HongKonger's Profile

More like 40-50% of take home pay on rent alone here in Hong Kong. 2k and up for a 400 sq ft studio shoebox is quite normal.

Ya think a full size cooker, or a twin sink constitutes small. When IKEA tells you they can't work with your space - then we are talking small!

I'm surprised there's no mention of an area rug.After reading AT for years, I thought that was an essential ;-p

Love the new bathroom - looks very similar to my bathroom. High end spa feel is right. And I DID do the towel rail handle on the glass doors and am glad I did.

Mine go out in the sun once a week after being sprayed with febreeze. Dry cleaned once a month. 2 pillowcases on each. Replace every 10 years. I'm a tummy sleeper so its not easy to find the right pillow. ..and my cats would object if I changed them.

I learned that housework is one of the only things you notice when it doesn't get done, but that sometimes life is too short to spend it vacuuming.

This last 12 months has seen me buy my first apartment so lots of expenditure but lots of furniture brought with me and lots bought second hand.

Aside from a brand new kitchen and bathroom with all appliances main furniture purchased:

Custom made media unit: $800
Ikea sofa: $400
Second hand armchair and footstool: $100
Pair of vintage chairs I reupholstered: $80
Second hand outdoor rattan sofa: $100
Second hand dining table & chairs: $100
Second hand IKEA shelving unit: $100
Second hand coffee table and linen chest: FREE

I'm saving up to add to my Artemide lamp collection!

CFL bulbs are more standard than especially 'eco' at all these days. And to use them only where they can fit... why weren't they all swapped out to LEDs? If reducing one's carbon footprint is at all important, this would have been factored into the reno.

Still don't think its very 'eco'.

To slackerjo... out here, that would be 10% deposit and roughly $3,000 a month mortgage (on a 30 yr mortgage), so salary would need to be $90,000 a year to qualify (mortgage is allowed to be max 40% of monthly salary).

My Armani Casa towels have lasted well but frankly nothing beats Frette. As part of my drive to make my everyday feel luxurious, I slowly swapped out my towels a couple of years ago. They cost megabucks but I won't need to change them for years. They wash beautifully.