3 Non-Essentials Reno Costs We Saved On

514

Scandinavian
HDB (BTO)
~1,000 sqft
3 br
Couple Living

This is an initial render of our entryway design. One standout feature, suggested by our interior designer and brought to life in the render, is the fluted panels on the tic-tac door that conceals the bomb shelter. We absolutely love the sleek, modern aesthetic it brings, though we're less enthusiastic about the associated cost.
In the end, we decided to forgo the fluted panel design to save on costs. Along with the additional fluted doors proposed for the living room, moving forward would have added around $1,000 to our budget. Considering we already have a wood ceiling feature—costing the same as the fluted panels—we felt it was a reasonable compromise. Do we regret it? While it would have been great to keep both features, they’re purely aesthetic and don’t serve any functional purpose. So, we’re perfectly fine without them.
Here’s a look at the proposed fluted panel door in our living room from one of the early renders. This door elegantly conceals a storage area, seamlessly blending functionality with design. However, we chose to forgo the fluted doors due to cost considerations.
Here’s how it looks in reality after we decided to forego the fluted panel door. Instead, to visually enhance the ceiling height, we opted for two large doors instead of smaller ones, which would have disrupted the sense of height and proportion in the space.
Our kitchen, dining table, and pantry all feature a quartz countertop with a terrazzo design. Initially, we planned to extend the same quartz to the kitchen backsplash as well. However, the cost was significantly higher—several thousand more compared to a basic glass backsplash. Ultimately, we chose to prioritise the countertops, as they’re the surfaces that need to withstand the most wear and tear.
We opted for a rose gold glass backsplash, as we weren't fond of the clear glass or the standard versions with a blue tint. The colour turned out well, complementing the cabinet laminates. Thanks to the cost savings from choosing glass, we were able to extend the backsplash up to ceiling height on the wall beside our kitchen cabinets and also add one to the pantry area. When it comes to maintenance, we have no regrets! As avid home cooks, we’re pleased to report that the glass backsplash is very easy to clean. With no grout lines like tiles, a single wipe is all it takes to keep it spotless.
Here’s a glimpse of our pantry, where we extended the rose gold glass backsplash. When planning your renovation budget, it’s essential to evaluate and prioritize what truly matters—particularly in areas that will experience heavy use. Focus on investing in durable, high-traffic features, and thoughtfully balance your wants and needs. If your budget permits, go ahead and splurge on the aesthetic elements that bring you joy, but remember—you don’t need to have everything all at once. Most importantly, enjoy the renovation process! A home is always a work-in-progress, so don’t feel pressured to include everything right away.