#diyinterior

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Designing Our Home: From Passion to Reality

Learning & Preparation

Over a period of 13 months, we poured our passion into designing our new home — observing countless interior design examples, studying 3 books on the subject, and engaging in deep discussions with the interior designer. However, we soon realized that verbal discussions alone were inefficient in communicating our ideas. Since SketchUp is relatively easy to learn, I decided to take matters into my own hands and learn the software myself.

With the builder’s 2D floor plan in hand and on-site measurements of beams and windows completed, I set out on this unique design project.

Defining the Design Concept

The process started with a key design concept: a continuous ceiling band running throughout the apartment, echoing the wooden flooring. This element not only visually divided the living and dining areas but also integrated the wall clock into its design. My goal was to create a clean, cohesive interior with a subtle touch of raw texture.

3D Modeling for Efficient Decision-Making

Having a 3D model made discussions with my wife much smoother. Whenever we found furniture, curtains, flooring, or décor we liked, we could immediately place their models into our “Home” to evaluate their style and fit. This approach allowed us to fine-tune every detail before making any purchases.

Cost Efficiency & Customization

Aside from essential carpentry work, another major advantage of designing the space ourselves was the flexibility to source materials and custom pieces directly from manufacturers. By handling elements like iron shelving, flooring, curtains, and furniture independently, we managed to significantly cut down on interior designer fees while still achieving a highly customized result.

Living in a Self-Designed Space

Once the renovation was complete, every day felt like stepping into a world we had meticulously crafted—our very own life-sized 3D model. The experience was both surreal and deeply satisfying and an undeniable sense of fun. In the end, it wasn’t just about creating a beautiful living space—it was about the joy of building something truly our own, piece by piece.

Serendipity is defined as the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

We're Jeff & Taneise, a couple of creative, self-taught, self-determined DIYers who love good design and have a knack for saying "I bet we can make that." Our purchase of this house was a fortunate stroke of serendipity. So the work we are putting into it is done with gratitude and love. And this blog is meant to be a reflection of that. We hope our DIY journey inspires you to jump in, think of your spaces differently and push yourselves to the limits of your comfort.