How to Tell Who’s a Good Designer?
We recently uploaded another Youtube home tour featuring a retro eclectic house.
Unlike the usual Japandi or wabi‑sabi homes that dominate Singapore, this one was unconventional, bold and rustic.
Watch our tiktok channel if you lazy to read.
We were expecting this video to be more divisive - but we were still surprised. The comments were as negative as it could get.
Many viewers thought the aesthetics were “ugly”, “messy” and blamed the ID.
So we thought it was apt to share from our experience what makes a good designer, and decides the eventual design of the house.
1) It is much harder to design such retro eclectic houses
In Singapore we are very much used to “conservative and conventional” styles such as Japandi, Wabi-sabi, Scandi etc. Its safe, tried and tested – neutral palettes, clean lines, easy harmony.
But it is also easily “copy-able”.
Only strong designers can design something out of the ordinary.
Take these two bathrooms for example. Which do you think is harder to do?
Not trying to throw shade, but the answer is clear.
Every additional shade increases the chance of clashing. Balancing them requires sensitivity and precision.
Right off the bat, here are the core differences:
Eclectic
3 or more textures (mosaic, terrazzo, tiles, wood etc,)
Each texture carries its own colour scheme.
Palette is broader, each having it’s own distinctive pattern
Minimalist
Less than 2 textures (e.g. wood, stone, paint).
Each texture sticks to one or two neutral colours.
Restrained palette
Now you can see why it demands sharp judgment to weave multiple colours and textures into one coherent design.
2) Design is actually decided by the homeowner, not the ID
Homeowners think its the ID that is fully responsible for the design.
In reality it isn’t, it can’t be.
A good ID advises but also listens.
If the homeowner wants A, the ID might hate it, advice against it, but eventually the homeowner makes the call.
This homeowner had a clear preference for the house - she wanted something atypical, not your standard scandi house.
And she did it, and she was super happy with the outcome, and super happy with the ID, who listened and collaborated with her throughout.
Isn’t this the reliable renovation outcome that we all want? Which leads to our last point.
3) Aesthetics is subjective
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. If you like it, just do it. It’s your house.
In every youtube video i produce, I rarely comment on aesthetics. Only if I love it on a personal level.
Reason being aesthetics is subjective, and sensitive for each homeowner.
My channel’s purpose has always been to help homeowners visualise for what scope of work should they pay what type of fair price, and tips to find reliable IDs.
Not aesthetics.
I mean if you want aesthetic houses, you can always see Stacked Homes, but you will not find such price tags there.
Eventually it is free speech etc we know, but we really hope to cultivate an inclusive yet reliable renovation industry for all :)
TLDR
It is much harder to design such atypical retro eclectic houses vs your standard scandi japandi.
Design is actually decided by the homeowner, not the ID
Aesthetics is subjective - do what you like, it is your house.
If you are looking to shortlist reliable IDs/contractors for your reno, feel free to enquire here, or check out our blog for other important tips!!