Setting fitness goals is easy, but working towards them is the real challenge. Whether you’re already a fitness junkie or a fitspo-to-be, having a dedicated home gym will definitely help in your fitness journey. Not only is it free of membership fees, you can work out anytime you wish without having to wait your turn.

Feeling pumped? Below are 7 home gym ideas to help achieve your fitness goals.

1. A Climber’s Dream

Interior Firm: The Orange Cube

There’s no time like the present to start arms training, and a great way to do that is through rock climbing/ bouldering! However, instead of shelling out $25 or so every time for a climbing session, simply install a rock wall and some hangboards within your home. The wall is suitable for both adults and children, plus you’re free to change up the holds whenever you wish – a climber’s dream

2. (Pole) Dance Like Nobody’s Watching

Interior Firm: Fifth Avenue Interior

Pole dancing is great whole body workout that can be easily brought into your home. The set-up for this sport is relatively minimal, requiring just mirrors, non-slip flooring and of course, a pole. Include a sound system and you’ll have yourself a pole-dancing studio!

3. Do You Lift?

Interior Firm: Zenith Arc

Despite the bulky machines and equipment, a conventional gym can be replicated in your home with a little space-planning. Weight-lifting enthusiasts can consider dedicating a spare room to a home gym with reflective surfaces to visually enlarge the room.

4. A Lean and Mean Machine

Interior Firm: Noble Interior Design

Can’t spare a room for your home gym? Fret not. Consider having an exercise corner in the living room with a cable machine, and by using a gym mat to demarcate your workout space. For additional privacy, opt for a built-in partition at the entryway.

5. A Play Space

Interior Firm: Third Avenue Studio

Encourage the little ones to get active by converting the walkways and/or corridors into play spaces! Include fun, interactive features such as a climbing net and ropes – but also be sure to cover the area with some mats to cushion the landings.

6. A Zen Zone

Interior Firm: Meter Square

Perfect for yoga, meditation, and reading, convert your spare bedroom into a cosy nook for some quiet ‘me time’. For added functionality, opt for non-slip tiles to convert a space for yoga, and line the perimeters of the room with built-in storage that can double-up as a settee!

7. A Room That Packs A Punch

Interior Firm: Third Avenue Studio

Have an unused corner or some space to spare? Maximise it by hanging a punching bag or if you’re not a boxer, a pull-up bar. Not only does this simple set-up help you get your daily reps in, it also gives you the flexibility to switch up the room layout if needed.

This article was contributed by Qanvast.

With many of us still working from home, you may find that having a comfortable workspace can help with increasing productivity. From cosy corners to functional elements, here are some tips to personalise a home office that meets your work-from-home needs!

1. Adopt a Neutral Palette

A neutral palette of white and wood gives off warm and cosy vibes and can makes the space look uncluttered. Complement the look with some wooden shelves and storage before finishing off with some macramé décor for a rustic touch!

2. Consider Versatile Elements

The pegboard is a great option for those who wish to have a little more flexibility when it comes to storage. Unlike permanent carpentry, the pegboard is lightweight and versatile – perfect for homeowners looking to personalise their workspace.

3. Keep it Transparent

There’s nothing quite as sleek as a glass partition, which makes it a popular option for home offices. Not only does it brighten the space, it also acts as a soundproof barrier to help with minimising distractions.

4. Carve Out a Private Space

For more privacy, consider the half-wall partition. The glass panel lets in light while maintaining an enclosed space for a more conducive environment. Use dark wood to warm up the space and you’ll find yourself with a fine home office!

5. Get Creative with Colours

Bold is beautiful. For the creatives out there looking for an inspiring work environment, opt for a splash of colour! This home office takes it a step further by including striking modular shelves for an instant mood lift!

6. An Open Concept Workspace

Who says that a home office has to be an enclosed room? The open-concept works especially well here thanks to the unhindered view plus built-ins that keep the mess hidden.

7. Maximise Space  

Looking to maximise space? Consider having a mounted work station! For instance, this drop-down ‘desk’ takes up a small amount of floor space when in use, and folds neatly back into the floating cabinet – it’s a real neat way to keep your desk organised!

8. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

A desk that pulls out from existing cabinetry offers a sleek solution to concealing the work station.

9. Incorporate Geometric Elements

Asymmetric shelves not only keep the space visually interesting, but also comes with open niches that make for great displays. Be sure to keep the messier elements in drawers and behind closed doors!

10.  A Winding-Down Corner

Even in the comfort of your home, working in the same spot can get stale. One way to shake things up is to allocate a small, cosy corner in your home office for winding down purposes. Use comfortable, loose furnishings in this space and take a well-deserved break!

This article was contributed by Qanvast

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Choosing the right flooring for your home is essential, as floors need to be functional as well as complement the rest of your interior. Need help with selecting suitable flooring? Here’s a guide to help you decide!

1. Vinyl

Vinyl flooring consists of compressed layers of different synthetic materials. There are 3 common types of vinyl flooring: vinyl tile flooring, vinyl sheet flooring, and self-click vinyl flooring. Due to its durability, affordability and variety of designs, vinyl is one of the most popular flooring options amongst homeowners.

2. Laminate

Laminate has a fair share of similarities with vinyl, in that it requires minimal maintenance and is available in a range of different styles. However, unlike vinyl, laminate is made of mostly wood.

3. Marble

Associated with elegance and sophistication, marble flooring is perfect for homes looking to achieve the contemporary luxe look. However, it’s more susceptible to damage as compared to other flooring materials.

4. Ceramic Tiles

A classic option, ceramic tiles are often used for kitchen and bathroom floors as they’re relatively easy to maintain. They are available in a wide range of textures, patterns, designs, and styles, and the versatility of ceramic tiles makes them suitable for most interior themes.

5. Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are characterised by their high durability and water-resistant properties. They are one of the hardiest materials around and are great for spaces with high traffic such as the living room.

6. Engineered Wood Flooring

Commonly used in bedrooms and living rooms, engineered wood flooring is constructed by placing a thin piece of hardwood on top of high-quality plywood. This prevents the material from expanding and contracting due to temperature changes.

7. Linoleum Flooring

Made from materials such as ground cork dust and solidified linseed oil, the natural composition of linoleum flooring makes it a popular flooring choice. However, as linoleum flooring is not water-resistant, it cannot be used in bathrooms.

8. Cement Screed

The rise of the industrial style in recent years has contributed to the growing popularity of cement screed flooring. This flooring is suitable for home owners going for a modern, industrial chic look. Do note that cement screed can be slippery and should be avoided in bathrooms.

9. Hardwood

Made from a single piece of wood, hardwood is well-liked for its natural charm. However, home owners should avoid installing hardwood flooring in bathrooms as it isn’t waterproof.

10. Bamboo

A more sustainable alternative to hardwood, bamboo flooring is perfect for creating that zen, Muji-inspired home. The material however, is not water-resistant and requires careful  maintenance.

A version of this article on flooring options was first published on HomeRenoGuru.

Making renovation plans for your kitchen? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the different types of appliances available in the market, including hobs. If you’re still undecided on choosing between gas or induction hobs, we’re here to help with some pointers:

Flame Control

A gas hob gives you greater temperature control, where the size of the flame can be easily adjusted to suit your cooking needs. Induction hobs generate and transfer heat to cookware through magnetic fields – while they work faster, the hobs lack a physical flame. So if you prefer the wok-hei taste in your food, a gas hob is a better choice.

Unlike gas hobs, induction ones have built-in timers that enable you to pre-set cooking times – a useful feature for those with tight schedules.

Choice of Pots and Pans

Induction hobs require cookware that work with the hob’s magnetic coils – this means when shopping for pots, pans and woks, you’ll have to actively look out for those specially designed for use with induction hobs. This is to ensure proper heat transfer for cooking.

On the other hand, most pots and pans are compatible with gas hobs, so you will not have to worry about selecting specific ones.

Maintenance

Without pot stands, wiping down the flat surface of an induction hob is a much easier task (no more cleaning out the nooks and crannies of gas hobs!). However, while they come with fuss-free cleaning, induction hobs are more prone to scratches and sometimes cracks (especially if you place a hot pan on the glass surface). As such, it’s advised to not use the induction hob as a countertop and instead, place your hot cooking utensils on the actual countertop.

Plan B

It is always good to plan for emergencies. In the event of a power outage, an induction hob is not going to work, hence a gas hob will come in handy – especially if you’re in the middle of meal prep.

We hope these points are helpful in choosing your hob. Now, on to choose a suitable hood for your home!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg