There are already many threads here regards home design yet most of them are related on renovation works instead of the design itself. So I would like to share my design knowledge and thoughts with you all here with my casual time.

Let's open discuss on any design solutions or ideas you have with me shall you need some pro advice or seeks second opinions if you have doubts on which design choices are better.

I will try my best to answer your questions if I able to help.( No body is 100% pro ... Cheers) may be other forumers can share his/her knowledge and help to answer any of the design questions post at this thread also. I would love to learn too.

Let's make it clear what to be discussed or not here first :

Not to be discussed:
- not for office, cafe or shop, just for home design
- not for anything technical related to construction works
- not for m&e works
- not for gardening works
- not for renovation quotation and costing
- not for material, products, appliances or brands recommendation
- not for suppliers recommendation and review
- not for design software discussion and suggestions

Can be discussed:
- space planning layout
- design theme
- material selection
- color scheme, mix and match
- lighting scheme but not for lighting product recommendation, more on lighting and ceiling design
- design tricks on hiding awkward structure and corners

The reason I plan not to recommend suppliers or contractor or any product brands is I try to stay neutral to all suppliers as designer.

Different products have their pro and cons and supplier have their own different degree of services. End users also have different expectations and budget.

Most of all, I try not to appear too commercially yet just wish to spend my casual time on and off to help and promote the value of interior design can bring to our beloved home living.


-------------


I will share some examples of my design solutions I did on helping my customers from time to time, so bear with me and keep checking this thread once in a while.

Why not we appreciate some interior design visuals for the starts?



If anyone here got better ideas on what we can chit chat over here, do make suggestions to me.

So welcoming any home design questions you need to ask me here, I am always listening

PS: Please don't private message me and ask for help, I will only made design suggestions for who willing to share Q&A openly on this treads only, don't feel bad as I will ignore all pm message ask for free consultation, cheers!!

This post has been edited by ehwee: May 27 2022, 05:53 PM

We are glad to share some design and decor tips that we encourage home owners to try and learn for better home living environment.

Here are a curated list of the write ups we did, hopefully it brings some inspirations for your home design journeys.

Here is the link:

Home Interior Design Tips and Ideas List

We will updating this List from time to time, so do check back regularly. Enjoy it Everybody !!

This post has been edited by ehwee: Aug 26 2020, 12:05 PM

There is one KEY area that house owners always ignorde while getting their renovation works done, then felt much regret after living in the new home.

This KEY design element is Interior Space Planning and Storage Cabinet Layout Arrangement. Without thoughtful layout plan being created prior to renovation works, we will find lots of things are missing and uneasy when carry out many of our daily household activities

Check out some of our blog articles on space planning tips:

How to Effectively Space Planning An Opened Concept Home Living Interior

Space planning How-tos for having desirable Guest and Family Living Room

GetIDonline Kitchen Layout Space Planning Guideline

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Feel free to ask me any questions regards space planning, as always we can explore many furniture layout options together and learn from each others.

This post has been edited by ehwee: Sep 14 2023, 02:00 PM

What kind of considerations should we take into account when thinking about the kitchen cabinet layout?

Question:
I notice that a lot of houses have their kitchen sink facing a window, but I find that the window grills get rusted easily as it's near a humid area. All those nice design ones don't seem to have grills and it's overlooking nice garden etc. People may say that it's nicer to look out of window as you are doing dishes, but then if your view is merely your neighbour's back alley etc, is it really worth it. When we do dishes, don't we look at what we are washing instead of looking out? Any ideas? Should I place my sink next to the window or not?

There are many things we need to figure out for kitchen cabinet layout, most important we need to ensure our kitchen has the types of different storage compartments we need and secondly the arrangement of these cabinet positions won't conflict with the working flows in the kitchen.

Cabinet layout needs to suit our daily cooking routines, as nobody has the same cooking ways.

Ultimately " Functional " should be the first priority on a good kitchen design!!

This post has been edited by ehwee: May 22 2020, 03:16 PM

leaking from the ceiling, above is the tanki and open air... i have 1 roof guy go up see.. he snap pic let me see all is cracked line.. like the desert crackling but small... but is whole slab of the area cracked, not specific location only..

the roof guy recommend do roof to cover... the waterproof paint will not last that long and the tanki sit on the slab.. waterproof paint cannot pain under the tanki...

you think is correct to do roof? need 2nd opinion...

True on what you have shared, you have the said on where you prefer to put the sink as you are the person who know what is the best position to place basin, cooking hob and fridge ( which are the 3 important elements in everybody kitchen ), and their positions will make you feel comfortable during your cooking session.

So basin at window is not necessary a compulsory thing. It depend on your existing kitchen layout, shape, size and the window position!!

Most people prefer basin in front of window as it is where the brighter area with natural light shinning through. You won't put cooking hob at window side in modern living for sure, yet if you prefer to have a brighter food preparation area, it is ok the put basin on other place to reserve the window area for preparation activities.

So you have the said!

This is not design related issue, yet since you voice out I just sharing my 2 opinion.

Yes, for long terms wise it is good to have a roof above if your kitchen ceiling is just a bare concrete flat roof.

Yet it still depend on your budget and the workmanship of the contractor. If you opt for torch on Bituminous Waterproofing Membrane instead of usual painted waterproofing layer, it will last long also.

Thanks alot for taking the time to answer non design related question..
Since the tangki is impossible to lift up to apply the waterproofing... i think have to go for the roof...

Thanks alot for the guide

okay, my 1st Q is :

1) what apps do u use to draw/design ur house. I have a floor map from developer last time. but not so complete.so i add on my own measurents etc.
2) would be nice if i have a free app / thing like ikea thingy that ive seen once b4
3) its hard to imagine stuff and keep on measuring furniture . would be nice if i can automate it.

plz advice.

hi, can u help to look at my lighting layout for living room 1 and living room 2? is the lighting provided sufficient to light up the living area?

and i plan to use double colour light, any comment on this type of light?

This post has been edited by Agent 45: May 22 2020, 05:33 PM


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This is also non design related topic, so I think can't provide you an answer, you can Google around the free app on the web and try them, should give you some clues, cheers.

I assume you are having expose slab, if there are no additional plaster ceiling light trough.

It's seems doesn't enough especially on living 1, may be you can opt for ceiling fan that c/w light also, it might help.

How does your supplier thoughts on that since they sell them.....

This post has been edited by ehwee: May 22 2020, 06:11 PM

Let’s say you just bought your own apartment, 800 sf layout 3 bedroom 2 bathroom.

If you are given rm10k only to design the whole house, how will you spend the money?

Hi,

Could please provide your comment on the lighting layout that was provided by one of the contractors. Thank you in advance ya

Any pointers on carpet selection for living area? How to match the colors and what design to choose.

My living area is somewhat modern, black tv console with smoked glass doors, wall hung tv, truffle color leather 3 seat recliner.

I really like Persian rugs, feels classy but may clash. I think those modern high pile rug would complete the modern look and feel better.

I will suggest you opt for loose or ready made cabinet instead of build in

No need to go for plaster ceiling, opt for tracking lighting can save you a lot of cost.

Since you are having both down lights and light trough, it is definitely enough yet may be bit bright for someone else, so depend on your preference.

It also depend on the wall painting color, ceiling height and color and wattage of these downlights.

If your wall has middle to darker paint tone then the overall lighting brightness will appear darker if compare to having white wall environment.

Can you share with us some photos of your living room and the persian rugs you plan to have, it will help us to really visualize how your living color scheme looks like.

I try to avoid providing you any wrong suggestions as I can't really imagine if they will match without some photos reference 🙂

i'm thinking to extend my kitchen out. initial planning is to extend around 11ft (long) x 10ft (wide).

However, the initial planning will cover up one of the septic tank manhole. Contractor advise not to do so just in case there's a blockage in the future.

Due to this, the extension of my kitchen become 11ft x 8ft only which is kinda small.

My question, is it ok to cover up one of the septic tank manhole for a bigger kitchen?

If the manhole position is not right at your new extension wall line and away from your kitchen cabinet, able to access for maintaining then OK.

Hope this help 👍

Hi,

For the light troughs, can we used LED light strips instead of the T5 LED tube? Since I just want to achieve an ambient lighting for the spaces. Or will it be too dark to live in?

Yes LED strips will achieve smoother gradient lighting effect comparably to t5, If you wish to use them for ambient lighting since your downlights are good enough as the main general lighting source.

This post has been edited by ehwee: May 23 2020, 02:07 PM

Hi i saw your website,

https://reddotzinteriordesign.com/2016/01/2...-alam-malaysia/

How did this end up to cost 120k?

This is a 700sqft soho unit, the owner wished to divided out a single bedroom.

The cost seems high, yet if you analyze what have been done then it will be another story.

As It was not just for standard renovation work like glass wall sliding partition, timber flooring, plaster ceiling, plywood base build in cabinets, m&e, painting works, air con, lighting fixtures, etc. Yet also include all the loose furniture, curtains, dining set, sofa set, bed set and some appliances you can see over the images.

This post has been edited by ehwee: May 24 2020, 10:34 AM

Hi

Need some of your suggestions. I have an old 20 years old house which is fully extended before moving in.

1) because of this extensions the back rooms has these ceiling beams from where the house actually ends previously.

I want these beams to be remove/hidden cause feng shui said no good. Any suggestion whether to remove/hide it ? If just cover it by plaster ceiling, I think d whole room will be Abit too short?

2) Also the house has walls separating the sections of the house aka living room and the kitchen. I’m thinking of breaking the walls to make it an open concept.

But since it’s an old house, is it safe to break down so many walls ? Including the ceiling beams ?

It sounds interesting on what you are thinking to do.

May be you can share some photos on the ceiling beam structures of back room and the living & kitchen areas, so we can visualize the existing conditions and make possible suggestions for you.

If the walls are not load bearing, they can be broken down. Yet you will need to build new structure supports shall you need to remove or relocate structure beams and columns. This is to transfer the structure load from the removed beams to the new structures beam or column.

It's adviced you appoint a structure engineer to survey the existing structure and make necessary loading calculation for any structure alterations.

This post has been edited by ehwee: May 25 2020, 11:05 AM

Im moving to an empty unit, 800sqft with bad lightning environment (all small windows, no balcony). Will need to put lots of downlights

I'm thinking the usual white ceiling, gray walls. Below is from nipponpaint selection. Silver mist or graycloth better? Or other color suggestion?

And mid-sheen or matte better for its coating?


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I will suggest a coverage ratio of 80/20 where 80 is off white 20 is either silver mist or grey cloth. Either color is alright as it is personal preference. Same as matt or mid sheen coating, is personal preferences. If modern living can go for matt.

Lighting wise, I will suggest instead of have all downlights, can opt for mixture of downlights, wall flooding ceiling spotlight, some wall or floor lamps.

This will create a more interesting lighting effects and ambience for the interior compare to just merely downlights all over the spaces.

Would more drawers rather than door cabinets be useful in the kitchen? Which is best for storage?

Personally find that drawers are better because can see everything at one shot / no need to dig around but not sure if it is the most space conscious option

I intend to renovate my house by opening and relocating the 2 bedrooms. May i know if it is cheaper to put partition walls (Using those or similiar office type) or bricks?

I noticed the paint on the bricks will crack after sometime so i am not sure if it is wise choice to do so again?

What is the color paint that used for minimalist concept? I know, its white BUT there are so many white. Brilliant white, Glossy white etc.

Thanks.

I would say drawers are convenient for small utensils like forks, spun, cups, cooking pans, etc.

Yet for plate and bowls still better go for door compartments with pull out shelves or baskets.

Or you are buy some transparent containers to store and categorized different items or seasoning sauce if using normal doors compartment with adjustable shelves.

Yes partition definitely cheaper. Yet there are a few disadvantages compare to brick wall, partitions are not strong and can easily be accidently broken holes after heavy knocking.

Also for home stay purpose I advice you to have sound insulation in the partition to keep out of noice.with thrinsulation cost add up, then the overall cost is comparable with brick wall.

So unless you just plan to temporary partition it for short period or would like to keep out of messy construction if you are currently staying in the house already, I think for home stay purpose brick wall still better.

This post has been edited by ehwee: May 28 2020, 04:15 PM

Thank you for respond. Yes, i am currently staying in the house but intend to move out while renovation is inprogress.
I dont think the paint will crack on partition as compared to bricks and intention is for internal isolation (Separating son's room and working office).

May be you pre select a few favorite colour, the upload your house photos with the colour chart, then me and forumers can make suggestion for you.

Then do consider the sound insulation I mentioned, since you will wish to have a quieter working office next to son room

We all know wall painting is the most cost effective design tool to achieve a nicely done home.

Everybody can be his own "artist" to paint our house DIY, there are a lots of ideas and examples on the net we can learn.

Instead of painting all walls in a room with single colour or painting at one selected wall in favourite colour yet keep all other walls in white, we can actually do some simple geometry painting techniques like the picture below:



This is a simple job done without broken our pockets

This post has been edited by ehwee: Jun 2 2020, 07:10 PM

I’m about to take delivery of a wooden dining table that I bought last year. Now I have a change of mind on its color. How can I make the top darker? Any recommended carpenter/wood finishers?

Do u think this is a good layout/arrangement in small single terrace house?

Original


My own plan

This is a technical question rather than Interior design question, so I might not able give you a good answer.

If you want to DIY better ask for carpentry workshop suggestions.

Nippon paint Hydro wood satin have many darker color options that can darken the wood yet retain the wood natural grains.

In fact, solid wood will get darker by its own gradually as the time goes by, so I suggest may be you can consider looking for a clear water base varnish instead.

You might also get one from Ikea, BEHANDLA
Beeswax clear varnish.

If there are any carpenter reading this thread, why not share your expertise advices to us, thanks in advance.

Sorry chuanhong, I am aware of your post will find my time to think about it and give you some suggestions.

Pls bear some time with me, I am a bit tied up these few days for design works.

I found the most concerned area for better space planning and full use of available space is the corner where you place your altar cabinet.

Here are my 2 suggestions for you. Instead of having a new brick wall which will cause some awkward and not fully used space behind the wall, you can just do a full height cabinet that can double up as separated wall.



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hi, for house lighting, which colour temperature do u recommend for
(1)living area
(2)bedroom
(3)toilet
can i use cool white for all 3 areas?

thanks.. so far i have 1 custom made altar cabinet which is about 42inch (nearly 4ft size).. 11ft height.. which i plan to move the god altar from house A to house B (house B will have below 10ft after plaster ceiling.. plan to reuse it.. but yeah.. basically i plan to use behind the altar cabinet as a storage wall with racks to put some items on top and bottom to keep something like vacuum, tables, etc..

but your idea is really good i will try to compare the cost of modified my existing god altar vs having new god altar cost..

existing god altar is fully laminate front, side and back.. looks nice ady.. glossy white.. without the wall, i afraid the space is too big between living hall and behind kitchen.. so i need to discuss with my contractor and see any solution for that..

This post has been edited by ChuanHong: Jun 7 2020, 09:43 PM

Yes, you can use cool white for all 3 areas, it is a personal preference.

some of my clients insisted to have day light for all areas because they prefer brighter lighting environment
for kids study and household activities.

If you(1)living area- cool light with some warm white spot light on wall surface
(2)bedroom - warm light with some cool white wall or table lamps
(3)toilet - cool white

can u advise if which option is better?
option 1 connect 2 x 600mm T5 led tube in L shape so that it can light up my entrance area
option 2 install only 1 24w surface light, but entrance will be a bit dark?
option 3 track light, it is ok to use track light for kitchen area?
or do u have any recommendation?

This post has been edited by Agent 45: Jun 10 2020, 08:52 PM

hi, my house developer already installed plaster ceiling for me, but with cornice at the side (refer to purple arrow). However, i prefer a plaster ceiling with right angle/some L box for lighting/or recessed curtain.

Is it possible to do some modification to current ceiling like adding some box at the side part? Will it be alot of work and costly?

Thank you!



This post has been edited by roi: Jun 10 2020, 01:10 PM

Yes, I would say option 3 track light is a better choice, can use 2-3 nos of adjustable track lights to light up different spots.



This post has been edited by ehwee: Jun 11 2020, 01:25 PM

alright thanks, but wouldnt it be a bit dark for kitchen area to use track light?

Cornice is actually 'glued' to the side of the wall or plasterboard. U will have chance to have a perfect L after u remove the cornice or it's hollow and u need to patch it back with ceiling board/plasterboard to make it perfect L.

It will takes some skill and time for a DIY job and u might not make a perfect smooth line.

Since it is a very minor job I think contractor will still charge 1 day labour to do this.

Hope this helps.

Do note you will need to paint and patch back the the area you removed the cornice. Make sure the wall and ceiling paint is still available.

Glad to know that it is not a major job. Thanks!

should be ok, suggest go for cool white instead of warm white colour that is brighter and suitable for kitchen.

You can consider having spot light under the top hang cabinet also to light up the kitchen work top.

Hi - I have a small area beside my living area which is currently not utilised. I’m thinking of putting like a folding wall wif door there so it will be converted into a small room. Reason for folding walls is so if we hv large gathering or I need the extra space, cn fold it to open up the space. Any design ideas or tips for this?

First of all, I think if you wish to have an option to open up the small room occasionally for large gathering, I will suggest you consider hacking partially upper part of the wall between the living and the small room. As the solid wall has block the visual connection between the 2 areas.



Then do a new sliding or fix glass window above 1 meter, this will help to indirectly merge the 2 areas into one so people on both sides can see other others.

As for folding door you can opt for 2 folding glass doors on each sides as shown below:

Thank you Sir. I asked neighbors bout the wall n some said their contractors told them not to touch it. Will chk further n ask my contractor later. Thanks for ur advise.

If I were you, I will take some space from the toilet and move the wall separating the kitchen and the toilet few cm so that you have about 1 ft space there. Then you can buy a 30cm depth cabinet and put there to be used as pantry.

It shouldn't be a problem to open a window hole on existing brick wall as long as you didn't touch the columns and beams.

Unless it is a load bearing wall that you can find out from the building management.

A quick tips for easy and low cost home design threats, for only around RM 80 for 50sqft get an chalkboard paint and start input some refreshing touches into our home space!

Here are simple chalkboard DIY ideas to put a memorial mark in our home while expecting the lockdown to be lifted in near coming days.

Tips One
chalkboard painting 3 feet wide on one of the wall in the living room. Do some doodling while feeling bored, it makes an conversation starter among family members too!



Tips Two
buying a chalkboard wall sticker and paste it on the bathroom door or somewhere in kitchen for casual fun kid drawings and daily household notices.



Tips Three
buying a chalkboard panel at online platform and hanging it on an study corner as you would for art painting. Accompanying with a cup of coffee, this makes your reading session feels GOOD!

Why don’t create some creative activities with the kids? – let the kids doodling something on the wall. 🙂



This post has been edited by ehwee: Jun 21 2020, 01:28 PM

Hi all,

I was quoted by several contractors as stated below. I am not sure what is the market price for flat plaster ceiling. I hope someone could clarify this matter as on why the price (RM/sqft) is quite high compared to others. The recent post stated only RM 3.30/sqft is the normal rate nowadays. Please help me really clueless here! sad.gif Am i being ripped off? Please do advise ya. Thank you in advance

Contractor #1
Flat plaster ceiling include painting @392sqft - RM 2,080 [RM5.30/sqft]
3 L-box (for Aircon units) - RM 240
========
Total RM 2,320
========


Contractor #2
Flat plaster ceiling with 3 L-box (for Aircon units) @430sqft - RM 2,150 [RM5.00/sqft]
Painting plaster ceiling - RM 500
========
Total RM 2,650
========

Contractor #3
Flat plaster ceiling with 3 L-box (for Aircon units) @430sqft - RM 2,200 [RM5.10/sqft]
Painting plaster ceiling - RM 500
========
Total RM 2,750
========

Contractor #4
Flat plaster ceiling @412 sqft - RM 1,854 [RM4.50/sqft]
3 L-box (for Aircon units) - RM 540
Painting plaster ceiling - RM1,800
========
Total RM 4,194
========

HI Ehwee,

I wonder is it wrong to have dark grey theme for condo unit 1300sqf with 10' ceiling (after plaster)?
Is it not common for most ID do handle this kind of design theme? Please Correct me if i'm wrong so i can learn something new while looking for an ID for this job.
And i really like this kinda of color theme - Dark + Light Grey + Wood + Concrete surface - with right lightings and furniture for it.

1. 4 Bedrooms - 1 going to convert to 2 person 1 table workroom with bookshelf and cabinet.
2. 3 Baths - 1 going to convert to non full length stand alone bathtub.
3. A long living hall to fit 6 person dining table behind sofa.
4. U shape open kitchen. (Beside living hall).

This is for own stay. And thanks for reading this

Yes the RM 3.30 / sqft is for flat plaster ceiling only without L box and ceiling painting.

The quotations you received looks OK generally , as it's depend on the actual discussion and design requirements you ask from the contractor.

This post has been edited by ehwee: Jul 7 2020, 05:32 PM

There is no right or wrong on having dark theme for small condo. Ultimately it's still a personal preference, if you really like cozy, warm living environments, you can definitely choose to have dark painted wall, black tile, grey sofa and warm timber dining table and some nice spot and wall lights.

Dark theme is nice also as long as you comfortable with it. Especially in city region, a dark and cozy home can make us feel more stress free and calm down after coming back home from daily fast and competitive working day!

Most people still prefer bright environment due to several reasons. Examples, bright lighting environment for safer if you are living with older parents. Study and kitchen area are better and workable in brighter light condition. Toilet try avoiding dark environment due to slippy floor and safety.

Other than these places, by all means you can opt for dark theme for living, dining and bedrooms.

Dark theme is especially good for tv showtimes though

Your attached dark theme pictures with warm timber flooring look good, hahaha👋

This post has been edited by ehwee: Jul 8 2020, 11:47 AM

Thanks for your replied
Ya, what you saying is true. I do believe is depends on personal and nothing wrong with this theme.
Although my unit is only complete end of this year, i do hope to find an ID who have strong sense of dark theme for the entire house. I do feel it can easily goes wrong if not careful.

Cheers~


This post has been edited by alexloon: Jul 7 2020, 10:46 PM

alexloon some tips for you for dark theme home design, types and lighting design scheme play an important roles in dark theme, as you will need different combination of lighting selection of ceiling downlight, spot lights, wall wash light, floor and table lamps just nice enough to highlight and light up the main spots you need.

how to find a good balance between lighting selections to achieve desirable brightness in different space in a tricky thing to really take care.

Hi, I hope the question I'm asking is allowed in this thread.

In the layout below, I have trouble trying to arrange my kitchen layout. I do not wish to separate out my kitchen to dry and wet. And here are the spaces/items required:

1) Cooking hob
2) Kitchen sink (1 part large OR 1 part medium w/ 1 part small)
3) Food preparation place (Chop chop chop)
4) Fridge
5) Rice cooker (cannot beside cooking hob to prevent it from being oily
6) Dining table for 5

So I would really appreciate if sifu can give some advice and input on how to arrange all these in the kitchen (maybe can take 1 row (2ft) from dining room and dining table in dining room.

ehwee When i'm doing some drafting on art board, i do realized lighting, furniture color and decoration on wall are critical (for dark theme) and i stop there for half day staring at it... i guess this is where ID should come in and do the magic. Showroom unit and bare unit are 2 different world, it just a walls but is complicated dimensions and now i understand why ID like to put wallpaper, because it make thing easier - which i don't prefer.

When i'm looking for an ID - I do intent to see what items they selected to put on displayed or used in the room (size, color and texture) no matter in 3D or showroom because it does take effect to show what is the taste of the ID in client/visitor eyes. < Anyway, tht's all i know how to look for an ID....

This is an example work i've done to plan the theme as house owner. Thanks for your time to reply and advice. Cheers~

Hmm, most common arrangement for most people will make the yard into cooking area so you will have more working space at kitchen area, something like this.



Yet if you want something different and don't mind little bit of small walkway around the area as a result, this is what I suggest you can consider.



Cheers!

Sorry if this question deemed inappropriate. If I am looking for ID designer, what kind of budget am I looking at? I have a double storey house 32*65 and contemplating whether to look for ID designer or go for contractor

mascot123 It's depend if you looking for id consultation firm, design & build company or freelance id, they provide different scope of design services. May be you can take a look at this lowyat tread to get some clues.

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...r+vs+contractor

Shall you wish to know about my design services and charges, do welcomed to pm me for sure.

Cheers.

alexloon you can consider make one of the wall timber feature wall, paint the ceiling in slighting darker grey colour, it will look even better, don't you think so??




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Thank you so much for your idea and suggestion! Actually I'm looking for layout without using yard as kitchen, but I can imagine some layout using your suggestion with just placing kitchen stove somewhere in the kitchen area instead of yard. Thanks again!

My condo is about 1300sqf. Im budgeting 120k to hire an id designer for renovating. Not sure is it enough or not? Any advice?

Any suggestion on the living room TV placement? Red wall in attachment is new extension wall. Suppose TV location is on the left side wall going in from main door. but due to feng shui issue, sofas not able to put in the middle of the living room cos sofas backside facing main door.

120k for 1300 sqft home is about RM 92 per sqft which is suffice to say enough, yet still depend on what you actually plan to do.

Normally if without doing structural extensions then the cost is around 45 - 100 sqft ranging from simple reno to quality furnishing works.

This post has been edited by ehwee: Aug 1 2020, 05:49 PM

Do you seek fungshui Master help on position of TV, some master might indicate specific position for tv also.

If the master said your sofa back cannot facing main door, that means your sofa have to position in a way facing the main door.

That mean the tv have to either put at middle of living area or put at the front of the sliding glass door next the entrance.

May be you can seek master advice whether there is a possibility to shift the main door from right to left side. This way might help you to get a better orientation and position for tv and living sofa arrangement.

This post has been edited by ehwee: Aug 1 2020, 05:48 PM

Oh ok. Tq.
I dont do extensions. But will do hacking on the dining area. Tend to remove the wall and do open kitchen concept, want to have island in the dry kitchen. Im worried the hacking work will b expensive.

Hi ehwee,

May i ask for advices, i am on tight budget for 40k.

1) i am doing plaster ceiling from living, dining and walkway. I have been quote from rm6k to rm11k.
Which price is right? Without those hidden charge. I send them the same sample pictures.

My ground floor.



Design



2)from picture how can i arrange/add my kitchen cabinet to be an excited place.



3)what is you estimate best tight budget for garden room. Any suggestions?

Thankyou.
I am aware of costing budget discussion.
I do not know if the budget is enough. I am preparing to move in next year.

This post has been edited by ikram_p: Aug 1 2020, 10:28 PM

Please advice on the lighting option for concrete ceiling.

Not planning to do plaster ceiling as we like high ceiling layout. But Most of the wall mounted lights are ugly.


There is a beam dividing dining n living hall area. Is it possible to just install L box without plaster ceiling? Would it help to brighten the living hall?

Hacking internal wall for open kitchen won't be so expensive, just make sure you allow contingency costs for relocation of existing and new electrical wiring and plumbing piping anyway.

6 to 11k just for ceiling on the areas you mentioned seems quite high, not sure about what kind of ceiling and lighting trough design you have, it will affect the cost also.

Do share more about what you need for kitchen and your usual daily work routines in the kitchen, then I can only made some design suggestions for you, pals.

This post has been edited by ehwee: Aug 6 2020, 07:02 PM

If you OK with expose light tracking then you can definitely do a good lighting settings without plaster ceiling.

Yes L box along the wall can be a simple solution, yet you will need many nos of wall flooding lights to get the desired interior brightness you want.

Why not upload some existing photos for your home here so we can figure some igbting setups ideas for you, as different beam structure and position might affect the the way how we can arrange a lighting option for expose ceiling.

Thank you ehwee

This is the layout

Sorry for the delay, quite busy recently.

If you prefer not to have plaster ceiling, then having L box along the dining walls and using track lightings at living area can be a good option.

Can considering having ceiling fan that come with LED light build in too.

This post has been edited by ehwee: Aug 6 2020, 07:03 PM


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Ehwee, what the best material for plaster ceiling. I already google, but still blur because got pro and cons. Thank you.