5 Bicycle Storage Ideas Cycling Enthusiasts Will Love

Over the past few years, more people have taken up cycling as a leisure activity. However, storing the bicycles at home, while maintaining the overall aesthetic, can be quite a challenge. Here are 5 functional bicycle storage ideas that also look good.

1. Pole Racks

One of the common bicycle storage ideas is to install a bicycle pole rack. This fuss-free solution lets you store two bicycles for the floor space of one, while making for an eye-catching statement. This flat for instance, has a painted wall in a contrasting shade to draw attention towards the display.

2. Wall-Mounted Brackets

Unlike the pole rack, wall-mounted brackets blend in more seamlessly. These slim brackets allow your bicycles to take the spotlight without looking too out of place in your home. It’s no wonder that this bicycle storage idea will be a great fit for virtually any interior style.

3. Feature Wall

Displaying your bicycles on your feature wall involves the use of wall-mounted brackets. However, as feature walls require planning and design work, do discuss this bicycle storage idea with your interior designer beforehand.

This unique pegboard-style feature wall comes with frosted glass sliding doors, enabling home owners to keep the doors open to display their bikes, or keep them closed to minimise dust.

4. Partitions

While it doesn’t provide absolute privacy, this out-of-the-box design idea lets you stow your bicycle away while ensuring that your home still feels bright and breezy.

5. Built-In Carpentry

An easy way to keep your home neat is to opt for built-in carpentry.

If you want to integrate your bicycles as part of your home décor, take a page from this HDB flat. This full-length cabinet with its wood-like laminate shows off up to two bicycles, while blending seamlessly with the Scandinavian aesthetic of the home.

Alternatively, if you prefer storage ideas that help you access your bicycles more easily, you could opt for a half-height storage cabinet! Collapsible doors take up little space while keeping your bicycles dust-free!

This article was adapted from a version first published by Qanvast.

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Unique HDB Front Gate Ideas for a Grand Entrance

Customising your HDB front gate may not be on the top of your renovation list, but don’t close the door on the thought just yet. There are plenty of gates which can offer added convenience and safety, while letting your flat stand out. Get a handle on these unique HDB front gate ideas!

1. Go Digital

Digital locks are fast becoming a top choice for home owners who are looking for security with convenience. Whether it’s thumbprint, number or smartcard access, they remove the hassle of bringing a bunch of keys around while providing technology-enabled security. Combined with a simple wrought iron gate for added durability, this HDB front gate idea is more than a step up from the traditional ones. Planning on designing a smart home? Read our list of must-have devices to equip your flat with.

2. Mesh It Up

Photo: Pinterest

For pet owners, a wire mesh gate is a practical yet stylish choice. This HDB front gate idea prevents your pets from accidentally escaping from home, and can be a perfect complement to industrial-themed home decor.

3. Open Door Policy

For owners who are looking for a unique and modern entrance, consider a glass gate that can allow maximum sunlight to enter the house. If a glass gate seems like a counterintuitive choice for an entrance, opt for tinted glass to safeguard your privacy without compromising on the visual spectacle.

4. Panel Discussions

Photo: Laminate Door

Fancy changing up your HDB front gate design based on the occasion and event? The panels on these wall art gates can be easily switched up to transform the look of the flat!

Cut to Perfection

Display your favourite photo or a symbolic design proudly on a laser cut gate for a truly one-of-a-kind HDB front gate design! While this may not be the cheapest option, it’ll definitely speak volumes about your personality as a home owner.

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

Lighting Ideas: Choosing the Right Lights for Your Home

Lighting plays a crucial role in your home. Besides illuminating various spaces, lighting also enhances the interior design while setting the mood and ambience of the room.

We’ve put together a handy guide to help you navigate the blinding (pun intended) range of different lighting ideas, designs and functions for the different spaces within your home!

Living Room

Home Tours: A Mid-Century Home with An Eclectic Twist

The living room is where you unwind after a long day at work, and ambient lighting can create a cosy, relaxed ambience that will help you achieve a state of zen. Ambient lighting comes in many forms – it can be recessed lights installed in the ceiling, track lighting, or even a pendant light that doubles up as a statement piece in the living room. Find out more about the different lighting fixtures here.

Kitchen

Home Tours: Living the Artist’s Dream

Lighting is vital to a fully functioning kitchen, and more than one type of light fixture is typically used. One of the more common lighting ideas is ceiling lights which brightly illuminate the space. Track lights and under-cabinet LED light strips are often installed as task lighting, to eliminate shadows cast by cabinets.

Dining Area

Home Tours: Designing a Modern Minimalistic HDB Flat

Just like the living room, dining rooms should be kept warm and cosy, yet bright enough to see the food on your plate! Pendant lights are commonly installed in the dining area – not only do they provide sufficient illumination, they also act as a bold visual element to the space. The best part? This lighting idea comes in an array of designs and styles so you are sure to find one to complement your flat’s aesthetics.

Home Tours: A Bold, Eclectic Home

Bedroom

Reno Journey: An Architect’s Home – Big Reveal (Pt. 3)

Brainstorming for lighting ideas for the bedroom can be complicated as we require a range of light intensities for different activities. For example, dim lighting before bedtime, bright lighting when dressing or putting on makeup, and warm lighting for light reading. The trick to a well-lit bedroom? Layered lighting which seamlessly combines the various types of light required.

Popular bedroom lighting ideas include ceiling and pendant lights that are adjustable in terms of light intensity, as well as cove lights. Task lighting such as bedside or dresser lamps can also be added for a more comfortable experience.

Home Tours: Living the Artist’s Dream

Home Office

Nothing beats natural light streaming in from the windows to the study, but we think that ceiling lights and table lamps are good to have just in case the study room gets too dark. Ceiling lights instantly brighten up the room, while table lamps are useful when working on specific tasks such as writing or working on your laptop.

Bathroom

Home Tours: Dressed in Dreamy Pastels

Bathrooms usually have one or at most two light fixtures installed, with ceiling or recessed lights being the most common. If you prefer lights with a softer glow, consider cove lighting which hides lights behind mirrors, shelves, or false ceilings.

Home Tours: A Glamorous 4-Room Flat in Tampines

With a better understanding of the different lighting ideas, you can design and plan the lights for every space within your dream home. If you have any novel light fixtures in your home, tag us on Instagram @MyNiceHome – we’d love to see them!

In the midst of renovating your home? Check out our renovation guide or refer to more reads on interior inspiration.

 

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

Choosing the Best Bed Frame Style for Your Room

A good bed frame is definitely worth the investment – here are tips for choosing a bed frame style that’s most suitable for you.

Given that we spend a third of our lives snuggling in bed, a good bed frame is definitely worth the investment.  Bed frames come in lots of designs and materials—some even come with added functions. Here are 3 steps to help you choose the best bed frame style that suits your needs.

Step 1: Utilise Your Floor Plan

Before you start shortlisting the frame, decide where and how you intend to place your bed in relation to other furniture. This way, you can assess if the size of the bed you want, be it a king, queen, or single bed, can fit comfortably into your space. For instance, a poster bed may not be ideal if you have installed a false ceiling or ceiling fan. You may also need to choose a smaller sized bed if you intend to set aside more wardrobe space in  the room. Check out how you can read your floor plan like a pro.

Step 2: Consider Your Lifestyle Needs

Your bed frame style can be tailored to suit your lifestyle needs. For instance, someone who loves reading before bedtime may prefer an upholstered bed with a padded headboard.  For additional (hidden) storage underneath the bed, a compact divan bed with storage drawers, or a hydraulic bed with a large storage beneath could be better options.

A bed with slatted panels of wood boards as the base could help achieve cooler sleep, especially if you prefer to keep the air-conditioning off. Conversely, a poster or canopy bed with its own curtains could add to the room’s cosy vibe.

Step 3: Choose Suitable Accessories

Beyond bed frame styles, you should also consider furnishings that can store bedtime essentials, or help you get ready for the day. Bedside drawers and vanity tables are both great additions to the room and can also serve as charging points for your electronic devices. These can be built into your bed frame or purchased as separate furniture. The choice is yours.

Check out more design ideas or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @leposhdesign for more design inspiration!

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Local Instagram Accounts to Follow for Interior Inspiration

It’s no secret that Instagram is a treasure trove of aesthetically pleasing images of food, fashion and interior design. Many Singaporeans have taken to Instagram to document their home ownership journey – from flat purchase to key collection to home renovation, where they showcase how they turn the blank canvas of a flat into their dream home. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home décor or design your brand new BTO flat, here are some local Instagram accounts to follow for interior inspiration.

Contemporary Resort Vibes

Located in Toa Payoh, the cosy home of Joey and Huang Peng resembles a modern resort. On their Instagram @joosenghouse, the home owners share design and renovation tips, including ideas for cabinetry works and how to maximise space.

If you’re looking to create a villa-ish home, @joosenghome is one of the Instagram accounts to follow for interior inspiration.

Eclectic Elements

Scroll through the Instagram feed of @ochre.home and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a  mid-century home which boasts a cosy vibe all around. Home owners Geraldine and Vincent decorated the space with their own art, making the home even more unique and personal. Geraldine painted a wall mural and Vincent contributed some photo prints!

Monochrome Industrial

A popular combination of interior styles, the monochrome industrial aesthetic usually takes a minimalist approach – as seen in the home of Joanne and Samuel. Featuring shades of white, black and grey, the home owners chose the colour palette as it made for a versatile base.

To liven up the space, pops of colours were incorporated through décor items such as paintings. As plant parents, the home owners also occasionally share home gardening tips on their Instagram account, @evertonenclave.

Playful Bohemian       

One of the Instagram accounts to follow for interior inspiration is @home.farfalla. Behind the boho home are Rina and Fauzan, who have differing creative visions yet managed to design a home that effortlessly melds together their individual styles. Apart from posting photos of their home, the couple also shares a variety of tips and tricks with their Instagram followers – from interior design ideas, to home maintenance hacks, recipes, and even shopping deals!

See more of Rina and Fauzan’s boho flat in Home Tours.

Zen Vibes

If you’re looking for interior design ideas that evoke calm and soothing vibes, @hometrulee is your best bet. Inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, the home owners  sought to turn their flat into a cosy abode that features wood and neutral tones.

Besides sharing photos of the various corners of their house, the couple also offers styling tips such as how to decorate with plants. Check out this Scandinavian-inspired abode in Home Tours.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

6 Stylish Open Concept Designs for HDB Flats

Open concept layouts often result in bright and airy homes – an interior design idea that has grown increasingly popular. Open concept designs for HDB flats also allow more versatility, as home owners can better mould the space to cater to their lifestyle needs. However, you must get a permit before knocking down the walls in your flat.

Listed below are 6 open concept layouts, to get you inspired!

1. Semi-Open Living

Love the openness but desire some privacy? There are simple budget-friendly workarounds such as installing a set of suspended sheer curtains to demarcate a flat’s communal area, which consists of a sunny living space and an adjoining bedroom-turned-home-office, such as the abode pictured above.

Not a fan of curtains and the maintenance that come with them? Opt for folding partition doors instead and easily switch between two different home settings: a living area with excellent flow or a private patio that’s perfect for kicking back with a book on the weekends.

2. A Family-Friendly Space

Because of their seamless flow and spaciousness, open concept designs for HDB flats are perfect for hosting. It is also ideal for spending quality family time – whether it’s movie or game night. Additionally, the open area makes it easy to keep an eye on the younger ones.

3. An Extended Communal Area

What differentiates this HDB open concept design from the rest on this list is the flat’s long and (once) narrow layout. The open-concept space helps make the flat feel less confined – a task accomplished by demolishing the walls between the living area and an adjoining bedroom that’s now a home cinema.

Similarly, features like a pair of glass-fronted sliding doors in the kitchen and an all-white colour scheme help make the area appear more spacious.

4. An Entertainment Space

In addition to a reading nook and pool table, this eclectic home also features an airy ‘cinema nook’ that comes with a projector and theatre chair. Adding a touch of whimsy and functionality are the roller shutters that can be used to section off the kitchen when cooking.

6. A Semi-Concealed Study Nook

With its fuss-free approach and tranquil vibes, this white-and-wood flat is minimalist’s dream come true.

Its take on a semi-open space is likewise simple and elegant: a home office, separated from the rest of the flat by a chic transparent glass divider at the side and a blond wood sliding panel on the front that offers privacy when closed.

Read more about open concept designs for HDB flats in Design Ideas, or embark on Home Tours for more interior design inspiration!

This article was adapted from a version first published by Qanvast.

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

TV Console Designs: What’s Your Type?

You’ve done the hard work of finding the right TV for your home. Now comes the even harder part— deciding the furniture that goes with it. If you’re not sure which TV console design might work for your home, here are some tips to help you get started!

1. Free-Standing TV Cabinets

The simplest way to house your TV is with a freestanding TV cabinet, which you can readily buy off the shelf at a wide range of price points and designs. This TV console design typically takes up less space than built-in ones.

Another big plus is that a freestanding TV cabinet gives you more flexibility to rearrange the furniture in the space. If you’re someone who likes having the option of doing over your living room, this TV console design might just be right for you.

2. TV Consoles with Storage Solutions

What if you want your TV to be the centrepiece of the living area? Built-in consoles are a great way to get bespoke furniture that’s tailored to the layout and aesthetic of your home. Plus, custom TV console designs often come with more storage space than freestanding options. If you are looking for a big statement piece that can do double duty as a storage option, consider a built-in console.

Not the biggest fan of closed carpentry? Opt for TV console designs that come with open shelving. That way, you can have more storage space without compromising on your preferred aesthetic.

3. Floating TV Consoles

If you’re a fan of the minimalist look, consider trading storage space for style, with a sleek wall-mounted floating TV console. This TV console design might be a good option if you already have storage options elsewhere and want to keep the space as clean as possible.

Have any other tips for choosing a TV console design? Let us know over at on Facebook and Instagram!

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

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Tips for Designing a Dementia Friendly Home

If you’re living with someone with dementia, you may have seen them struggle to remember things and perform once familiar tasks, or become easily disoriented and confused. To make day-to-day living more comfortable and safer for your loved one, we’ve rounded up some important design tips to create a dementia friendly home.

1. Maximise Natural Light

Let there be light! A dementia friendly home has good lighting, which is key to helping persons with dementia see more clearly and become more aware of their surroundings. There’s no better light than natural light – so make sure there is nothing blocking it from coming in through the windows. If privacy is a concern, use day curtains so that light can still pass through.

2. Mark Key Features with Contrasting Colours

A white switch against a white wall versus a coloured switch against a white wall – while this may seem like a small design consideration, it can make a big difference for a person with dementia. To draw attention to important areas or objects, create greater contrast by using dark colours against light backgrounds or vice versa. This will make things like doors, light switches, or furniture even more visible and obvious.

3. Avoid Elaborate Patterns

Busy and elaborate patterns can be confusing and disorientating, because of their large sized motifs or striking colours. For example, stripes and zigzags may look like they are moving objects to a person with dementia, as their sense of vision and perception are affected. So, keep patterns minimal and subtle for a dementia-friendly home.

4. Adopt Anti-Slip and Anti-Reflective Flooring

A person with dementia may already be struggling with awareness of their surroundings, so it’s important to choose flooring that can help them get around safely, such as matte flooring. Also, avoid flooring that is shiny and reflective because they may appear wet to a person with dementia, making them feel more anxious and more prone to slipping.

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg