Creating My Home

My Little Green Patch

2009-12-07T16:57:00.004+08:00

DIY Waterfall

I can't call it a garden because it's just too little. We've only about 70 square feet of green in the front of our home. So it's my little green patch that I care for dearly. My mini waterfall is switched on only when we have guests. Two reasons for this. The first, it leaks. Try as I may, I cannot find the source of the leak. Secondly, we have yet to install an outdoor power point and currently we have a temporary and dangerous setup of an extension cord connected to the nearest point. Not a good idea.

There are no flowers in my patch. The simple reason being I don't like flowering plants. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE FLOWERS. I just don't like flowering PLANTS. And there's something so refreshing and relaxing about a green green garden. Ahhhh....

If you look carefully behind my waterfall, you will be able to see white stones. These stones cover my drain. Initially we wanted to do the typical, cover the drain with plastic covers. Uh, ugly. Ugly and expensive. And then my brilliant mummy gave me the idea for the stones. Over a couple of weeks I managed to collect unwanted bricks from old constructions sites. Just enough bricks to lay across the length of the drain. 12 bags of white stones were laid on top of the bricks and filled the drain to the brim. Water from the gutter freely flows under the row of bricks.

I really do surprise myself with the dozens of ideas I have for such a limited space. There are so many plans in my head. I really like the fan-like palm tree that's quite popular now. I don't know its actual name. And I need to start getting some pretty pots, dark blue ones in particular. A visit to a nursery is due. And oh, I saw some beautiful large rocks along the highway that would look pretty lying just outside my house right next to my future fan-like palm tree. Will update with some pictures once these materialize.

Great Used Buys

2009-12-07T09:47:00.009+08:00

Firstly, our garage light (above) is not a second hand buy. We purchased it new from a light shop in Uptown. It cost an arm and leg but I had to have it because it is almost identical to the light I loved so much in one of my previous posts. The original plan was to have two installed in our living room. But hubs said it was too small. I agreed.

The blue arm chair is a second hand buy. We got this for RM100. It required no re-upholstering just some cleaning and sunshine. It looks brand new and is oh so comfy. I breastfeed Nila in this. It's perfect for my blue master bedroom.

Solid wood (TV) cabinet. This piece had been sitting in the shop for months. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. However, the seller refused to drop his price of RM800. The drawers have sections in them specifically to store CD's. We do not use this to store our tv and the drawers are empty. The cabinet sits across from our main entrance. I am in the process of framing some pictures to fill the back wall. Also, I have yet to find a permanent place for the white lillies.

This retro chair too had been sitting in that store for months. Collecting dust and mites. Again the seller refused to drop his price. Apparently, the chair had already been sold but the buyer had yet to pick-up. Finally, hubs offered RM30 for it and it was ours. This chair needs re-upholstering. I have yet to find the material for this. Once complete, we will move this classic piece upstairs to our study.

This cupboard has undergone some serious refurbishing. It was originally dark brown. I think it may have been an office storage cabinet back in the 70's. I laid eyes on it and immediately thought of a toy closet for Elil. After bringing it home, I went out and got 7 cans of pink spray paint. My mother was in town and insisted I put her to good use. And so she worked very hard on it. First, she sand-papered it down (inside and out) to roughen the surface so that the new coat of paint would stick. This was some major work. Because the original brown was a much darker color than the pink, my mummy had to paint a layer of undercoat. Only then could she use the spray paint. The process was long but well worth it. I now wish I got two of these cupboards. The other I would have painted purple.

We have come a long way....

2009-11-06T16:41:00.005+08:00

Our home looks so different now. We have not done anything major since my last entry. No kitchen cabinets or built in wardrobe yet! Unfortunately. However, I have added quite a number of loose pieces that I totally adore.

Hubs and I drive along Jalan Semenyih pretty often. Every time we are down a certain stretch, my eyes land on a huge sign that reads, SECOND HAND SHOP. I kept telling myself to check it out one day but didn't actually take myself seriously because hubs is not really a second hand type of guy. However, one fine day while we were along this road and I suggested we try our luck at the run-down shack-of-a-store. He agreed.

To cut a long story short, we ended up bringing home a two-seater sofa for RM250. However, I must warn you that probably 85% of the stuff there is true junk. And at every visit I don't expect to find a treasure like our first but on most occassions I am lucky enough to find something like an antique mirror or a solid old cabinet, a rare and retro chair or a wonderfully upholstered, good-as-new armchair. I purchased a huge-ass gold-framed mirror for RM150. Sofas need cleaning or reupholstering. Wood products either need some shining or a little touch-up and repainting. Most items we have purchased from this place require some form of DIY but its well worth it considering the cost (including transporting).

For weeks after our visit purchase, I promoted this place to everyone I saw. Friends, relatives, friends of friends paid them a visit. Some, like hubs and myself just kept going back. There's just something real exciting about getting something real good for real cheap. A few purchases were absolutely uneccessary and not in my list but we just could not let a good deal go. Most items are from hotels so they are usually of good quality and make.

There are two other branches, one in Nilai another in Shah Alam. We were once at the Nilai one but were not too impressed. But before you go rushing off to look for these places, let me tell you, second hand shops in general are not rare. Just keep your eyes peeled the next time you are driving around a small town or industrial area. You are bound to find a second hand store or junk yard with hidden treasures.

The Romantic Master Bedroom

2009-02-04T10:08:00.006+08:00

I took these photos from the walkway to my walk-in wardrobe. I won't show you pictures of that until we have our built-ins in. The master room is pretty plain for now. We're taking our time to scout for the perfect pieces to complete the room. We'll need some white side tables and lamps. A chest of white drawers too and something to hang on the wall. I plan on having some family pictures up as well. Some nice black and white shots will go well with the theme. Still thinking of what I can put above our headboard. Really need to visit SSF (the Sungai Buloh branch) one of these days with my sisters.

This is our bed. We didn't plan on using this in our room but have decided to since we probably won't be getting our king-size divan for a while. This bed is the Malm series from Ikea and we got it super cheap from the As-Is section. It will do for now. I have my mind set on having a headboard custom-made from a factory we found in Serdang. The white spots/diamonds on the wall is a reflection of the chandelier crystals caused by the camera flash. Kinda cool effect if you ask me. The blue cushions were a steal from Vivencia in PJ; something I got over a year ago. I knew my color theme even then. I have always wanted a romantic room but it couldn't be too feminine coz I have hubs to consider as well. So I settled for blue and I'm so glad I did.

This is the door out to our balcony. I have painted it white as with all other doors and walls throughout the house. The only wall that isn't white is the master bedroom feature wall. The curtains go about 10' up so as to give the room a more grand look. I should have extended the left curtain (single panel window) to match the curtain on the right which covers a two panel window. This would have provided a more symmetrical look. My BIL Allen highlighted this to me, of all the people!

Taken today

2008-09-09T11:09:00.009+08:00

Our glass door grill. I didn't want a glass door but at this moment in time we gotta keep it. And I tried to figure ways out of the hideous grill but alas for safety purposes, it's got to be installed!

This is our 'backyard' door. We hardly have a backyard. It's probably 5' wide. But it'll do I guess, enough to hang the clothes and CD's to dry.

My kitchen back door. Half-painted. Thanks to Carol for her wondeful under-coating skills. Rajin-rajin again she go tape the glass.

View of my extended kitchen with the grill up.

Partition for our walk-in closet. Yet to be plastered and painted. Carol said looks like an office.

Our feature wall in the master room. Regal Blue

A view from the walk-in closet into our master bedroom. The size has reduced considerably after fitting the partition. But I like a medium sized bedroom. It's cosier and warmer and snug. Plus all we need really is a bed!

Some shots of the house yesterday....

2008-09-04T08:02:00.010+08:00

Rear View from the back gate

Rear view from outside

View of upstairs living and door to master bedroom from 2nd Floor staircase

The grill is up. The space between bars a little too far for my liking but whats done is done.

Our tiny back yard. I left a patch of 'grass'

Our extended kitchen. Painting and glass to be completed today.

Not quite toile but it will do

2008-09-02T16:12:00.002+08:00

I got this wonderful piece of fabric from Kamdar believe it or not! Ots and I pajak the last 27 meters! I was looking for something toile a couple of months back. Did not have a huge budget so couldn't get anything from the expensive stores. This material is meant for bedsheets and not curtains. However, I got the tailors to sew a thick and heavy lining to make it more resistant. Ots has hers up in her back porch for her sliding doors. It's been doing fine. Can you imagine, I sewed my bedroom curtains last year? Talk about kiasu man! Finally, the day will come when I get to hang 'em up.

BEFORE shot of house 3A

2008-09-02T10:24:00.003+08:00

Front view pre-renovations

Thanks Yo for reminding me of the BEFORE and AFTER shots. I should have taken inside and behind as well. Because there wont be much work on the front portion. Maybe i'll take some shots of the untouched houses.

Lights for the Living

2008-09-02T07:54:00.005+08:00

I have been cracking my head on the best design for my Living Room lights. Ever since I was at that light shop in Puchong I could not stop thinking about that 7-lamp bamboo-like chandelier. When I was first there, its displayed price was RM720 and on top of that I could get a discount of 30% (connections connections). But that was a long time ago and well the house wasn't ready yet and well what's the point in getting the lights so soon, right? So months past and I could not stop thinking about it so I brought hubs to the shop to check it out and convince him to purchase 2. But alas, when we got there, the price doubled! It was now going for RM1,400. WTF! I didn't ask the store owners why. Even with the 30% discount, I could not bring myself to purchase the item, I would have felt too cheated. On top of that hubs couldn't see the beauty I saw in it. So with a heavy heart I left the store. *Sigh*

So I have been looking around fo lights. I'm pretty sure I have been to every light store in the Kajang area. Uptown and SS2 as well! I hear that Puchong has quite a few decent places too. However, I spotted the perfect crystal chandelier for my Master Room in a huge store at Uptown. Price decent, no discount though, apparently its NEW ARRIVAL. AND on top of that in the same store I saw these gorgeous hanging lamps that I thought would be wonderful in my Garage. But after a suggestion from Ots and seeing this shot in one of my home mags, I figured they would make interesting and unique Living Room lights as well. Yay! Hope you can see it, my photography skills suck.

A long glass bowl (cylinder-like) with gold trimming/frame. I think it has 3-4 candle-lamps. Hubs thinks its too 'simple' for our 'grand' Living Room but he hasn't actually seen the real thing. I'm sure I will manage to convince him its perfect in every way until he finds out how much one costs that is!

2008-08-29T15:32:00.003+08:00

Oh forgot to mention, renovations started today! Going to pop by and see how things are coming along right after grabbing my little angel and maybe her Pati too if she wants to tag along! The wait is long but I will make sure it is all WORTH IT!

Elil's Play Room Project

2008-08-29T14:44:00.008+08:00

I have decided on the theme for Elil's play room walls. I am getting the design from one of her little story books. Check it out:

This adorable book is a hand-me-down gift from Elil's cousin Nadiya

We are definitely going to have the green grass/hills and clear blue sky with the sun and clouds as the background throughout the room. The cute rabbit, fluffly sheep, happy duck and little chic are going to be painted randomly on each wall. The characters will be spaced out and not so crammed together otherwise this little project of mine might take forever to comeplete. Also, need to determine the lcoation of the bed, drawers and closet and make sure I avoid these areas. Am loving the flowers, butterflies and the kite as well. Elil loves butterflies! And I saw a really cool kite wall light in Seng Hup the other day which I am so getting. Her curtains (Ritva Series)will cool down the room and be a plain white with a lace layer (the I-Forget-Series ;)) behind, both from Ikea. Oh I can so imagine it already! Pweedy so pweedy. Can't wait to go back to my painting as well. Just like old times, only now the canvas is bigger.

I super dee duper dee like the Ikea children's storage boxes. They are so colorful and fun. Let me look up the series... aha! It's the Trofast Series - solid laquer pine. A little on the expensive side but what the heck, right? I got to be happy with what I get, no? The excitement is building. If only hubs were around to share in the fun!

And here's what it looks like:-

Taman Damai Mewah Has been issued a CF

2008-08-22T14:17:00.003+08:00

Yay! We have an official address. And we can start renovations anytime. We're meeting up with the contractors today to finalize the minor renovation works. We'll be busy this weekend looking for lights and maybe doors. Pretty much have every other essential item except a washing machine and our master bedroom wardrobe. Our loot is currently being stored in my in-laws house, my sister's old apartment and a furniture warehouse. I am so glad that we decided to furnish our house in stages earlier on. It leaves us very little to worry about now.

Two days ago we purchased our staircase wall light in a small light shop nearby. It is a two bulb with shade, wrought-iron-like number. Simply gorgeous and it cost us only RM110. The original price was RM138 but we managed to haggle. Will post a photo soon.

I can't wait for renovations to begin. For the moment, our plan is to extend the kitchen - combine the wet and dry kitchens to create one bigger space. Built-in cabinets will probably come in at a later stage because a nice system will cost an arm and leg. The back fencing needs to be brought down and replaced with a 6' concrete wall for safety and privacy purposes. We may need to look into roofing our whole (tiny) back portion in the near future. Maybe my dad with a little assistance from the hubby can build something simple but beautiful. Another addition would be a gypsum wall for our walk-in wardrobe that will connect to the bathroom.

Painting. I have not taken this into consideration yet. I am pretty much happy with white walls. I may need to add a splash of color here and there but not until we have everything in and i can decide on the color scheme. Painting will be self-performed. And if i'm real rajin and have the time, I will paint some wall art. Elil's play room will be a fantastic place to practice and start. Oh I'm so excited!

We have the keys

2008-07-28T17:01:00.001+08:00

Hubs collected the keys to our house on Friday. We were there over the weekend. Sparked some excitement that was fast fading. The contractor is coming in two weeks to take measurements for our grill. Till then were leaving it as it is....

I heart these pieces

2008-06-06T16:58:00.006+08:00

The straight lines and simple chair

The glamorous plush chair

I have been scouting around for some one-of-a-kind timeless single-seaters to compliment my 3.5 seater, which is off-white with tints of green. Then I saw these two lovelies. I love the straight lines and timelessness of the first but I am so drawn to the life and glamor the green velvety single-seater has to offer. They are both beautiful (and affordable) pieces. Unfortunately, neither one is suitable to be placed side-by-side. Their lines don't match up if placed next to each other. Darn! I could get a small coffee table in between but then it wont go with the rest of the living room theme. So I think these two beauties are a no-go. How i'll-fated.

I love this bed frame

It's a king sized beauty. Simply gorgeous. I was trying hard to imagine it in my master bedroom with the blue & white toile theme I have going on and somehow I don't think they mesh. It could if I change the blur and white to blue and off-white or beige. But then I thought of the timber frame and well, I really like white. And I guess browns can mix with white too. This certainly needs more thought to it. I have no idea how much this frame costs but I'm guessing it ain't cheap.

Our Harvey Norman steal

2008-06-06T16:13:00.004+08:00

I fell in love with these two the moment I saw them. I have no idea where I'm going to put them but will have to find a place. Depending on my dining table design, I may just use them as dining chairs. Time to scout around for another 4 chairs or maybe a comfortable bench.

I was ecstatic when I saw this glass table. I've been looking everywhere for this. If you noticed, there are square versions in my dream living room (from a previous post). I've seen many similar versions around but all with additional glass shelves below which to me totally ruins the beauty of this sleek coffee table. Simplicity is perfection.

TEMPORARILY INACTIVE

2008-05-07T10:34:00.002+08:00

This blog is temporarily inactive. Author of this blog is waiting for the CF for her new home to be issued. Till then nothing can be said about or will be done to mentioned home. Please come back in a month. Fingers crossed.

Thank you

2008-01-22T15:59:00.000+08:00

Ok. This is the inspiration for my living room. My favorite pieces are the sofas, coffee table, console, venetian mirror, rug, table lamp, the rug. I'm not really into the classic single seaters to the left. I figure i'd replace those with something, still thinking about it. I like the white walls, the light beige fabrics with the soft velvety feel. I'm not too crazy about the touch of blue from the cushions. The glass coffee tables blend in so well. I saw this in Harvey Norman and told the hubby we had to get it. So we got it. Ours is rectangular and bigger so we only need one. Obviously we wont have a fireplace so instead of having two identical consoles at the side, I will probably have a single bigger console at the feature area and probably hang an interesting art piece right above it. There are two glass candlestands sitting on the fireplace. I don't think you can see it. I saw identical ones in Living Quarters so I may just go and get those. See how the fresh flowers just add color and warmth and life to the whole room. Gotta invest in some floral arrangement lessons!

Something Transitional....

2008-01-22T14:44:00.000+08:00

I love everything about this room. If possible I would like to have a piece (or something similar) of everything in this room for my master. The only thing I would do to change it is spice up the color a little.

1. The venetian mirrot is so romantic.

2. The glass-bubble night lamp - what a perfect mix.

3. The headboard - custom made, besnya.

4. The off white throw is so beautiful.

I want my room to be romantic but also have a little masculine feel to it (if not kesian the hubby). I'm pretty set on the color theme of my room, it's a deep blue (with hints of other shades) and white & off white. My theme wall is going to be Ralph Lauren blue.

I adore this rusty old iron clock. It makes a perfect wall feature. I am looking for something rustic like this for my entrance wall. Maybe a simple console below it too. Or a round table at the corner. I have decided that I want fresh flowers in my home everyday. No plastic ones please. Where is the beauty and joy in plastic flowers that are not only scentless but collect dust and fade after time?

So pretty this room. I love the console. Check out how amazingly well that lamp goes with the console. The traditional wooden curves contrasted with the straight and sharp lines of the glass stand. The sweetness of the wallpaper design and the washed out look of the timber floors. The wonderful thing about something like this is that its a timeless design. It's not something that will go out of style neither is it something you would get bored of easily. The colors are neutral and simple, there is no clutter, its practical.

What stands out for me in this design is the bench. I love it. Why settle for the standard matching dining set? Why not have a bench on one side and chairs on the other? Genius. It's great how this bench looks so comfortable - nice back rest, gorgeous green and its velvet. I wouldn't mind one of these at my dining area. Maybe in another color.

THE LIST

2008-01-18T16:01:00.000+08:00

Top Priority:

1. Grille. I am going for the basic squares in white. My windows have that french window look except the frames are made of shiny aluminium. Eeek. We need this up before we can move anything in.

2. Air-Conditioning & Water Heaters. These need to be in purely because installing them require breaking of walls to install the piping. Messy and noisy. Best done before mummy, daddy and baby move in.

3. The Electricals: Washing Machine & Fridge. We have pretty much confirmed a Hitachi 8.5kg fridge. Did you know fridges are going pretty cheap nowadays? As long as you don't get an Electrolux la. But I hear these are expensive and nothing else. Fridge oh fridge. The side-by-side doors are really cool and in now plus some models are quite affordable. I saw a Samsung one for RM2,900. However, my husband has fallen in love with an ultra-schick looking one that costs double the price. This one is still a question mark.

4. Lighting & Ceiling Fans. Ceiling Fans. We have decided on the basic 3-blade ceiling fan which is cheap and effective. The stylish 4-blade, 5-blade fans seem to be in at this moment but I have never liked them because they really aren't that stylish, theyre 3x times the normal price AND they don't work as effectively. Lights. I want to go for the basic downlight (the square type seems interesting) for most areas. Downlights are cheap, reliable and mostly they won't go out of style. For the main living area, kitchen, master bedroom and Elil's future room, I am looking for pendants or a simple chandelier.

5. Curtains. Believe it or not I tailored curtains for my master bedroom months back. Got some simple white drapes for Room 2 and Room 3 (Elil's future room) OR the Studio on the 3rd floor. I am looking for something white/off white for the main living room. Ikea has pretty good choices.

Priority 2:

6. Main Living Room. I have pretty much decided on the basic big pieces - 3-seater sofa, 2 singles, 2 square ottomans, glass coffee table (we already have, bargain from Harvey Norman), console & huge rug. Oh, if I could also get a focus item in here - either a huge ass mirror or an interesting art piece on the wall.

7. Dining Area. Dining table/chairs (we have one or two in mind but still gotta convince the hubby that its a good idea to buy the table and chairs separately - not a set). A console. A month ago I purchased an interesting looking stand lamp that will go great in our dining.

8. Master Bedroom. King size divan and mattress from Slumberland (were hoping to get a good discount from a friend of the family). I am determined to make my own headboard. It isn't too hard. A wardrobe - have not looked into this yet. Why ah? Bed side tables + night lights - thinking of getting two unmatching ones. A gorgeous carpet - if we can afford it. If not, a semi-gorgeous carpet.

9. Mon's Room. We will get her a simple single bed, cupboard and vanity cum side table. Her curtains are dark blue. So I'm thinking of a white theme for her furniture pieces. Ahh... white, of course!

10. Upstairs Living Room: Basically what we need is a sofa, some throw cushions, a cute rug and a TV console. I'm going for a more artsy feel in this area.

Non-Priority:

11. All the other cool decorative items I have my eyes on. Like corner tables, interesting art pieces, more floor-standing lights, throws and cushions, pretty sheets and covers, etc.

The General Look: Transitional Style

2008-01-16T16:44:00.000+08:00

I just learned this term (interior design context). It is a blend of traditional and modern. Which is exactly what I have had in mind for my place. It's great the interior design world has a term for this! I truly think this comes naturally for me. What I like about the transitional type of design is, its fresh and new like the contemporary style but instead of having only straight lines and a cold metallic feel it also has the warmth, comfort and softness of the more traditional style. It's amazing how you can mix two totally different looks and come up with something quite spectacular. I have always been the traditional/country sorta girl but fell in love with the transitional style while digesting some home magazines hubby got for me from Down Under. The Australian interior design scene at this point is very transitional and also retro (which is fun but not my cup of tea especially with a new family and all). This style is very practical, straightforward and most of all it projects the 'less is more' feel. A few big pieces compared to many little ones. I hate clutter btw. Within the transitional design sphere, there are many different styles. What I would like for my home is a little bit of French Country mixed with Venetian to contribute to the traditional side and contemporary straight lines for the modern end. What I have gathered from studying this style in magazines is as long as you don't touch extremes of either (modern or classic) your'e pretty safe. The rest is up to your natural knack for home decorating.

Color! It's so important. I am in love with white/off white. White walls. White sofas. WHITE?! Am I crazy? With little Elil crawling/running about (within the next few months anyway), tiny hand-prints everywhere, spilled fruit juice, baby food splattered. The horror! Yes, I probably am crazy. But I believe in throws. A lot of throws. Plus I'm thinking leather too. Stains wipe away easily. Plus most sofas nowadays come with fully removable covers. But the problem with these (if you noticed) is these pieces tend to look cheap and temporary. As much as I have been discouraged/warned (regret guaranteed), I insist on white. I just need to find some bleach-friendly white/off white fabric. Neutrals are great. I would love a little beige here and there plus a splash of a bold color. At this moment, it's red but this could change. Think and think again Pu.

Stay tuned for more design ramblings.

Creating A Home

2008-01-16T15:42:00.000+08:00

I have been waiting to move into our new home for the past 5 months now. I hear that we need not wait more than another 2 months. This leaves me enough time to finalize the general design, look and feel of our home. The color theme! Enough time to window shop, compare prices, find new and better furniture pieces & lighting fixtures, compile the perfect combination of art pieces, furnishings and decor. The excitement is building! In the past months I have been able to pick up a few items here and there. Trying to reduce the stress and financial burden prior to the move-in process. One of our earliest purchase was a 32" LCD screen. The obvious culprit: my husband. I objected earlier on but realized this one purchase has given me the opportunity to purchase other non-top-priority items of my own without a word from Mr. CFO. Hah! So ok, before I go into details of how (I hope) my home will turn out it would be beneficial for you to be familiar with details and the layout of my home. Details below:

Type: 2 1/2 Storey Super-Link (anyone know what this means exactly?) house (Intermediate)

Built-Up area: 2,800 sq.ft

Number of rooms/bathrooms: 5/5

Layout on the way.

We have huge garage space (this is what initially attracted my husband to the place), a small patch of grass up front (tiny compared to what I'm used to back home), an even tinier patch out back - don't know if our clothes line will fit here. We may need that electricity guzzling dryer after all!