Colour Selection

93 decisions in 4 and a half hours. That was the record we set yesterday at the Simonds Gallery. In that few hours, we made some of the most important decisions concerning how our future home will look like. 

Some of the things we got to decide were big structural materials and will not likely be changed over the next 2 decades, like the colour of bricks and roof. Other choices, though less permanent, like the design of cabinet handles, still require careful consideration over its shape, length, finish (matt or shiny) and even position (horizontal or vertical)!

The process wasn't as difficult as I'd thought actually. We knew what we liked already for some of items and from there, many other decisions sort of go along the same line. Like we chose a round vanity basin instead of the square one, so an oval bath tub and rounded edges tap ware naturally gives it a more coordinated look. And once we selected the brick colour, that gave us a base to match the colour of the other fixtures like window frames, garage door, gutters and fascia.

Some of the decisions took us a few seconds, like the edge of the mirror (standard polished edge) and the round gooseneck mixer tap for the laundry trough. Others, especially when the choices got too many, gave us a bit more headache. Of course, besides the selection of colours, we had to take into account some choices will cost us additional money. The choice floor coverings was probably the best example of such 'upgrades'.  For the laminate timber flooring, we upgraded from the twin strip to a single strip and from 8mm thickness to 12mm for an overall better timber look and more solid feel when you step on it. For the carpet, we jumped from the standard Category 1 to a Category 3 carpet. These 2 upgrades probably cost us the most, approximately $2800 more than what we are already paying for the standard. Not to mention the other smaller upgrades which ranged from $8 more per handle to over $2000 extra for glass splashback. I dread receiving the final quotation when it's ready.

Not that we had much choice sometimes. The carpets under Cat 1 were really crappy. They are rough to the feel, thin and comes with only a form underlay. Only at Cat 3 do we get rubber underlays and a more plushy feel to the feet. Since the house is for ourselves to stay in, we figured that a little investment now will be worth it in the long run. 

The other reason the process is not too stressful is our colour consultant Emma. She walked us through all the decisions patiently and gave us advice on our various options. Most importantly, she would make suggestions on matching colours, many of which we accepted. Especially when it comes to paint colours and cabinet laminates, we would be lost trying to choose the ONE from so many colours and samples. Emma would go pick a few that she thinks are suitable and bring it back to us. This way, we were not so confused and our decisions came much easier.

Finally, we would also like to thank our friends Kenneth, Debbie and her son Bradley. While we concentrated on deciding the best choices for our future home, they helped to babysit KK and XX. It was gonna be a long and tedious affair so we were not recommended to bring children along. Without our parents and relatives here with us, we have to depend on our friends to help out in situations like this. We told a few friends of our need and all of them offered their help. I'm thankful for them. In the end, I chose to leave them at Debbie's because I know XX and KK would enjoy the company of another boy best. XX is the one I'm worried about because he has never liked being separated from us. But it seemed that he has grown up. He doesn't mind it so much now if we leave the house for a short time, as long as KK is with him. Yesterday, he survived 6 over hours without even asking for us. Looks like I can look forward to some datings with Hubby soon....:)

Anyway, the decisions are not over yet. In fact, they've only just begun. Monday there'll be another round with the tiles department and also the electrical people. We will need to determine the choice of tiles to use for the bathroom walls, shower bases and kitchen splashback. And for the electrical part, the number and locations of powerpoints, TV points, telephone points, cooling outlets, heating outlets and light points. Which means we got to start planning where we'll likely put our furniture and the usage of the rooms. All these thought processes and the land is not even technically ours yet....