Buying furniture online? Do you know what to look out for before you cart out on the internet? Scoring a good furniture deal online is all about research, research, research – read on to find out how!

Measure Up

Before you do any furniture shopping, make sure you know how much space you actually have in your room and compare this against item you want to get. This applies even for small things, such as vases, candlesticks, and other decorative pieces, as they can be surprisingly bigger or smaller than they appear online.

Read Product Reviews

Product reviews are the best way to get a sense of how good the item is. Some online retailers let customers leave reviews for the items they have ordered, and even upload their own photos. However, if the online retailer does not have the review option, try googling the item’s name and brand.

 

Choose A Reputable Seller

Don’t forget to also do some research on the retailer. A lot of pain associated with ordering furniture online can be avoided by choosing a reputable retailer. If you are ordering your items from an online marketplace such as Lazada or Taobao, consider the seller’s rating – they are a straightforward indicator of how reliable a retailer is.

Customer service is also a very telling sign of how credible the seller is. How do they respond to enquiries? How professional are they in handling complaints? A quick look on their social media page would give you a sense of how they treat their customers, and the kind of service you can realistically expect from them.

Look At Other Photos Online

Online furniture sellers photograph their goods under studio lights, which can make fabrics and colours look different on screen than in person. To get a better idea of how the item really look like, again — turn to the Internet. Many home owners put up photos of their newly-decorated homes online, especially on social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest. They are also a good source of home decor inspiration!

Compare, Don’t Settle

Use Google Image Search and Google Product Search to help you source for identical or similar items offered by other retailers – you never know if there is a better deal lying elsewhere on the internet.

 

Check the Return Policy

One thing that many people overlook when ordering furniture online is the return policy. After all, nobody orders something with the intention of returning it.

But what if the item is delivered damaged, or completely different from what you saw online? Returning furniture can be quite a troublesome and expensive task because of their size. Not all retailers have free return pick-ups arranged for their customers. Consider whether you are prepared to make your own return arrangements should it come to that.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

One major advantage of having wet and dry kitchens is the flexibility to tackle different types of cooking tasks in dedicated zones. Wet kitchens are for stewing, frying, and baking, while dry kitchens can accommodate ‘lighter’ tasks such as chopping vegetables or making a cup of coffee for a morning pick-me-up. These 10 homes are guaranteed to inspire your next kitchen makeover!

1. A Kitchen Bar Concept

Interior Firm: Hall Interiors

Dry kitchens are usually located close to communal areas and can be modified to become a dining/entertainment space for your guests. This classy dry kitchen with a galley-style layout accommodates a dining table, counter, storage spaces, and even a wine cabinet—talk about multi-functional!

2. A Compact Layout

Interior Firm: ARK-hitecture

Dry kitchens with a one-wall set-up are mighty useful if you would like to keep kitchen space to a minimum. These spaces are typically used for simple tasks, like brewing coffee or making sandwiches, unlike in wet kitchens where heavy-duty cooking is carried out.

3. A Food Prep Station

Interior Firm: DISTINCTidENTITY

While it might seem strange to have a food preparation counter in a communal zone, this idea is perfect for kitchens that are unable to fit a full island. It can also doubles up as a dining table, after the meal is prepared!

4. A Coffee Corner

Interior Firm: Ethereall

Of course, functionality is a top priority when designing your dry kitchen (layout, countertop material etc.), but this doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise on aesthetics!

For the perfect coffee corner, opt for an in-cupboard niche! Not only does it add a dash of cosiness to your kitchen, the niche also makes for additional storage space. Add a splash of colour, such as a graphic backsplash or painting your cabinets a bold hue and watch your dry kitchen transform into the highlight of your home!

5. Storage Solutions

Interior Firm: Couple Abode

Dry kitchens are often compact spaces that are in full-view to all your guests, that’s why it’s super important to keep them neat. The easiest trick to hide the clutter in plain sight? Build a row of cabinets at the back. It will also make it easier to reach for your teacups/ pots/ coffee machine in the morning!

6. A Galley Kitchen With See-Through Doors

Interior Firm: Lemonfridge Studio

Splitting your kitchen into wet and dry zones could result in having spaces that look too confined and small on their own. Instead, opting for see-through doors can counter that problem as it creates the illusion of a bigger space.

7. The L-Shaped Layout

Interior Firm: The Local INN.terior

By adopting the L-shaped kitchen, this Tampines home managed to fit plenty of things in a compact space—top-and-bottom cabinets, a nook for a top-freezer fridge, and a breakfast counter.

8. A Scandinavian-Inspired Dry Kitchen

Interior Firm: The Design Practice

The best place for your dry kitchen? Beside the dining table! It can now double as extra serving space when you have guests over. Having an open concept layout is also handy as it makes passing dishes around much easier.

9. A Clear Divider

Interior Firm: BLACK N WHITE HAUS

If you’re leaning towards having an open concept kitchen, consider building a dry kitchen between a communal zone (e.g. the living room) and your wet kitchen as it can also serve as a subtle space divider.

10. An Organised Space

Interior Firm: Habit

While countertops are a mainstay feature of every wet kitchen, not every dry kitchen needs one, especially if you don’t have much space. In such cases, extendable shelves are a clever alternative.

This article was contributed by Qanvast

The household shelter, or more commonly known as a bomb shelter, is a staple in most modern HDB flats. While it may not be the most good-looking feature, the bomb shelter serves a greater purpose, which is to protect residents in times of emergency.

With its white blast door and metal ventilation plate, the design of the bomb shelter may fit right in an industrial-themed home. But if that’s not the type of interior theme you’re thinking of, fret not! Here are some tips on how you can conceal the bomb shelter to make it work for your interior design theme.

1. Wallpaper Wonder

Photo Credit: Home & Decor

One easy way of blending the bomb shelter door with the rest of the wall is to cover the door with your desired wallpaper! For better effect, pick a darker shade or a bold pattern to hide the lines of the door.

2. Mirror, Mirror on the Door

Photo Credit: U-Home

An alternative to wallpaper, full-length mirrors can also help to disguise the door to the bomb shelter. Mirrors brighten up the space, and can also help to visually enlarge your home.

3. Shelve and Store

Photo Credit: Qanvast

An idea that’s both aesthetic and functional: conceal the bomb shelter door with a cabinet or shelving! If your bomb shelter is located near the entryway, its door can be conveniently converted into a shoe cabinet. Otherwise, the space can be used as a display area for home décor or simply a storage space.

4. The Door is Your Canvas

Photo Credit: Renonation

Let your imagination run wild and convert the household shelter into a magnetic board that you can embellish with mementos collected from your travels! Or turn it into a chalkboard where you jot down memos and schedules of family members.

5. The Feature Door

Photo Credit: SquareRooms

Another way to conceal your bomb shelter is to turn it into a feature wall that complements the interior design of your home. For instance, a feature wall with simple geometric elements can work for minimalist homes.

Do you know of a unique way to conceal bomb shelters? Share with us in the comments below!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Multifunctional furniture that are a perfect balance of form and function can help to streamline the number of pieces you own, while maximising the space in your flat. Here are 5 types of furniture to consider!

1. Furniture with Hidden Storage

Photo Credit: Lazada, Amazon

From underbed storage, a shoe rack that doubles up as seating, to hidden shelving in wall mirrors, designers have figured out nifty and ingenious ways to incorporate storage options into furniture, without taking up too much space.

2. Loft Bed

Photo Credit: IKEA

Loft beds are a great way to maximise the use of vertical space in your house. While it does mean you need to climb a short distance to get to bed, the raised mattress creates a cosy feel while leaving the space below free for just about anything. A functional workspace, a compact vanity, or even a tiny walk-in wardrobe— reinvent the space your way.

3. Sofa Bed

Photo Credit: IKEA

Sofa beds in the living room or spare room are perfect when you invite guests for a sleepover, or when you just need some extra space to laze around for a weekend Netflix session.

4. End Table

Photo Credit: Amazon

End tables are a versatile addition to your flat— you can use it as a side table in the bedroom, a flat surface to work on from your couch, or just a spot to rest your drinks when you’re lounging around the living room.

5. Kitchen Island-Dining Table Hybrids

Photo Credit: Renonation

If you have an open concept kitchen, why not turn the space into a dining area as well? A wide kitchen counter, or kitchen island with a pull out dining table is a great way to add extra space for cooking, dining, or working.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

8 Modern Dark Interiors That We Love

One of the first few tasks for homeowners preparing for renovation works, is to decide on the overall colour palette. While lighter tones are perennial favourites, dark colours can amp up the mood while making spaces look less clinical.

1. A Mix of Materials

Interior Firm:The Local INN.terior

To liven up the space, incorporate a combination of materials! For example, using different materials such as concrete, terrazzo and marble can create a more textured and dynamic home.

2. Geometric-Inspired Features

Interior Firm:Hall Interiors

In addition to mixing materials, consider adding a feature element for greater visual interest. Take this home for instance – a curved archway was adopted for a cosier look and gold-accented panels were used to set a contrast against the dark walls.

Interior Firm:Carpenters 匠

Beyond the traditional black or charcoal, consider adopting tones such as a deep green or navy for a modern take on dark interiors. Fans of green (and greenery) can also include plants to liven the space and give the flat a rustic-contemporary look.

4. Let the Light In

Interior Firm:Zenith Arc

Afraid of going overly dark? Clever use of reflective surfaces and downlights will brighten up the space, offering you lighting for your daily activities.

5. Big Furniture, Bold Statement

Interior Firm:Arche Interior

Create a negative space by juxtaposing a large sofa against a stony grey backdrop to ‘open up’ the surroundings – the result? An undeniable stylish living room. To maximise space, consider opting for a slightly longer 2-seater sofa rather than squeezing in a 3-seater!

6. Dark As Night

Interior Firm:Aestherior

For a completely dark interior, consider blackout blinds to block out the sunlight during the day. However, be sure to introduce some light into your home with features such as task lighting in work areas like the kitchen and home office.

7. A Different Kind of Cosy

Interior Firm:Space Atelier

With the right colours, one can create a more intimate setting. While painting your walls with forest green might not be the most aesthetically unique, incorporating the same shade for the ceiling can create a different ambience by amplifying the cosy and restful vibes.

8. Sleek Minimalism

Interior Firm:Habit

Similar to the previous home, the ceiling features a dark tone but is given the mosaic treatment. In addition to creating a contrast, this bold choice will give your home an avant-garde edge and lounge-like appeal.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg