New Keys, No Clues - Let's Fix That!
- 10 Studio
- Jul 19
- 4 min read
Congrats on getting selected in the BTO ballot - that's a huge milestone! Whether you've already collected your keys or are still patiently (or impatiently) waiting, now's the perfect time to start thinking ahead.
This isn't your typical reno checklist - it's a guide to help you understand your lifestyle before jumping into materials, built-ins, and mood boards. The more you know about how you actually live, the easier it'll be to design a home that truly fits you - not just what's trending online.
Let's make your home work for you - not the other way around. Download a shorter version of our checklist here!
This guide helps you:
Get clear on your needs before your first ID meeting
Save time & money during the design phase
Avoid cookie-cutter layouts that don't fit your lifestyle Let's make your home work for you - not the other way around.
Are You a Morning Or Night Person?
This might sound like a Buzzfeed quiz question, but it actually affects things like:
Lighting Design — Do you want warm cozy lights at night or energising daylight LEDs?
Curtain Choices — Blackout for sleeping in vs sheer for letting light in early.
Switch Placement — Install 2-way switches so you can turn off the lights from bed (especially useful if you tend to crash at 2am).
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Design Impact:
Understanding this will impact the lighting design, curtain type and switch placements of your home.
Your routine should drive your lighting — not the other way around.
What's Your Cooking Style?
Not everyone needs a fancy island or 4 burners. Ask yourself:
Do you meal prep, daily cook, or mostly eat out?
Do you need space for a rice cooker, air fryer, blender — or just a microwave?
How often do you clean? (Open shelves = dust magnets)
Heavy home cook? You'll need good hood ventilation and prep space. It would also be advised not to opt for an open kitchen layout. Mostly delivery or takeout? You can save by opting for open shelving or smaller built-ins. Open kitchen layout will work as well!
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Design Impact:
Heavy cooking needs better ventilation, more prep zones, and grease-resistant materials. Light cookers? Save on kitchen carpentry and spend elsewhere.
How Do You Like To Chill At Home?
Understanding this sets the tone for your living room — and how to design around it:
Netflix binger? Prioritise screen distance, cable management, and light blocking.
Gamer? Think desk space, ergonomic chairs, and sound insulation.
Book lover? You might need reading light points and cozy nooks instead of a big TV wall.
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Design Impact:
Your chill zone should be built around your real hobbies — not someone else’s.
Hoarder or Minimalist?
Let’s be honest — do you:
Have a lot of sentimental things you like to keep?
KonMari every quarter?
This impacts how much storage you need, and whether you should spend on built-ins or buy loose furniture.
Why It Matters:
Too little storage = clutter. Too much = wasted space. Knowing your habits = balanced layout.
What's Your Laundry Routine?
Yes, laundry affects your layout. Think about:
Do you air dry or use a dryer? Need space for pole systems or extra hanging?
Do you wash daily or weekly?
Do you handwash delicates in the bathroom or service yard?
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Why It Matters:
Your ID can customize cabinetry, pole placement, or utility area flow to match your real laundry life (especially important for smaller yards in BTOs!).
Do You Work From Home, And How Often?
WFH has changed home design permanently. Ask yourself:
Full-time WFH? You’ll need a proper desk, ergonomic setup, and good lighting.
Occasional calls? Maybe just a flexible corner with outlets.
Hate working at home? Don’t waste space forcing in a “study nook”.
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Why It Matters:
Home office setups vary wildly — and your layout should reflect your actual workflow, not trends.
Do You Entertain Guests Often?
If you:
Host family dinners regularly,
Have friends over for game nights, or
Need a place for your in-laws to crash,
… then your layout needs to be flexible and guest-friendly.
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Why It Matters:
Home office setups vary wildly — and your layout should reflect your actual workflow, not trends.
Do You Have (Or Plan To Have) Pets, Kids, Or Plants?
Each of these has major design implications:
Pets: Scratch-proof laminates, easy-to-clean flooring, hidden litter areas
Kids: Rounded edges, toy storage, safety gates
Plants: Sunlight access, humidity control, shelf or wall mounts
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Why It Matters:
Good design thinks ahead — and this ensures your home grows with you.
BONUS: What To Bring To Your First ID Meeting!
Here’s what will help both you and your designer save time and make better decisions:
✅ Your floorplan (with your notes/sketches if any)
✅ Pinterest or moodboard of styles you love
✅ A rough budget range
✅ List of must-haves vs nice-to-haves
✅ Timeline expectations (especially if time-sensitive)
About 10 Studio SG
We’re a boutique interior design studio in Singapore that believes design should reflect how you live — not just what looks good on Instagram.
From thoughtful layouts to lifestyle-based choices, we help first-time homeowners create homes that actually feel like home.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post!
Looking to renovate your home? We're here to help. Click on the button below to contact us for more information!
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