Met Interior

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

After getting various quotations and research on various renovation portals (online) for a few months, we filtered out many IDs and contractors either with no proper portfolios or they made it so perfect that is almost inconceivable. Came across MET Interior by chance as we saw their recent works therefore we giving it a shot, hope that this will be the last ID we will get contact with. Planning stage: There were lots of discussion, sketches and drawing ideas from us, numerous changing of ideas here and there until we could finally agree on something, counter-proposals and considerations offered by Isaac the ID, and we did talk about what kind of feel and theme we want to achieve - Minimalist/Scandinavian. Budget: We were really limited by a range of budget and we intend to keep it simple yet specific on certain aspect especially for the kitchen, Isaac gave his professional advice on doing away with many unnecessary add-ons to reduce our cost. Not many IDs out there will actually consider that much for client's needs as some may seem to convince their clients with more add-ons to compliment the aesthetics. Communications was consistent despite we were both busy especially in our daily dealings at work, messages were never left unread or without response, all were promptly replied and photo updates were posted in the chat-group for our viewing, which we find it very professional, to keep owner/client updated real-time. Schedule was carefully planned out to fit in with our deliveries of light fittings, cooker hood/hob, basins and sink. We really like that, no frills, no pressure and everything was planned as if they could already see the final product. This shows their experience and expertise in this profession, really commendable. Execution/project phase: As we were staying nearby our BTO, we managed to clarify and verify the installation works especially carpentry works which we are very proud of. Timely and effective follow ups did minimize time wastage and we were on time with the schedule. I remembered the last few weeks of this whole phase were really hectic with the touch-up works, but we were able to get it done on time. Handing over phase: We were pleased to have the crew coming down to clear the left overs and do the general cleaning, as it was over my expectations. Especially when we saw Melvin Tan whom did the work himself quietly when we popped-by one night, which we eventually found out that he is the boss of MET Interior. Overall, we had a very enjoyable process and experience with MET Interior in doing up our house from planning to handing over, and hoping that this review will help those who are looking for ID to make the right choice.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

I think we really studied through every minor details and scrutinized in the process of selecting colors/tones, laminates/textures and dimensions, it may be quite a hassle for some couple/family as they have children/elderly to take care when going through the physical exhausting phase of renovation, so very often i think many homeowners just want to make do with certain style or selection of colors/combination of variation of textures to go along but overlooked the color combination of furnishing and proportion which will end up making the area/room or house out of place. Be creative, sometimes you may even surprise yourselves with the outcome of your choices! What we would recommend is this, browse lots of Pinterest (Japanese and European homes), and renovation ideas on the social media platforms and "form" that "mood board" or "theme" that you are comfortable with or have preference in, then work towards the minor details and furnishing to go along with the color combination, it won't go wrong. Hold your horses when it comes to purchasing, do research on the furnishing (various furnishing stores, or physical shops) and it's promotions as well, don't jump into it on first try or experience, sometimes first impression may be inaccurate, discuss well and return for the next visit (that's what we did for our sofa). By doing this you will roughly know when you want to start moving in, so you can have a target date which allows you to "store" up your "powers" and purchase them at various promotions (sounds typical Singaporean!) to get the best deal. Check the port-folio of the potential ID which you will be engaging with, and don't feel obliged in any manner that you have to commit upon the first or second meeting, feel comfortable with the communication part, throw lots of questions and make sure you do get the point and verify it with your friends whom have went through the same renovation phase, and slowly things will work out well when both are on the same page.

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Being a first time flat owners, we wanted a dream home but were almost clueless on where to start with our home renovations. Fortunately for us, we engaged Ben to be our ID. He is very responsive, patient and meticulous with his work. He is not only accommodative to our ever changing mind but also very willing to take up responsibilities outside of his job. We will definitely recommend Ben from Met interior to anyone who wants a reliable, creative and capable ID.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

Firstly, you can start by deciding on the the theme of your home. Though quotation might be the first priority when it comes to making a decision, the 'Rapport ' between you and the ID is equally important as well.

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Lester was easy to communicate with and he executed the ideas with additional valuable added inputs from him which I won't be able to get if I had engaged just a contractor. He explained his rational and drawings in details when discussing the layout with me. He helped to resolved a few issues with his prompt service and thoughtfulness with the contractors. At the end of the project I feel that he has become my friend instead of just being a interior designer, that's how comfortable he will make his clients feel, by getting to know the clients' real needs and addressing them in the design layout with the client's budget in mind. I have been recommending him to my friends who are renovating their homes because he really do care about the outcome of the house, he's responsible and responsive for all his projects.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

While getting the quotes for your home, note how responsive the designer/contractors are when replying your questions and also note how they reply you, you want to work with someone you are comfortable with and delayed responds are a red light alert. Discuss all the timeline with your interior designer before embarking on the renovation because you do not want any shock on the time needed to complete the work, but at the same time do not push for unrealistic timeline because it will only result in less then ideal work. Get samples of the carpentry work so that you can see it in your own house lightings because it might be different from what you view in the showroom's downlight. Get drawings of everything, including where things will fit in so that there will be no dispute later with the contractors.

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Throughout the whole project, Met Interior ID - Eric Teo have proven me the professionalism, creativity and trust that a good ID should equipped. During the design phase, Eric has contributed valuable inputs based on his past projects and experience as well as attentive to the design concept that I have in mind. Practicality and space management are two important factors that he has also considered on his design. He is also very patient with us and accommodative with our meeting schedule and venue due to my busy work schedule. During the renovation phase, Eric solely handled the whole project with constant updates on the progress of the renovation to us. I only need to make three to four trips up to my house and each time all my requirement and request are meet. He takes the initiative to quality check and to ensure all the things are corrected and properly done before handling over the nest back to us. We are satisfied with the workmanship for the whole project. Eric’s services don’t just stop after handing over the house and getting the right furniture that goes along with design are also important. He will provided consultation on the furniture that we intend to buy. There are times where Eric will go extra miles by doing his own research and recommend us with several ideal options. Overall, Eric has given me relax and good renovation “journey”. Now I am happily living in my lovely nest.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

Always have a desired design theme in mind when it comes to home renovation. This will help you in ID selection as each different ID firm has their own specialty theme. ( Of course they are able to do different theme as well, but the design concept might not be as good ). Practicality is also another important factor that home owner should consider during the designing phrase as housing is a big investment in Singapore context and a minimum of 5 years day. Any design flaw might lead to inconvenience in your daily life. Always stay focus on the budget that you have pre-planned with a buffer of 10 to 15 percent max as it always a norm for house owner to exceed their home budget. Do your research well and negotiate for the best deal. Good Luck all future home owners.

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Yes, I would recommend Isaac. He is a very responsible and hardworking ID. We decided to engage him as he was sincere and down to earth. Unlike other ID, we had to suit their schedule for meetings. For Isaac, he was willing to accommodate our schedule after office hours. We worked through many nights from concepts to material selection, etc. During the renovation works, he supervised the workers closely and ensured that the works were completed to our satisfaction.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

Before you begin, you will have to do some research on your own. Be clear of our own preferred concept. Gather as much pictures of your preferred concept as much as possible. This would help a lot when you discuss your desired concept with your ID. Be sure that the ID inform you on the internal dimensions of the storage space as the exterior dimensions can be quite “deceiving”. You may also want to take note that drawer railings take up quite a bit of internal storage space. Hence, if you want to maximize storage space, suggest doing the normal shelving instead of drawers.