being a stickler for timelines, i'm learning that most of life doesn't move in an orderly fashion. because my earlier interior designer quit before i could sign his quotation - plus several issues later - it seems i'd take things into my own hands and be my own designer!
so here's presenting the Fussy Noob & Patient Contractor chapter! i'm just glad it's a small home!
being your own ID
learning lessons and a process i'm learning to enjoy
1. know what you want and know what you do
when it comes to designing a home - a space that's truly yours - it's important to know who you are, what you like, what you love, what you can accept. a home should be a natural visual extension of your personality - in hard and soft ways. this should carry through in the infrastructure built and the soft furnishings.
a home that is eccentrically me is an almost schizophrenic juxtaposition of vintage quirks, industrial streaks, playful touches, strong splashes of colours, presented in clean lines and a modern contemporary flair. and no one would know how to put together a place like this other than yourself.
2. know what you absolutely can't stand
it's the little things that will bug you unless you grow to love them. if you're an anal perfectionist like me who likes seamless finishes, the little things like uneven surfaces and corners will bug you. after much denial, i've to admit i hate anything sticking out - this means pipes, wires etc. this means forking out extra for wall plastering, cornices and false ceilings.
3. get inspired
visit as many places as you can. the new york apartments and american sites have fabulous inspiration for modular systems and multi-functonal uses. beg, borrow and steal, many furnishing and home decor magazines as possible.
4. get recommendations and compare at least 3 quotes
rule of thumb: get three quotes and compare. if you can, try to stick to contractors and/or IDs who come recommended by friends, and with a good track record. ask to visit your friends' homes or a completed project. the test of time will tell you a lot about workmanship (and your friend's habits ;p!)
the cheapest way to do up a home is to work direct with different people - contractor, carpenter, plumber, air con guy and so on. however, do it only if you're a seasoned hero with lots of time -- the coordination and scheduling can kill you. otherwise, skip it and leave an ID to take care of everything.
5. BUDGET
the dirty world. EVERYTHING WILL COST YOU. one arm, a leg or if you're lucky, a fingernail. it helps to give a generous buffer - get your contractor / ID to work around an amount, know how much things cost, the cost difference between the options available (eg. laminated flooring V vinyl V tiles), and how long they can last.
6. know your materials
before this, i was a total noob who only knew the difference between pebbled calf leather and smooth nappa lambskin. you'll be glad to know what the difference is between materials, finishes and their properties in justifying your cost - eg. tiles (homongenous, marble, ceramic, mosiac) or kitchen surface tops (solid surface, acrylic granite, marble, quartz).
7. know your season and sales
the months of Oct - Jan will see many contractors and IDs full, as homeowners rush to pretty their homes for Chinese New Year. and there is only a very limited pool of good skilled workers available. however, it is also the best time for bargains! warehouse sales and off-season designer pieces - businesses also have to clear to make way for new stocks!
8. "FEEL" the house
put your head aside and toss logic away to use your heart for this one. just walk around the empty house and just 'feel it'. visual what your life would be like and what you would be doing. this helps immensely in planning spaces.
9. check how much light the house gets
if the unit doesn't get much light, see if you can hack a window-facing wall - invest in glass or go for an open concept to allow as much natural light in as possible. otherwise, combat this with lighting.
10. check how much noise the house gets
go at various times of the day to understand the human traffic and how 'busy' the estate can be. do this with the windows open and windows closed. if noise gets to you, invest in heavy curtains (cheaper option) or heavy-duty double glazed windows (super option).
..... to be continued!
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