Writing has never been our forte. It would take us forever to start a sentence. We would be writing and re-writing it, until inspiration arrives… and I think inspiration has just arrived!

We are not the couple that writes poetry nor are we the ‘lovey dovey’ type of couple. We are generally the noisy type that prefers talking over writing. Much easier for lazy people like us!

But then again, how can we communicate to our readers, if we keep talking? To meet the demands of our readers, we took some time off to crack our heads and started writing.

When we first signed up for the contest, we were asked and required to blog on the events that was organised by the organizer. As the competition gets tougher, readers became more and more demanding. We wrote about the events we have attended, plus a couple of extras in between. But is seems that we are still unable to satisfy our readers. Maybe it’s because we are interesting , and they can’t get enough of us. Haha, now I can feel my head growing slightly bigger - ‘Perasan betul!’

So, here we go! Another piece to satisfy our hungry readers…

In the midst of the whole competition, we have been really busy running around to arrange and coordinate for the next phase of our life together. Putting work a side (which I’m sure all of us are equally busy in our own way), we are arranging for our ‘first’ home together – renovate and decorate.

As a young couple, like us, we didn’t have the luxury of appointing interior designers to design and coordinate for us. But then again, I’m sure after this; we would have learned to appreciate and would hire an interior designer cum coordinator for our ‘second’ home, when we are able. Every penny is worth spending!

So, without the help and advised of an interior designer, we had to pour over books and magazines to see what is the latest design and trend. We wanted something Zen, modern and bold; in short - a show room house, but a practical one. Above all that we have said, it must be within our tiny budget. Such a feat to overcome!

Back to reality, all we could afford are the basics and the necessities.

These are the 3 simple rules for a basic renovation.

Rule #1: Do your research
Ask for recommendation or referral. Request and view the contractor’s handiwork. Ask for a few quotations to compare – but remember, when asking for quotation, ask them to quote based on material that you want. Survey the market and chat with the industry experts for tips.

Rule #2: Work on the things that you can’t see.
Anything that requires hacking and concealing, wiring and plumbing should be your priority. It will be messy affair if you decide to do any extra work after that. Lightings are important to create the right ambience and mood that you want.

Rule #3: Mirror, Mirror on the wall, what’s the colour I desire for?
Choose the ‘right’ colour to reflect the mood that you desire. Be daring and bold to pick the colour that you like. What’s the worst that can happen, right? Repaint?

*Notes: This is purely based on our experience. Take the advice at your own discretion. Please do not quote us or disagree with us. Hahahaha!