Month: October 2022

Home Tours: A Playful, Bohemian Home

Home Tours: A Playful, Bohemian Home

Minimalist but with a playful touch, Rina and Fauzan’s home comprise a white-and-wood theme decorated with splashes of colours.

Full of colour, but with a hint of minimalism, Rina Raihana and Muhammed Fauzan’s home in Bukit Panjang is a representation of their individual styles.

“I wanted a colourful, playful space while Fauzan leans towards the Scandinavian aesthetic. So, we decided on a mainly white-and-wood theme that’s decorated with splashes of colours and playful elements,” Rina smiles. The 5-room flat is also adorned with wall paintings and rattan décor that add to its Bohemian charm.

The dining room overlooks the kitchen in the open concept communal area
Fauzan, Rina and their three children

Mixing Shapes and Patterns

Rina and Fauzan, who are second-time home owners, worked together to achieve the shared vision for their home. In the open plan communal area, the walls and most of the décor items, are primarily white. The herringbone pattern is weaved into the flooring, creating a seamless flow between the living, dining and kitchen areas. These aspects of the design are attributed to Fauzan, who explains, “I’m a minimalist who prefers consistency and continuity.”

The herringbone floor that carries throughout the space ensures continuity and flow

The home is far from monotonous, however, as the couple incorporated arches and colourful wall paintings for a playful touch – a result of Rina’s bubbly personality. “With their round edges, the arches also help to soften the overall look,” she says.

Colourful wall paintings and elements such as arches add a touch of playfulness
The decorative arch-in-the-wall located near the entryway is designed to make an impression

 

The main arch, designed as part of the feature wall, doubles up as a décor corner. Built-in cabinets maximise storage space.

The arch is also present in the kitchen pantry, albeit in a different style. A vintage-inspired wallpaper is used as the backdrop, to add a pop of colour in the area. This complements the white rattan chairs at the kitchen island, where Rina does most of her cooking preparations.

“The extra countertop space comes in handy, especially because I cook often. The kitchen island is also perfect for us, as it doubles up as a hosting area whenever we have friends and family over,” Rina shares.

Rina’s favourite space in the house is the kitchen, where she spends time refining her culinary skills

The kitchen sports a minimalist look with its matching marble backsplash and countertop. The rustic look of the shaker-style cabinets and farmhouse sink further ties the kitchen’s aesthetic back the rest of the communal area.

Bohemian with a touch of luxe: the kitchen features a marble backsplash, shaker-style cabinets and a farmhouse sink

Playing with Colours

In the children’s bedrooms, colours are used to liven up the space. “We didn’t plan to use vibrant colours in the bedrooms initially. However, after receiving a yellow playmat as a gift, we thought the décor for the children’s bedrooms could be brighter, especially since the rooms are also their play area,” Rina says.

The scalloped walls, an alternative to conventional half walls, were hand-painted by Rina and Fauzan
The bedroom is also where the family spends quality time together

In the adjacent bedroom, the couple chose a refreshing sage colour for the walls. White, rustic-inspired bedframes add a cosy vibe to the bedroom.

The second  bedroom also sports a half-wall feature

It is however, in the bathrooms where Rina’s vision for colourful spaces truly come to life. The common bathroom features a half-wall designed with green subway tiles paired with a mosaic-tile floor, while the ensuite bathroom stands out with a terrazzo wall and wood-inspired floor tiles. Both bathrooms are also adorned with gold fittings that further brighten up and add luxe to the intimate spaces.

It’s colours and patterns galore in both the common bathroom and ensuite

“I really unleashed my creativity in the bathrooms,” Rina laughs. “Since the bathrooms are more ‘hidden’, I could add more colours without them looking too contrasting to the rest of the flat.”

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Home Tours: A Monochrome Greenhouse with Retro Influences

Home Tours: A Monochrome Greenhouse with Retro Influences

Inspired by the industrialist look, this flat is dressed in shades of white, black and grey.

Drawn to the minimal and consistent look of a monochrome palette, Joanne Teo and Samuel Tan did up their home in shades of white, black and grey. The aesthetic is also inspired by the industrialist look, as seen from the concrete flooring and metal black accents that carry throughout the 3-room flat.

Home owners Samuel and Joanne, and their furkid Bam Bam

“We thought a monochromatic approach is the best way to achieve the modernist look we wanted,” the couple shares. “We also chose the colours for their versatility, as they can be complemented by most furnishings.”

Green and Sustainable Home Décor

Amidst the sea of grey, pops of colours are incorporated through decor such as plants and paintings, to liven up the space. What stands out most is the balcony garden, a result of Joanne’s passion for plants.

The balcony has been transformed into a gardening space

Housing a variety of decorative potted and hanging plants, the balcony has been turned into a mini greenhouse. “The natural light makes the space very conducive for gardening,” Joanne smiles as she shares more on the transformation of the balcony. “It started with a few plants and before we knew it, our balcony is filled with greenery.”

Joanne finds gardening a therapeutic activity

To facilitate the flow of natural light, the wall partition between the balcony and the adjoining home office, was removed. “Our workspace is now brighter. And with the balcony garden, we get to enjoy the sight of greenery, along with fresh air, whilst working.”

The home office opens up to greenery

The home office also doubles up as a recreation room, where Samuel spends most of his time in the reading corner. “I love lounging in the leather armchair – whether it’s taking a break or reading my favourite book. It’s where I spend my me time,” he explains.

The lounge corner is also Samuel’s favourite space

Beyond spots of greenery, the room is also decorated with paintings that span across the wall – some of which are painted by Joanne and Samuel, who love experimenting with art. This room, with its colours, is a departure from the rest of the house.

Paintings add colour to the space

In one of their creations, the home owners had upcycled leftover packing foam peanuts. “We thought it was a waste to throw them out, so we tried to incorporate them into our décor. It turned out surprisingly well and adds some personality to the overall aesthetic,” Joanne chuckles.

The DIY art in the living room (right) is created from upcycled packing peanuts

 

Minimalist Design with Retro Influences

Separated by a sliding glass door, the home office flows into the open concept communal area that comprise the living room, dining room and kitchen.

Instead of designating a space for a television, the home owners took the unconventional route of having a mobile screen that can be conveniently stowed away when not in use

In keeping to the monochromatic theme, the open kitchen is also dressed in white and grey tones, including the marble countertop.

A minimalist kitchen: Top shelves, instead of cabinets, are used to create openness in the space
The kitchen island/ bar serves as additional countertop space for cooking preparation and hosting

Retro influences are used to give the space its unique look. Take for instance, the old-school wall fans and nostalgic rattan dining chairs.

The floral embroidery adds a nostalgic charm to the rattan dining chairs

In the bedroom, the orange hue of the sheets gives off cosy retro vibes. Like the rest of the flat, the design is also kept to the minimum, with a wardrobe being the only carpentry item.

The intended space between the wardrobe and ceiling serves as a book storage

When asked about their favourite spaces in their home, Joanne laughs and says, “It’s a no-brainer for Samuel, it’s definitely the home office. For me, I prefer the living room as it’s my lounge spot and it provides the best view of the greenery at the balcony.”

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Home Tours: A Modern, Idyllic Paradise

Home Tours: A Modern, Idyllic Paradise

From the earthy colour palette to breezy, sheer curtains step into Joey and Huang Peng’s 5-room home.

From the earthy colour palette to the breezy, sheer curtains that bathe the flat in natural light, it’s almost hard to believe that Joey and Huang Peng’s flat is located in Toa Payoh, and not in a more exotic locale by the beach.

Channeling Resort Vibes

It was love at first sight for the first-time home owners, who were drawn to the resale flat’s spacious and squarish layout. “When we were viewing the flat, we could already envision what our home would look like,” they recall.

They combined the living and dining rooms, creating a villa-like open plan, and connected the open-concept kitchen seamlessly to this communal space. “The countertop is prep space and hangout spot all in one,” Joey says.

The rounded countertop offers a contemporary look

This layout creates a larger common space for hosting family and friends, and helps to keep the area cool through cross-ventilation, especially when the bi-fold balcony doors are open.

The balcony features a row of house plants, including an oversized banana tree that channels serious resort vibes. This cosy space is also furnished with a bar table and stools, where Joey and Huang Peng would occasionally spend their time unwinding after a long day.

The balcony is also designed as a green sanctuary

Blending Old and New

The balcony isn’t the only place to have a meal. Indoors, a dining set featuring rattan—a classic material enjoying a revival— adds a laidback charm to the home.

In the kitchen, terrazzo—another material making a comeback— feature in the floor tiles. Considering that the Huangs’ flat is 37-years-old, the heritage elements are a fitting nod to the ‘retro-ness’ of the flat.

The terrazzo tiles in the kitchen also serves as a space demarcation

“We embarked on our flat-buying journey knowing that we wanted a home for life, one that could accommodate our current lifestyle and grow with our needs,” they say. “Since we’re planning to make this flat our forever home, we made sure that the lease could cover us up to the age of 95.”

Place for Privacy and Rest

Their forever home is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. To carve out a little privacy in an open plan home, Joey and Huang Peng incorporated a partition wall, to demarcate the space between the bedrooms and common living area.

Beyond adding to the home’s aesthetics, the partition doubles up as a storage space

A combination of function and form, the partition doubles up as a storage space too. It is a statement piece – one of the interior design ideas suggested by the couple’s architect consultant.

The private quarters of the home feel like a sanctuary. A darker shade of teal is used in the master bedroom to create a restful ambience, with the chic white sheets reminiscent of those in a resort. The bathroom sports a minimalist look, with grey subway tiles as its primary feature.

Soothing colours such as dark teal and greys are used to make the master bedroom a more conducive space for rest

When recalling the renovation process, the couple emphasises, “It’s important to invest in quality materials, especially for built-ins and fixtures that are going to last you a long time. We always believe in putting functionality first – an important consideration we think home owners should take into account.”

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Home Tours: Heritage Home with a Contemporary Twist

Home Tours: Heritage Home with a Contemporary Twist

Ridzwan and Nadiah’s home in Kallang is reminiscent of a shophouse – but with a modern touch.

With its local-inspired décor, Peranakan accents and mid-century modern furnishings, Ridzwan and Nadiah’s BTO flat in Kallang is reminiscent of a shophouse – but with a contemporary touch.

Purchasing Their First Home

“We opted for a 3-room flat as we wanted to be comfortable in terms of the space and budget,” Nadiah explains. “We applied for housing grants and made the downpayment with our CPF. This freed up our cash savings for other home-related costs such as renovation works and furnishings.”

Home owners Nadiah and Ridzwan

“Our home reflects our modern take on a heritage shophouse – perfect for old souls,” laughs Ridzwan.

A Personality-Driven Home

Ridzwan and Nadiah wanted the space to incorporate their lifestyles and personalities. In the living room for instance, the couple demarcated a space for their book collection. “Both Nadiah and I love reading – one of the first things we talked about when we met was our shared love for Enid Blyton books when we were children,” Ridzwan smiles.

In addition to their book collection, the feature shelf also houses the couple’s collection of trinkets, including a vintage clock and tingkats. Family heirlooms such as a typewriter and sewing machine also double as home décor, adding to the nostalgic vibes that carry throughout the space.

The patterns of the semi partition are reminiscent of Peranakan-inspired prints

When asked to describe the overall look and feel of their home, Ridzwan says, “It’s a combination of mid-century modern and influences from local heritage – in a way, our home design is our classy take on a traditional Singapore shophouse.”

Space Planning

One of the home owners’ priorities is to have a flexible space that can adapt to their changing lifestyle needs.

For example, a sliding glass door replaces the wall between one of the bedrooms and the living room, resulting in a semi-open space. While the space is currently being used as the dining area and (?) Ridzwan’s home office, the room can be converted into a nursery once the couple starts a family.

The kitchen and service yard were combined to accommodate an extended kitchen counter.

“We enjoy cooking together, so we wanted a spacious layout that allows us to move about freely as we do so,” says Nadiah. “We love how we could also fit a full-sized pantry while allowing sufficient space for our laundry area.”

The black and white mosaic floor tiles in the kitchen are also found in the common bathroom
The porcelain sink is a statement piece that the couple chanced upon online

One uncommon feature is that the couple did away with a wardrobe in the bedroom. On this decision, Nadia explains, “We wanted to place a vanity table, which is a family heirloom, in the bedroom instead. We figured that having a storage bed and large cabinets in the common areas will meet our storage needs.”

The retro look of the customised rattan headboard perfectly complements the overall aesthetics of the flat

In the en suite, the sink was relocated to the right side of the bathroom, to accommodate an L-shaped counter. “With the fixtures and fittings flushed to the right, the space feels bigger.”

Similar to the common bathroom, black and white mosaic tiles were chosen for the en suite while jade green subway wall tiles are used to add a pop of colour

“With the current work-from-home arrangement, we have come to appreciate our home a lot more,” the couple laughs. “We usually work in the dining area, so during lunch time, we’d prepare and have our meals and get back to work. In the evenings, the communal area will be transformed to an exercise area for our workouts. We’re really happy with how our home is perfect for both work and play.”

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Home Tours: A Mid-Century Home With An Eclectic Twist

Home Tours: A Mid-Century Home With An Eclectic Twist

With an open layout, nature elements, and walnut tones, this Tampines home is all about the cosy vibes

Even before collecting the keys to their resale flat, Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim had already decided on the look of their future home. With a passion for the arts, the couple wanted to add a dash of personality to the space with their works.

Homeowners Geraldine and Vincent with Luna, their furkid

“I love painting and Vincent is passionate about photography. We wanted to decorate our home and were already working on the paintings and prints despite not being homeowners yet,” 28-year-old Geraldine laughs.

The living room features ambient lighting, warm tones and wooden accents

“We prefer warm and darker tones – so naturally, we found ourselves leaning towards a mid-century-themed home.”

A Modern Mid-Century Home

Featuring an open layout, nature elements and walnut tones, Geraldine and Vincent’s Executive Apartment in Tampines comprises the defining features of a modern mid-century home.

“We fell in love with the flat’s spaciousness and squarish layout – we thought the panoramic view of the house from the living room was (and still is) amazing,” Geraldine says.

In further embracing an open concept home, the homeowners removed the partition wall that stood between the kitchen and the common living area. With the expanded space, the incorporated a kitchen island.

“Having a kitchen island has always been a dream – it’s like the ultimate kitchen goal,” Vincent smiles. “Aesthetics aside, we’re really happy with the additional countertop space. Now that we’re working from home more often, we spend more time preparing our meals and the space allows us to do so more comfortably in the kitchen.”

The dining table is also placed next to the kitchen island, to create a seamless flow between the kitchen and living area

Being nature lovers, the homeowners saw the balcony as the perfect space for greenery.

 

“The balcony is like our mini getaway to the outdoors. We love hiking and trekking, so having big, leafy plants in an outdoor space is a way of bringing nature closer to us. The balcony also happens to be one of Luna’s favourite hangout spots,” Geraldine laughs.

To tie the entire modern mid-century look together, the homeowners opted for loose furniture pieces instead of built-ins.

Loose furniture pieces such as the walnut-coloured shoe cabinet (left) and pantry (right) are a common sight in Geraldine and Vincent’s home

“Loose furniture allows more room for creativity and for us to mix and match the décor. There’s also more flexibility, where we can shift the position of the furniture to create a different look.”

Incorporating Eclectic Elements

In addition to woody tones, Geraldine and Vincent also incorporated their love for quirky colours and shapes – an element that is immediately captured by the brightly-coloured main door, which has since become an icon of the house. This eclectic element is amplified with the colour spilling over to the conjoining wall.

Not only does the mustard yellow door create a focal point in the common area, it also livens up the space

“We wanted to inject pops of mustard yellow into the house. So, when we came across a photo on Pinterest that showed a yellow square painted on an angled wall, we were sold!” Geraldine says.

Other eclectic elementsi, including in the kitchen and bathrooms, add to the character of the home.

Straying away from warm tones and wood accents, the kitchen emits playful vibes with a terrazzo backsplash and countertop
The porcelain sink lends a pop of quirkiness to the bathroom in the master bedroom
The common bathroom features a combination of textures and bold colours

On the contrasting look of the common bathroom, 29-year-old Vincent says, “We wanted to create an entirely different space, and we thought the common bathroom was the best spot to do so. However, we did use the same shade of mustard yellow for the bathroom cabinet, to ensure consistency.”

DIY Prints

From the living room to the home office, the house is decorated with numerous crafts – but unlike the other décor items, the art pieces on display are painted by Geraldine. Her masterpiece is the floral mural on the wall facing the master bedroom.

The mural features a Peony, one of Geraldine’s favourite flowers

“I had painted my room in my parents’ home and couldn’t wait to do the same for my own house,” Geraldine smiles. “I eventually decided on a Peony and a muted colour palette to match the aesthetics of the rest of the space.”

Geraldine’s paintings are also used to decorate the home study
The couple lounging on the bed with Luna

“Home is a place for us to unwind, it’s also where we can fully be ourselves – our new home presented the perfect canvas for us to express our creativity.”

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Home Tours: Bringing Back Old School Vibes

Home Tours: Bringing Back Old School Vibes

Take a step back in time with Daria and Faizal’s vintage-inspired home!

Adorned with antique furnishings and Peranakan-inspired prints, Daria and Faizal’s home will take visitors a step (or two) back in time.

Wooden furnishings make up most of Daria and Faizal’s home

“We love the look of old school, colonial homes,” Daria smiles. “Instead of adopting the minimalist look, we decided to go the other way and incorporated darker-coloured wood furnishings!”

Going Old-School

Step into the 5-room resale flat, and you will be greeted by a full-length mirror framed with colourful Tibetan prints, followed by an antique shoe cabinet. The vintage vibes continue with the living room and the balcony which has been repurposed to a lounge area.

In addition to the white and blue bamboo blinds and black rattan chairs, the balcony also features Peranakan tiles – a nod to Faizal’s roots. “The concept is partially influenced by motifs commonly seen in my childhood home, such as Peranakan and Batik prints,” Faizal smiles.

The tiles in the kitchen add a local flavour in the otherwise European-looking kitchen
Decorative Batik prints are also found throughout the rooms

Incorporating Italian Influences

While the vibrant home features splashes of colours, the flat is consistently decorated in a white and blue colour palette.

Décor items in Daria’s favourite colour

Daria, who is born in Italy, explains that blue reminds her of her country and it is also her favourite colour.  Italian elements are incorporated into the flat through items such as art pieces, bed covers and shawls.

 

The bedcover and woolen shawl are both from Daria’s hometown in Italy

Repurposing Furnishings

To furnish their home, the couple opted for pre-loved antique furniture, to go with the vintage concept.

“Wood is lasting in nature, so we had no hesitation about buying secondhand furniture, as long as they are often in good condition. Even our fridge is pre-loved. It’s good for the environment (and our wallets!)” Daria laughs.

The vanity table in the guestroom is a repurposed gift from the couple’s friends

While pre-owned pieces like the coffee table, TV console, and the guestroom wardrobe were bought from local furniture shops, the couple also actively repurposes furniture previously owned by family and friends. “We think it’s a waste to throw them out, so we often adopt their furniture! For example, our rocking chair and vanity table were hand-me-downs from our friends.”

The chopping block is made of leftover material from the kitchen countertop

Daria and Faizal have also found a way to give new life to leftover materials from their renovation works. “There was some extra wood from the kitchen countertop, so we repurposed it into chopping blocks. We also turned the extra tiles into coasters,” the couple says.

“Waste not, want not – we hope other homeowners will consider repurposed furniture as they furnish their homes!”

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Home Tours: Dressed in Dreamy Pastels

Home Tours: Dressed in Dreamy Pastels

This 5-room resale flat in Queenstown is #homegoals

It was love at first sight for Samantha and Jovin Loh, when they viewed a 5-room resale flat in Queenstown. “We loved it so much we made an offer for the unit on the day of the viewing!” they recall. “The spaciousness of the flat and panoramic view from the living room were really attractive to us.”

While they were excited to kickstart renovation works after collecting the keys to their new home, they decided to do so only after their wedding, a decision which worked out unexpectedly well. Prior to their big day, Samantha and Jovin had been searching for a studio to practise their first dance when they thought of their new home. “The walls of the living room were previously lined with full-length mirrors and we thought, ‘Where better to rehearse our dance than in our future home?’”

The living room
Home owners Samantha and Jovin

Wooden Accents and Muted Colours

Rattan furnishings and wooden wall frames add warmth

Post-wedding, Samantha and Jovin gave their flat a complete overhaul, transforming its stark monochrome interior into a cosy, calming space which featured plenty of wood. “We wanted to create a homely vibe, so we opted for wood-like tiles throughout the flat. We also use wood and rattan furnishings for an added dose of warmth,” Samantha explains.

Complementing the wooden accents is a pastel colour palette, in which one unique shade stands out. “I’ve always loved the colour frost. It reminds me of summer and adds a pop of colour to the overall look,” Samantha says, referring to the blue shade with grey undertones.

View from the bar table
The frost-coloured kitchen cabinets and bar table feature unique rounded countertops

Made for Entertaining

In the Lohs’ flat, the colour is especially eye-catching as it is used in the open kitchen—the cabinets and bar— which is close to the flat’s entranceway.

In designing their new home, the couple prioritised a spacious living and dining area. “We often have family and friends over and we want to be able to house everyone comfortably, hence the open kitchen concept,” they explain. “To accommodate larger gatherings, the bar sometimes transforms into a dining area. It provides a good view of the house and we installed electrical points there so that we can host hotpot and fondue parties!” the couple says.

Samantha and Jovin enjoying a chat at the dining area
The couple enjoying a drink at the bar

Unique Design Elements

Guests to the flat might find it difficult to locate thae common bathroom at first, and that’s because its entrance blends into the living room, concealed by Japanese-inspired wooden slats. The bomb shelter received the same design treatment, with the two hidden entrances demarcated with two alphabets – ‘T’ for toilet and ‘B’ for bomb shelter. “We thought the idea was really unique, so we built a feature wall to conceal the rooms, as well as to give the living room a more seamless look.”

The concealed door leads to the common bathroom

Unlike the living areas, the bathroom features a monochrome colour scheme. The black-framed glass partition and door repeats itself in the master bedroom, where the couple decided to do away with an entire wall because they wanted more light in the room.

Jovin works in the home office, which has been combined with the master bedroom
A closer look at the master bedroom

The master bedroom and common bedroom were also combined to form a dressing/ home office area with more wardrobe space, a decision that the Lohs are very happy with.

The dressing area and home office

The couple are happily settled into their new tranquil neighbourhood, despite being initially unfamiliar with the area—Jovin used to live in Choa Chu Kang and Samantha grew up in Bedok.

“I always thought we would live in the east. Out of the 18 houses we viewed, this was the only one that wasn’t located in the east. I guess east side might not be the best side after all!” Samantha quips.

Photos by Briana Tan

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

4 Eco-Friendly Furnishing Alternatives

4 Eco-Friendly Furnishing Alternatives

Achieve a stylish and ethically-minded home.

With  conscious consumerism gaining increasing traction around the world, more people have been opting for sustainable furniture to furnish their homes. This refers to pieces that use reclaimed materials, are sustainably-sourced and can be used over the span of a lifetime.

Here are some options to consider for a stylish and ethically-minded home!

1. Reclaimed Wood

 

Reclaimed wood furniture reduces the demand for newly-sourced lumber, which helps curb deforestation. High-quality, handcrafted furniture made with reclaimed wood are often built to withstand generations of use. Plus, no two pieces of wood are exactly the same, due to the unique wood grain and texture from weathered wood.

2. Rattan

Home Tours: Dressed in Dreamy Pastels

Rattan is a naturally sustainable material and has seen a recent resurgence in interest among young homeowners looking to create a rustic, timeless look in their homes. Apart from its organic, Pinterest-worthy aesthetic, rattan furniture also blends well into any type of design and is a more cost-effective option than wood.

3. Cork

 

Cork is a surprisingly versatile and chic material that is highly affordable. Because cork is sourced from the bark of the cork oak tree, the trees themselves are never cut down and can live for more than 200 years. From cork coffee tables to cork benches, this quirky material creates a gamut of possibilities for eye-catching furniture pieces.

4. Vintage Furniture

Instead of buying new furniture, consider pre-loved items. These items are more exclusive since they are no longer in the market. Despite their age, some may even be more durable in terms of design and material. Many brands that specialise in second-hand furniture can breathe new life to the pieces by restoring them with more contemporary elements. Seems like sustainable pieces can also be synonymous with statement pieces!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Going Green: Tips for Designing an Eco-Friendly Home

Going Green: Tips for Designing an Eco-Friendly Home

There are many ways to lead a greener lifestyle, and James Tan decided to do it in a big way—through the design of his eco-friendly home. James, who moved into his new BTO flat with his family last year, is a huge advocate of sustainable living. Thus, ensuring his 5-room flat was fitted with green features was a priority for him.

From energy-efficient lights to green-certified paint, James shares the benefits and tips for designing an eco-friendly home.

Open Spaces, Cooler Temperatures

Most of us would turn to the air conditioner when it comes to beating the tropical heat. It may be the quickest way to do so, but it’s not the most energy-efficient. While fans are the next best alternative, ensuring cross-ventilation can also help keep the rooms cool.

“When designing our eco-friendly home, we adopted an open concept for the communal area to allow better ventilation within the flat, to help keep the temperature of the house relatively low,” James explains. “Deliberately keeping the design of a home minimal can also maximise ventilation.”

Going Green, Literally

Did you know that house plants can help with keeping the ambient temperature cool? Not only that, introducing greenery into your home can improve the surrounding air quality and amp up your home’s  aesthetic factor.

In addition to using house plants such as peace lilies to improve air quality, James uses an environment monitor is used to track the indoor environmental quality (IEQ)

Adopt Energy-Efficient Features

An energy-efficient feature that home owners might be familiar with is LED lighting. These light bulbs last longer and are relatively more durable. Other features include motion-sensing lights and water-efficient fittings, all of which are found in James’ home.

“Not only is a green-enabled home beneficial for the natural environment, it enhances home owners’ overall living experience and well-being. Additionally, going green and being energy-efficient also allows us to enjoy utility savings,” James says.

Use Green-Certified Materials

When renovating his eco-friendly home, James ensured that all materials are certified by the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) where possible. These include paint, carpentry laminates, floor screed and tile adhesive that comprise low levels of toxic substances and emissions.

For instance, the carpentry laminates used in the bathrooms are fabricated from marine grade wood, a material with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause adverse health effects

“If you’re looking to use eco-friendly materials, do incorporate them from the start, as making changes would be challenging and costly once renovations works are completed.”

Furnish Sustainably

There are a few ways to furnish sustainably. When furniture shopping, consider the source of the materials. In addition to being ethically sourced, James advises to purchase pieces with eco-friendly components, to ensure the minimal presence of VOCs.

Instead of brand new furnishing, opting for vintage furniture or repurposing an existing piece are also sustainable alternatives for an eco-friendly home.

For more interior design inspiration, check out our Home Tours and or home design ideas!

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

5 Tips for Caring for Your Wood Furniture

5 Tips for Caring for Your Wood Furniture

There’s good reason why wood furniture is an appealing choice among homeowners. Besides being a timeless design staple, the durability of wood enables you to pass down cherished pieces as heirlooms. Regular upkeep will ensure your wood furniture lasts for years to come, so learn these tips for maintaining and cleaning it the right way!

1. Prevent Sun and Water Damage

Home Tours: How a Couple Designed Their Elegant Abode

Avoid placing your wood furniture under constant and direct exposure to the sun. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat will degrade furniture finishes and form surface spots, which may be difficult to reverse. Likewise, do not use excessive water to clean your wood furniture regardless of its finish, as it may cause permanent stains.

2. Use Your Furniture With Care

Be gentle with your wood furniture, especially when placing items on surfaces. Use coasters under mugs to prevent water stains on tabletops. Tablecloths and placemats are also necessary so that hot objects do not come in direct contact with the wood. Heat can cause unwanted swelling that affect the shape of your furniture.

3. Dust Your Furniture Regularly

Wipe dust and grime off your wood furniture with a soft terry cloth, to minimise dulling of the surfaces. Dusting sprays should be used with caution depending on the wood finish, as certain ingredients such as silicone or oil could form a film that attracts more dust instead. Make sure you add dusting spray to your cloth, rather than spraying it directly on the furniture.

4. Adopt Correct Cleaning Techniques

Familiarise yourself with the types of finishes used for your wood furniture in order to clean the pieces properly. As a rule, water should never be allowed to sit on wood. Use a warm and mild soap solution or opt for commercial products formulated for the right finish, and work with the grain when cleaning with a soft cloth. Always remember to dry thoroughly afterward.

5. Polish to Protect and Revive Shine

Regular polishing can maintain your wood furniture’s resistance to water and restore shine. Similarly, knowing the type of furniture finish will determine the polishing method and products you need. If applying wax, use a cheesecloth and let the wax sit on the wooden surface for a few minutes before buffing it in with a clean cloth.

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Source: mynicehome.gov.sg