There is often an abundance of ideas and concepts the creative mind can conjure; however, it is our belief that the ability to execute with integrity & practicality is pivotal. At Habit, we strive to relate the conversations between our right and left minds, to demonstrate holistically our vision of honest spaces.
SkyResidence @ Dawson
Joel, 27 May 2022
Consummate Professionals
We engaged Habit after reviewing their projects and sensing the X-factor that their designs exude. It is challenging to toe the line between garish/ostentatious and subtle/sleek and Habit leans towards the latter.
The initial meeting was great; Habit paid attention to our whims, wants and needs and we could sense that they were trying their best to build a home which would accede to the lifestyles of the individuals living in it. Importantly, we gelled well with the designers who have different, but synergistic personalities. As a sucker for good organization and clear communication, I could not be happier with the project management and updates provided by Habit.
Daniel has an impeccable sense of organization and I caught myself smiling every time I read his briefs and documents. Yanling has a great sense of style and her decisiveness when it came to opining on furnishing (no sugarcoating, just the plain ole truth) was very useful for us to eliminate options and come to a decision. Denise isn't afraid to be a contrarian and would speak her mind to design options which were not previously considered. Essentially, Habit does not fall into the trap of groupthink and I like that.
Most importantly, Habit stuck to the timelines projected from the get-go despite the pandemic. We were also pleasantly surprised that our final invoice matched the initial projected invoice cent-for-cent!
My wife and I are overjoyed with our new home. Habit masterfully worked with a small space (700 sqft) and cleanly created living, work and dining spaces that appeal to the eyes. Throughout our renovation journey, and indeed after moving in, Habit continues to engage us meaningfully to provide insightful recommendations on furnishing and decorating.
We can't wait to see how our home evolves over the next few years. Personally, I can't wait to engage Habit again for our second home.
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Jerraine Lim, 25 January 2022
Unique, trustworthy, thoughtful, reliable
We first approached habit 6 years ago when we bought our first marital home. We were so pleased with how that turned out, the day we made an offer for our 2nd home, we texted Habit immediately to chope them for our next big project!
Habit listens. And I think that's what homeowners need from our IDs. Habit listened and came up with proposals based on not just what we wanted, but also based on what suited the family's lifestyle. I have heard my friends share their experiences, where their IDs would share proposals based on previous projects, and just provide solutions that would be aesthetically pleasing, but totally not functional.
Their designs are also thoughtful - my place has quite a lot of bay windows which makes it difficult to play up on space and storage. Habit did such a great job proposing creative solutions to manoeuvre around the restrictions and design a living space that made our place look big & the bay window spaces well utilised. The end result was clearly a living space that was uniquely ours.
What I appreciate most is the extra mile Habit is willing to go. They even approached various furniture vendors to provide us with furnishing ideas that matched their design proposal. So what we got is a holistic 360 creative proposal - this helps a lot as they know best what style fits, and u don't have to go around hunting (& visualising on your own) for the furniture you need!
Most importantly, Habit is reliable and responsible. No MIA post handover. They have been providing support (for both our projects) to ensure a smooth move-in, making it such a stress-free and enjoyable experience working with them.
Thanks Habit! I'll see you very soon for our next project!
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Kelvin Wks, 23 January 2022
Every millimetre counts, every detail matters.
Just when we thought we had all options explored and sketched on our PowerPoint, and all the IDs we had pre-engaged earlier seemed to think along the same plane, Habit decided to surprise us with three space planning proposals that showed us how our new space can be reimagined and reconfigured in a way that optimizes the small footprint and yet meet our brief. What sealed the deal was not being given a cookie cutter floorplan, but one that really got us more excited about our new apartment than before.
The design process did involve some test of our imagination since there was no 3D rendering, but there was already alignment in terms of aesthetics and design language, based on our mood board and Habit's past works. We were therefore able to converge pretty quickly, since the team was clear with their vision (with very detailed cross-sections) yet open-minded enough to hear and incorporate our views. The recommendations on the furnishings were also spot on.
As for the actual renovation, we can only say we were truly impressed by the team's professionalism and meticulousness. Every millimetre counts, every detail matters. Because of this, there were a lot of consultation videos via whatsapp which allowed us to decide on the placement/palette/position quickly (with good advice from the team) and get a sense of the progress real-time. We can also see that the team exercised good control over the different groups of workers and the schedule. Despite some drag brought about by the pandemic and our stringent MCST, the team worked really hard and delivered the final product in time for our scheduled move-in date.
All in all, we are really happy with how our home has turned out. We have stayed in our place for half a year now, and are still loving every nook and corner. Looking back, the renovation journey was every bit enjoyable, almost care/fuss-free. A big shout-out to Yanling, Denise and Daniel for giving us a stylish home. We cannot recommend Habit enough. ☺
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Sarah Choo, 7 June 2021
Habit's sensitivity to clients' demands, manners and routines, is a testament to the name of their company.
Over the past 2 years, my partner and I have been looking around for an ID that meets our needs and aesthetic demands without compromising on practical living. We have been doing our research on several ID companies and narrowed our choices to 2 firms based on what we had seen and also heard about each company. Initially apprehensive, both my partner and myself were sure of our decision to work with Habit when we left their office after their proposal presentation. It was clear then, in our exchanged glance, that we were floored by their proposal.
The team had clearly considered all our requests and had created 3 different layout options with attention to details from information exchanged from our prior visit. The care and amount of thought given to the reconfigured space & placement of items through the introduction of carpentry, furniture, even down to switches and power sockets, is impressive. Habit's sensitivity to clients' demands, manners and routines, is a testament to the name of their company. Along the way, through multiple consultations, the team listens attentively and is always game to try alternative, unique ideas for our home.
Fusing spaces for work, play, fitness and enjoyment within 1324 sqft, Habit was also able to keep to our budget, patiently proposing alternative solutions to meet our needs. Despite the challenges faced this year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the team is able to keep within the timeline as discussed and handled all concerns/queries with patience, professionalism and astuteness. Along the course of developing our home, it became clear that the team at Habit is filled with creatives who are passionate and takes great pride in their work.
As a creative myself, I probably would have desired full control and taken to designing every inch of this project on my own. However, Habit's ability to effectively work with us and to advise where we are lacking, has ensured a smooth and successful ride. We count our blessings everyday to have been acquainted with these creatives.
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Michael, 6 January 2021
First Rate Habit
When we were looking for an ID firm, we didn’t feel the need to approach more than one for two reasons. First, among the many design portfolios here, Habit made the biggest impression on us. Stylistically, we found their work to consistently reflect a contemporary and seamless refined look. Attitudinally, we were attracted because many of their projects had what I’d call a bit of a swagger about them. Not the showroom or pretentious kind but the understated, elusive kind with a touch of unpredictability. Attention to detailing - another key requirement for us - was also pretty evident in their own office setup.
Second, we took the time to do our homework before embarking on our project - an important step in the process because it gave clarity to our brief and kind of ID we wanted. We thought about our previous homes, what we liked, didn’t, needed, scoured Pinterest and even made a mood-board of the look and feel we wanted for our new home. All that was then left was to deep-dive into the design portfolios here in Qanvast to find the closest ID match. So. There wasn’t a need to waste time approaching several ID firms or worse, mindlessly make a bunch of them put up proposals like a GE Biz tender. Worst way to engage creatives.
The Habit team may have been surprised that we signed them up right after our first meeting but we weren’t, because their portfolio, attitude, personalities and enthusiasm with the brief were bang on target for us.
In the weeks later, we were - pleasantly - bombarded with design ideas and layouts, followed by detailed plans for hacking, electricals, lighting, woodworking and what-not. We found the team to be always accessible and diligent in their management of the project.
Yan Ling was the project gatekeeper, Denise the creative lead, Daniel the draughtsman and minder rolled into one, and Lena the support. They were constantly on the case, passionately ideas-driven, made sure that everything was on track, and paid close attention to the detailing work that evolved through the project.
I recall a meeting in which Denise and Daniel debated a good 30 minutes about the ideal placement of a switch plate on our window ledge and another in which they both kept revising the design for one of the bathrooms until they were themselves satisfied that it was original and good enough to pass muster!
Denise has a great and fussy eye for ideas (and loves matt black), Daniel is a passionate stickler for getting the details right, and Yan Ling offers a cool check-and-balance design head while also having an eye for super nice furniture.
If you should end up with them as your ID, give them room to express their creativity and unpredictability and trust them. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how good they really are. Their commitment and professionalism were top class and we would not hesitate to use them again in the future. First-rate quality of ideas and work. Highly recommended.
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Yim Swee Yeng, 24 December 2020
Our designers, our 'plumbers', our friends...
"What's meant to be, will always find a way....." and so it was for our engagement with the Habit team. Despite having other "tried and tested" recommendations, we went ahead with Denise & Yanling, whose project of transforming an old Tiong Bahru shophouse into a chic, modern home captivated our hearts.
Our new home was an apartment in a 30+ year old development. The unit had been, for as long as anyone could remember, tenanted, with much of the original fixtures in tact. It would be a major overhaul and we needed a team that would be able to manage a lot more than the aesthetics.... The Tiong Bahru project, hence resonated well though it was still very much a leap of faith for us to sign with the team who was unknown to us. And of course, we never looked back!
Starting from the conceptual floor plans to the detailed electrical drawings (with big thanks to 'OC' Daniel), the team was meticulous and creative, never failing to have solutions to our issues, always adding that extra innovative touch..... (My dream dry kitchen with the extra long island ala MBS cantilever with circular support never fails to awe our guests!) Everything that was put in, had a raison d'être - not just for aesthetics but always had a practical reason (like how the steps to the living area became useful storage spaces!). There were a million decisions to make but the recommendations and advice of the team made it so much easier.
Our renovation was unfortunately delayed by the circuit breaker - apartment was left empty and enclosed for 2 months and when we came back, we found a number of issues arising from the trapped humidity - nails in the cupboards rusted and there was warping in the panelling... all our issues were always quickly and effectively resolved. Always responsive and helpful, we realised after a while that we should actually remove their numbers from our speed dial!
Big shout out to Yanling, Denise, Daniel & Lena! It was almost a 10 month long journey (due to no fault of anyone but COVID19) with an amazing outcome. Along the way, we also found a few good friends who made the "trip" particularly pleasant and enjoyable.
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Denise Thomas, 18 September 2020
Your search is over.
If you are after interior designers who are actually interested in finding out what your day-to-day living habits are, and incorporating that into practical yet aesthetically-pleasing design for your home, you've found them!
With their experience and their extremely keen eye for detail, they helped to transform a 50 year old, dark and gloomy walk-up into a bright warm home that perfectly suits my needs (search: "you won't believe how time-worn this walk-up apartment was" for the Qanvast renovation journey link).
Given the age of the property, it was to be expected that problems would come up in the course of the project, and I am thankful we chose Habit as their experience really shone through in handling the regulators and when necessary, the neighbours.
Denise's creativity, design and extreme attention to detail coupled with Yanling's ability to almost read my mind when it came to choosing furniture, lighting and decor really helped to make this apartment a wonderful first home. The design and renovation process was also made that much simpler because of their initiative, ability to pre-empt issues and provide helpful advice.
This review comes a little later than usual - but I can assure you that having lived in (and now worked from) my home for the last 1.5 years, there's nowhere else I would rather have done my circuit-breaker at.
I cannot recommend them enough.
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Zaizhi Cheng, 24 July 2020
Habit will bring your ideas to life but much better than you could have imagined
They say that there are two things that really temper a married couple; the wedding planning and the house renovation. We were anticipating a world of pain in terms of getting our newly purchased flat done up. Thankfully we had Habit.
Choosing Habit as our interior designer for our first house was one of the best decisions we have made as a couple. We wanted to minimise all the stress people get from renovation and the team at Habit exceeded all our expectations.
Being both first time home owners, we were at a lost of how to even approach our home renovation. The first few IDs we saw didn't impress us. They started the conversations with us by thrusting pamphlets in our face and running through standard packages at different price points. It felt so mercenary, mundane and dehumanising. Luckily we were referred to Habit by a friend.
In our first meeting, we could tell that they were a cut above the rest of the IDs we met. They took the time to understand us as people, what we wanted, our lifestyles and our design preferences. Then they took it back and gave us 3 really detailed proposals that fit what we wanted. The level of thought and detail put into the proposals impressed us. We could tell that they were really passionate about building a great home for us, and were as excited about the project as us. Price wise, they come in at a higher rate than other IDs, but we never regretted our choice.
Throughout our renovation journey, Yanling, Denise and Daniel were always on hand to answer those really small nitty gritty questions that noobs like us have. They were always happy to adjust things based on our preferences and opinions, and even gave suggestions for furniture and fixtures (which made the whole process a lot easier for us).
For the actual renovation work, Habit hit all the milestones in a timely manner. We couldn't believe how fast things were done. The contractors they work with do very high quality work and we were very happy with them. Design wise, they know what they are talking about and are creative about how to achieve what we wanted while making it look nice and keeping it usable. From our experience, they work best if you fully trust their design chops, honestly tell them what you think (e.g. We don't want too much black), then get out of the way to let them figure it out.
All in all, we found Habit a great ID firm to work with. They brought our ideas to life and turned the house into a living space we enjoy living in. Yan Ling, Denise and Daniel are good people, and fun to work with (we still owe them a dinner!).
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Joan Gemma Lim, 10 March 2020
They made our BTO the envy of all our friends!
The review title sounds very clickbait-ey but its true.
We had raving reviews from our friends that the configuration of our space really redefines how they see BTOs or even 3-room flat for the matter.
It was a very refreshing dynamic with Yanling and Denise. We have no knowledge at all on renovation as this is our first house and couldn't even describe the type of aesthetics that we are into - yet they made the journey a partnership with us. They were responsive and attentive throughout the entire renovation process and entertained each and every of our silly questions.
Their design process accounted for our usual habits, the amount of things we have and our usual use of living space and the end result is a home where we fully utilise each and every corner. Even our cat's lifestyle is integrated into the house.
With Yanling and Denise, we appreciate that we can choose how hands-on or off we want to be in the process. At every meeting, we find curated ideas/material options for us to pick and this really helped with daunting tasks like picking tiles where the options are limitless. But where we felt like we want to be hands-on, they gave us the breathing space to be over enthusiastic home owners and we like that.
We were also impressed with their attention to detail and we see that in the finishing. We have no complaints during the handover on the carpentry, the tiling, etc - everything was rectified!
These guys are professional and passionate about everything they do and that is the biggest difference. We can tell because they are AS excited about our house as us.
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Alvin Soh, 18 June 2019
A Breath of Fresh Air
My wife and I are a young'ish couple in our thirties who are quite different in our tastes and preferences when it comes home decor. When we bought our place at Keppel Bay, we both had fairly specific ideas that we wanted for our home and knew that it was crucial to find a designer that could not only find a style that we both liked but also to let our individualism stand out without being clashing. We met up with many different IDs and every one of them proposed similar cookie cutter designs that honestly did not differ much with each other, and after more than 5 different meetings, we hadn't met anyone that we were remotely impressed with.
After our initial meeting, Habit took a while longer to get back to us, but when they did, it was definitely worth the wait - they presented us with THREE completely different proposals and walked us through the options in detail, pointing out at every turn why they decided to make a particular design choice usually referencing a small comment I made during our initial meeting. Needless to say, we were VERY impressed by their attention to detail and creativity that was so evident in just their first draft of proposals. While they definitely weren't the cheapest option, the quality and obvious pride they take in their work was more than enough to convince us to engage them, and boy were we glad we did!
As we had some rather complicated requests, the entire renovation project from planning to completion took longer than we had initially expected but we were delighted with the responsiveness and level of communication we had with Habit. They are a small outfit and had quite a few concurrent jobs but at no point in time did we ever feel that they were too busy for us – every question we had was answered promptly, every concern discussed openly and every doubt addressed in detail. When we wanted to make changes, not only were Habit receptive of our suggestions, they encouraged us to completely be ourselves and we genuinely felt that their end goal was to just build OUR dream home, regardless of the extra work or complications such changes might involve.
Special mention must go to the quality of their work. As Habit uses only contractors that they have worked with for many years, the workmanship and service is impeccable. In fact, the only faults that were found after handover was discovered by them and they immediately arranged for touch ups.
Throughout the whole process, we were very appreciative of how Habit handled our expectations – not only did they deliver everything they promised but perhaps more importantly, they were not afraid to be upfront with us when we had unrealistic requests. This was especially evident in their budgeting and timeline projection – the final amount and handover date was almost EXACTLY as initially projected!
Looking back, there is frankly very little more we could have asked for. Habit’s high level of professionalism, limitless creativity guided by years of experience honing their craft and shaped by the bubbling chemistry between the superb team of Yanling and Denise and their protégé Daniel resulted in a home that my wife and I are extremely proud of. At the end of this wonderful journey, we are extremely happy to have had the joy of working with them and also proud to call them our friends.
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Siew Ping, 2 March 2018
They had us @this_is_habit
They had us @this_is_habit. Following Instagram and other social media outlets is baseline research. After due diligence meetups and chemistry checks with several IDs, where Habit stood apart is exceptional pride in design and execution; balance of composition and functionality; and passion and experience to render our rhetorical habits into a thoughtful, stylish home.
As a boutique shop, Yanling and Denise were personally engaged from beginning to end. As important as it was that they listened well to our broad stroke ideas, what truly impressed us was witnessing – at each project milestone – their sense of ownership, energy, and bespoke design invested into our project. Now, in scrolling through their project portfolio, we can better appreciate the sparks of passion and unique touches they brought to each client. In summary, Habit is ahead of the curve in terms of timeless aesthetics and design flair.