Homeowner's Intro: Summing up this decor journey, it took a pretty penny and a whole lot of heart. From material selection to lighting choices and different decoration techniques, it's safe to say my personality is splashed all over this place.
Home Data: Layout: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Indoor Area: About 15 Pings (plus a work balcony, totalling around 17 Pings)
Age: 3 years
Style: Minimalist
Design Company: Bei Rei Design
1. The Journey Begins At 29, after five years of drifting in the big city and a year-long house hunt, I've seen a fair share of homes - big, small, you name it. Initially, I was open to any location, dreaming of a big space with parking and a balcony. But reality and budget constraints meant letting go of some 'nice-to-haves' and focusing on the must-haves. I finally settled in Banqiao, giving this frequent traveler a sense of home and marking a milestone before hitting the big 3-0.
As a regular at Sheraton and Hilton hotels, I craved that hotel vibe with added functional features. Designing a small space turned out to be harder than a larger one - I swear the designer aged a bit during the process!
My Wishlist:
Hotel-like quality
Spacious feeling
Minimalist style
An island in the kitchen
A study
Plenty of storage
A dust area (for shoes and such)
Kitchen with appliance and cleaning tool storage
A spot for my collectibles
Enhanced floor sound insulation
Original Layout vs. New Layout:
2. Before the Makeover The original decor chopped up the already small space. The sofa faced the wrong way, the TV wall looked tiny, and the bathroom was weirdly cramped with a bathtub that was more nuisance than luxury. The secondary bedroom could barely fit a double bed. After consulting with the designer, we decided to go for a complete overhaul.
3. The Makeover Process
Demolition Time: Destruction paves the way for creation.
Masonry Work: Modern masonry doesn't come cheap... there was even a bit of a tiff with the craftsmen over it.
Bathroom and TV Wall Tiles: Getting those in place.
Bathroom Slope Measurement: For perfect drainage.
Carpentry: Bringing the woodwork to life.
Dust Area Tiling: Reusing leftover bathroom tiles for budget reasons.
Lighting Highlight: Finally got the pendant light I ordered from the U.S. for the kitchen island - a saga of finding the right mix of style and budget.
Carpentry Complete: Fitting in my Panasonic Glatima into the wooden wall was a challenge.
Tiling the Dust Area: A necessity but budget-friendly.
4. After the Makeover
Entrance: A shoe cabinet and a box for all things electrical make a neat entryway.
Kitchen Island: Designed for comfort and utility, with strategically placed sockets.
Living Room: A 6-piece Italian tile TV wall, with in-wall wiring for a sleek look.
Kitchen: Budget constraints meant revamping rather than replacing.
Bathroom: The biggest transformation, turning it into a three-part space.
Study: Sound-proofed for my frequent use and to keep peace with downstairs neighbors.
Collectibles Cabinet: A special spot for my treasures.
Bedroom: Designed with a future partner in mind, including a vanity and individual lighting for late-night phone browsing.
5. Conclusion
In wrapping up this decor journey, it's been a labor of love and wallet. From the choice of switches to tile patterns and soundproofing, my personality is etched into every corner. Friends walk in and instantly know it's my place.A special shoutout to the ultra-quiet Mitsubishi appliances - so silent, I sometimes forget they're on (hello, extra electricity bill!). This project was a major unboxing in my life, and I'm grateful for the design and construction team's help in turning my vision into reality.
So, there you have it – a journey of transforming 15 Pings into a space that's undeniably me! 🎉🏡
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