Hi Everyone,
I know I haven't been updating...at all! I've kept some of you on your toes and for that I really apologize.
Thing is, the renovation project has been pushed to June 2012 for a few reasons. Mostly due to the lack of time I currently have to carry out the project. There are so many things on my plate currently and I will continue to blog when I decide to start the project again.
Till then, I will still be looking out for anything interesting that comes my way. :)
Be good.
D.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Chapter 3: Victoria Hagan-my dream designer
Guys, have you ever had that feeling of fulfillment once you've found what you're been searching for after searching for so long? It's like how you haven't eaten anything for a day, you're damn hungry and when you finally eat? For me I feel is best when I finally eat my favourite bowl of pan mee or durian puffs in KL. (Yes, everything I say usually links to food....how very Malaysian)
I had an idea of the look I wanted to achieve for my house interior. I can dumb it down to words like:
Before I go any further, let me introduce you to Victoria Hagan.
Her style remains contemporary American. My challenge is to try to emulate her style without compromising on my initial values and ideas I have about the project. Wish me luck!
D.
p.s. A friend of mine told me that her style is so 'me'. I paid for lunch :)
I had an idea of the look I wanted to achieve for my house interior. I can dumb it down to words like:
- Simple
- Elegant
- Natural
- Comfortable
Before I go any further, let me introduce you to Victoria Hagan.
 |
| I like how this room is so simple with a lot of light creating a very clean look. |
 |
| I love how she uses curtains to create an illusion of a room with a high ceiling and I've always loved the use of double layered curtains to add a soft romantic touch. |
 |
| Again you can notice the use of cozy furniture and tall curtains. |
 |
| This was the first picture of Victoria Hagan's interior design work I came across. I fell in love with the colour palette, the clean feel and the harmony is amazing. |
 |
| If only fireplaces are practical in Malaysia. Sigh* |
 |
| I learned that the use of wooden legs on armchairs really add an air of sophistication and elegance. It seems to be a signature in all of her works. |
Her style remains contemporary American. My challenge is to try to emulate her style without compromising on my initial values and ideas I have about the project. Wish me luck!
D.
p.s. A friend of mine told me that her style is so 'me'. I paid for lunch :)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Chapter 3: Johnson Suisse
If you refer to the third post in this blog, I wrote on how I want to purchase from local companies that create products that are of good quality and design. Me being me, I asked quite a lot of questions when I was at the store which supplies bathroom wares. What I found out was pretty interesting. First, Johnson Suisse is a local Malaysian company. I never knew that!
I always thought it was a foreign company, mostly due to the name. Also, I found out that I really like Grohe :) Unfortunately, I am not getting the Grohe rain shower system as I feel it's not necessary to get an imported shower stand. And FYI, the stand without any heater already costs RM1200. >_<''
So, I will most likely go with the Johnson Suisse toilet bowls and sinks. I will be choosing the toilet bowls that have two flushing options, half or full flush. It helps to save water.
I am however facing a dilemma about the taps and metal fittings. Johnson Suisse products are chrome plated and from past experiences, stuff with chrome platings don't really last. Now, I don't know if the technology used for Johnson Suisse products are like REALLY GOOD or anything but I have yet to get a reply from the company. It's now between chrome plating and stainless steel. Stainless steel would of course cost more but cost aside, I want to know what are the other implications of purchasing chrome plated fittings. I still have a lot of research to do with regards to bathroom wares as I just found out some new information which I will post later.
Anyone has anything to share? :)
D.
 |
| Recently aquired by Roca (Spain) |
So, I will most likely go with the Johnson Suisse toilet bowls and sinks. I will be choosing the toilet bowls that have two flushing options, half or full flush. It helps to save water.
 |
| Grohe's Rainshower system |
 |
| Full flush, half flush |
I am however facing a dilemma about the taps and metal fittings. Johnson Suisse products are chrome plated and from past experiences, stuff with chrome platings don't really last. Now, I don't know if the technology used for Johnson Suisse products are like REALLY GOOD or anything but I have yet to get a reply from the company. It's now between chrome plating and stainless steel. Stainless steel would of course cost more but cost aside, I want to know what are the other implications of purchasing chrome plated fittings. I still have a lot of research to do with regards to bathroom wares as I just found out some new information which I will post later.
Anyone has anything to share? :)
D.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Chapter 3: Eubiq-Need or Want?
I am a person who is particular about a need vs a want. Let's face it, we all no longer have needs anymore. Most of our basic needs have already been fulfilled and more. So it's more like a how badly you want a product to get the product. Get? :) For me I think something that works and doesn't look too bad makes me pretty happy already.
Now, I came across the Eubiq sales office while I was eating at Jaya One. Eubiq products are produced in Singapore. The concept is instead of using conventional power points, you use what they call power tracks. The shortest power track they have is 600mm which can take roughly 6 power points. So what's interesting about it? The cool thing is the power points can be taken out at any time and shifted to be used elsewhere.
I asked a lot more questions regarding the product of course.
What is it made of? Aluminium
Any maintainenece for this product? No but you may need to replace the rubber after about 4 years and that is FOC.
Why would I get something like this? To avoid messy wiring, and for safety purposes (kids etc).
Can I hide it? Yea but the point is to show it (At this I went =_='' In marketing, this is called free promotion)
I thought long and hard about it as it is a very interesting concept but I realised that that is all it is. An interesting concept. They don't help you save electricity, cost (very high) or any hassle. In fact the sales person told me that I can move the power points around if I don't want to buy too many plug points due to the price. But isn't hassle-free a buying factor? Weird. To be honest, it works just like an extension cable albeit a very expensive one. They use one power outlet and extend it to be able to take 6 (6, maximum for the 600mm track, which makes me wonder about the safety factor again). So, I decided it's a NO GO for me because I don't see a point in it. Plus, everytime it screws up I HAVE to only call Eubiq? My neighbourhood electrician ain't gonna understand this and what if it affects warranty and etc? However, I will recommend it for people who have too much money to spend and wanna look cool. :)
D.
Now, I came across the Eubiq sales office while I was eating at Jaya One. Eubiq products are produced in Singapore. The concept is instead of using conventional power points, you use what they call power tracks. The shortest power track they have is 600mm which can take roughly 6 power points. So what's interesting about it? The cool thing is the power points can be taken out at any time and shifted to be used elsewhere.
I asked a lot more questions regarding the product of course.
What is it made of? Aluminium
Any maintainenece for this product? No but you may need to replace the rubber after about 4 years and that is FOC.
Why would I get something like this? To avoid messy wiring, and for safety purposes (kids etc).
Can I hide it? Yea but the point is to show it (At this I went =_='' In marketing, this is called free promotion)
I thought long and hard about it as it is a very interesting concept but I realised that that is all it is. An interesting concept. They don't help you save electricity, cost (very high) or any hassle. In fact the sales person told me that I can move the power points around if I don't want to buy too many plug points due to the price. But isn't hassle-free a buying factor? Weird. To be honest, it works just like an extension cable albeit a very expensive one. They use one power outlet and extend it to be able to take 6 (6, maximum for the 600mm track, which makes me wonder about the safety factor again). So, I decided it's a NO GO for me because I don't see a point in it. Plus, everytime it screws up I HAVE to only call Eubiq? My neighbourhood electrician ain't gonna understand this and what if it affects warranty and etc? However, I will recommend it for people who have too much money to spend and wanna look cool. :)
D.
Chapter 3: Nippon Paint, the eco friendly solution
I do realise that I am skipping to Chapter 3: Interior Design when I am not even done with Chapter 1 but things tend to come your way sometimes which I will still share about.
I am particular about the smell of paint, the quality of my paint and how eco friendly it is. Now, how can paint affect our health?You read more about it here. I cannot verify the information but all I can say is I really really dislike the smell of paint.
I came across a Nippon paint ad which reading the Green Purchasing Asia magazine. They boast an eco friendly alternative to paint while maintaining it's quality standards. Kinda sounds too good to be true huh? This is Nippon's Green Choice range of paints. Do explore the site more and read up on the VOC. As a marketer myself, I can tell you that companies say stuff all the time. Not to say that they are making up claims of VOC or the fact is untrue but sometimes things can be blown out of porportion. Some might feel this green choice paint is entirely unnecessary or pure BS but either way I am going for it. To me it is still better as compared to ordinary paint. I will update more on the price when I find out.
That's all for now!
D.
I am particular about the smell of paint, the quality of my paint and how eco friendly it is. Now, how can paint affect our health?You read more about it here. I cannot verify the information but all I can say is I really really dislike the smell of paint.
I came across a Nippon paint ad which reading the Green Purchasing Asia magazine. They boast an eco friendly alternative to paint while maintaining it's quality standards. Kinda sounds too good to be true huh? This is Nippon's Green Choice range of paints. Do explore the site more and read up on the VOC. As a marketer myself, I can tell you that companies say stuff all the time. Not to say that they are making up claims of VOC or the fact is untrue but sometimes things can be blown out of porportion. Some might feel this green choice paint is entirely unnecessary or pure BS but either way I am going for it. To me it is still better as compared to ordinary paint. I will update more on the price when I find out.
That's all for now!
D.
Chapter 1: Key Points
What is important to you as an individual? Are there certain values you live by which might affect your renovation decisions?
I'm the type of person who cares about sustainability, reducing the impact on the environment and making a positive change. Due to that, I made a few key decisions which will affect my renovation project. If any of you have any other ideas or suggestions, do comment as we're all here to learn. I don't admit to know it all and I can be wrong so do correct me if I am. :)
1. As much as possible, use only local products.
Many people don't understand why I say this. What does using local products have to do with the environment anyway? Imagine if your wallpaper was air flown from France vs transported by lorry from the manufacturing plant directly to your house. Which do you think saves more fuel and indirectly cost and the environment? Plus, if the products are not too far off from what I like, I really don't see any harm in contributing to the local economy. I will try to do this as much as I can. I have already found a few good places I can source my items from which I will share later.
2. Try to minimize renovation
I say this for all the obvious reasons. The more I destroy my current place, the more waste I will create. More waste = not environmentally friendly. I am working with my contractor and architect to ensure that there will be minimal wastage and I will try to recycle as much material as I can. I have a few ideas on how I will do this which I will share later.
3. Use less glass.
Again, many people don't understand what glass has to do with anything. Isn't glass environmentally friendly?
Well, the use of glass can indirectly cause the greenhouse effect. If anyone else might have a different take on this, do comment below.
4. Energy saving lighting
I think this is a given. Many companies like Philips and Panasonic are now producing energy saving bulbs that use so much more less energy than conventional ones. I do know that energy saving bulbs are also more harmful to the environment but look at it this way. Buying an energy saving bulbs also saves a lot of electricity which in the end also means you do your part. Plus, conventional bulbs are hot and tend to blow quite often. I've had my fair share and I don't enjoy that.
5. Energy saving appliances
Without a doubt I no longer use any other electrical appliances other than Panasonic. I like how the company dedicates itself to it's commitment of reducing it's impact on the earth. Some companies don't really take this seriously but I have worked with people from Panasonic before and someone close to me has met the president of Panasonic in Japan to talk about this issue and I am SOLD. Panasonic, I am a customer for LIFE....unless you decide to change your mind about the environment :) Plus, all my applicances use the inverter technology which I can assure you is something you NEED to have if you want to reduce your electricity bills. Currently, I use the Panasonic front load washing machine, refrigerator, and microwave oven and I am so absolutely satisfied with them.
6. Natural fabrics
No matter how much I love imported, printed and coloured fabrics, I have decided that I will not be buying them. I don't think I need to explain the imported fabrics (read above) but as for printed fabrics, it takes more water to process them as compared to plain fabrics. The best is of course to just go plain white or unbleached which I don't really have much of an issue with. Availability of other more sustainable materials in Malaysia might be an issue though. I'll work it out and post my findings.
7. Natural lighting
You might think this is contradictory to what I mentioned above about the use of glass. However, the point is not to use too much glass in your house. Plus, security might also be an issue if your whole house is made of glass. The use of natural lighting is beautiful, saves cost and electricity and I am a true advocate of it. But there is no need to have huge panels of glass in your house. Windows do just fine. Work with your architect or interior designer to talk about how many windows it will take to light up a room nicely. I will write more about this later.
8. Solar panels
The Malaysian government has just announced some great news. Under this scheme, Malaysian who use solar energy to power their house can sell energy back to the government if they produce more than is needed for their home. Even before this was announced though, I had more or less already decided I wanted to have solar panels instead of a roof. Why not? Malaysia is so lucky to have sun all year round it would be great it we could attempt to do something positive with it. Once I have spoken to some people about the solar panels and the prices, I will be sure to post it up.
9. Flooring and wall coverings
I like wooden floorings. I really do. But my current house already has a marble flooring. I have decided to just work with them the best I can instead of producing more waste. It's not the easiest thing to do and I'll be really proud of myself if I can pull it off well. I'll update more on that later. As for wall coverings, I am a huge fan of wallpaper. I think the clever use of wallpapers can create beautiful illusions for a room and give it more personality. However, most wallpapers are made of vinyl, a non biodegradable material. Can you hear me sighing? There is a company in the US selling biodegradable wallpaper but I do not want to import my wallpaper for the above reason. Hear me sighing again? I have decided to use paint in a more creative manner instead. I will update more on this later.
10. Doors
I have decided to use wooden doors for the bedrooms and the main door. The toilets and bathrooms however will have frosted glass doors. It's okay to use glass in the house, just not outside. I will not be using plastic doors. I find plastic doors in Malaysia look cheap, the locks always break and plastic is never biodegradable. I will update on more options later.
This is all I can think of for now.
Toodles,
D.
I'm the type of person who cares about sustainability, reducing the impact on the environment and making a positive change. Due to that, I made a few key decisions which will affect my renovation project. If any of you have any other ideas or suggestions, do comment as we're all here to learn. I don't admit to know it all and I can be wrong so do correct me if I am. :)
1. As much as possible, use only local products.
Many people don't understand why I say this. What does using local products have to do with the environment anyway? Imagine if your wallpaper was air flown from France vs transported by lorry from the manufacturing plant directly to your house. Which do you think saves more fuel and indirectly cost and the environment? Plus, if the products are not too far off from what I like, I really don't see any harm in contributing to the local economy. I will try to do this as much as I can. I have already found a few good places I can source my items from which I will share later.
2. Try to minimize renovation
I say this for all the obvious reasons. The more I destroy my current place, the more waste I will create. More waste = not environmentally friendly. I am working with my contractor and architect to ensure that there will be minimal wastage and I will try to recycle as much material as I can. I have a few ideas on how I will do this which I will share later.
3. Use less glass.
Again, many people don't understand what glass has to do with anything. Isn't glass environmentally friendly?
Well, the use of glass can indirectly cause the greenhouse effect. If anyone else might have a different take on this, do comment below.
4. Energy saving lighting
I think this is a given. Many companies like Philips and Panasonic are now producing energy saving bulbs that use so much more less energy than conventional ones. I do know that energy saving bulbs are also more harmful to the environment but look at it this way. Buying an energy saving bulbs also saves a lot of electricity which in the end also means you do your part. Plus, conventional bulbs are hot and tend to blow quite often. I've had my fair share and I don't enjoy that.
5. Energy saving appliances
Without a doubt I no longer use any other electrical appliances other than Panasonic. I like how the company dedicates itself to it's commitment of reducing it's impact on the earth. Some companies don't really take this seriously but I have worked with people from Panasonic before and someone close to me has met the president of Panasonic in Japan to talk about this issue and I am SOLD. Panasonic, I am a customer for LIFE....unless you decide to change your mind about the environment :) Plus, all my applicances use the inverter technology which I can assure you is something you NEED to have if you want to reduce your electricity bills. Currently, I use the Panasonic front load washing machine, refrigerator, and microwave oven and I am so absolutely satisfied with them.
6. Natural fabrics
No matter how much I love imported, printed and coloured fabrics, I have decided that I will not be buying them. I don't think I need to explain the imported fabrics (read above) but as for printed fabrics, it takes more water to process them as compared to plain fabrics. The best is of course to just go plain white or unbleached which I don't really have much of an issue with. Availability of other more sustainable materials in Malaysia might be an issue though. I'll work it out and post my findings.
 |
| Credit: Victoria Hagan Interiors |
7. Natural lighting
You might think this is contradictory to what I mentioned above about the use of glass. However, the point is not to use too much glass in your house. Plus, security might also be an issue if your whole house is made of glass. The use of natural lighting is beautiful, saves cost and electricity and I am a true advocate of it. But there is no need to have huge panels of glass in your house. Windows do just fine. Work with your architect or interior designer to talk about how many windows it will take to light up a room nicely. I will write more about this later.
8. Solar panels
The Malaysian government has just announced some great news. Under this scheme, Malaysian who use solar energy to power their house can sell energy back to the government if they produce more than is needed for their home. Even before this was announced though, I had more or less already decided I wanted to have solar panels instead of a roof. Why not? Malaysia is so lucky to have sun all year round it would be great it we could attempt to do something positive with it. Once I have spoken to some people about the solar panels and the prices, I will be sure to post it up.
9. Flooring and wall coverings
I like wooden floorings. I really do. But my current house already has a marble flooring. I have decided to just work with them the best I can instead of producing more waste. It's not the easiest thing to do and I'll be really proud of myself if I can pull it off well. I'll update more on that later. As for wall coverings, I am a huge fan of wallpaper. I think the clever use of wallpapers can create beautiful illusions for a room and give it more personality. However, most wallpapers are made of vinyl, a non biodegradable material. Can you hear me sighing? There is a company in the US selling biodegradable wallpaper but I do not want to import my wallpaper for the above reason. Hear me sighing again? I have decided to use paint in a more creative manner instead. I will update more on this later.
10. Doors
I have decided to use wooden doors for the bedrooms and the main door. The toilets and bathrooms however will have frosted glass doors. It's okay to use glass in the house, just not outside. I will not be using plastic doors. I find plastic doors in Malaysia look cheap, the locks always break and plastic is never biodegradable. I will update on more options later.
This is all I can think of for now.
Toodles,
D.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Chapter 3: Coway for clean drinking water?
I am a person who is pretty particular about the water I drink (amongst other things). I think it's my bad past experiences with (dirty seemingly clean) water but either way, I think water should be safe to drink without worry.
My research on the perfect water filter ended when I came across Coway. I have come across the company many times when I was working, studying or visiting a friend's place and I'm happy with the quality of the water. The best part is, DIRECT FILTRATION! Do you have any idea how happy I am that I no longer need to boil my water and transfer it to my water jugs? :) Instant hot and cold water is also appreciated. I no longer need to wait for my tea boiler.
You can find more detials about the product above here. Only thing I dislike about this is that the system needs maintainence once every two months. Free of charge but still it can be quite inconvenient sometimes. However, the upside is you know the system is well run and the water you drink is really clean. One thing I am worried about though is the touch sensor. From my experience, touch sensor home appliances tend to break down if used often. My family used to have a touch sensor bedside lamp. Yes, it no longer exists for a reason. I'll update more about this product later.
D.
My research on the perfect water filter ended when I came across Coway. I have come across the company many times when I was working, studying or visiting a friend's place and I'm happy with the quality of the water. The best part is, DIRECT FILTRATION! Do you have any idea how happy I am that I no longer need to boil my water and transfer it to my water jugs? :) Instant hot and cold water is also appreciated. I no longer need to wait for my tea boiler.
 |
| This is their latest touch sensor dispenser. I was quoted RM2900 (unbargained price) |
You can find more detials about the product above here. Only thing I dislike about this is that the system needs maintainence once every two months. Free of charge but still it can be quite inconvenient sometimes. However, the upside is you know the system is well run and the water you drink is really clean. One thing I am worried about though is the touch sensor. From my experience, touch sensor home appliances tend to break down if used often. My family used to have a touch sensor bedside lamp. Yes, it no longer exists for a reason. I'll update more about this product later.
D.
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