After two years of working with homeowners on their furniture projects, I’ve witnessed the evolution of my role firsthand. Initially, my work centered on custom fabricating standalone furniture pieces. However, it wasn’t long before homeowners began asking me,

“I want to make some changes to my room. Are you able to help with that?”

They would mention tasks like painting or changing light fixtures.

In 2023, I often hesitated and felt compelled to tell them, “I don’t have the capability to do that. You might need to look elsewhere.” Reflecting on that time, I now recognize how many opportunities I missed due to my fear and stubbornness to focus solely on furniture fabrication.

However, I was given another opportunity in 2024—a partition project to divide a room in a home. Embracing this challenge, I sought help and advice from seasoned contractors, which facilitated the smooth handover of the project. This experience was markedly different from previous hands-on work; I found myself in a project management role, through which I learned a great deal.

I quickly learned the importance of being a mediator between homeowners and builders. I had to manage various expectations regarding design, timelines, and costs. Unlike self-fabrication, where I had direct control over quality, acting as a liaison introduced complexities. It required me to navigate communications effectively and ensure that both parties were aligned.

In the initial stages of the project, I was nearly on-site daily. I felt it was crucial to be present for the builders while also reassuring homeowners that I was readily available for any questions or concerns.

The subcontractors often remarked, “Wow, you’re here every day! I see you when I come and when I leave. Are you paid enough?”

My intention in sharing this experience is not to present myself as overly diligent or “kiasu” (a Singlish term describing someone overly competitive or afraid of missing out). Instead, I want to highlight my growth and the realization that interior design plays a crucial role in transforming a house into a home.

So, why is interior design essential for your space? It’s about more than aesthetics; it creates an environment that reflects your lifestyle, values, and aspirations. With the right design, every room can evolve into a space that not only looks good but also feels right for you.

Transforming imagination into reality is a remarkable journey. Witnessing the metamorphosis of an existing living space into a fresh, revitalized environment offers a new perspective for homeowners. This is the true beauty of a design makeover—creating a space that reflects your unique taste and personality.

Throughout the project management process, I’ve gained valuable insights, including the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say no when necessary. It’s crucial to know when to step in and provide guidance, while also remaining firm in your decisions.

If you’re interested, I’d love to share more about my experiences learning to navigate the balance between expectations and reality.

Cheers,

CP