I'm assuming since he's recommended 5 panels, they will all be stacking to one side? If you were to have each side stack, then an even number would make sense. If they are stacking to one side, then five is better, as it is an odd number (better visually) and one less panel to stack back. You might want to tell us more about where these doors are going and perhaps even send us some pictures. If we can see what you are addressing we would be able to give you an answer that goes beyond conjecture.

I'm not a pro (and I hope a real designer answers your question), but here's how my family does it in Singapore: 1. Get rid of things. Don't fall prey to sunk cost fallacies. Just because you bought a piece of furniture or a bunch of clothing or books or toys or whatever, doesn't mean you need to keep them if they are no longer working for you. You can sell stuff on Carousell or donate them to needy people. Sometimes not having those things will provide more value, by freeing up space, than the false belief that you need to keep things around because you paid for them. 2. Everything should be multi-function. Especially here in Singapore, everything should have multiple uses. Your bed can lift up to provide storage. Your book shelf can also be your entertainment stand. Your coffee table can double as a breakfast nook or homework table. No tool in your kitchen should be a one-job tool (for example, if you have a blender, a food processor, a spice grinder, an immersion blender, a coffee grinder and a mortar and pestle - maybe it's time to clean out the kitchen cabinets). 3. Rotate toys We have a baby at home and try really hard not to accumulate too many toys. To do that we have two toy bins. Every two weeks we switch the bin that's in rotation, so every two weeks our baby gets "new" toys that he hasn't seen for a few weeks. That allows us to keep the total number of toys to a minimum and he seems to be pretty happy (and hasn't caught on to this trick yet). Hope that helps some. Google around for "small apartment" blogs and ideas - there is a ton out there. Andrew

Thanks for making the time to follow up with my question. I suppose i could have an alternative scheme where the TV is at the bookshelf wall and on the opposite wall to fit a right angle 3+2 seater sofa facing the TV instead. Can i fit in a 1.2m round dining table in that dining space ? There will be custom made fittings e.g. shoe cabinet, tv console, work desk, book/display shelf. May i also check with you on your fees if i do intend to have a fuller drawing plan of the layout and the fittings ? Thank you.

Hi, I think your idea works. But it doesn’t have to be full length. You can reduce it wall aligned with Master room wall so this creates a vestibule to somewhat hide the door. The new room you can still divide, at entry some kind of hanging space for new laundry and another door for the room. Hope this helps.