Whether you are a senior ageing in place or have elderly loved ones living with you, it is important to ensure that your HDB flat remains safe and comfortable for them.

In 2012, HDB introduced the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme where eligible households can apply to make their homes more elder-friendly at a subsidised cost. Under EASE, seniors can opt to apply slip-resistant treatment to bathroom tiles, install grab bars, and install ramps to help navigate level differences.

Beyond EASE, here’s a quick rundown of ways to prevent unwanted falls and mishaps in the flat.

Improve Accessibility

A dimly lit home can be dangerous for the elderly, so aim for adequate bright lighting throughout the home to help them clearly see where they are going.

Seniors also tend to lose strength as they age, and small changes can help them remain independent. These include adding doorknob grips or replacing them with levered handles, and switching out existing small light switches to those with big and easy-touch surfaces.

Improve Mobility

Balance issues are common among seniors, so remove slippery rugs from the floor. Alternatively, opt for non-slip carpets instead.

Also, as some seniors shuffle their feet when they walk, try to eliminate trip or fall hazards. Rearrange furniture to make pathways larger and easier to navigate, and ensure they are clear of electrical wiring and extension cords. This will be especially useful for wheelchair users.

If there is a level difference in the home, mark out uneven floor levels with paint or brightly-coloured tape.

Kitchen

Move frequently used items from high shelves and cabinets to lower areas or countertops, so seniors need not stand on a chair or ladder to reach for these things, which could lead to falls.

To ensure a safe working space, pad up corners and sharp table/cabinet edges, to prevent bumps and cuts. If feasible, use an induction hob that does not use open flames, and switch to appliances with automatic shut-off features.

At the same time, using colourful kitchenware that contrasts with the countertop can help seniors better navigate around the space.

Bathroom

Wet areas increase the risk of slips and falls. Under EASE, grab bars can support movement in and out of the showers, as well as help with the use of the toilet. In addition, slip-resistant tile treatment can help seniors move around more safely.

If space permits, consider installing a seat or bench in the shower to help those who have trouble standing or balancing for prolonged periods. Shower spaces can also be modified to have a step-free entry. Nightlights in the hallway can help seniors navigate safely to the bathroom at night.

Bedroom

An easy way to ensure the safety and comfort of seniors in the room is by adding rails to the bed. Bedrails not only prevent them from falling off the bed, they can also help with movements such as sitting up, when required.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

There are (surprisingly) many aspects to factor in when deciding on your kitchen cabinet design. Beyond the colours and materials, you’ll need to decide on a layout that works best for the family, plus accommodate appliances such as your fridge and stove. Whether you’re looking to engage the help of an interior designer or design your own carpentry, here are some tips to help you achieve your dream kitchen!

1. Consider a Comfortable Carpentry Budget

Photo: @uniquekitchensandbaths

Generally, the more custom carpentry works you require, the higher the cost. Strike a balance between your desired kitchen cabinet design and cost, by considering your lifestyle. If you don’t anticipate needing a lot of closed storage space, you can consider open-shelving for the top-half of your kitchen to save on carpentry costs, for example.

In terms of materials, plywood is the most budget-friendly option. Melamine, which can be chemically treated to be resistant to moisture and heat, is also another popular and affordable choice.

2. Plan Your Layout

Photo: @qanvast

Before drawing up the kitchen cabinet design and configuration, consider the flat layout first. It is best to work with what you have, as overhauling the layout could run up huge costs.

If you have a flexible layout though, U-shaped kitchens work well for compact spaces as they help with maximising the work space. Gallery layouts feature counter units across each other and a clear path in the middle. L-shaped kitchens afford more space for you to move around, and flexibility to outfit the other parts of the kitchen with a dining table or a breakfast nook. For more kitchen layout ideas, see 6 Kitchen Layouts for the MasterChef in You.

3. Maximise Storage Options

Well-planned kitchen storage is a gamechanger. Pull-out drawers are great for storing pantry items, where everything can be seen at a glance and nothing gets lost at the back of a cabinet. For lesser-used kitchen gadgets, use vertical space to store them closer to the ceiling. For corner units, plan your kitchen cabinet design such that the carpentry supports the installation of pull-out solutions, so you minimise dead space.

4. Explore Style Options

Now for the fun part – aesthetics! The combination of white, beige and wood is gaining popularity in new homes, as home owners gravitate towards Scandinavian and minimalist styles. Nonetheless, there are plenty of other looks you could explore. Consider a two-tone design with different colours for the wall and base cabinets for instance, for a modern twist. Conversely, simple trimmings that inject a ‘vintage farmhouse’ vibe are also seeing a resurgence. When deciding on the overall look, don’t forget to take the kitchen backsplash into consideration!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Creative 2-Room Flexi Flat Design Ideas

Compact in size? Get large on creativity! Here are some 2-room flexi flat design ideas to turn up that cosy charm.

1. Think Open

Opening up the space between your living room and bedroom can create a bigger communal area that maximises the flow of natural lighting and ventilation in your home. The added space in your 2-room flexi flat design also creates flexibility for a variety of purposes.

2. Two Rooms, One TV

Can’t decide whether to place a TV in the room or the living room? A rotating TV wall might just be the thing for you. Not only is this 2-room flexi flat design idea a space-saving one, you can place your favourite painting on the other side of the wall and have the flexibility of alternating between different wall displays.

3. Create a Flexible-Use Room

Talk about space maximisation – with this hidden wall-mounted bed, you can turn your room into a flexi-use space anytime! The bed is hinged at one end, and can be easily be pulled down or stored away. Attach a floating table to the bed and the bed can double up as a workspace when not in use!

4. Swap Out Rooms

For those who’d like a bigger bedroom, consider swapping your bedroom with the living room. One of the more creative 2-room flex flat design ideas, the old bedroom could then be converted for other uses such as a cosy work corner or dining room. For home owners who don’t fancy an open bedroom concept, consider building a partition for more privacy.

In need of interior inspirations? Head over to our design ideas for more!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

HDB Bathroom Design Ideas for a Stylish Makeover

We’ve all seen numerous stylish bathrooms on Pinterest, renovation videos and shows like Selling Sunset. Here are some HDB bathroom design ideas to help you achieve a similar look for your bathroom!

1. Floating Vanity

Not only do wall-mounted vanities provide a stylish touch to your bathroom, their ‘floating’ characteristic also gives the illusion of a bigger space. For a contemporary touch, install a strip of lighting at the bottom, to give the bathroom an extra oomph!

2. His and Hers Sinks

Two is better than one, so having two sinks provides you with more countertop space, especially when you’re looking to get ready! Having separate sinks also means that you’ll be better able to organise your items, where you’ll have faster access to them. If you have a long bathroom wall, this could be an option for you.

3. Feature Backsplash

Get stylish with a backsplash for the bathroom! Beyond aesthetics, the backsplash can also protect the walls from overexposure to water and potential water stains.

Similar to kitchen backsplashes, there are a variety of designs you can consider. If you are thinking of an elegant and classy bathroom, consider patterned or subway tiles. A minimalistic bathroom? Mirrored or tempered glass finishes will do the trick.

4. Bathtubs

While a little uncommon, it is possible to incorporate a tub in your bathroom for a relaxing soak, especially after a long day. If this HDB bathroom design idea doesn’t spell luxurious, we don’t know what does. Before proceeding with your renovation works, do take some time to read the guidelines on bathtub installation.

Need more HDB bathroom design ideas or renovation tips? This article will also definitely come in handy if you are looking to stretch your renovation dollars!

Remember to tag us at @mynicehome to show your beautiful bathroom designs in your HDB home.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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