The Theme

Close friends whom know me always think of me as a person on the safe side and not a risk taker.

But actually I like being unique.  I do not like to wear off-the-rack clothes.  I always want to be at the forefront. That was why all the usual design themes do not really interest me.

Prior to the purchase of my unit, I have been reading lotsa books on interior decorating.  One major local bookstore was shutting and design books were selling dirt cheap (Sorry that your have to shut the doors, Page One.  Singaporeans will miss you for your design collection).  Based on the info sourced from books and the web, I have seen plenty of interior design styles, each influenced by culture, history, technology, pop and etc (sorry this gets more boring as it goes.)  

Below is a list known to me and my personal views on the style:

(WARNING: beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Please do not take offence if my views differ from yours.  All views herein are definitely of my own and I may be VERY VERY wrong)

(Disclaimer: all photos are found on the web via google image search for this non-profit blog.  If your photo is copyrighted or you do not want them on this blog, please let me know and I will remove them.  I meant no utter disrespect for your works of Arts.) 

1.Country style Design

Country style interior design is cozy and warm and it's simple and cozy.  Country style can be branched out to culturally different country style designs pertinent to various countries, i.e. french country, English country, American country, Italian country or Tuscan, and Modern country.  

I didn't really consider this style for simple reason.  I am a Singaporean.  Why should I do something that is culturally different and something that I can't relate to?

Some examples:

To put it simply, it just feels so old fashioned to me!  So this theme is out.


2. Retro Style

It is the style of ’50s, ’60s or ’70s.  Imagine Austin Powers' shagedelic pad.  Bold. But this design is very popular in Singapore as Singaporeans are crazy with everything retro. Somehow, this can also be considered vintage in my eyes.  It just makes me feel everyone is jumping onto the bandwagon.  In Singapore context, retro is sometimes fused with vintage furniture as seen in the fifth and sixth photos hereunder:-

(Credit: Journey East)

(Credit: Journey East)

This style does not suit me for several reasons, mainly cos it's expensive (furniture is not easy to get) and my boring personality does not fit into the adventurous and daring style it portrays.


3. Oriental (Chinese) Style
Just see the following photos. 'Nuff Said.

4. Oriental (Japanese) / Zen Style
Zen interior design conveys tranquil and peaceful moods, a connection with nature, and distinct minimalist elegance.

I love it for the serenity it seems to bring.  I also love Jap Culture! But nope I personally do not really think it suits me. 
 
5. Modern and Contemporary
Okay this has me stumped.  But I do recognise lotsa designs out there fall under here.  Perhaps this explanation at here and here will help.

As explained simply, "In the realm of interior decorating and design, modern refers to a style of architecture and furniture that emerged in the mid-century, reaching a peak the in 1950s. In this regard, modern is a static term."

and

"The basic definition of contemporary is “of the moment.” Contemporary art, design, and interiors are “of the day.” They exist in the here-and-now. And, taking this further, they could only exist in the here-and-now because ten years ago some of the materials and pieces wouldn’t have been available. And in ten years from now, there will be new pieces that do not exist today. Yesterday’s contemporary is today’s vintage. And tomorrow’s contemporary is still unknown."

Erm okay I think I understand it better now.

So perhaps these are contemporary designs fused with modern(?)

So is this for me? hmmmm guess not.

6. Balinese Resort Theme
Wanna live ur daily life in a resort? This is the closest you can get.  But two words.  BEAUTIFUL. EXPENSIVE.  Unless I strike TOTO (a lottery), there's no way I could afford this (though it remains one of my fave design theme)

7. Baroque Style
Basically a french-classic inspired design.  Think of the movie Moulin Rouge and you get the idea.  And yup.  Not for me either.

So what did I decide on? The clue is none of the above.  Stay tune to see what I want!

The Start of a New Chapter

I began house hunting in early this year (2012) looking for a new bachelor with a limited budget. I wanted a resale unit as I do not want to wait 2-3 yrs for a new condo unit. Simply put, I want an unit ASAP!

Several places cropped up in my hunt:

1) 833 Mountbatten along Mountbatten Road 
But this 50sqm one-bedroom unit was snapped up before I could even view the unit.

The Unit Floor Plan of the one-bedroom unit at 833 MB Residences

2) Other studio units which failed the cut
Condos in Aljunied, Little India/Rangoon Road and Paya Lebar area-failed cos there were just too many unsavory characters (streetwalkers). 

Optima at Tanah Merah failed cos of hefty prices (1400psf) and the one-bedroom units were all facing the west sun.

Units at Joo Chiat were rejected as the units shown were a walk away from bus stops and seemed secluded. My auntie whom has that type of vibes immediately told me to reject those immediately.


3) Double Bay Residences
Unit was a 50sqm studio unit. I was sold due to its location near Simei MRT. I fell in love with the layout and began closing in to purchase a sixth storey unit. There were only four units of these types of units on the resale market so it was going hot. When I saw the listing in late 2011, such a unit was going for 650k. However, by end April, it was selling for 700k. I went in ready to pay this figure but the seller wanted 730k. I raised offer to 715k but they stuck to that. And then came news on Singapore having too many studio apartments and possibly of low rental potential. I immediately considered other units.

The Type A2 was the one I wanted.

Conclusion
Eventually I was thinking why not get a bigger unit. 750k and above could snag me a 2 bedroom unit. However , choices were limited. The rising property prices were making such units becoming unattainable. That was till I saw Melville Park.

Melville Park is a 1232(I think) units condo development in Simei with 10 plus years in existence. I had initially considered Melville Park in late 2011 but I wasn't interested than. I was adverse to units with more than one bedroom as I was lazy to clean. In addition, it's old (have you seen the colonial style design? and the pinkish looking facade?)  Moreover prices for units at Melville Park were climbing even faster than public transportation fares. As such I dropped the notion. But that still did not stop someone staying there from giving me the occasional leaflet to let me 'consider'.

View of the Melville Park Estate

View of the Side Gate

Someone I know stays at this block

My agent Jerry Lee then advised Melville Park as an alternative after I decided not to make further offers for Double Bay Residences. Of cos he did it reluctantly for he felt I may lose out on resale in future. I felt then I may just stay in the East so to be more independent so I stay rooted in my decision.

I saw my first unit on the fourth storey at Block 16 or 18(cant remember as it has been quite a while).  It felt homely, but the unit was facing PIE.  It has a small balcony and nice homely feel.  But as the unit was facing the expressway, I was a tad cautious.  My auntie didnt have good vibes too.  So we decided not to go ahead with any offer.

A week later, my agent finally got me a unit on the ninth floor at Block 2X (secret!).  It was facing the HDB unit.  There was plenty of sunlight into the unit making it bright and spacious and best of all, the seller was the first owner.  Kudos to the seller whom have maintained a beautiful unit (though I had not met him).  After the acceptance of our offer, the unit is sold to me! August 13, 2012 shall be the day I collect my keys!