Luxe Look for Less

The luxe look exudes elegance, glamour, and sophistication. But it may be tricky to buy budget-friendly items for this theme. Here is where styling accents can achieve the same marvellous vibe, at a fraction of the cost.

1. Faux marble

Marble has always been a material that adds a luxurious touch to home decor. For those on a budget, marble contact papers are excellent replacements to the real (and expensive) deal.

Try adding marble accents in your home by using marble contact papers over your current household items, such as trays or your bedroom bedside table. Up for some DIY? Check out how to use marble contact paper to create a minimalist terrarium.

2. Power lighting

If done right, lighting can be a powerful way to create the right atmosphere without spending much money. Ditch the outdated lighting fixtures, and swap them for fancier ones such as pendant lighting, chandeliers, or table lamps.

If you have the space, floor lamps can also add a stylish touch to your home interior. For dramatic effect, try including metallic or modern arc lamps for that classic and timeless designer look.

3. Glamour gold

Nothing says luxe more than gold. These days, you can easily use gold spray to instantly add glam to anything in your home. Focus on finding accent pieces that will stand out, such as the legs of a side table or upcycled glass jars, and add a simple coat of spray paint to for an extravagant touch.

Other metallic shades, such as silver and bronze, can also add a pop of sparkle and shine. A quick tip – exercise restraint when using metallic shades in your home decor. It may look tacky when overused, but using them sparingly can instantly elevate your living space.

4. Wall wow

If you are just starting to incorporate the luxe look in your home and do not wish to commit to expensive art pieces, try hanging abstract pieces or short quotes on your wall instead. There are lots of free prints online, or scour craft websites for good bargains. Now all you have to do is print and frame it up yourself!

Have more tips on how to create a luxe look for less? Share your ideas with us at our social!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Vertical Gardening at Home for Beginners

Vertical gardening has been gaining popularity lately. Besides being a planting solution that saves space, vertical gardens are a unique and highly customisable option to display your favourite plants at home.

We break down the key benefits of installing a green wall (or more!) at home, and show you how to get on this growing trend!

Why get a vertical garden?

Just in case you need more reasons why vertical gardening is the new greening way to go:

1. A vertical garden is a great conversation starter. Transform a plain wall with greenery that will surely impress your guests. With your vertical garden as the focal decorative showpiece in your flat, there is also no need to invest in expensive art to dress up your walls.

2. It improves the air quality in your home. Plants help to purify and clean the air in their surroundings, acting as natural air-filters and contributing to your health.

3. A vertical garden lets you grow your own food at home. Imagine the convenience of snipping the herbs you need for your pasta dish right off your home garden!

Turn it into a shared passion with your loved ones, and enjoy the fruits of your labour together!

How do I construct a vertical garden at home?

First, decide where you plan to install your new vertical garden at home. Pick a wall that will show off your green wall to maximum impact, while considering factors such as sufficient light to keep your plants healthy.

Next, choose the type of planter system that best suits the plants you wish to grow. There are various types of green wall systems on the market, but maintainability should be your primary concern.

(Photo credit:Urban Green Lab)

For ease of assembly and replacement of plants, go for a modular pot system or hanging planters. You can even DIY your own system using different materials such as steel mesh, wooden crates or rods!

How do I maintain my vertical garden?

The same gardening rules apply for vertical gardens too! Make sure your plants receive regular watering, fertilising and pruning. Look into setting up an automated drip irrigation system for easier watering.

Soil is often not used in vertical gardens due to their weight, especially when wet. Media that are more porous such as pumice is a good alternative that enables healthy root growth with adequate drainage and aeration. While going soilless helps you avoid houseplant pests, you would need to feed your plants using water-soluble fertiliser to provide them with nutrients.

Pruning is essential for vertical gardens, to ensure that faster-growing plants do not crowd or invade the space of others. This will help prevent pest and disease problems, and ensure that your plants are evenly exposed to light.

What plants can I grow in my vertical garden?

While not all plants will thrive in vertical gardens, you can still select from a wide variety of species from ferns to vines, depending on the existing environmental conditions such as sunlight.

For gardening newbies, consider perennials like the heart-leaf philodendron and pothos that are low-maintenance and hardy. Their growth pattern allows them to climb the support structure to create a lush effect.

Edible herbs such as basil and thyme can also be a practical option if you love cooking, while succulents are an ideal choice for a smaller vertical garden and can withstand less frequent watering.

Are you cultivating your own vertical garden? Share your experience and photos with us and follow MyNiceHome for more gardening tips!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Marble Marvel

5 Trendy Ways to Rock the Colour of 2018

(Image Credit: Pantone)

With the arrival of 2018, Pantone has once again announced the colour of the year. Presenting to you ’Ultra Violet’ – the colour of mystery and luxury.

The striking purple symbolises the beauty of the cosmos and the universe; it also signifies opportunities as limitless as the sky. And legendary music icons such as Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix, rocked this popular colour.

The vibrant hue is millennial shades away from past Pantone colours of olive green and dusty pink. If you find it too flashy and flamboyant, you can still incorporate it in small, balanced doses.

But why not just up your home decor game – impress your guests with your impeccable taste this New Year by going the full stretch with ultra violet in your home.

1. Neon signs

(Photo Credit: Michelle Phan)

Purple and gold go so well with each other¬ just like milk and cookies. Since the 2 colours signify luxury, it works even better when you have a purple velvet sofa. Just throw on some gold pillows to add instant glam to your living room.

2. Flowers

Lavenders, hydrangeas, and orchids – these beautiful flowers are the perfect pop of purple for your room. Place them in a nice and fancy jar and you are good to go. However if you have a ‘brown thumb’, consider having no-maintenance flowers such as dried lavenders and purple roses.

3. Textured wallpaper

If you are looking to have purple walls, it does not have to be a solid coating. Explore different types of wallpapers, textures and finishes and you are bound to achieve a look that is on a whole new level. Skip the cliché, be a little bold and step out of your comfort zone and you may just end up with something that is Pinterest worthy.

4. Wall tapestry

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Tips for Buying New Houseplants

Choosing Ceiling Fans

Chillin’ like a villain with your #HDBae

Ceiling fans – you either love them or hate them. Some people think of them as old-fashioned and clunky, while others love them for being an effective and energy-efficient way to ventilate the whole flat. Ceiling fans are also kid and pet friendly – no need to worry about fingers and fur accidentally stuck in-between whirling blades!

If you are thinking of getting ceiling fans fitted for your flat, find out what to look out for.

Size matters

Larger rooms require larger fans with wider blades to keep the room cool. Basic Physics. A ceiling fan with blade lengths between 55 to 60 inches generally fit larger rooms, while blade lengths between 44 to 56 inches would be enough for smaller rooms. Regardless of the size of your room, do note that HDB only allows ceiling fans with a maximum weight of 35kg.

Height of your ceiling

For a ceiling fan to work efficiently, there should not be too much distance between the fan and the floor. For safety reasons, HDB requires the clearance height of the ceiling fan to be least 2.4m from the floor level. You do not want to accidentally cut off your fingers while doing jumping jacks at home.

Design

Photo credit: Home & Decor Singapore

Ceiling fans come in a variety of designs. Like any piece of furniture, they should be selected with the decor and design of your flat in mind. A wood ceiling fan is likely to stick out like a sore thumb in a flat that boasts sleek, modern furniture. However, it might also lend an interesting contrast if you like juxtaposing elements.

A bulky ceiling fan can also create an impression of a lower ceiling, so pick one that is compact and sleek if your flat’s ceiling falls on the low-end of the spectrum.

Noise

If you are a light sleeper and are thinking about installing a ceiling fan in your room, be sure to go for one of those ‘quiet’ models that promises to be less distracting. The last thing you want to have is a fan that keeps you up all night.

Lights

v

Photo credit: Lookbox Living

Most ceiling fans can also be fitted with lights – either already integrated into the fan design, or as an additional accessory. Pick LED light bulbs, as they are more energy-efficient.

Energy efficiency

As energy efficient as fans already are, some consume less energy than the others. Ceiling fans using Direct Current (DC) electric motors are estimated to use up to 70% less energy than those that use Alternating Current (AC) electric motors. While they come with a higher price tag, the long term energy savings would even out with frequent use.

Safety Mark

Always check that your ceiling fan comes with a Safety Mark. In Singapore, it is illegal for retailers to sell ceiling fans without a Safety Mark, as ceiling fans are controlled goods that have to be tested, to ensure that they meet the safety standards set out by the Consumer Product Safety Office.

When you order ceiling fans from overseas retailers online, as cheap as they might be, there is always a risk of dubious safety controls and fire hazard. This is why you should only get your ceiling fans from reputable retailers locally. For more safety tips on ceiling fans, please visit https://go.gov.sg/fans-hdb.

We hope this article gives you a better idea of what to look out for when ordering a ceiling fan!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Tips for Planning Your Kitchen

The kitchen is an important area in your house. You may have several rooms and bathrooms in your home, but in all likelihood, there is only one kitchen! It is also the heart of the home, where family and friends linger to prepare their favourite meals.

When it comes to designing a kitchen, finishes, fixtures and appliances are not the only things you need to consider. In fact, it is a fairly complex task as many different factors need to be considered. We take a look at some of the key considerations when planning a kitchen.

Functionality

You may have a dream kitchen in mind, but will it fit into the actual space in your home? Rather than agonising over the aesthetics, why not start by thinking about how you plan to use your kitchen?

Think about your family’s lifestyle, and how you are likely to use the kitchen. For example, if you like having your meals in the kitchen, consider allocating more space for comfort and movement. However, if the kitchen is used mainly for cooking, you’ll want to focus more on task efficiency.

Storage Space

Kitchens store a wide range of stuff– from utensils to appliances, crockery and many more. No matter the size of the kitchen, every inch matters when it comes to storage. Since most kitchen cabinets are arranged in a straight line, maximise odd corners to fully utilise ‘dead’ space. Make use of customised storage such as pull-out shelves or lazy susans to keep your kitchen organised and efficient.

Power Points

 

Most kitchen appliances require electricity to operate. Hence, it is important to ensure that you have sufficient power points, and in the right places too. Power points need to be well spaced so that you can access them easily, and prevent an overload of the electric circuit. Start with planning the location of power points for major appliances such as the fridge, oven and washing machine. Make sure you also plan power points for general use like blenders and mobile phone charging. Remember not to place power points near the sinks.

Lighting

Good lighting is essential in the kitchen. With all the chopping, slicing and dicing going on, it is where accidents are prone to happen. Consider a combination of ceiling lights, under-cabinet lights and pendant lights to ensure a well-lit kitchen. Before placing the lights, evaluate the work areas and focus on the type of lighting that your kitchen needs. Do also consider the positioning of these lights so that they fall in front of you, and do not cast a shadow on your work areas.

Safety First

Kitchen safety is of utmost priority, so look out for potential hazards in the kitchen.

To prevent slips and bumps, consider choosing slip-resistant tiles and rounded corners for your countertops. Place appliances at adult height to minimise risks to the little ones. Do also plan storage for small appliances so that they do not clutter the countertop, and allow for sufficient counter space next to the stove to place your cooked items.

Have other suggestions for kitchen design? Let us know via our Facebook page

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

If you are renovating your kitchen, much of your focus would be on the type of cabinetry and the layout of it. Nothing wrong there, but you can also take some time to think about how you want your backsplash to look. Yes, you heard us right. The backsplash serves as a ‘feature wall’ for the kitchen and can help add character and colour to your kitchen – so here are some ideas.

Subway tiles

Subway tiles are popular these days with younger couples, as they are stylish and classic at the same time. The tiles are available in a myriad of colours and can be uniquely arranged to create a bespoke backsplash design for your home.

Patterned tiles

Patterned tiles add more visual impact to your kitchen. You can choose from a range of designs and prints to complement the rest of your kitchen decor.

Mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles are not just found in old coffee shops in HDB estates, you can use them to up the ‘wow’ factor of your kitchen too! Pick darker colours or those that shimmer under the lights like these diamond mosaic tiles, if you want to create a luxurious look and feel.

Tempered glass

If you prefer minimal fuss and cleaning, you might want to opt for tempered glass. Tempered glass is more durable and resistant to high impact and heat as compared to normal glass. If ‘plain’ is not your style – you can choose a backdrop (think chic prints or art deco) and install behind the glass to jazz up the backsplash.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel would be a great choice for a sleek and minimalist look. With stainless steel, it would be easy to keep the backsplash clean – all you need is a wipe down.

Is your kitchen backsplash something you would love to show off? Send your photos to our social!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Maximising Space at Home

Too much stuff and not enough space – sounds familiar? Well, there are many tips and tricks to creating more storage space while giving your home a spacious and welcoming feel. Here are some ideas.

Use vertical space

The vertical space in HDB flats is commonly untapped. By taking advantage of the unused space, you can gain practical floor area at home. For example, the bed is a large furniture that takes up significant space. By elevating the bed, you can transform the space below into a useful study or seating area – voila, you have created dual use for the same space.

Photo credit: Dorel Living

Build platform beds

Keeping belongings under the bed is one of the oldest and most economical storage methods that effectively maximises the space in the bedroom. It also helps to keep the room looking clean and neat. In fact, you could double the storage space if you place the bed on a raised platform with storage compartments. Hiding clutter, this discreet storage space is perfect for seldom used items such as holiday decorations, winter clothing etc.

Photo credit: Home and Decor

Float your furniture

A great tip to make your home look bigger is to get the furniture off the floor. ‘Floating’ furniture gives the room a contemporary and minimalist look. In addition, it also maximises every inch of space in the room and makes cleaning easier. Without furniture ‘legs’, wall-mounted furniture opens up the room visually, giving it an airy feel. Try wall-mounting your desks, cabinets or shelves, and see precious space being freed up!

Use the walls

Walls offer excellent storage options. The creative use of wall space, whether through shelving or a small gallery wall, adds ample storage and character to your home. For greater visual impact, vary the height of the shelves to create interesting designs.

Multi-purpose furniture

Opt for multi-purpose, convertible or expandable furniture for more efficient use of space. Multifunctional furniture is practical as they serve dual or more purposes. A common example is the sofa bed which serves as a sofa by day, and a bed by night. Or you can consider a slot sofa with hidden footrests and coffee table to be set up only when needed.

Photo credit: BonjourLife.com

Do you have interesting tips to maximise space at home? Tell us via our Leposh Design Facebook page.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Turning Your Home into a Green Paradise

Plants are a sustainable and affordable way to inject new life into your home. Besides livening up your home, plants also help to improve your well-being by absorbing harmful toxins and regulating humidity.

Read on for easy ways to give your home a green makeover.

1. Line your shelves with plants

Up your #shelfie game by decorating your shelves with plants! Potted succulents or draping vines, such as the Devil’s Ivy, will add a touch of elegance to your shelves.

2. Use macrame plant hangers

Potted plants in macrame hangers brighten up your home without taking up any floor space. Hang them by your living room or kitchen window, so that the plants can get adequate sunlight.

3. Hang air plants in prisms

If you do not have green fingers or prefer not to get your hands dirty, air plants are ideal for you. These compact, soil-less plants can be placed in geometric prisms and displayed as decoration. Check out how adorable they look!

4. Adorn your table with a plant centrepiece

Having a potted plant centrepiece on your dining or coffee table injects warmth to the area. If you have a busy lifestyle, choose low-maintenance options such as terrariums or succulents instead. The best part? Compared to cut flowers, potted plants can last much longer.

5. Bring in big, leafy plants as statement pieces

Want to add some pizzazz to your home? Bring in large, leafy plants, such as the Monstera deliciosa, to make a statement! Do ensure you place the plants in a corner where they can grow and thrive.

We would love to see your green displays, so do send your photos to LeposhDesign!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg