Whether you’re waiting to collect the keys to your flat or embarking on your renovation journey, it’s never too early to start thinking about window décor. Can’t decide between blinds and curtains?

Here are some tips to decide which would provide the best coverage for your needs.

1. Functionality

Homeowners who are more particular about the amount of natural light to let into their homes can consider venetian or rainbow blinds.

This can be useful for homes with windows that face the west or east sun – a good way to ‘harness’ solar energy, especially on days you need to work from home. For venetian blinds, you can change the angle of the slats to let in or block off light, while rainbow blinds are adjusted by aligning the sheer and opaque blocks accordingly.

2. Maintenance

Curtains can be removed and washed regularly, making them a low-maintenance option. Plus there is a whole range of choices, depending on your room decor and desired function, giving you the ability to mix and match different types of curtain throughout your home.

For example, blackout curtains that block out almost 100% of light are best fit for bedrooms while sheer curtains can keep your living room looking bright and cheerful.

3. Budget

For the cost-conscious, consider purchasing pre-made blinds or curtains online and doing the installation yourself. Soft fabrics are likely to be cheaper than wooden blinds, while full-length velvet curtains can be more pricey than wooden blinds.

If budget is not a constraint, you can even customise and add a ‘brain’ to your curtain or blind, so that it can be adjusted via a remote control or application. In this aspect, there is no clear winner – it all boils down to preference.

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.

Coffee tables are more than just a place for your cuppa! With so many options, how do you choose? Here’s a guide to picking the perfect coffee table — from the size, shape, and material, even down to extra functionalities.

1. Size

The perfect coffee table size depends on the other furniture in your living room. Height-wise, the ideal coffee table should be just the same height as the seats of your sofa, or a little lower, as the idea is to put your coffee down on the coffee table, not up.

Another rule of thumb is that the length of your coffee table should be less than two-thirds of the sofa. If you go any bigger than that, it might take up too much space, and no one wants to find themselves squeezing around furniture in the living room.

2. Shape

You can’t go wrong with a rectangular coffee table, which works well with most traditional sofa options. It’s also a practical option, as it offers a lot of surface area.

If you have or are planning to have kids, consider round, oval, or tables with rounded edges to prevent unwanted boo-boos. Alternatively, a freeform shaped table offer loads of personality and can function as a unique statement piece.

3. Material

The choice of material for your coffee table will depend on the design concept for your living room. For example, a lighter wood would work well with Scandinavian-style homes, while a darker wood would suit more traditional design styles. The only downside to wooden tables is the maintenance required. Remember to check if the wood requires special polishes or cleaners, and to always use coasters to prevent water stains.

If you’re trying to make your room feel bigger, opt for clear acrylic, glass, or a glint of metal. These materials also blend better with more modern design styles.

4. Bonus: Extra Functionalities

It’s not uncommon to find coffee tables that come with storage options like shelves, drawers, or compartments. Some even come with surfaces that can be raised for working or eating.

If you need a more flexible layout for your living space, consider a coffee table that comes with casters, in case you need to roll it away.

While a little humidity is tolerable, on some days, our tropical weather can make you feel uncomfortably warm and sticky! Plus, too much humidity in the home can result in:

• Unpleasant odours
• Growth of mould, mildew and dust mites
• Breeding of insects (e.g. spiders, drain flies and silverfish)
• Wet clothes taking a long time to dry
• Wear and tear or discolouration of personal belongings (e.g. wooden items, books, leather bags etc.)

Here are a few things you can do to minimise humidity and create a more comfortable indoor environment.

1. Invest in Dehumidifying Tools

Ideally, the ideal indoor humidity level should be between 40% and 50%. To reduce humidity in smaller areas like a cabinet or wardrobe, a disposable dehumidifier or charcoal sachets can protect your clothes from getting mould and mildew. For larger areas, a dehumidifier machine is a better bet.

2. Facilitate Ventilation

One of the most effective ways of combatting high humidity levels is a well-ventilated home. Simply open the windows or doors for better airflow.

3. Tweak the Air-Conditioning

Turning on your air conditioner not only cools down the room but also helps to reduce indoor humidity as the appliance replaces warm, humid air with cool dry air. Simply activate the Dry Mode (available in most air-conditioning units).

Remember to wash your air-conditioner filters regularly, for optimum performance.

4. Install Ceiling and Exhaust Fans

Cooking and cleaning are some of the daily activities that generate additional heat and humidity. Additionally, the heat and steam from hot showers can cause humidity levels to rise. Consider installing exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove odours and improve the air quality in your home.

In the rooms, the breeze from the ceiling fan evaporates excess moisture and improves air circulation.

5. Adopt Lifestyle Changes

Moisture build-up tends to happen most in the bathrooms, which in turn causes humidity levels to rise. To counter this, consider lowering the temperature of your showers by just a few degrees so there’s less steam generated in the air.

Use a squeegee to wipe off excess water from your glass doors, walls and tiles. Remember to direct the excess water towards your bathroom floor trap and ensure that the water is properly drained.

6. Incorporate Plants

Plant parents rejoice! Introducing houseplants into your space not only helps to reduce moisture levels, they also breathe life into the space.

Certain types of houseplants, such as Boston ferns, Aloe Vera, Ficus trees can help absorb excess moisture in the air.

There you have it! You can now enjoy a cleaner and cooler home.

This article was contributed by Qanvast.

A home that is cosy, inviting and full of personality? It’s little wonder why many home owners are looking to incorporate Bohemian elements in their interior décor. Follow these simple tips to bring the Boho flavour into your abode!

#1 Get Weaving

Make your home look like it came from an Anthropologie catalogue with beautiful macramé pieces. With its homely feel, macramé ornaments, door curtains and even plant hangers are seeing a resurgence in popularity. Craft them yourself for a one-of-a-kind piece, or order them online from crafters, such as those on Etsy, for an instant touch of cosy.

#2 Throw a Pillow Party

Incorporate patterns and prints–  lots of them! Any print will work in a Bohemian home, though Moroccan, Aztec and ethnic-patterned throw pillows and blankets are often top picks. For a classic Boho-feel, opt for natural materials such as burlap, cotton and linen, and earthy colours such as browns, yellows, and reds.

#3 Mix and Don’t Match

Unlikely combinations in a Bohemian interior create interesting contrasts, which sets it apart from other décor styles. Feel free to liven up your leather chair with a handwoven throw, or arrange contemporary art pieces atop a rattan console. When it comes to decorating a Bohemian home, there are no rules.

#4 A Vintage Marriage

The beauty of Bohemian also comes from the blending of vintage items within a modern space to create character. This is where preloved furniture and flea market finds shine as focal pieces.

#5 Plant the Seeds of Chic

No Bohemian home is complete without a variety of house plants. Introduce an effortless, natural vibe with a combination of hanging, potted, small and large plants.