Februay 2009 has been significant in the lives of Hubby, S and me - moving into our own apartment/house/abode/nest, where we have put in almost everything we had right from the monies to the dreams. It does take a lot to build a house and I now have a new found respect to all those who have taken the plunge. And for those who haven't, it is a tough call - to invest in a house vs. any other asset. I believe, at the end of the day, it all depends on you as a couple or individuals...it is a very personal choice.
Nevertheless, the journey of setting up our place has been hugely satisfying, creatively - from spending hours on the Internet checking out the latest trends in home design, to doing a lot of leg work esp. to commercial street, to drawing sketches of what you imagined, to the anxiety of how all will shape up, to finally seeing them transform into reality. We had a few ideas when we started but all started falling in place when we selected a particular theme - we wanted simple lines, darker tone and slightly oriental touch to the house. Ask me why Oriental - because it is simple and uncluttered! At least that's my definition...have to refer to some of my int. designer friends for the correct definition.
It has been extremely exciting journey for the both of us who were rather novices when we started. We learnt as we progressed and had innumerable arguments on what we should do or should not. It got us into umpteen embarassing situations in front of the shop wallahs, carpenters, family and friends who thought we completely lost it and are on the verge of breaking-up! But you can guess who had the last word, right? You have to be assertive sometimes...;)
Apart from the two of us and S, who had his own choices, the other character in the scheme of things was, Khan, our woodwork contractor, who had super strong beliefs about what is good for us. We really had to convince him that we want it simple and straight - no intricate detailing and carving for us. But he was sound enough to give us the right advise, when needed. We pushed him both on quality and the pace and he obliged by having the most efficient employees and got the work done bang on time. We have been lucky that way. Moving in was more or less smooth with no major losses. We are now relishing what we created - S drags everyone who visits us to
his room and swiches off the lights - his room glows in the dark, thanks to Asian Paints!! We have had a few unannounced visitors who just wanted to see how we have done up our house and have complimented us for the effort.
While the outcome for us is important, it is the entire process which fascinated us. We have never looked harder at friend'hs houses for ideas or faults. I never believed that I will be able to measure everything in the house and prepare sketches of what I wanted. I was thrilled to see that my ugly sketches were turned into huge wardrobes and an elegant kitchen. Hubby managed to design his own TV unit and DVD storage. He pulled off the entire project in remarkable amount of time. Never really seen him so excited about going to commercial street and hankering on which handles would look good!! What fun!
Now almost a month into the new house, the process is still ongoing - the kind of carpet you want, the exquisite curio that you saw the other day, the drapes are not thick enough, the sofas have to be shampooed, the dream dressser is still to be made, the bed has to be remodeled - and so your association with the wood work guys goes on...
There is no limit to what can be done out of a piece of wood/metal. All it takes is to give it the shape of YOUR imagination! And that's my profound take...:)
Nevertheless, the journey of setting up our place has been hugely satisfying, creatively - from spending hours on the Internet checking out the latest trends in home design, to doing a lot of leg work esp. to commercial street, to drawing sketches of what you imagined, to the anxiety of how all will shape up, to finally seeing them transform into reality. We had a few ideas when we started but all started falling in place when we selected a particular theme - we wanted simple lines, darker tone and slightly oriental touch to the house. Ask me why Oriental - because it is simple and uncluttered! At least that's my definition...have to refer to some of my int. designer friends for the correct definition.
It has been extremely exciting journey for the both of us who were rather novices when we started. We learnt as we progressed and had innumerable arguments on what we should do or should not. It got us into umpteen embarassing situations in front of the shop wallahs, carpenters, family and friends who thought we completely lost it and are on the verge of breaking-up! But you can guess who had the last word, right? You have to be assertive sometimes...;)
Apart from the two of us and S, who had his own choices, the other character in the scheme of things was, Khan, our woodwork contractor, who had super strong beliefs about what is good for us. We really had to convince him that we want it simple and straight - no intricate detailing and carving for us. But he was sound enough to give us the right advise, when needed. We pushed him both on quality and the pace and he obliged by having the most efficient employees and got the work done bang on time. We have been lucky that way. Moving in was more or less smooth with no major losses. We are now relishing what we created - S drags everyone who visits us to
his room and swiches off the lights - his room glows in the dark, thanks to Asian Paints!! We have had a few unannounced visitors who just wanted to see how we have done up our house and have complimented us for the effort.While the outcome for us is important, it is the entire process which fascinated us. We have never looked harder at friend'hs houses for ideas or faults. I never believed that I will be able to measure everything in the house and prepare sketches of what I wanted. I was thrilled to see that my ugly sketches were turned into huge wardrobes and an elegant kitchen. Hubby managed to design his own TV unit and DVD storage. He pulled off the entire project in remarkable amount of time. Never really seen him so excited about going to commercial street and hankering on which handles would look good!! What fun!
Now almost a month into the new house, the process is still ongoing - the kind of carpet you want, the exquisite curio that you saw the other day, the drapes are not thick enough, the sofas have to be shampooed, the dream dressser is still to be made, the bed has to be remodeled - and so your association with the wood work guys goes on...
There is no limit to what can be done out of a piece of wood/metal. All it takes is to give it the shape of YOUR imagination! And that's my profound take...:)