Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Feminine Expression



"Today's renewed desire for feminine expression is matched by the need for individuality. As styles change throughout history many fashion concepts remain the same. Seamlessly through time, High Style (reminiscent of the Carnegie's), is defined not only by the garments you wear but how you accessorize them. Even a very casual day deserves a little sparkle."

This was quoted from a new friend of mine, Michele Eddins, we met at http://zabitatz.com. A great site to hang out and share home ideas and meet some great ladies. Ok, girlfriends, as you can see her creativity reflected here in a few of her pieces....this lady has talent!! Michele contacted me about adding a few pieces of her collection to a designer showcase which I had done, however, timing did not permit it...should I do another showcase I can see many areas to use these pieces for the right setting. Michele, expresses her feminine touch to add to wedding gowns, and in the last photo, adding pearls, ribbons and flowers to a mirror...to be cherished for a lifetime. Now lets not forget about how you can use the other pieces in your home decor as well. Designers, take note, you may already have a client in mind that could use her accessories for that final touch.

The first picture shown with the tassels is my recommendation for a great accent piece as a tie back on a drapery to add a simple touch of elegance to any room, you could even add these to a special table setting around lace napkins. The second photo is a decanter which would be great placed in a guest bath or master bath.

You owe it to yourself to visit her site and discover all of her creativity and the elegance of her special touch.

http://floralcompliments.net/

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Lighting Design


I have already written about the basics of buying bedroom furniture and bedroom furnishing planning. Lets have a look at a more specific issue that you need to consider when it comes to designing that special intimate place for you, your bedroom.

Lighting can make all the difference when it comes to getting the overall feel of your bedroom just right. Lighting can totally alter the ambiance of a room, change how the colors look and dictate the way you feel in your bedroom. Lighting also has a range of different uses in a bedroom, sometimes conflicting, and you need to plan your lighting to make sure all are satisfied.

For example what happens when you drop that hair clip onto the bedroom floor at night? You need good lighting to help you find it, there 's no point in crawling around the floor in low mood lighting struggling to see. Or perhaps you like to read in bed and have poor eyesight, so need good strong light to do so.

But then when you've just come home from a wonderful night out and need warm romantic lighting in the bedroom it 's not so fun if it 's lit up like an office just so that you can see the carpet for finding that hair clip or for reading.

You need to think about your lighting plan before you start putting in your lighting. Yes you need versatile lighting, but it can all be accomplished if it 's properly planned before hand. Anything is possible if designed right.

For instance you need overhead lighting, no doubt. You might not use it all the time, but there will be times when you do need it. But that doesn't mean one light fitting stuck in the middle of the ceiling, it could mean a group of low voltage down lights for example, or lights behind a sculpture. It 's all to do with your needs and likes, and you need to do your homework first. You can ultimately save money by consulting a professional to guide you, by not making costly learning mistakes.

You need a way to make sure that overhead lighting doesn't detract from the feel of your bedroom when you want warmer lower intimate light. One of the best ways to do this is to have the overhead lights on separate switches, preferably with a dimmer included. So you can turn individual lights on or off, or lower, to create the exact right feel for you.

Light color is also important. Different types of light bulbs create different light colors, and the overall effect of your bedroom is heavily affected by the color of the light. For example incandescent bulbs create a different color than fluorescent lighting, or down lighting. Learn a little about the color of the light that you want to create before purchasing, not all types of light bulb go in all types of light fittings.

Use of individual lights is also very important. There are some wonderful floor lamps and also table lamps available, just stunning designs and colors. For example if you think you would like to read while your partner sleeps then a small table lamps next to the bed on the bedside table will be very useful. Or a well chosen floor lamp.

And finally, a small tip. Make sure that light switches that allow you to switch off your bedroom lighting are all reachable from the bed, there 's nothing better than being able to snuggle in and switch off the lights without having to get out of bed once you're comfortable and warm.

So if you're setting up your bedroom and choosing bedroom furniture, or perhaps refurbishing, spend a little time planning your lighting, you'll be glad you did. This lighting design should be applied in every room in your home, your home is a sanctuary, You don't want to feel you are in an office atmosphere. Lately, I have noticed circuit city and other businesses using low lighting, someone caught on that it does create a calming affect, so I am glad to see this trend showing up which makes our shopping experience more relaxing.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Serious Real Estate













This is some serious real estate folks!!!!!!!!!! Just for your viewing pleasure!!! If you enjoy a LOT of glass and a contemporary feel this simply says, "WOW"

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Towards Year-end

Hi everyone!

SELAMAT HARI RAYA !

I'm in a very happy mood especially around Hari Raya time ;) Not because I'm a Muslim... but I don't need to be a Muslim to celebrate, do I? I'm excited because of the festive atmosphere, with Raya songs all over the radio and TV channels. Most of all I like to visit and celebrate with our Malay friends, friends who really care enough to cook up a sumptious meal for their guests. That takes very special effort indeed! Food prepared from the HEART certainly beats all those fancy buffet at hotels or restaurants!

As we are drawing near towards year-end, I would like to leave some friendly tips for people who are doing renovations around this time :

1) Try to get your renovations done before Chinese New Year. Almost every year, prices of goods increase after the CNY. This inflationary pressure sometimes pushes up cost of raw materials used in renovation.
* The months of Feb-Mar are low season. If you do your renovations around this time, some contractors may give a special offer price.

2) Be careful in choosing contractors during year end. Good and reputable contractors are almost always fully booked during these peak months. If any contractor seems to be very free, take caution by asking to see their work. Almost all contractors stop taking orders 1 month before CNY.

3) The best time to do renovation is actually outside of the 2 months before CNY. The 2 months are actually very stressful times as everyone are rushing to get their house ready for the festive season. More mistakes will happen when the workers are stressed. Imagine..the workers will work up to 11pm every day for 7 days a week.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Design for Sterling PJ

This is one of the condo work that we are working on at the moment. This owner is a keen photographer! My photography skills are very negligible so I am very glad to learn some tips from an expert. This is one of the most rewarding part of our work - we get to meet many, many nice people who are very generous with sharing knowledge and many end up as life long friends! So for anyone who has had negative encounters in life - believe me, there are many more nice people out there.





Living Hall





Kitchen





Master Bedroom




2nd Bedroom



3rd Bedroom


KITCHEN

Wall Unit w4.44m x D0.3m x h0.7m RM2,400.00
Tall Unit w1.5m x D0.6m x h2.2m RM2,100.00
Base Unit w4.74m x D0.6m x h0.84m RM4,160.00

Related optional accessories & work :

0.8mm thick 2 & half bowl sink c/w tap RM850.00
Solid Surface Top RM180/0.3m RM2,880.00
Reposition of inlet & outlet point RM230.00
Reconnection of undersink piping RM250.00
Alum.Frame Frosted Glass door @RM 180/pc RM540.00
Coated Glass @RM48/sf RM720.00

Electrical work :
To supply & install 3ft T4 light @RM30 x 2 nos. RM60.00
To supply & install switch point @RM75 x 1 no RM75.00
To supply & install control point for oven @RM220 x 1 no RM220.00
( Direct from DB )

Built-in handles for all Cabinet doors RM350.00
Mosaic tile 13.5 sf RM1,200.00


YARD (design not shown here)

No hood, hob ONLY
To supply & install concrete slab RM2,070.00
c/w 2' x 2' tile, W3.4m x D0.6m x H0.84m
To supply & install underconcrete framed doors RM1,250.00
drawers & stool shelves, W2.015m x H0.7m
To supply & install combo sink c/w tab RM290.00

Reposition of inlet & outlet point :

Reconnection of undersink piping RM580.00
Inlet & outlet for washing machine


MASTER BEDROOM

Hack off 2/3rd of the bathroom wall and plaster back RM1,200.00
Put in tempered glass panel - 10mm thick RM1,800.00
Shower screen ( single line sliding) c/w floor riser RM1,350.00
& stainless steel handle

Wardrobe - L-shaped with swing doors
W: 3.735m x D: 0.6m x H: 2.98m RM5,535.00
Extra charge for making interior to be same RM450.00
as exterior colour
Sliding doors, 1 fix Glass Panel : 1 sliding Wooden RM2,800.00
Glass Panel c/w double-sided steel handle

Dresser
D/Table in spray paint, w1.7m x d0.45m x h0.76m RM1,800.00
Stool c/w PVC seater & chrome leg RM350.00
Mirror with bevel edge, w1.7m x h1.2m RM850.00
Divider c/w frosted glass, w0.46m x d0.04m x h2.98m RM2,055.00

Bathroom-related :-

Mirror cabinet w backlight, w0.78m x d0.15m x h1.2m RM950.00
Solid surface slab with semi-recessed sink + tap RM1,325.00
Plumbing work for inlet & outlet & reconnection RM580.00
Storage cabinet beneath sink RM600.00

BEDROOM 2

Sliding door wardrobe, aluminium frame c/w 2 nos RM5,100.00
Fake wall partition , W: 1.8m x D: 0.6m x H: 3.02m
Skirting at the exposed fake wall RM150.00

BEDROOM 3

Sliding door wardrobe, aluminium frame c/w 2 nos RM4,700.00
Fake wall partition, W: 1..66m x D: 0.6m x H: 3m


BATHROOM 2 (design not shown here)

Mirror cabinet w backlight
W: 0.75m x D: 0.15m x H: 1.2m RM950.00

Solid surface slab with semi-recessed sink
W: 0.75m x D: 0.15m x H: 1.2m RM1,325.00

Storage cabinet beneath sink RM600.00

Shower screen ( single line sliding) c/w floor riser RM1,350.00
& stainless steel handle

TV AREA

Nyatoh Veneer in Woodcoat finish, w2.4m x 2.4m RM3,950.00

GRILLE WORK - horizontal design
@ main entrance RM950.00
** to follow developer's specifications
@ yard RM550.00
@ utility window RM250.00

Proposed FLOORING work

Supply & install 1 strip classic grade (Tasmanian Oak) RM29,879.40
to the following floor area :-
Living area
Dining & Dry Kitchen
Master Bedroom
Room 3

New Wooden Doors to match existing Main Entrance door :

Yard Door ( swing opening ) RM1,800.00
MBR entrance Door ( swing opening ) RM1,800.00
Room 2 ( swing opening ) RM1,800.00
Room 3 ( swing opening ) RM1,800.00
Note : Price quoted for item K1,2,3,& 4 includes
installation ,woodcoat ,lockset

To reverse door opening for item L2
New Metal Door Frame RM350.00
Remove existing Metal Frame, to make good RM250.00
Re-plastering opening to receive New frame
Alum. Powder coated Window door

Existing Kitchen Window to be removed & replaced RM850.00
with new Alum. Powder coated sliding panel
Yard window, sliding RM750.oo

Cloth Hanger @ Yard
To supply & install Ceiling Mount type RM480.00

Electrical work :

Power point 1 no RM95.00
Switch point 1 no RM75.00
Fixing light 1 no RM10.00
Fixing Ceiling Fan 1 no RM25.00
Fixing Wall-mount Fan 1 no RM25.00
Fixing Exhaust Fan 1 no RM25.00
Fixing Door Bell 1 no RM15.00
Cement plastering for covering the hacking work RM650.00
Downlight / ceiling fan openingceiling plastering work RM350.00

Aircond-related :
Fix aircond @RM 150
New point @RM 20 / pfr
Painting work to ceiling & walls using RM2,800.00
Nippon / Jotun paint

Plaster ceiling work at :
Foyer : Plain Board, w1.5m x d1.8m RM150.00
Living Hall : Light Top, 22.8m / 76 FR RM1,900.00
Living Hall : Cutain Pelmet, w 3.6m / 12 FR RM216.00
Kitchen : End to End Box up to cover hood ducting RM650.00
w3.245m x d0.4m x h0.865m
Kitchen : Plain board , 55 sf RM350.00
MBR : Light Top, 10m / 33 FR RM825.00
Bath 1 : Plain Board, w1.5m x d2.7m RM250.00
( note : including remove existing ceiling )
Room 2 : Light Top , w5m / 16.5 FR RM420.00




Monday, September 29, 2008

Our City/Charlotte NC


Charlotte NC

The Queen City, aptly named after the beautiful wife of King Edward, Queen Charlotte, is a vibrant Mecca for those seeking bigger and better things. There are more transplants than natives here, bringing more ideas and money into the city. Though it’s experiencing a boom in terms of population and commerce, Charlotte hasn’t lost its southern charm and grace. Good taste and disposable incomes means a constant turnover of decorating which in turn means Charlotte is flush with great consignment shops, too. With High Point just a couple of hours away, access to hand crafted furniture is readily available making NC a destination for design aficionados.
The city is divided in neighborhoods and assigned numerical designations. But it’s much easier to use names like NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Dilworth, Southend, Ballantyne and Pineville. Each of these areas has vibrant design and art cultures and is worth checking out. The city is catching up to its reputation with respect to restaurants, medical resources and of course the banking capital.
NODA
Short for North Davidson is home to some of the very best art galleries and Friday night art crawls which happen once a month. One of Charlotte’s older neighborhoods, it is experiencing a true renaissance, especially over the past couple of years. An onslaught of new-build lofts and condos means a constant hum of construction here; let’s hope it remains affordable. Home to some great restaurants and music venues, NoDa is a favorite both day and night.
Another historic hood experiencing a major renaissance, Southend is an epicenter of creativity with ad agencies, film and recording studios, art galleries, antique shops, design centers, specialty boutiques and media outlets (Skirt, Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Post) as well as great places to grab some comfort food. The opening of the Light Rail Transit line will mean more burbanites can easily stop by Southend on their way into town.
HISTORIC SOUTHEND
Another historic hood experiencing a major renaissance, Southend is an epicenter of creativity with ad agencies, film and recording studios, art galleries, antique shops, design centers, specialty boutiques and media outlets (Skirt, Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Post) as well as great places to grab some comfort food. The opening of the Light Rail Transit line will mean more burbanites can easily stop by Southend on their way into town.
  • South End Exchange: this is my favorite spot to trove for antique and reproduction furniture as well as art, accessories, rugs and linens. A unique pricing system (prices drop on designated dates) lets you plan for purchases but means you have to stop by frequently.
  • Olde World Reclamation: also on Camden, this shop has antiques and accessories for home and garden. A great selection of stone products give it that well-lived, old world feel, just like the name says.
  • Interiors Marketplace: this store has an endless selection of new and old, with well named pedigree pieces. Be prepared to spend some money here. Exquisite accessories for refined tastes.
  • Southend Fabric Design: situated inside the marketplace is an excellent place for custom draperies, oriental rugs and select furnishings.

  • Furniture Solutions: further down on Camden is home to a huge selection of leather sofas, chairs and office furniture. It’s not cheap, but has great quality pieces.
There’s plenty of art available. The place to start is Charlotte Art League: On the main drag where you can buy art, rent space to hang or create art, take classes or browse in this large industrial space. Renee George Gallery: Solo exhibits by emerging and established artists in the contemporary vein. On East Worthington. DoMA Gallery: Fine photography is still affordable for those looking to start a collection. Located on South Tryon. Zoe’s Elf Gift Gallery: Pottery, jewelry, glass and fine art by regional artists. Like the name says, great for gifts…from elves? Located at the back of the building on South Tryon.
Southend has great places for tasty bites including renowned fried chicken from Price’s Chicken Coop on Camden St. Also check out Phat Burrito, Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop and Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream for great eats and sweets. All spots can be found on the Historic Southend website.
PLAZA MIDWOOD
One of Charlotte’s most historic neighborhoods, Plaza Midwood is centrally located and quickly becoming a place for great food, fashion, antiques and design. The vibe is extremely cool and welcoming.
  • Fifteen Ten Antiques: around the corner on Central Ave is full of amazing finds. Antique furniture, glass, china, and artwork from all eras, including a few mid century pieces. Prices are listed but can be negotiated.
No matter when you visit the city it is in continuous bloom, each season there is color everywhere around the rolling hills and communities.

Why Stage?" A Little Style Works, Just Not Yours"

There are many reasons to stage your home. For example in this photo you immediately feel the ambiance, calmness and freshness as you do when walking into a model home. It is refreshing, clean and well coordinated. We get comfortable in our homes, leaving items out that need to be put away and out of sight and only until a stranger walks into the room do we realize that Oopps, I should have ?? A prospective buyer wants to visualize their items in the room with a clean slate to look at and or how their home will or can look.

Reasons to Stage:
  1. A seller listens to a Stager differently than to a Broker.
  2. A Stager can help secure listings for a Broker.
  3. A Stager is versed in staging techniques to enhance a property. She looks at the architecture of the property and advises how to best showcase this property.
  4. A Stager can guide a seller as to how to pack , what to pack , and oversee these processes if necessary, thereby taking the strain off of the seller and ultimately the Broker.
  5. According to statistics, Staged Homes sell about 50% faster than un-staged homes.
  6. According to statistics, the average difference in selling price over list price is nearly 4 times higher than un-staged homes.
  7. Staging costs less than a first markdown.
  8. Investing in staging your residence increases the return on one of your most important investments.
  9. Whatever the approach, staging homes for market appears to make a difference to buyers.
  10. Stagers offer a variety of services – from assessments, rearranging the existing furnishings to creating an entirely new “look.”