What does it take to make your dream home a reality? Starting your research on the right foot, says the homeowners we spoke to for this article. They know what they are talking about – their Punggol homes are some of the more stunning ones we have set our eyes on. Their tip on where to begin? Qanvast; where many of them have found not only inspiration but also the ideal interior design firm to engage. Let’s find out more.
1. A Treasure Trove (condo)
We love the simplicity of this Punggol home, where homeowners Eve and Chon Ming went with a mostly wood theme and minimalist style. The furniture is basic but with an industrial twist, with pockets of storage spaces like a hidden wine cabinet to keep clutter out of sight.
When asked how they shortlisted the interior firm to work with, Eve shares this tip: “We decided to send a quote request to Qanvast since it potentially saves us a lot of time and the hassle of going down. Qanvast got back to us promptly and we scheduled meetings with the various recommended firms. What impressed me was the quick follow-up and personal touch from Qanvast.”
Ideas for new homeowners on how to engage the right interior designer? Says the couple: “Good communication and having rapport with the designer are important as it is the foundation to a stress-free working relationship. Things will run smoother and less painful when you ‘click’ with the interior designer.”
Interior Designer: Space Factor
Cost of renovation: $25,000
Read more of their story at Renovation Journey: Out of The Box
2. Edgefield Plains (91 sqm BTO)
Love the industrial theme for this Punggol home – tiled grey walls and a stunning black-and-grey kitchen that we have to say is the star of the home! Designer-inspired furniture further enhances the home’s boutique hotel feel.
Homeowners Firdaus and Hisna did extensive research and worked closely with their interior designer to put together a home that they are proud to welcome guests to. Firdaus says that the journey began with Qanvast: “I found Qanvast useful because the houses featured were mostly local BTOs or flats, which made it relatable. I also collected a list of IDs that I was interested in from Qanvast.”
Their tips on how to stick within the budget? “We were strict in not wanting to spend beyond a certain amount. Our designer was able to work within our budget and give us what we wanted in our house. He also suggested alternatives in situations where he couldn’t give us what we wanted.”
Interior Designer: Aart Boxx Interior
Cost of renovation: $33,000
Read more about their journey at Renovation Journey: Industrial Reverie
3. Edgefield Plains (92 sqm BTO)
Step into this home and you’d feel as if you’re in France! Which is exactly the look and mood that homeowners Raziah and Zul were after. It helps that Raziah works in fashion, bringing her good sense of style to the ID of her home. Texture is key in this home – to create depth as well as a lush feel.
Finding an interior designer to make her ideas a reality was the first challenge for Raziah. After flipping through the Qanvast app for ideas and reading the reviews on Fith Avenue Interior, she decided to engage the interior designer.
From there, it was all about working with the designer and sharing ideas, which Raziah claims to be an interesting time. “Ansel paid close attention to my requests and accomodated my keen attention to detail. I liked that he was also very enthusiastic and gung-ho. He would respond to my calls and messages at midnight, and he would assure me that things would be done,” she shares.
Interior Designer: Fifth Avenue Interior
Cost of renovation: $50,000
Read more about their journey at Renovation Journey: A Romance With French Living
4. Twin Waterfalls (condo)
Lynn’s family home is a picture of chic simplicity – grey furniture adds a cool element while textures – especially on walls – give it a designer feel. It says a lot without having to do too much. Lynn credits her interior designer Jonathan for the concept. “He had good and creative design proposals, and he was really patient with our requirements. There were some issues with the deadline but overall, he was a very hands-on person and got involved personally,” says Lynn.
Her Punggol home is her third renovation and Lynn says that sourcing for inspiration is much easier these days – no more buying and flipping through magazines. “Online medium is a much quicker alternative to search and filter down to only the ideas I’d like to see. Renovation tips are aplenty too. Through a friend’s recommendation, Facebook and Qanvast, I managed to find useful tips that came in handy. I also used the Qanvast app to shortlist a couple of designs I like and I emailed the firms who worked on those designs,” says Lynn.”
Interior Designer: Chapter One
Cost of renovation: $22,000
Read more about their journey at Renovation Journey: Neutral Nature
5. Punggol Topaz (106 sqm BTO)
For her second home, Michelle and her husband opted for a cosy theme largely inspired by the Scandinavian design – sleek lines and wooden furniture with a touch of colour here and there. She describes the renovation process for her first home as inconvenient, with the contractor also working on other jobs on top of hers and having to organise many other things herself.
Michelle decided that she didn’t want to go through the trouble of coordinating and managing everything this time round, which is why she decided to go with an interior designer. “I looked mainly at online portals and forums and saw positive comments on Qanvast. I was really amazed by the number of portfolios shown in there – so many beautiful houses and I was distracted by the various ideas! The renovation prices indicated in the app is also useful; it gives a very good idea on budgeting.”
Her tip on how to pick the right interior designer? “Pick one who is able to advise on the pros and cons of doing certain ideas instead of simply executing what you want.”
Interior Designer: Edge Interior
Cost of renovation: $46,000
Read more about her journey at Renovation Journey: Warm Tones, Cosy Home
6. Waterway Brooks (111 sqm BTO)
Love the cosy feel to this house – wood flooring can really make a space look more spacious and exquisite. Which was exactly the theme homeowners Benson and Angie wanted for their new home now that they have a kid.
Like the other Punggol homeowners we spoke to, this couple also used Qanvast in their search for an interior designer. “Typically we looked at magazines and online sites but what we saw didn’t suit it – it was too trendy. We chanced upon Qanvast and were really surprised with the wide variety of designs and how easy the app is to use. The reviews were also really helpful as it gave us a better idea on how the firm performs,” says Angie.
To further simplify their renovation process, the couple used the Submit a Quote request on the Qanvast app, which was how they ended up working with designer Shi Ting. “The interior design firm could accommodate our budget and we had good chemistry with the designer. We found someone we were comfortable with,” says Benson.
Interior Designer: Living Gaia Interior
Cost of renovation: $45,000
Read more about their journey at Renovation Journey: A Family Home
7. Twin Waterfalls (condo)
Here’s another French-inspired theme – also by a homeowner who works in fashion! This beautiful home has a certain Parisian je ne sais quoi with its gilded finishing, velvet furniture and marble floor.
“The French-inspired interior is a theme I really love. I wanted a design that is fresh and tailored to what I like so it’s full swing to a more feminine décor,” says homeowner Sharanjit.
To get inspiration and ideas, Sharanjit says she mainly used Pinterest as well as the Qanvast app. “When it was about time to start on the renovation works, we had a clear idea on what we want and all that we needed was a designer who is experienced to execute this type of style. The Qanvast app was really helpful in this area as it narrows our search for interior designers who have such portfolios. It also helped us to glean insights on the budget we should set aside,” says Sharanjit.
Interior Designer: Voila
Cost of renovation: $50,000
Read more about her journey at Renovation Journey: The French Connection
What do you think of these remarkable homes? These homeowners have found the easier way out in looking for an interior designer through the Qanvast app, and you can do the same too! With over 150 interior firms in Singapore, browse countless of interior ideas and reviews, save ideas to your boards and we can also help you match with 5 interior firms that best match your renovation requirements (click here).
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