Like the bright yellow door to their home, the exuberance of Grace and Josh is hard to miss.

“I’ve always liked the colour yellow,” Grace smiles. “It makes for a happy welcome whenever we return home.”

Home owners Josh and Grace

The “east side best side” couple always wanted to live in the eastern part of Singapore. “Both of us grew up in Katong and our parents are living in the east. So there’s a sense of familiarity and we wanted to be close to our families,” 33-year-old Josh shares.

After house-hunting for 3 weeks, the couple feel in love with their current 4-room resale flat in Mountbatten. “I think we were really lucky to have found our home in such a short period of time,” Josh laughs.

“This neighbourhood is amazing! It’s quiet and in fact, Josh’s workplace is just a 20-minute bus ride away,” says Grace, founder of LunchMoney, a local fashion label.

The refurbished open concept kitchen

The living room

Grace’s workspace

Mix and Match

Featuring pops of colour and wooden accents, the cosy flat is an eclectic mix with hints of Scandinavian and minimalist influences. “We didn’t have a specific theme,” 28-year-old Grace laughs, “But we took what we liked about the different house themes and put them together.”

Hanging plants in the living room

From potted herbs to hanging ferns, plant lover Grace shares the importance of having greenery in the house.

“They really liven up the place,” she smiles and continues, “Plus, herbs in supermarkets are almost always sold in large quantities – so growing our own gives us access to fresh ingredients while avoiding food wastage!”

While Josh wasn’t previously a big fan of plants, he has grown to appreciate them.

“Josh actually does most of the watering,” Grace smiles approvingly as Josh nods proudly.

The service yard

To the couple, the functionality of the space was of utmost importance. For instance, in the living room, a large wooden cabinet containing utensils and cutlery is placed next to the dining table. “As we have guests over regularly, storing the cutlery in the living room will save us having to walk back and forth the kitchen,” Grace explains.

The couple enjoying an afternoon coffee

Upon closer look, one will notice that the lights in the kitchen are intentionally misaligned. “While having the lights evenly spaced out makes aesthetic sense, they wouldn’t be able to fully light our kitchen cabinets – we decided that functionality was more important and went ahead with the light placement that best suits our needs.”

The bedroom

The bathroom

No Place like Home

While their renovation journey was mostly smooth, Grace and Josh share some of the lessons learnt. “Some installations took place after we’d moved the new furniture in and we had to shift and clean them repeatedly. Admittedly, this was a little frustrating.”

When it comes to engaging and communicating with interior designers, the couple advises: “Don’t be afraid to speak candidly! It’s important to hold an open and honest communication with each other about the house, so find an interior designer that you’re comfortable working with.”

When asked if they’ve a favourite spot within the house, the couple laughed and responded, “We love every part of the house. You won’t believe it but when we were on our honeymoon, we couldn’t wait to come back to the comfort of our home! That’s how much we love our new home.”

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

With  conscious consumerism gaining increasing traction around the world, more people have been opting for sustainable furniture to furnish their homes. This refers to pieces that use reclaimed materials, are sustainably-sourced and can be used over the span of a lifetime.

Here are some options to consider for a stylish and ethically-minded home!

1. Reclaimed Wood

 

Reclaimed wood furniture reduces the demand for newly-sourced lumber, which helps curb deforestation. High-quality, handcrafted furniture made with reclaimed wood are often built to withstand generations of use. Plus, no two pieces of wood are exactly the same, due to the unique wood grain and texture from weathered wood.

2. Rattan

Rattan is a naturally sustainable material and has seen a recent resurgence in interest among young homeowners looking to create a rustic, timeless look in their homes. Apart from its organic, Pinterest-worthy aesthetic, rattan furniture also blends well into any type of design and is a more cost-effective option than wood.

3. Cork

 

Cork is a surprisingly versatile and chic material that is highly affordable. Because cork is sourced from the bark of the cork oak tree, the trees themselves are never cut down and can live for more than 200 years. From cork coffee tables to cork benches, this quirky material creates a gamut of possibilities for eye-catching furniture pieces.

4. Vintage Furniture

Instead of buying new furniture, consider pre-loved items. These items are more exclusive since they are no longer in the market. Despite their age, some may even be more durable in terms of design and material. Many brands that specialise in second-hand furniture can breathe new life to the pieces by restoring them with more contemporary elements. Seems like sustainable pieces can also be synonymous with statement pieces!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Going Green: Tips for Designing an Eco-Friendly Home

There are many ways to lead a greener lifestyle, and James Tan decided to do it in a big way—through the design of his eco-friendly home. James, who moved into his new BTO flat with his family last year, is a huge advocate of sustainable living. Thus, ensuring his 5-room flat was fitted with green features was a priority for him.

From energy-efficient lights to green-certified paint, James shares the benefits and tips for designing an eco-friendly home.

Open Spaces, Cooler Temperatures

Most of us would turn to the air conditioner when it comes to beating the tropical heat. It may be the quickest way to do so, but it’s not the most energy-efficient. While fans are the next best alternative, ensuring cross-ventilation can also help keep the rooms cool.

“When designing our eco-friendly home, we adopted an open concept for the communal area to allow better ventilation within the flat, to help keep the temperature of the house relatively low,” James explains. “Deliberately keeping the design of a home minimal can also maximise ventilation.”

Going Green, Literally

Did you know that house plants can help with keeping the ambient temperature cool? Not only that, introducing greenery into your home can improve the surrounding air quality and amp up your home’s  aesthetic factor.

In addition to using house plants such as peace lilies to improve air quality, James uses an environment monitor is used to track the indoor environmental quality (IEQ)

Adopt Energy-Efficient Features

An energy-efficient feature that home owners might be familiar with is LED lighting. These light bulbs last longer and are relatively more durable. Other features include motion-sensing lights and water-efficient fittings, all of which are found in James’ home.

“Not only is a green-enabled home beneficial for the natural environment, it enhances home owners’ overall living experience and well-being. Additionally, going green and being energy-efficient also allows us to enjoy utility savings,” James says.

Use Green-Certified Materials

When renovating his eco-friendly home, James ensured that all materials are certified by the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) where possible. These include paint, carpentry laminates, floor screed and tile adhesive that comprise low levels of toxic substances and emissions.

“If you’re looking to use eco-friendly materials, do incorporate them from the start, as making changes would be challenging and costly once renovations works are completed.”

Furnish Sustainably

There are a few ways to furnish sustainably. When furniture shopping, consider the source of the materials. In addition to being ethically sourced, James advises to purchase pieces with eco-friendly components, to ensure the minimal presence of VOCs.

Instead of brand new furnishing, opting for vintage furniture or repurposing an existing piece are also sustainable alternatives for an eco-friendly home.

For more interior design inspiration, check out our Home Tours and or home design ideas!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

5 Tips for Caring for Your Wood Furniture

There’s good reason why wood furniture is an appealing choice among homeowners. Besides being a timeless design staple, the durability of wood enables you to pass down cherished pieces as heirlooms. Regular upkeep will ensure your wood furniture lasts for years to come, so learn these tips for maintaining and cleaning it the right way!

1. Prevent Sun and Water Damage

Avoid placing your wood furniture under constant and direct exposure to the sun. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat will degrade furniture finishes and form surface spots, which may be difficult to reverse. Likewise, do not use excessive water to clean your wood furniture regardless of its finish, as it may cause permanent stains.

2. Use Your Furniture With Care

Be gentle with your wood furniture, especially when placing items on surfaces. Use coasters under mugs to prevent water stains on tabletops. Tablecloths and placemats are also necessary so that hot objects do not come in direct contact with the wood. Heat can cause unwanted swelling that affect the shape of your furniture.

3. Dust Your Furniture Regularly

Wipe dust and grime off your wood furniture with a soft terry cloth, to minimise dulling of the surfaces. Dusting sprays should be used with caution depending on the wood finish, as certain ingredients such as silicone or oil could form a film that attracts more dust instead. Make sure you add dusting spray to your cloth, rather than spraying it directly on the furniture.

4. Adopt Correct Cleaning Techniques

Familiarise yourself with the types of finishes used for your wood furniture in order to clean the pieces properly. As a rule, water should never be allowed to sit on wood. Use a warm and mild soap solution or opt for commercial products formulated for the right finish, and work with the grain when cleaning with a soft cloth. Always remember to dry thoroughly afterward.

5. Polish to Protect and Revive Shine

Regular polishing can maintain your wood furniture’s resistance to water and restore shine. Similarly, knowing the type of furniture finish will determine the polishing method and products you need. If applying wax, use a cheesecloth and let the wax sit on the wooden surface for a few minutes before buffing it in with a clean cloth.

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more useful home hacks!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

5 Tips on How to Cool a Room Without Aircon

When the tropical heat gets hard to bear, our first instinct might be to reach for the aircon remote. When it’s such a convenient solution, it could be hard to kick the habit – even though most of us know it’s a huge energy guzzler. In fact, aircon makes up about a quarter of an average Singaporean household’s energy consumption.

Then, there’s the irony in heating up the Earth to keep our homes cool. A recent commentary suggests that the annual emissions generated from aircon use in an HDB flat with four air-con units is greater than yearly emissions generated from driving a car.

Still finding it hard to stop relying on aircon? From ceiling fans to solar films, here are some tips on how to cool a room without aircon.

1. Use a Fan

While it may seem like an obvious alternative, it’s important to highlight this option as fans consume less energy, which means more utility savings. A regular table or standing fan is also ready to be used right out of the box, though professional help is required to install a ceiling fan. While an aircon unit would involve both installation and servicing costs, using a well-placed fan is a straightforward and fuss-free  way to cool a room.

2. Ensure Cross-Ventilation

This is probably one of the easiest and most affordable (read: free) ways to cool a room. If you keep the windows and doors opposite each other open, wind can blow straight through. You can even turn on your fan to help direct the air for more efficient cooling.

3. Introduce Indoor Plants

Just as greenery in your estate helps to keep the surroundings cool, greenery around your home can keep your flat cool. Plants help to keep the heat at bay by releasing moisture into the air through transpiration. Plus, they’re a lot more stylish than your clunky aircon unit.

Starting on your plant parent journey? Be sure to check out our article on tips for buying house plants.

4. Install Solar Films

Natural light is great— until it’s heating up your home. One way to beat the heat is to install solar films on your windows. When applied, these films help to disperse heat and even filter out harmful UV rays.

5. Draw the Curtains

Not ready to invest in solar films for your home? A cheaper way to keep the heat out is to just keep the light out too, by drawing your curtains or shades during the day. If you have blinds, you can use the horizontal slats to direct sunlight to a light coloured ceiling. This helps diffuse the light coming in without letting in excess heat.

For more home maintenance tips, check out our guide. Or, read here for more home design ideas!

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

A Baby Proofing Checklist for Your Home

Keeping your home safe for your little one is a key priority for every parent. Here are some baby proofing tips for your home, based on the age of your child.

1. 0-6 months: Newborns

Though your baby may not be the most mobile yet, it’s still important to eliminate potential hazards. Practise safe sleep habits by removing any soft toys, blankets and loose bedding from the cot until your baby is old enough to remove them on his or her own.

When baby starts to flip, it’s time to introduce a safe spot in the nursery room for playtime. Padded playmats provide a safe, clean surface for baby to practise tummy time. In addition, a playpen helps create a safe area for independent play. If you have stairs at home, consider installing safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, or any other places that may be unsafe for children. Read here to discover more practical design ideas for your nursery room.

2. 7-12 Months: Curious Explorers

Once baby becomes more mobile and demands to explore every nook and cranny of the house, baby proofing comes into full force. Put adult locks on cabinets and drawers that you don’t want baby to access, and use bumper guards and door stoppers to prevent potential injuries. Conceal electrical outlets with plug socket covers and keep electrical cords and hazardous items out of reach from their little curious hands. At this stage, it’s also important to be more vigilant even as you teach your baby which areas are off-limits.

3. 12-18 Months: Active Toddlers

Toddlers bound with endless energy as they walk, dance, run and climb around the house. Naturally, you’d want to make sure all furniture is placed away from balconies and windows, keeping sharp items and medications out of their reach. Lastly, At this age, be prepared to give clear and constant reminders about the importance of safety – toddlers can understand simple instructions but don’t expect them to remember or heed them all the time.

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

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg