associated with the weight of
cement slabs meant that he had
to seek an alternative solution.
“I cladded the plywood cabinet
doors with MDF panels for
better paint adherence and
applied the faux cement finish
myself,” he reveals.
The sleeping area is tucked
away at the far end, separated
from the main space by a simple
curtain, which can be drawn
when privacy is desired. This
space exemplifies Ching Kai’s
“less is more” mantra, with
just a double bed and a bedside
lamp. “It is designed to be
nothing more than an enclave for
sleeping,” he says.
The most challenging
aspect of designing his home
was staying true to his vision
while keeping to the budget.
“Designing my own space meant
that I did not have to contend
with someone else who may have
a different sense of aesthetics,
but that also means that you
need to possess a decent sense of
aesthetics in the first place and
know whether your ideas can or
cannot be realised,” he cautions.
For homeowners who
are considering designing
their own homes, Ching Kai’s
advice is to start clean. “Rely
on the art of furnishing and
decoration whereby you can
move or change things around
to give character to the space,
instead of using permanent
fixtures that may become dated
as design trends evolve.”
He also stresses the
importance of finding a look
that you really like and putting
together a mood board of
colours, materials and textures.
“Have this readily accessible in
your phone for easy reference.”
Another tip is to make friends
and work closely with your
opposite
The wardrobe
compartments
were carefully
measured to
ensure that all
of Ching Kai’s
clothes, art
materials, and
other belongings
would fit. He
included a
vanity complete
with mirror
in the built-in
wardrobe.
opposite,
below
Behind these
deep shelves
is a hidden
compartment
that provides
extra storage
space.
left, above
The space below
the window
parapets was
“boxed up” for
better heat
insulation and to
create a ledge
for knick-knacks.
left
It is not difficult
to see that this
is a home where
everything has
its place.