Want a home that's one of a kind? Go for custom-made furniture
THE FIGURES
Size: 1,367 sq ft
Renovation budget:
Under $40,000
LUXE LIFE: A chandelier adds an ornate touch to the dining area, which is furnished with a custom-made dining table and fabric-panelled walls. -- PHOTO: EDGELINE PLANNERSMARRIED couple Audie and Angeline Dimailig knew what they wanted when it came to furnishing their second home, a three-bedroom apartment in Pasir Panjang.
'We wanted a modern look, one that would be different from the usual Zen, Balinese or tropical look,' says Mr Dimailig, a senior finance manager.
The couple, who are in their 30s and were married in 2001, got the keys to their $700,000 home in February last year and moved in last June. They hired lead consultant Keith Kang of Edgeline Planners to do the renovations, which cost about $40,000.
As it was a new apartment, there was less work to be done, compared to an older unit.
With instructions from the home owners to turn a bedroom adjoining the living room into a study, Mr Kang - who noted that the living and dining areas were tiny - replaced the walls of the study with floor-to-ceiling glass panels. 'This opens up the study and gives the illusion of a bigger living room,' he says.
GLASS ACT: The glass-enclosed study (above) has red floral decals and a black string curtain (below) that shield it from the living and dining areas while adding interest.
Part of the renovation budget was also spent on making a TV console which has one side serving as an extension of the step-up platform to the study.
Money was also spent on custom-made furniture such as the dining table, a table console and side table for the master bedroom. 'Custom-made furniture is more costly than buying from the stores but the pieces are unique,' says Mr Kang.
REST OF THE HOME: A rich purple hue gives the master bedroom (above), Mrs Dimailig's favourite room, a cosy feel. Guests staying overnight will also get to enjoy the same sense of luxury in the guest room (below). -- PHOTO: EDGELINE PLANNERS
Mrs Dimailig, a treasury consultant, says the furniture is a snug fit with the home's modern and baroque theme. 'Sometimes, it can be difficult finding the piece you want,' she says.
The couple spent another $70,000 on soft furnishings. Nearly $10,000 was spent on curtains from J&S Design. Organza and polyester curtains line the living room and bedroom windows.
CUSTOM ORDER: Even the cushions and ottoman in the Dimailigs' living room (above) are custom-made so that they match the organza and polyester curtains. -- ST PHOTOS: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA
'These materials are more lasting than cotton ones,' says Mr Kang.
The couple also spent about $30,000 on furniture from upmarket stores such as Space, Mod Living and Lifestorey. To add character to the walls, they spent another $12,000 on abstract artworks from gallery Ode To Art.
'Since we're going to be spending a lot of time here, we believe our apartment should make us feel comfortable,' says Mr Dimailig.
Tips from the home owners
1 Reuse items
The couple used a mirror from their previous home in their current bedroom. 'We love it and it was still in good condition. It saves us from buying another,' says Mrs Dimailig.
2 Take pictures when shopping
Whenever the couple saw an item but were not sure if it would fit in the home, they'd take a picture to show Mr Kang. 'It saves you from buying the wrong item,' adds Mr Dimailig.
3 Decide on the look
Rather than buying randomly, the couple decided on the look they wanted even before hiring Mr Kang. This helps to narrow down on what to spend or splurge on later.
4 Shop around for an interior designer
Mr Kang suggests that home owners check out three to four interior decor firms before deciding on one. 'Some make promises but can't deliver and you may end up paying more than what you budgeted for,' he says.
Ask to see the designer's past work and be sure that he is open to your ideas rather than forcing his on you.
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