September 29, 2010

My Kitchen in 2D

After multiple visits to Kuchenmatic to discuss the kitchen lay-out, Eric has submitted the following to me for consideration. 


I will have tall units facing the dining and living area. Starting from the left is the pantry, which I intend to add pull-out wire racks for easy accessibility. Next up is the tall unit that houses the built-in oven. Right above the oven is a cabinet with an upward opening door for my free-standing combination microwave oven. Right next to this tall unit will be the white multi-door fridge which sort of looks like a cabinet itself. Then there's the roller shutter unit with a base cabinet below. The other area will be the cooking zone and this will be my 'feature' area in the kitchen. The black designer hood and black hobs plus black cabinet doors will be attention grabbing! All other cabinetry are white. Even the Corian solid surface counter top is glacier white. The plinth will be aluminium silver.




There are changes to be made to the layout here with the sinks & peninsula regarding the placement of the diswasher. The 2 wall units still remain. Doors are upward-opening and are aluminium with frosted glass. The peninsula has plenty of storage accessible from the dining area so it also doubles up as a dining console and buffet table.

September 28, 2010

3D Drawings - third draft

After a few minor amendments, these are the drawings by Desigva Design. Still need to tweak a bit here and there especially the kids bedroom


September 24, 2010

Bareno Sinks at Homedec 2010

It was the first time I stepped into the KL Convention Center - and I am awed by the size of that place! Super-duper excellent massive place for the Homedec exhibition 2010. It was only Part 1 focusing on Kitchens, Baths & Outdoors but there were lots of booths - filled up Halls 1-5 to the max.

I was impressed with the variety and the well-planned exhibition. There was no crowd as I was there on the 1st day. Scouting for good buys on kitchen sinks. Stumbled on Bareno's booth selling kitchen and bath products. Bareno's sinks are made in China but with German design and technology. The stainless steel is grade 304 and thickness of the sink is minimum 0.8mm. Best part is the 10 year warranty on manufacturer's defects - full refund if the sink rusts. 

Other features: 
  • layer of coating sprayed on bowl bottom prevents moisture caused by temperature difference.
  • hygienic and highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion
  • satin polished finish
  • sound deadening pads absorb noise
  • resistant to stains & easy cleaning
  • double folded edge enhances strength of sink

HBS4# - RM1000

1011D-1 - RM290


All sinks on 30% discount, so my total is RM903. Paid a 50% deposit to lock-in the price. Plus, I received a 5% cash voucher to spend at the showroom. I plan to use the RM45 voucher to purchase a chopping board that fits into the double bowl sink. The chopping board costs RM75 RRP but I should be able to get a small discount (maybe 20%) at the showroom. I also purchased a Victorinox ceramic kitchen knife - RM262 and a can opener for RM36. Received a free peeler worth RM12. All good for food prep. Oh and I also qualified  to enter the Homedec Contest and hope to win some great prizes!

September 17, 2010

Vacant Possession

Hubby and I went to the Management Office at Begonia today for the vacant possession of our condo unit. We were instructed to park at B1 level as the carparks are still not ready.
One of the staff brought us to our unit and we completed the hand-over joint inspection checklist. The developer included a step ladder, a double bowl sink, a single bowl sink and two Orion mixers with compliments. 

After the quick inspection, we went to the Management Office again to receive the keys - all encased in a zippered leather folder together with the house rules and regulations. An admin staff briefed me on the renovation procedures and certain standard designs which had to be adhered to. For instance, the lights for the balcony and foyer must be of a certain design. I was even given the contact info of the person who supplies the light. Well, I wonder why the developer didn't install all those lights in the first place so as to make things easier..... anyway, even the shoe cabinets need to follow a standard design and the colour must be white. 

Deposit for commencement of renovation works is RM5000 and fully refundable within 21 working days.

I was also given the M&E plan, plumbing plan and air-cond plan for the condo. I also took the renovation forms.  Everything took approx 1 hour. 

After that, my kitchen designer and wardrobe designer came over to do site measurements. Now, I am looking forward to more drawings!

September 15, 2010

3D Drawings - second draft

We decided to change the position of the bed to the wall beside the wardrobe. Looks good in a way but not sure about the cost of the plaster wall instead of the sliding doors wall.

Living room is perfectly done according to our storage needs.

Shoe cabinet at the entrance foyer


Kids bedroom - still need to make some changes

Bathroom

September 10, 2010

3D Drawings - first draft





My ID prepared the1st draft of the 3D drawings already - after 2 weeks.  Lots of changes to be made but at least we got a much clearer picture of what to expect. Overall theme - modern contemporary/minimalist. Color scheme : monochromatic/black & white.

September 08, 2010

Kids Rooms

Found some very innovative and modern kids' rooms. I'm hoping my ID will design something like these or even better ones!


September 07, 2010

My Dream Kitchen

Been dreaming of kitchens! Here are some pics of my dream kitchen.... love those curves!

 

September 05, 2010

Washing Machine


Decided on Panasonic's latest washer. Have not purchased yet but will do so once the renovations are completed. 4 models available. The following is the specifications for the top of the range model NA168. Retail price is RM3099.
  • Washing capacity : 8kg
  • Intelligent Inverter Technology - 30% energy saving
  • 1600rpm spin speed (9 spin speed selection)
  • Auto Power Off
  • 10° Titled Drum - 70% water saving. The tilt also reduces the physical stress involved in getting your laundry into and out of the washing machine.
  • 12 standard programme
  • LED screen
  • World's first 3D Sensor Wash detects how the drum moves and intelligent inverter uses that information to finely adjust motor operation.
  • Rapid 15 Programme - wash 2kg of lightly soiled garments in only 15 minutes with a complete wash programme.
  • Sportswear Programme - specially design for sports wear, socks and other item with stubborn mud or grass stains
  • Memory Programme - you can save your favourite wash programme for quick and one-touch start-up
  • Auto Power Off -saves energy
  • Aqua Protection System - when water is draining out, a sensor detects if there is any leakage and responds by shutting off the water supply
  • Mid Wash Add Function- can add laundry any time during the washing programme
  • Wide Angle Shower
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Inverter Brushless Motor
  • Delay Start up to 24 hrs
  • Child Lock 

September 03, 2010

Pre- Vacant Possession

Finally after a delay of almost 1 month, we received the letter from the developer for vacant possession of the condo unit. We have to prepare a cheque for the developer as payment for quit rent, assessment, electricity deposit, water connection fee etc. All this miscellaneous items amounted to about RM1500. Then we also have to prepare another cheque for the condo management for the monthly service charge and sinking funds from Sept-Dec 2010. That's over RM1000 for our unit.

Upon handing over both the cheques at the developer's office nearby at The Sphere, Bangsar South, I was given a date for the vacant possession of the property. So, it will be another 2 weeks before I get the keys. In the mean time, I am busy clearing out junk and clutter in my present condo.