Choo Chin Nian lives and breathes design. The creative head of National Gallery Singapore believes strongly in the Japanese design philosophy, particularly that of Muji creative director Kenya Hara. It is not so much about minimalism, but rather about starting each design process on a blank slate and finding a strong core that informs the rest of the design. This was how Chin Nian approached his home renovation, which cost RM120,000 (SGD40,000). <img src="https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/813/356870/5d2c733628421/1563194023552.jpg" owidth=683 oheight=730" />&ldquo;For the basics of the home, I looked to Muji for inspiration and used Adobe Illustrator to draw everything to scale. After stripping away all non-structural walls, I worked on (a core element): a second-hand turntable set on a pastel blue steel-andplywood shelf. This pastel hue, as well as inspiration from one of my favourite brands, Hay, influenced the colour scheme of my kitchen and accessories,&rdquo; he says.<img src="https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/813/356870/5d2c733628421/1563194025686.jpg" owidth=711 oheight=399" />Another major element of his home design is a voluminous two-sided plywood wardrobe that is connected to the platform living room, as well as master bedroom. This configuration was planned so that the living room can easily be converted into another bedroom.<img src="https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/813/356870/5d2c733628421/1563194037420.jpg" owidth=863 oheight=930" />The renovation took three months, with &ldquo;lots of trial and error, down to the colour temperature of the lights&rdquo;.<img src="https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/813/356870/5d2c733628421/1563194094467.jpg" owidth=1304 oheight=1460" />His advice to homeowners who want to undertake their own renovation? Firstly, know what you want, down to the very last detail; secondly, have a hands-on approach (he visited the site every day!); and thirdly, to find a contractor that not only does good work, but can communicate clearly with you.

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