for site measurements. Will post updates on this post.
  15. bykaraanne
    Yep, true! I am committed to my contractor for now. We're going on the site visit this week! Thank you!! Hey JYoung, I will not be sharing my contractor till my reno starts and ends! Hope you understand.
  16. bykaraanne
    Yep agreed! But we've faced much problems since we're a 3R. A lot of IDs don't hiew us at all! Hahaha! Just the normal / old school wire cover ups lor. The one piece of plastic one. The others can be hidden behind my cornice.
  17. bykaraanne
    Thanks guys! Sharing my inspiration + updates on contractor soon! And xhomesweethomex, I did see your crib from Nick! I met with him but didn't choose to go with him in the end.
  18. bykaraanne
    Looking for marble looking tiles for the toilets too! Contractor tells me might look very "china" >.< Not bad in your toilet! TFS!
  19. bykaraanne
    THEME AND HIGHLIGHTS: Our theme is a bit Londoney, but most of all airy and bright with gold and artsy elements. I think it's what we would call Modern Classic? Which is a bit of an oxymoron but gets me correct searches on Pinterest! Basically I wanna juxtapose classic elements (like cornices, a simple fireplace, "fancier" furniture) against clean lines and more contemporary pieces. We wanted a faux fireplace as a TV console but this aren't always the most well done here, so we're still talking to people about this and looking into it. Our home will be put together mostly by the art on the walls (can't wait to start curating -- no famous pieces, just pretty ones from all around the world). Small cornices in the living room + applied mouldings (attempt to DIY!)Repaint main door and gate (really really dislike it)We also need a small study area in every other part of the house (living room and MBR) since the whole 2nd bedroom is going to be my home office as I work from home.No cove lighting / false ceilings / L boxes. I want to keep the house as fuss-free as possible, but also, the ceilings as high as possible.On the hunt for the simplest, smallest in height cornices we can find. Not an easy task! (DONE! Contractor found this!)Marble-esque counter tops for the kitchen. We settled on Caesarstone but it has had mixed reviews worldwide and with the contractors we've met. If we can find an iQuartz with similar marbling (remember seeing one but asked our contractor about it, waiting to hear back), we might go for that, too. Another option is Silestone but I haven't heard from anyone about this. We are also redoing the floors for our kitchen, and might plaster the walls, and overlaying the toilets. Kitchen and toilets will be costing the bulk of our reno because we don't have much elsewhere, the house will really be made by the details! Since my hubby is hogging the toilet now, I decided to update with photos that inspired my entire home:
  20. bykaraanne
    MEETING AND DECIDING ON THE CONTRACTORS: Decided not to go with an ID in the end because we met one and (1) they didn't get our vision at all, kept trying to push for the trendy elements now and (2) they were hella expensive. We had no budget for this reno, but we didn't feel like the cost was worth it. So ended up meeting 4 contractors and maybe meeting a few more... Not too sure yet. I guess we're tired already. Going through a very busy few months for both hubby and me... And hubby's not the most invested in the house stuff (he's like just sign and go type, while I worry about more things haha!) so I am burnt out -- and it all hasn't even started here. We met N*** from R******* and E***** from D* I*******. Still waiting to meet K**** and K******. N was definitely like his reputation -- straightforward. We talked for quite some time. Quote was okay in our opinion but I haven't really found the connection so KIVed.E was straight to the point but more polite I guess for lack of a better word. No fuss, just asked us simply what we wanted in each room and gave us a quote. Quote was reasonable but we had to make some changes. We are leaning towards him so far but still have 2 more to meet. Waiting for his revised quote.We ended up with a budget of $18k for renos alone. We did not opt-in for anything from HDB, and after comparing quotes this seemed like a reasonable budget for our small home. I am not the biggest fan of built-in carpentry as well. DECISION TIME: We decided to go with Edmund from D* Interior, his straightforwardness and sincerity really won both my hubby and I over (and my hubby is a jaded policeman... So he is typically very cautious of people!). Even though our project is really, really small, he is really nice and never once made us feel like we were being "cheap" or weird. He always advises us for practicality and longevity, and my "snazzy" ideas koped from online, he always tell me what can do and cannot do. Still deciding on whether to let him do my kitchen carpentry work or go with IKEA. Budget now is $16k for everything with Edmund (we did not opt in a single thing) except kitchen. We're doing well, even with electrical. IKEA Cabinetry + SileStone countertop will cost us about $4.5k. Which means my reno still exceeded my initial budget of $18k.
  21. bykaraanne
    Thanks!! Excited but tired to start this journey. LOL
  22. bykaraanne
    Anyone has had Caesarstone installed? Really struggling between the two since contractor said he's had loads of problems with Caesarstone, but forummers claim CS is better than iQuartz? TIA!
  23. bykaraanne
    OMG So blessed!! We actually took 3R also because we are thinking of relocating before we are 30. Thank you for your kind words!
  24. bykaraanne
    Wanna share how I organize my ideas and to-do list... I also put contractor, lighting and curtain contacts in this folder. It's a verrrrry long doc. Also another table for Furniture items. Gonna post more of my "inspiration" pics once I meet the contractors! Maybe this can help those who don't know where to start!
  25. bykaraanne
    Heh, not really. Not a fan of the bricks cus I feel like it's overdone! More of parisian x london I guess! You know the apartments you see along Hyde Park? Bright, airy and classic! Chesterfield sofas, maybe!! Still thinking of this vs comfort level haha! More of "old London" than "new London" I guess! Think classic paintings (museum style); marble; gold on white etc. Will post the inspiration pics here soon! I don't think I'm really theme-focused, but I have a great idea of what I want my home to look like! Thanks for visiting! And PS my area also under WP! Only area in SK! haha! Thank you!! Will update soon!
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