Year: 2022

6 Stylish Bedroom Wardrobe Design Ideas

6 Stylish Bedroom Wardrobe Design Ideas

More than just a functional storage space, bedroom wardrobes can be as stylish as they are functional. From open closets to built-in vanities, here are 6 wardrobe design ideas for your bedroom!

1. Open Closets

Photo: Inizio Atelier

To maximise storage space, consider keeping a capsule wardrobe and installing an open closet system. Besides keeping your clothes organised, having an open closet gives you easy access to your everyday outfits.

Photo: THIRD PARAGRAPH

Not a fan of a completely open wardrobe? Perhaps a closed closet with an expansive shelf might be more fitting (pun intended). There are many ways to use this shelf – hang up your favourite clothing items, or use it as a handy space to keep trinkets within convenient reach.

2. Corner Closets

Photo: Ethereall

The corner wardrobes is one of the more popular wardrobe design ideas as they maximise space and reduce dead corners. To make yours stand out, accentuate your wardrobe with decorative touches such as unique panelling or shaker-style frames.

Photo: Zenith Arc

If the farmhouse/ boho-chic look isn’t quite your style, you can consider the angled cut-outs as a modish design accent part of your wardrobe design idea.

3. Built-in Vanities

Photos: Orange InteriorMr Designer Studio

Instead of buying a freestanding vanity, why not fit in your vanity counter as part of your built-in wardrobe? You can also opt to construct the vanity table at the edge of your wardrobe, to double up as a bedside stand, thus freeing up more space within your room.

4. Storage Solutions

Photos: Salt StudioNotion of W

The biggest advantage that pocket doors have over their swing-open counterparts is their space-saving design. If there’s sufficient space along the sides of your wardrobe, you can even squeeze in a pull-out storage compartment for accessories such as ties and scarves.

You can also make the most of your built-in wardrobe, by constructing vertical shelves at its sides for additional storage!

5. Door Designs

Photos: Ascend DesignAnhans Interior Design

Rattan is always a lovely material choice if you’re looking to add an organic touch within your home. Besides being easy on the eye, its natural colour makes rattan a good match for almost any interior design theme.

Photo:  Fuse Concept

Terrazzo laminates are a great (read: cost-effective) way to spruce up any surface – including the exterior of your bedroom wardrobe. Opt for terrazzo-look coverings with colourful flecks to add fun and vibrancy to your home.

On top of their unique and stylish aesthetic, fluted glass in-lays offer a playful glimpse of your wardrobe content while masking clutter effectively.

6. Statement Features

Photos: The Interior LabProzfile Design

Another way to reduce clutter while displaying your most loved fashion pieces at the same time? Consider installing a glass display case! Floor-to-ceiling glass shelves break up visual monotony in the room, while making your ceiling look higher.

Photo: Swiss Interior Design

Depending on where your wardrobe is located in your bedroom, sometimes natural light may not be enough. Installing overhead lights as is always a good wardrobe design idea to help you dress well. You can install strip lights if you prefer a cosy setup that still provides sufficient lighting for choosing your outfits.

Photo:  Rhiss Interior

For an extra wow factor, consider working in a wide mirror as part of one of the wardrobe design ideas. You save space without a standalone mirror, and the large mirrored surface will make your space feel larger.

This article was adapted from a version first published by Qanvast.

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Choosing the Best Bed Frame Style for Your Room

Choosing the Best Bed Frame Style for Your Room

A good bed frame is definitely worth the investment – here are tips for choosing a bed frame style that’s most suitable for you.

Given that we spend a third of our lives snuggling in bed, a good bed frame is definitely worth the investment.  Bed frames come in lots of designs and materials—some even come with added functions. Here are 3 steps to help you choose the best bed frame style that suits your needs.

Step 1: Utilise Your Floor Plan

Photo: Home Tours: Heritage Home with a Contemporary Twist

Before you start shortlisting the frame, decide where and how you intend to place your bed in relation to other furniture. This way, you can assess if the size of the bed you want, be it a king, queen, or single bed, can fit comfortably into your space. For instance, a poster bed may not be ideal if you have installed a false ceiling or ceiling fan. You may also need to choose a smaller sized bed if you intend to set aside more wardrobe space in  the room. Check out how you can read your floor plan like a pro.

Step 2: Consider Your Lifestyle Needs

Photo: Home Tours: An Industrial Home with a Splash of Chic

Your bed frame style can be tailored to suit your lifestyle needs. For instance, someone who loves reading before bedtime may prefer an upholstered bed with a padded headboard.  For additional (hidden) storage underneath the bed, a compact divan bed with storage drawers, or a hydraulic bed with a large storage beneath could be better options.

A bed with slatted panels of wood boards as the base could help achieve cooler sleep, especially if you prefer to keep the air-conditioning off. Conversely, a poster or canopy bed with its own curtains could add to the room’s cosy vibe.

Step 3: Choose Suitable Accessories

Photos: Home Tours: A Glamorous 4-room Flat in TampinesHome Tours: Dressed in Dreamy Pastels

Beyond bed frame styles, you should also consider furnishings that can store bedtime essentials, or help you get ready for the day. Bedside drawers and vanity tables are both great additions to the room and can also serve as charging points for your electronic devices. These can be built into your bed frame or purchased as separate furniture. The choice is yours.

Check out more design ideas or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @leposhdesign for more design inspiration!

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Local Instagram Accounts to Follow for Interior Inspiration

Local Instagram Accounts to Follow for Interior Inspiration

It’s no secret that Instagram is a treasure trove of aesthetically pleasing images of food, fashion and interior design. Many Singaporeans have taken to Instagram to document their home ownership journey – from flat purchase to key collection to home renovation, where they showcase how they turn the blank canvas of a flat into their dream home. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home décor or design your brand new BTO flat, here are some local Instagram accounts to follow for interior inspiration.

Contemporary Resort Vibes

Home Tours: A Modern Idyllic Paradise

Located in Toa Payoh, the cosy home of Joey and Huang Peng resembles a modern resort. On their Instagram @joosenghouse, the home owners share design and renovation tips, including ideas for cabinetry works and how to maximise space.

Home Tours: A Modern Idyllic Paradise

If you’re looking to create a villa-ish home, @joosenghome is one of the Instagram accounts to follow for interior inspiration.

Eclectic Elements

Home Tours: A Mid-Century Modern Home with an Eclectic Twist

Scroll through the Instagram feed of @ochre.home and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a  mid-century home which boasts a cosy vibe all around. Home owners Geraldine and Vincent decorated the space with their own art, making the home even more unique and personal. Geraldine painted a wall mural and Vincent contributed some photo prints!

Monochrome Industrial

Home Tours: A Monochrome Greenhouse with Retro Influences

A popular combination of interior styles, the monochrome industrial aesthetic usually takes a minimalist approach – as seen in the home of Joanne and Samuel. Featuring shades of white, black and grey, the home owners chose the colour palette as it made for a versatile base.

To liven up the space, pops of colours were incorporated through décor items such as paintings. As plant parents, the home owners also occasionally share home gardening tips on their Instagram account, @evertonenclave.

Home Tours: A Monochrome Greenhouse with Retro Influences

Playful Bohemian       

Home Tours: A Playful, Bohemian Home

One of the Instagram accounts to follow for interior inspiration is @home.farfalla. Behind the boho home are Rina and Fauzan, who have differing creative visions yet managed to design a home that effortlessly melds together their individual styles. Apart from posting photos of their home, the couple also shares a variety of tips and tricks with their Instagram followers – from interior design ideas, to home maintenance hacks, recipes, and even shopping deals!

Home Tours: A Playful, Bohemian Home

See more of Rina and Fauzan’s boho flat in Home Tours.

Zen Vibes

Home Tours: How a Couple Designed Their Elegant Abode

If you’re looking for interior design ideas that evoke calm and soothing vibes, @hometrulee is your best bet. Inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, the home owners  sought to turn their flat into a cosy abode that features wood and neutral tones.

Home Tours: How a Couple Designed Their Elegant Abode

Besides sharing photos of the various corners of their house, the couple also offers styling tips such as how to decorate with plants. Check out this Scandinavian-inspired abode in Home Tours.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

6 Stylish Open Concept Designs for HDB Flats

6 Stylish Open Concept Designs for HDB Flats

Open concept layouts often result in bright and airy homes – an interior design idea that has grown increasingly popular. Open concept designs for HDB flats also allow more versatility, as home owners can better mould the space to cater to their lifestyle needs. However, you must get a permit before knocking down the walls in your flat.

Listed below are 6 open concept layouts, to get you inspired!

1. Semi-Open Living

 Photo: Carpenters 匠 

Love the openness but desire some privacy? There are simple budget-friendly workarounds such as installing a set of suspended sheer curtains to demarcate a flat’s communal area, which consists of a sunny living space and an adjoining bedroom-turned-home-office, such as the abode pictured above.

 Photo: Carpenters 匠 

Not a fan of curtains and the maintenance that come with them? Opt for folding partition doors instead and easily switch between two different home settings: a living area with excellent flow or a private patio that’s perfect for kicking back with a book on the weekends.

Photo: Livspace

Photo: Livspace 

2. A Family-Friendly Space

Photos: U-Home Interior Design

Because of their seamless flow and spaciousness, open concept designs for HDB flats are perfect for hosting. It is also ideal for spending quality family time – whether it’s movie or game night. Additionally, the open area makes it easy to keep an eye on the younger ones.

3. An Extended Communal Area

Photo: H Design

What differentiates this HDB open concept design from the rest on this list is the flat’s long and (once) narrow layout. The open-concept space helps make the flat feel less confined – a task accomplished by demolishing the walls between the living area and an adjoining bedroom that’s now a home cinema.

Photo: H Design

Similarly, features like a pair of glass-fronted sliding doors in the kitchen and an all-white colour scheme help make the area appear more spacious.

4. An Entertainment Space

Photo: Carpenters 匠

In addition to a reading nook and pool table, this eclectic home also features an airy ‘cinema nook’ that comes with a projector and theatre chair. Adding a touch of whimsy and functionality are the roller shutters that can be used to section off the kitchen when cooking.

Photo: Carpenters 匠

6. A Semi-Concealed Study Nook

Photo: Toke & Chen

With its fuss-free approach and tranquil vibes, this white-and-wood flat is minimalist’s dream come true.

Photo: Toke & Chen

Its take on a semi-open space is likewise simple and elegant: a home office, separated from the rest of the flat by a chic transparent glass divider at the side and a blond wood sliding panel on the front that offers privacy when closed.

Read more about open concept designs for HDB flats in Design Ideas, or embark on Home Tours for more interior design inspiration!

This article was adapted from a version first published by Qanvast.

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

TV Console Designs: What’s Your Type?

TV Console Designs: What’s Your Type?

You’ve done the hard work of finding the right TV for your home. Now comes the even harder part— deciding the furniture that goes with it. If you’re not sure which TV console design might work for your home, here are some tips to help you get started!

1. Free-Standing TV Cabinets

The simplest way to house your TV is with a freestanding TV cabinet, which you can readily buy off the shelf at a wide range of price points and designs. This TV console design typically takes up less space than built-in ones.

Photo: Home Tours: Dressed in Dreamy Pastels 

Another big plus is that a freestanding TV cabinet gives you more flexibility to rearrange the furniture in the space. If you’re someone who likes having the option of doing over your living room, this TV console design might just be right for you.

2. TV Consoles with Storage Solutions

What if you want your TV to be the centrepiece of the living area? Built-in consoles are a great way to get bespoke furniture that’s tailored to the layout and aesthetic of your home. Plus, custom TV console designs often come with more storage space than freestanding options. If you are looking for a big statement piece that can do double duty as a storage option, consider a built-in console.

Photo: Pinterest

Not the biggest fan of closed carpentry? Opt for TV console designs that come with open shelving. That way, you can have more storage space without compromising on your preferred aesthetic.

Photo: Home Tours: Heritage Home with a Contemporary Twist 

3. Floating TV Consoles

If you’re a fan of the minimalist look, consider trading storage space for style, with a sleek wall-mounted floating TV console. This TV console design might be a good option if you already have storage options elsewhere and want to keep the space as clean as possible.

Photo: Home Tours: Pinterest-Worthy Farmhouse with Chic, Rustic Vibes 

Have any other tips for choosing a TV console design? Let us know over at on Facebook and Instagram!

For more interior inspiration, check out Design Ideas and Home Tours!

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Tips for Designing a Dementia Friendly Home

Tips for Designing a Dementia Friendly Home

If you’re living with someone with dementia, you may have seen them struggle to remember things and perform once familiar tasks, or become easily disoriented and confused. To make day-to-day living more comfortable and safer for your loved one, we’ve rounded up some important design tips to create a dementia friendly home.

1. Maximise Natural Light

Keep windows unobstructed to let in as much natural light as possible 

Let there be light! A dementia friendly home has good lighting, which is key to helping persons with dementia see more clearly and become more aware of their surroundings. There’s no better light than natural light – so make sure there is nothing blocking it from coming in through the windows. If privacy is a concern, use day curtains so that light can still pass through.

2. Mark Key Features with Contrasting Colours

It’s easier to find doors if they are painted in a colour that contrasts with the surroundings
Photo: Home Tours: The Art of Functionality

A white switch against a white wall versus a coloured switch against a white wall – while this may seem like a small design consideration, it can make a big difference for a person with dementia. To draw attention to important areas or objects, create greater contrast by using dark colours against light backgrounds or vice versa. This will make things like doors, light switches, or furniture even more visible and obvious.

3. Avoid Elaborate Patterns

While they look aesthetic, elaborate patterns can be confusing for people with dementia

Busy and elaborate patterns can be confusing and disorientating, because of their large sized motifs or striking colours. For example, stripes and zigzags may look like they are moving objects to a person with dementia, as their sense of vision and perception are affected. So, keep patterns minimal and subtle for a dementia-friendly home.

4. Adopt Anti-Slip and Anti-Reflective Flooring

Shiny surfaces can appear wet and slippery to individuals with dementia

A person with dementia may already be struggling with awareness of their surroundings, so it’s important to choose flooring that can help them get around safely, such as matte flooring. Also, avoid flooring that is shiny and reflective because they may appear wet to a person with dementia, making them feel more anxious and more prone to slipping.

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Living Room Design Ideas for Creating Flexible Living Spaces

Living Room Design Ideas for Creating Flexible Living Spaces

To create a brighter and airier communal area, an increasing number of home owners have adopted the open layout concept. Whether it’s removing partitions or using multifunctional furniture, here are some living room design ideas to transform your home into a flexible living space.

1. Multifunctional Spaces

View this project on Qanvast 

By removing the walls and opening up the interiors, the owners of this 2-room Flexi flat have transformed their home into a studio-like apartment. Instead of a conventional sofa, a sofa bed allows the common living area to be transformed into the bedroom come night time.

2. Indoor-Outdoor Vibes

If you’re a fan of Selling Sunset or an interior enthusiast in general, the term ‘indoor-outdoor’ would be a familiar concept and one of the living room design ideas that you can adopt for your home.

Take for instance this HDB flat in Bukit Panjang, where regular sliding doors have been replaced with foldable glass ones that open up to a balcony garden. Straddling between the living room and balcony is also a cafe-style setup for enjoying a nice cuppa. This helps to maximise every inch of the in-between space while allowing its home owners to soak in the outdoor vibes while remaining in the shade.

View this project on Qanvast 

To make a visual statement, consider framing the balcony with an arched wall. The raised platform of the balcony also helps to demarcate the outdoor space without the use of partitions.

View this project on Qanvast 

In a similar setup but one with retro vibes, this home opted for rotating wood-framed rattan doors and an emerald-tiled coffee counter for the balcony. Besides adding onto the aesthetics, these doors also allow for more natural ventilation while providing privacy.

View this project on Qanvast

4. Extended Common Living Area

You can expand the common living area by combining the adjacent room. When needed, the L-shaped partition of this home can be opened up completely as a single, continuous space. To create the illusion of an even bigger space, add floor-to-ceiling mirrors!

View this project on Qanvast

View this project on Qanvast 

Another popular living room design idea is to extend the communal area by incorporating the balcony like the home pictured above. It’s something to consider, especially if you host often. Tip: opting for the same flooring offers a seamless transition.

5. A Semi-Private Entertainment Space

View this project on Qanvast 
Create a semi-private entertainment area by removing an L-shaped section of the bedroom walls. The result is a cosy demarcated space that affords sufficient privacy whilst being able to transition seamlessly into the larger communal space.

View this project on Qanvast 

This entertainment space is not only outfitted for gaming and television, it also doubles up as a space for guests to mingle before or after meals.

8. Totally Open Living Concept

View this project on Qanvast 

Take open concept living up a notch by merging the living room, bedroom and kitchen into a single space! For home owners who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, opt for sliding or bi-fold doors to contain the fumes when you showcase your culinary skills.

In addition to transforming the communal area into flexible living spaces, these living room design ideas also help with space maximisation – something handy to think about as you embark on your home renovation!

The article was adapted from a version first published by Qanvast.

HDB does not endorse any products, persons, places that are featured.

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Retaining Your HDB Flat after Life Events

Retaining Your HDB Flat after Life Events

When a loved one departs, things change in more ways than we can imagine. So how can death in the family affect your flat?

1. If a co-owner passes away and you are the other co-owner

Most flats in Singapore are joint-owned – by husband and wife, or parent and child. If a joint-owner passes away, his or her share of the flat will be transferred to the remaining owner.

As the remaining family or single occupier, you can retain the flat ownership if:

  • You are a Singapore Citizen or Singapore PR
  • You are at least 21 years old
  • You fulfil HDB’s eligibility conditions to own the flat

2. If the sole owner passes away

If the flat’s sole owner passes away, their interest in the flat will be distributed according to their will; or if there is no will, according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act. A court order is required for legal authority to administer the deceased’s estate. The remaining family or occupiers should engage a private solicitor to apply for the appropriate court orders, which gives legal authority to the person named in the will (or if there is no will, someone as the Administrator) to manage the deceased’s estate.

Grant of Probate is needed if there is a will. This gives the person named in the will (the Executor) legal authority to manage the deceased estate.

Grant of Letters of Administration is needed if there is no will. This gives the Administrator legal authority to manage the deceased’s interest in the flat, which will be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act.

As the remaining family or single occupier, you can retain the flat ownership if:

  • You are a Singapore Citizen or Singapore PR
  • You are at least 21 years old
  • You fulfil HDB’s eligibility conditions to own the flat

Once the Grant has been obtained, you can engage your own solicitor or appoint HDB’s solicitor to act for you to register your legal right as the Executor or Administrator.

As the Executor or Administrator of the estate, you will have to complete relevant paperwork and apply at the HDB Branch in charge of the flat to transfer flat ownership to the beneficiaries. This is subject to HDB’s eligibility conditions governing transfer of flat ownership.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Changing the Ownership of Your HDB Flat

Changing the Ownership of Your HDB Flat

Here is a quick guide on the various types of changes in flat ownership that you can effect!

Sometimes life events may require us to change the ownership status of our flat. For example, when you are getting married and buying a flat with your spouse, or following a divorce or passing of a loved one in the family. It is possible to apply for a change in flat ownership without monetary consideration, as long as all the current and new flat owners are aware of and consent to this change.

As a flat owner, you may apply for a change in your flat ownership to immediate family members if they meet all eligibility conditions. Here are the 4 most common types of change in flat ownership.

  • Inclusion of owners (e.g including your daughter as an owner)
  • Withdrawal of owners (e.g your daughter withdraws as an owner)
  • Substitution of owners (e.g substituting your daughter’s ownership with your son)
  • Total change of owners (e.g changing the ownership to your child)

If there is more than 1 owner for the flat, you will need to decide on the manner of holding – either by joint-tenancy, or tenancy-in-common. The former means that all owners own the whole interest in the property, and do not have separate shares. Meanwhile the latter denotes that tenants-in-common own the same property, but each with their own separate shares. HDB allows a maximum of 4 owners for each flat.

Use the following resources to find out how to go about effecting a change in flat ownership within your family:

If you enjoyed the article, follow us on Facebook, or leave a comment below!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

A Guide to the HDB Resale Portal for Sellers

A Guide to the HDB Resale Portal for Sellers

Selling a flat? Here’s what you need to know about the HDB Resale Portal.

The HDB Resale Portal was created to streamline the process of buying and selling resale flats. With eligibility checks and other processes integrated into the same portal, home owners can even sell their flat on their own, without a salesperson.

1. Get Your Home Ready

Selling your home may be  unfamiliar to you, but we’re here to help! Check out our tips to make your flat selling journey as smooth as possible.

2. Register Intent to Sell at the HDB Resale Portal

Once you have confirmed with your flat buyer on the sale, and have mutually agreed on the selling price, you need to get the formal process started by registering your intent to sell on the HDB Resale Portal.

With the handy SingPass Mobile App, signing in is a breeze. By scanning a QR Code during the login process, your personal information from the Government’s MyInfo service will be automatically and securely populated into the HDB Resale Portal.

When you register the intent to sell, the HDB Resale Portal will also obtain information about your flat to help facilitate the sale – these include whether you have fulfilled the Minimum Occupation Period, and the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) quota prescribed to your precinct and neighbourhood.

The next step is to wait for 7 days – the cooling-off period – before you can proceed further. Take this time to exchange information with your buyer for the Option to Purchase (OTP). You can download the OTP form from the HDB Resale Portal (or HDB InfoWEB beforehand) to understand the terms and get started on the sections that you will need to fill in.

The OTP is a contractual document used for HDB resale transactions. Under the Housing and Development Act, sellers (and buyers) must use the Option to Purchase for any sale or purchase of flats. No gentlemen’s agreement or special handshake allowed!

3. Grant The OTP

After 7 days, you can sign on the completed OTP form and grant it to your buyer. You and your buyer will also need to agree on the Option Fee (a sum between $1 to $1,000) which will be paid to you and acts as a “deposit” for the OTP.

The Option you’ve granted to the buyer is valid for 21 calendar days and expires at 4pm on the 21st day. During this period, you will not be able to grant the Option to another buyer. Even if your buyer decides not to exercise the Option, you will need to wait for the Option to expire. In such situations, the buyer will forfeit the Option Fee.

4. Submit Resale Application and Documents

Once your buyer has signed the OTP, you will need to log into the HDB Resale Portal and submit the resale application along with supporting documents. HDB will verify the information and notify you and your buyer of the application outcome within 8 weeks.

5. Endorse Resale Documents

After submitting the documents, both you and your buyer will be notified via SMS to endorse the documents on the HDB Resale Portal within 6 days.

6. Pay Resale Fees and Wait for HDB’s Approval

Once the documents are endorsed by both parties, you can move onto paying the legal and stamp fees for the flat resale transaction. Credit or debit card payments are accepted.

Once the fees are paid, all you need to do is wait for HDB to review and approve the resale application. You will receive an SMS notification when that happens!

7. Attend Resale Completion Appointment

You’ll also be notified on your Resale Completion Appointment at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh, where both you and your buyer will need to attend to finalise the transaction.

And with that, the flat is sold!

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg