Design Ideas

Design Ideas

A Guide to Having a Walk-In Wardrobe

A Guide to Having a Walk-In Wardrobe

You don’t have to have a million to dress like a million!

They say size matters and for walk-in wardrobes, it is definitely the case of the bigger, the better! While turning an entire bedroom space into a walk-in wardrobe is very, very tempting, it is important to consider whether it is worthwhile to do so – especially if you’re thinking of welcoming a little one soon!

However, it is still possible to achieve your dream wardrobe. The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice an entire room or carry out major hacking works!

Credit: Nitty Gritty Interior

Check out these 3 design ideas on how you can transform your bedroom space to fit a walk-in wardrobe:

Lay It Out

Photo Credit: CAD Associates ID

Before you go wild with designing your walk-in wardrobe, think about how much space you wish to dedicate to the space. This helps you decide on the layout of your walk-in wardrobe. Some ideas include a galley style with an aisle in between two closets, an L-shape configuration with ample (standing) space, or even a little boxed-up enclave for that exclusive feel.

All About That Space

Photo Credit: Design 4 Space

Fitting a walk-in wardrobe in your bedroom means having to maximise space with the help of an efficient design. Regardless of the layout you’re going for, it’s helpful to swap out the hinged doors for sliding frames or even ceiling-to-ground curtains – not only do they help to save space, but they also create an illusion of a wider aisle.

Accessorise

Photo Credit: Eighty Seven

Yes, it’s possible to accessorise your walk-in wardrobe! A full-length mirror is a must-have; be it on the wall, the wardrobe door, or sliding frame. Spruce it up with statement lighting that brightens up the space, and then add pops of colour such as a feature wall, painting, or plant.

Excited about these ideas and can’t wait to start on your renovation journey? Read up and be familiar with the HDB renovation guidelines first, and check out some of our handy renovation tips!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

6 Creative Shoe Storage Ideas

6 Creative Shoe Storage Ideas

There is more to shoe storage solutions than just cabinets!

Looking for a better way to organise and display your shoes? Here are some shoe storage ideas that are not only practical but can double up as a design feature too.

1. Pipe-Inspired Shoe Rack

Plastic pipes are a fun, unique and space-saving shoe storage solution that also work well for corners. While white pipes are perfect for minimalist homes, don’t be afraid to add a dash of colour by painting them in your favourite shade.

Photo Credit: Homedit

Photo Credit: Pinterest

2. Tension Rods

Photo Credit: Aloyalove

Tension rods are a fuss-free and creative way of organising your high-heeled shoes! Install these rods between two walls and hook the heels of your shoes on them.

3. Under-The-Bed Storage

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Another nifty way of storing shoes, especially those that you use only on occasion, is in under-the-bed boxes or drawers. Do remember to measure the space you have under your bed, before you go shopping for storage solutions!

4. Ladder Shelf

Photo Credit: A Beautiful Mess

A shoe shelf fashioned from a ladder is a great option for footwear that look too nice to hide away. Also, you no longer have to rummage through the cabinet looking for shoes to go with your outfit.

5Metal Grid Panels

Photo Credit: Burkatron

Metal grid panels are an affordable yet creative way of organising footwear. These metal grid panels are easily available too – they can be purchased from IKEA or the neighbourhood hardware store. They come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Hang your shoes or lay them on top of the grid – you decide!

6. Wooden Crates

Photo Credit: The Merry Thought

Wooden crates are an unconventional way to organise your footwear while adding a touch of Scandinavian to your home. Paint the crates to fit the colour scheme of your home or have it as-is for a rustic vibe. Stack them up in any way and decorate them with your favourite succulents!

Depending on your home and needs, there are many ways of storing and organising your footwear. Have your very own unique shoe storage ideas

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

7 Moodboard-Worthy HDB Homes

7 Moodboard-Worthy HDB Homes

Ready for some serious reno inspo?
With a new HDB flat comes the perfect opportunity to create that unique moodboard-worthy space you’ve always dreamt of. All you need is a creative vision, and expert advice from interior designers. Here are some homes you need to check out!

Interior Firm: EHKA Studio

1. This home looks like it came straight out of a modern fairytale, with its dreamy white and pastel palette. Gold furniture details, herringbone backsplash, and combination of wood and marble flooring were specially picked to complement the look.

Interior Firm: The Scientist

2. The black and white palette in this home is reminiscent of an upscale apartment in downtown New York. To play up the modern look, the homeowners added minimalistic yet functional fixtures: a huge walk-in wardrobe, and a glass panel to separate the bedroom and living room.

Interior Firm:The Local INN.terior

3.This home features dark-veined marble tiles on the living room floor and walls, and furniture in varying shades of blue. Meanwhile, the bedroom and kitchen sport lighter hues, which help create a soothing effect.

Interior Firm:Charlotte’s Carpentry

4. The sliding door in this 2-room flat separates the bedroom from the living room, offering greater privacy. The extensive use of grey also gives the home a modern, minimalistic look.

Interior Firm: Neu Konceptz

5. The owners of this flat went all out, by picking bold colours and patterns! Unconventional décor choices, like the statement Persian rug, gold sink, and Turkish lighting fixtures, making this home truly unique.

Interior Firm: Fatema Design Studio

6. From the wooden slats that function as a feature wall, to the dark-coloured furniture, this home is definitely a Scandinavian haven. Fur rugs and plush furnishings were added to soften the entire look.

Interior Firm: erstudio

7. This home has fashionable full-height shelving units and concealed doors that help to keep the living room clutter-free and sleek. The owners also opted for a white minimalistic kitchen island to match that Nordic aesthetic.

Interior Firm: EHKA Studio

This article was contributed by Qanvast

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Reno Inspo: Pantone Colour Of The Year

Reno Inspo: Pantone Colour Of The Year

Classic Blue is the new black

Move over ‘Living Coral’, ‘Classic Blue’ is here to stay – at least in 2020! So what makes this elegant and timeless shade of blue so special, that Pantone decided to crown it colour of the year?

Pantone explained that ‘Classic Blue’ represents stability, calmness, and connection. Well, sounds like everything we’d love in a home! Here’s how you can incorporate this on-trend shade in your interior décor.

1) Just a Hint of Blue

The easiest way is to add art pieces and soft furnishings, such as cushion covers, curtains, throws, and rugs, in the shade of ‘Classic Blue’. This would be most impactful in spaces with a neutral-toned decor to contrast with the unexpected pop of colour.

For something more permanent, consider this blue-speckled terrazzo wallpaper, especially if you are going for a vintage vibe.

Photo Credit: Graham & Brown

2) Bold Blue Statement Pieces

A sofa is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your living room, so pick well! After all, that’s where most of your guests will spend their time, and maybe you too (think netflix and really just chilling). Here, homeowner Fizah picked a large velvet blue sofa to be the highlight of her living room, with a matching rug to complete the look.

Fizah picked a rug with hints of blue to match her sofa

If the idea of full blue kitchen cabinets sounds a bit overwhelming, why not choose a blue laminate for your kitchen island instead. It adds the right amount of pizazz – see how Fizah has done it below!

3) Full on Blue

Yes, you can go big on blue! Don’t be afraid to go all out, because it is such an easy colour to match. Take reference from Kai Jie and Jiching’s flat; from the feature wall, to the artwork and cabinets, everything features ‘Classic Blue’. They balanced the colour with white, to achieve a nature-inspired theme.

Kai Jie and Jiching’s home features a lot of blue.

The surest way to make a statement with ‘Classic Blue’, is to simply paint it on your walls. Some common colour pairings are gold, brown, white, and yellow.

Know of other ways to work ‘Classic Blue’ into your home decor? Let us know in the comments below

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Trendy Wall Decor Ideas That’ll Refresh Your Space

Trendy Wall Decor Ideas That’ll Refresh Your Space

Renovating your home? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Literally.

Looking to refresh your space? We’ve got your walls covered (literally)! From houseplants to statement lights, read on for our favourite wall décor inspirations.

Gorgeous Galleries

Pictures of you, pictures of me, all upon your wall for your visitors to see.

Beyond showcasing your favourite photos/artwork, a gallery wall also adds a personal touch to the space. Opt for rectangular frames for a more polished look or mix things up with a variety of ornate ones. Alternatively, choose a large painting to liven up the room.

Mural Magic

Photo Credit: @echinteriors

Photo Credit: @houseofbrazier

Make a bold statement with a wall mural! Let your creativity flow and turn your walls into works of art. Not ready to whip out the paint brush? Removable wall stickers will do the trick. Whether it’s tropical-inspired paintings or abstract art, there’s a wide range of designs to choose from.

A Little Shelf Care

Photo Credit: @u.loft

Small shelves are a perfect way to display art pieces, potted plants and even books. Instead of the usual rectangular planks, opt for geometric shelves for a more striking contrast. If you have a dark-coloured wall, go for white shelving for a pop of colour.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Which is the most decorative of them all?

Not only are mirrors great for adding depth to a space, they reflect light instead of absorbing it and thus, will make any room appear bigger than it actually is. Choose from big, oversized mirror or go salon-style with a variety of small mirrors.

Getting Lit

Lights don’t only belong on the ceiling and on tables — add some decorative LED lights on your walls to liven the space! For a more artsy vibe, consider wall light sculptures! These wall luminaries come in a variety of shapes and styles that will make you want to flick the switch.

Planting Plants

Photo Credit: @pistilnursery

Are you a nature lover? With wall-mounted plants, you can be surrounded by lush greenery in the comfort of your home! Not only do they give life and personality to your living space, plants purify the surrounding air too! PS: Look out for these plants that are perfect for the indoors.

There are many different ways homeowners can accentuate their walls. From living rooms to bedrooms, you can imbue your living space with decor ideas to add personality and style. Have wall design idea(s) to share?

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

The Best Lighting for Your Living Room

The Best Lighting for Your Living Room

It’s time to get lit!

The living room is a great place to relax and unwind with the family after a long day at work. Good use of layered lighting, which is a combination of different levels of lighting, can help you create a cosy ambience to achieve a total state of zen.

Ambient Lighting

 

Ambient lighting is the starting point for lighting in a room, and sets the overall tone of a space. In our homes, it often comes from ceiling lights and can come in various tones – from bright fluorescent white, which is fantastic for illumination, to yellow for a warm glow. A light with a dimmer can suit a variety of lighting needs– be it for a movie night or when you have friends over.

Accent Lighting

 

Accent lighting essentially highlights certain aspects of the living room – whether it is a beautiful painting or a unique accessory. While wall lamps and track lights are perfect for the job, it is recommended to limit the number of these lights, otherwise it can get overly glaring.

Task Lighting

 

Task lighting are mainly for utilitarian purposes such as reading a book or when you’re working in your living room. Consider floor lamps, or table lamps on your side tables. When positioning the lights, take into consideration where the switches are, to avoid long wires dragging around your floor, which can be a tripping hazard.

The overall lighting should give you sufficient illumination, without giving off too much glare, to make your living room a relaxing place to be in after a long day!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Turning Your Home into a Child-Friendly Space

Turning Your Home into a Child-Friendly Space

Create a safe living space for the little ones!

Children can spend a significant amount of time at home, especially if they are not of school-going age. Thus, it’s important to create an environment that is clean, organised, and safe for the little ones to roam around.

Photo Credit: Carpenters 匠

1. Consider Your Flooring Options

Photo Credit: Bamco

Look for flooring that is easy to clean in the event of food spills or marker (or any kind of stationery) stains. Besides the perennial favourites that are tiles and vinyl, another popular flooring option is Bamco, made from 100% recyclable bamboo charcoal. It is non-toxic, slip-proof and scratch-resistant – making it perfect for the children in the house.

Photo Credit: HipVan

Tumbles and falls are inevitable, especially for the younger ones who are just learning how to walk. For spaces where your children are likely to spend most of their time, consider adding a rug or foam mat. Besides providing a soft underfoot that cushions falls, a rug or mat can inject some playfulness into the area. Retailers such as HipVan and IKEA offer a wide selection of rugs, carpets and mats that are versatile and durable.

2. Opt For VOC-Free Paint

Did you know that certain interior paints emit Volatile Organic Vompounds (VOCs)? These low-level toxic emissions can affect the air quality and may cause light-headedness.

Photo Credit: Gush

However, there is a variety of environmentally-friendly paints in the market, that are safe for the entire family. When choosing paints, look out for ranges that offer odourless and non-toxic paint that are VOC-free.

3. Easy-to-Maintain Walls

For kids who have a flair for drawing, opt for washable paint formulas, so clean up is less of a headache should they choose to unleash their inner Picasso on the walls! Otherwise install a chalkboard, whiteboard, or laminated surface in a designated area for your children’s doodle adventures.

Photo Credit: Admira

4. Multi-functional and Timeless Furniture

Children’s furniture should be without sharp edges. For added protection, you can also add corner protectors to cushion the little ones against any bumps. As children tend to outgrow their furniture quickly, plan ahead and invest in multifunctional pieces that can grow with your children’s needs! This could mean buying cots that can become toddler beds, and even a study table! Well-made furniture in classic, muted tones can also see your children through their growing years.

Photo Credit: iloom

5. Maximising Space

From storing toys to stashing stationery, storage spaces will always come in handy.

Photo Credit: IKEA

To better organise the play space, consider storage drawers or shelves to hide the mess! However, depending on the child’s age, it’s important to ensure that they can retrieve their toys safely and independently even when you’re not in the room. This could mean low, open shelves, or lightweight storage bins.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

What You Need to Know Before Buying Furniture Online

What You Need to Know Before Buying Furniture Online

Avoid buyer’s regret with these shopping tips!

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

Measure Up

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

Read Product Reviews

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

 

Choose A Reputable Seller

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

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

Look At Other Photos Online

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

Compare, Don’t Settle

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

 

Check the Return Policy

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

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

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Reno Inspo: 10 Dry Kitchen Ideas

Reno Inspo: 10 Dry Kitchen Ideas

Check out these different kitchen layouts!

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

1. A Kitchen Bar Concept

Interior Firm: Hall Interiors

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

2. A Compact Layout

Interior Firm: ARK-hitecture

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

3. A Food Prep Station

Interior Firm: DISTINCTidENTITY

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

4. A Coffee Corner

Interior Firm: Ethereall

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

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

5. Storage Solutions

Interior Firm: Couple Abode

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

6. A Galley Kitchen With See-Through Doors

Interior Firm: Lemonfridge Studio

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

7. The L-Shaped Layout

 

Interior Firm: The Local INN.terior

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

8. A Scandinavian-Inspired Dry Kitchen

Interior Firm: The Design Practice

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

9. A Clear Divider

Interior Firm: BLACK N WHITE HAUS

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

10. An Organised Space

Interior Firm: Habit

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

This article was contributed by Qanvast

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Designing A Kinfolk-Worthy Home

Designing A Kinfolk-Worthy Home

Achieve the magazine’s minimalistic aesthetic in no time

If you’ve ever set eyes on a copy of the lifestyle magazine Kinfolk, you’d be familiar with its clean architectural aesthetic. Looking to be the owner of a photoshoot-ready home? Here are 4 tips to achieve the Kinfolk aesthetic.

1. Raw Is Beautiful

Photo Credit:@kinfolk

Many of the interiors featured in the magazine have stark, barren walls – almost as if the owners had left the original walls purposefully untouched after the initial coat of paint. Consider greys, beiges and whites for your walls for a clean, tone-down look.

2. Warm, Wooden Accents

Photo Credit: Kinfolk

While a flat with muted walls might look a little sterile, add some warmth into your home with wooden furniture and earthy tones. For more colour variations, consider warm tones such as burnt orange or mustard yellow.

3. Introduce Greenery

Photo Credit: Kinfolk

Introduce touches of green around the flat with some house plants! You can also make the best use of the greenery around your estate by keeping your windows wide open and letting the view in (your new-found potted friends will also be sure to appreciate all the sunlight).

4. Let the Light In

Photo Credit: Kinfolk

All that light isn’t just good for the plants – it also does wonders for your home. Now that you’ve transformed your flat into a beautiful, cover story-worthy home, let the natural light do the rest of the work for you.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg