Our Best 2 DIY Projects 🛠️☕️
103
- Minimalist
- HDB (Resale)
- ~1,200 sqft
- 3 br
- Couple Living
Hi there! 👋 Welcome to the long-overdue last post of this season. Today, we’re excited to share our favourite DIY projects from @ourcarousellhome, simple tweaks that made a big difference in our space! For those who’ve been following us, you might remember the long carpentry unit in our living + dining area that we initially designed as a "dry pantry/coffee setup." To stay within budget, we skipped the quartz countertop and went with a laminated top instead (cost-saving FTW!). 
A few months after moving in, we quickly realised how handy our "dry pantry/coffee setup" had become. Beyond coffee prep, it’s become our go-to spot for dropping bags, keys, and other bits and bobs as soon as we walk through the door, especially since it’s right next to the settee. But, of course, practicality comes with concerns. The husband was particularly worried that water stains from coffee-making and steam from the espresso machine would damage the laminate top. So, off I went on a Taobao hunt for a countertop cover. After some digging, I found a vendor who could customise the size to match the curved shape of our top. Together with the dimensions from our ID's carpenter, I sent them off to the seller, hoping for the best. When the cover arrived, I wasn’t expecting perfection but I was secretly hoping it would align. Well… not quite. The curves didn’t match up exactly, and the OCD in me really wanted to repurchase. But after some convincing from the hubs and a few fellow homeowners, I decided to embrace it as a “design feature.” And honestly? No regrets. For just S$40, this leather-like cover has been amazing. It’s water- and oil-resistant, scratch-proof, and even provides some heat insulation, keeping our laminate top protected from spills and wear. More than a year in, it’s still holding up beautifully, and we couldn’t be happier with this budget-friendly fix. :) As much as I love this Taobao buy, I completely overlooked one important detail. Our countertop had power sockets and one light switch! 🤦♀️ These are essential for our coffee machine and Google Home setup, but I forgot to account for them when ordering the cover. So, we had no choice but to DIY and cut out the openings ourselves. I took on the first one with a “YOLO” approach, eyeballing it… and let’s just say it didn’t turn out great (okay, it was terrible). After seeing my failed attempt, hubs stepped in to finish the remaining two cutouts and they turned out flawless. Lesson learned: patience pays off. Should’ve just waited for him from the start! 😅 Onto our second proudest DIY project, insect mesh. We mentioned it in our separate bathroom post. During the renovation, we considered installing ventilation fans in both toilet windows but decided against it after learning about the costs. Professional mesh installation can be quite costly too, so I ordered a DIY insect mesh from Shopee, and it’s worked perfectly ever since! Love that the magnets are pretty strong, and it also helps block dust, as the mesh can get a little dirty over time. There is an IG reel on @ourcarousellhome if you are keen to find out more. :) 
And that's a wrap! These two DIY projects may not be perfect, but they’ve served us well and made our space more functional without breaking the bank. It’s a reminder that home improvements don’t always have to be expensive or flawless, they just need to work for you. Sometimes, a little creativity (and patience!) goes a long way in making a house feel like home. 🏡✨ Til then, happy new year and see you again!
- 5 days ago
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