Hi Anuj, it depends on your end goal. I've worked with an architect before in a small commercial space and it did talk a long time to commit to this (and save - it is an investment) but it was worth it in the end. I hope this helps and that your project is going well!

Hi Mr Martini! Congratulations on the new BTO! Hiring a good interior designer will definitly help with designing your new home. And seeing that you are a family man, I imagine you would want as little hassle as possible. A good interior designer will listen to your ideas of how you want your home to look like, and make it happen as best as possible, taking into consideration your family's lifestyle, HDB limitations on renovation, your budget, etc. While my husband and I did hire an interior designer for our resale flat, I unfortunately will not recommended them for they gave us more headache than I felt necessary for the tiniest of problems. So do ask around and see if anyone can recommend a good interior designer. Back to your love for Scandinavian design! I was going for the Scandinavian style too only to later realise along the design process, that we were not loving the bland colours and minimalism and somehow, we managed to end up with a relaxing resort-themed home which we're loving. In fact, a recent Houzz article tells us that the Scandinavian colour palette is moving away from pale cool shades which I find fun and refreshing. Here's the link: Check out this story from houzz - http://houzz.com/sr/m=7/u=L2lkZWFib29rcy82NjU4MDg4NA== Nevertheless, if bright pops of colour is not your thing, here's another article I found: 'Top 10 Tips for Ceeating a Scandinavian Interior': http://freshome.com/2012/12/03/top-10-tips-for-creating-a-scandinavian-interior/ I feel this article breaks down the Scandinavian style so that it's easy to replicate, one aspect at a time. As a common design style in Singapore, I think most deisgners are now very familiar with this style so you shouldn't have any trouble achieving this style. All the best, Mr Martini with this exciting (though sometimes exasperating!) project and do share photos of your new home if you can! Katherine

Hi Rhonda, i also recently redid my terrace and installed a wet and dry island in my kitchen. As for your floor plan, if you're willing to consider tearing down the maid's room and moving it to the back, it will free up a lot of space for your dry kitchen/dining area. A bit unconventional, but you can also install the island in between the 2 pillars that are in the center. You can then install pot racks or wine glass holders on top of your island. Enjoy the journey and keep calm. :) Charlene More info

Hello, Perhaps you could have a table to separate the kitchen from the living space? The "dining" corner could then become a shelving unit? We offer a very affordable online interior design service, so we could work with you if you are interested. We would discuss your ideas with you and put a scheme together that brings the best out of them. By sending you a moodboard with all the elements we can help you to visualise the space. You will also get a shopping list with options to fit your budget. We are not linked to any suppliers so our recommendations would be tailored to you. Let us know if you are interested. We could design your lounge for 60$. www.lucianasanchez.com