Design Idea

You know what is the best partnership? When I work my magic while he juz approve our reno cost. Lolx.

Anyway, Gavin is ok to let me handle the design, he told me I have a better eye of details den hm. As long as I keep it within cost coz he dun wan to take any loan for reno.

The look that I am going for is traditional mix modern japanese home.

Let start shall we?

Genkan

I never though this is possible coz it will means raising the platform of the whole house. But someone did it! In a HDB flat no less! wtf? It IS POSSIBLE! According to the forumer kirinshibori, what he did is so simple. *Jaws drop*

(http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=48242&view=findpost&p=719948)

"The genkan black tiles are laid on the bare concrete floor. Cement screeding was done up till -5mm from the kitchen tiles. 5mm vinyl tiles were overlaid on the existing kitchen tiles. 10mm laminate planks were laid on the cement screed to achieve a flush surface with the kitchen vinyl tiles. Take note that you'll most likely need to cut your doors in order for them to clear the installed laminates. The laminates company will take care of the trimming strip at the drop. But the drop is really not very significant."

 Oh Thank you internet and forum. What will I do without you!

Living area

This is probaly one area I will splurge. Due to the constrain of our home, the common area had to be mulch-functioning. This area function as home office, baby day room, entertainment room, and also guestroom.

And the solution to this?

TATAMI

Yes, I got this idea while I am holidaying at Hakone 2yrs back. Sharon & I stayed in a Ryokan and was very very amaze by everything in it. Our room is small (usual japanese room size), but it is so spacious. At night, we just have to put out the futons and sleep. And siting on tatami means we do not need sofa. Tatami is so nice to roll on. My future baby could just do her day nap and play on tatami while I work beside her.

And all I need are futons and room divider to create the space into a guest room. :)

That is my idea for now. As japanese design focus alot on nature and minimize design. I will be using wood like flooring, which either vinyl or laminate (woods are too expansive) for the whole house (minus the kitchen and toilet). I do hope I can achieve a place we would love to nest in.