countrylover

Hi KittyJems Hiya, I been bugging my hubby to call but he's been too busy to do it! He's the fierce one, so it's better I leave the job to him. I hope to get the issue rectified soon too, cos the peeling paint is happening in more areas! Will keep u updated yah? Hope your reno will go smoothly and not end up like mine.

Hi claud302, you've got mail!

Hey KittyJems I've been really busy with my new job and no time to call Forest to complain about the peeling paint! Think I must really make an effort to get it done soon. Though it's not a very big problem...not very obvious unless you see very clearly, but it's our hard-earned money lor. When you see them the next time, feel free to tell them about my problem lah. Tell them we discuss this on the forum, so they better do a good job for u so u won't slam them on the forum. haha.... So when is your reno starting? Have they given u all the perspective drawings?

I went to Roomyroom once. Agree with piggiedearz that they do not have a lot of French style furniture in their showroom, though website shows a wide range....quite misleading if you ask me. From what I understand, their furniture are custom made in Indonesia. If you really want to save costs and willing to take the risks, you should consider doing them in Indonesia then ship here....cheap and good workmanship! I had my French fireplace and mirror custom made in Indo. Quite a hassle but worth the time and effort. If anyone is interested, I can pass u the contacts.

Hi KittyJems The $9k includes the display hutch in the dining room...study room alone costs $7k+. Initially my budget for study room is only $5k...haha! Had to stretch my budget a little cos hard to work around with the $5k budget. Lately I discovered that the spray paint in some parts of my study has started to peel off...alamak!!! I don't even remember any hard knocks in those areas leh. Gonna call Helen soon to feedback and see what could be done, cos I remember her telling me the spray paint could last for many good years. Quite upset, cos it has only been four mths since my reno.

Hi Enviro I'm not sure if Forest could do simpler cabinets at a lower price. The rope design was part of the package, I didn't request for it. Seems to me like their designs are quite standard, cos I saw the rope design on most of their cabinets. Maybe u could just get a quotation from Forest? Tell them your budget and ask them to work around it. This is what I did too.

Hi KittyJems Yeah it's true that a small reno project can cost a bomb...especially with IDs like Forest! Haha....mine also cost $9k just for the study room and small dining display. Though they are really quite ex, it's really like 一分钱一分货, cos we are paying a premium price for their good workmanship and quality. Does your $15k budget include the kitchen cabinets? Try to negotiate lah, tell them if they give more discounts, you will recommend more people from Renotalk! hehe.... If they can't meet your budget, then u would need to prioritise, see which are the "die die" must reno items. In my case, the initial quote was almost $10k just for the study! Then we cut down on the full height cabinets and only went with the top and bottom cabinets to reduce the cost. Or instead of wooden doors, replace some with open shelves or glass doors....that would cut down the cost too.

Hi techaview I had the chandelier shipped over from USA.

Hi bigbag Thanks for your compliments. The wood used for my cabinets is raminply in spray painted colour for the door panels and plywood with maple polyester finishing for the internal construction. Can't remember exactly the cost psf but I paid abt $7350 for the study cabinets. Will check and update here a bit later. Bought my girls' bunker beds from Littlewode Furniture (http://www.littlewode.net/). Their showroom is at 105 Tampines Road #01-01A Wing Tai Building. Very cottage style and affordable. I've scanned a copy of the Sun Times feature. Think it's quite small though.

Thanks Yeah white furniture need to polish often, if not will turn yellowish over time. There are some polishes avail in the supermarkets and DIY shops. Actually I dun mind them turning yellowish....cos gives an aged and shabby look! ECO Links has nice furniture but I agree with u too they are quite pricey. I bought mine from this shop at IFC called "Country Style Furniture"...they've got a good variety but workmanship is not too good. Recently I bought a dresser and bunk bed for my kids room at this place called Littlewoode Furniture (http://www.littlewode.net/). Though their collection are for kids, but they've got cottage style dressers, study tables and wardrobes u could consider. I also saw country-style fabric sofas at their showroom which are quite nice too. Showroom is at 105 Tampines Road, you can consider taking a look.

Hi KittyJems Thanks, I'm very pleased with their service and workmanship....glad that you are considering them as your ID too! Yeah, though I admit their quote is more ex than other IDs, it's really worth every cent I spent, cos quality is excellent, unlike other carpenters who use normal plywood. I love their French blue kitchen cabinets too! If I remember correctly, that set is on promotion, so you may want to ask them to quote you too. Frankly, if you are already doing reno for your MBR and girls' rooms, then might as well consider doing the kitchen too at one go...to save you the trouble of having to do reno again at a later date. Too bad my kitchen cabinets are still very new (I first reno 3 yrs ago), so no excuse to have a new kitchen cabinet. Btw, whom are you liaising with from Forest? I liaised with Helen, who's the Manager. She's very nice and easy going and gave me quite a lot of discounts. Tell her you are my friend (my name's Vivien)...see if she can give u further discounts. All the best to your reno....pls share photos when it's done!