Budgeting for a home renovation can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time doing so. While it’s good to invest in good quality flooring and fixtures, prioritizing what you should be spending your money on is key so you don’t stretch yourself too thin.
To avoid busting your renovation budget, here are some common big-ticket items to consider splurging, or saving on.
Mixed Tiles: SAVE
While mixing graphic tiles may add visual interest to your space, you may want to forgo them, unless you can be sure that you’ll like the eclectic look just as much decades down the road.We recommend sticking to plain tiles that are less trendy but can endure the test of time.
Interior Designer: The Makers Design Studio
Kitchen Backsplash: SAVE
Enticed by pictures of gorgeous kitchens with funky backsplashes? Remember that your kitchen will function just the same without this decorative element. Since most homes come with finished kitchens, it might not be worth spending more on retiling works to achieve this aesthetic feature.
Interior Designer: Authors Interior and Styling
Wall Hack: SPEND
Reconfiguring your home is a big decision because it usually involves hacking your walls, which can be costly. While it can dramatically improve the look and feel of your space, consider your future living needs before you make a decision, whether the extra space will come in handy in the future.
Interior Designer: i Chapter
If you want the best of both worlds, do a half-hack and replace the top half of the room’s walls with glass panels. Your home will look larger as natural light can stream in, and you can still keep the room semi-private.
Walk-in Wardrobe: SPEND
A walk-in wardrobe is a worthy investment because you can store your clothes neatly and hide bulky items. Consider having compartments that can store odd-shaped belongings to fully maximise the space.
Interior Designer: Adroit ID
Bathtub: SAVE
Having a bathtub at home can be tempting because it makes you feel like you’re on a holiday. Unless you plan to do that every day, it is more feasible to stick to a standing shower. It’s way easier to clean, and you can save some money on your water bills!
Interior Designer: Fifth Avenue Interior
This article was adapted in collaboration with Qanvast, Singapore’s go-to renovation platform for homeowners to meet the right interior firm for their home makeover. Check out the original article here.
4 Questions to Ask Your Potential Interior Designer
Find out if your interior designer is right for you!
Your new house is like a blank canvas – full of possibilities, and ready to be transformed into a masterpiece. Think of your interior designer (ID) as an art director who helps to mould your space into the home of your dreams. With so many interior design firms around, it might be overwhelming to pick the right ID.
Here are 4 questions you should ask your potential ID to see if he or she is the right one for you.
1. Can I see samples of your past work?
We’re assuming you’ve already done your homework, and checked out the design firm’s portfolio and online reviews. Still, you should ask for the designer’s past works to get a better sense of their style. This is especially as individual designers may have their own specialties, which could differ from their firms’. Check if their work aligns with the vision you have for your future home.
2. What is your working style like?
It’s equally important to understand how the designer works. Having this conversation early ensures everyone involved is on the same page before works begin. You may want to break this question down further, for example:
How will you present your proposals? Should I be expecting ideas to be presented in mood boards, 3D visualisations or other formats?
What would be the best way to contact you throughout the project – via text messages, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings?
How regularly can I expect updates on the project?
3. What does the budget for this project look like?
Money talk might make you sweat, but the last thing you want to do is burst your renovation budget! Do also check when and how payment should be settled, and budget for this in advance. If the quotation happens to exceed your budget, evaluate which items are absolutely necessary and which are things you could live without.
4. What is the expected timeline for the project?
After all, time is money (your ID will surely agree). Highlight all the factors your designer may want to factor into the timeline. Can works on your flat only begin after a certain start date? Are you hoping to move in by a specific date?
It would also be great if you and your ID can draw up key project milestones. Do check if they have other projects that they’re working on at the same time as well, and ask if these projects will affect the progress of your renovations.
With these four simple questions, you should get a sense of whether the interior designer is The One for you.
Pick the right combination of materials to stay within your reno budget!
While there are many aspects to renovation such as design and labour, one particular component provides the foundation (literally) – materials!
With flooring works potentially making up a huge chunk of the renovation budget, homeowners are constantly looking for cheaper alternatives to stretch their dollar! To save you the research, we’ve curated a handy list of affordable materials for every section of your home.
Wall Finishes: Traditional Matte Paint
Interior Firm: Metier Planner
Most homeowners are familiar with painted walls. They are the most common option for wall coverings, as they are cheaper and require less work than wallpapers.
Before making your decision, know that some types of paint may cost significantly more than others. Examples that are air-purifying, anti-bacterial or odourless cost approximately $80+/5 litres. Meanwhile, the traditional matte paint costs only about $50+ per 5 litres.
Interior Firm: Jubilee Interior
If you do not prioritise these health benefits, just opt for paint with a normal matte finish. Homeowners on a tighter budget may even consider a DIY paint job. This will help shave a couple of hundred dollars from your budget, as a paint package typically costs about $1,000+ for a 4-room flat.
Opt for Vinyl Flooring
Interior Firm: Meter Square
Vinyl has recently become a popular choice amongst homeowners because it’s so affordable. Typically priced at about $4.50 – $8.50 per square foot, vinyl is a pocket-friendly flooring option for the entire home. Other options like parquet or stone tiles can cost more than $10 per square foot.
Interior Firm: Design Plus
Better yet, vinyl tiles/strips can be laid over existing tiles, which means lower hacking costs! Vinyl floors are mostly water-resistant, fire-resistant and soft underfoot – making them a suitable option for homes with children or elderly occupants.
However, vinyl floors are prone to dents and scratches from sharp objects or furniture. Each vinyl piece also needs to be aligned carefully, as gaps will make the flooring susceptible to water damage.
Choose Laminates for Your External Carpentry Finishing
Compared to other options like wood veneers and melamine, laminate finishes are a popular choice – due to their affordable price point and range of finishings.
Interior Firm: Authors Interior and Styling
Solid colours and matte finishes generally cost less than those with prints (woods, marbles, etc.) or embossed and textured finishes. Similarly, laminates with special anti-fingerprint or scratch-resistant qualities will cost more.
Interior Firm: Design 4 Space
On average, one standard laminate sheet (2.4m x 1.2m) will set you back about $30+ for solid colours, and $40 – $50+ for wood/marbled patterns. However, as one sheet is enough for multiple cabinet doors, the overall price difference is not likely to be significant.
Opt for White PVC for Your Internal Carpentry Finishing
PVC and polykem are the most widely used materials for the insides of your cabinetry. Usually, white PVC is often the most budget-friendly choice, followed by coloured PVC and polykem..
Interior Firm: Black n White Haus
Do note that even though PVC is typically long-lasting and resistant to scratches, they are susceptible to heat and water damage. White PVC can also easily discolour over time.
Consider Laminate for Your Kitchen Countertops
Interior Firm: erstudio
Laminate countertops are by far the most affordable option for kitchen countertops. Other alternatives are solid surface, engineered quartz and natural stone – the cost increases in that order! Most laminate tops are essentially plywood slabs finished with a laminate covering.
Interior Firm: Schemacraft
One of the benefits of laminate countertops is its wide variety of designs. Laminates panels can look a lot like the real material it’s modelled after – be it stone or wood. If properly cared for, they can last just as long too!
Interior Firm: Authors Interior and Styling
However, if you cook often, consider selecting a hardier material, such as engineered quartz, which is highly heat-resistant. But bear in mind that once its surface or sealant is damaged, the countertop cannot be resealed again and must be replaced entirely.
Consider Ceramic for Your Bathroom Tiling / Kitchen Backsplashes
Ceramic refers to a range of clay-based surfaces, which may include homogeneous, porcelain and ceramic tiles. Hardy and largely water-resistant, ceramic tiles are a popular choice – its costs range from $3 – $15 per square feet.
Interior Firm: Charlotte’s Carpentry
Due to a higher firing temperature and kaolin (clay mineral) percentage, homogeneous and porcelain tiles are generally hardier and less prone to moisture absorption than ceramic tiles. This makes them perfect for outdoor areas! But they are also slightly costlier than ceramic tiles. Prices may also vary according to the design and where it was manufactured.
Interior Firm: Aart Boxx Interior
That being said, with tiled backsplashes, cleaning may be a problem. Food spills and grease can get trapped easily in the grout lines and are difficult to remove. So if you cook often, a seamless, glass panel may be a better option.
This article was adapted in collaboration with Qanvast, Singapore’s go-to renovation platform for homeowners to meet the right interior firm for their home makeover. Check out the original article here.
Achieve your dream home without breaking the bank!
Buying a resale flat comes with its advantages, one of which is not having to wait long to get your keys. However, if the flat is in bad shape or the interior is not done to your tastes and needs, the renovation costs can add up quite quickly!
Fret not – here are some tips to help cut back on your renovation costs.
1. Set a Budget
… and stick to it! Set your budget and consider all the potential expenses that you may incur, including your furniture and fittings. (Be sure to include a buffer!) Go through the items and check if they are necessary or if there are alternative options.
Making a list helps you visualise what your biggest expenses might be and rationalise your needs. From there, you can determine if you can afford a major renovation or if it would suffice to make a few light changes to the existing flat.
Do keep in mind that renovating a resale flat generally costs more, due to the necessary repairs and restoration works, as well as any dismantling or demolition works.
If you think you might move after a few years, consider holding off on making drastic, expensive changes to the design such as wall-hacking, or investing in pricey tiles and carpentry.
Design trends can come and go quickly, and it is important to invest in timeless looks with broad appeal, especially if you plan to live in your flat for the long term.
3. Budget Wisely
While wallpaper can make your home look instantly more luxurious, paint is typically more cost-effective and requires less maintenance. To save costs, you can also reupholster or varnish existing furniture in good condition such as arm chairs and tables, rather than purchasing new ones.
Such alternatives are ways to free up your renovation budget, so that you can direct your budget towards more essential improvements, such as in the bathrooms or kitchen. In some cases, you may also need to spend on vital fixes for the air-conditioning pipes or electrical wiring.
4. Factor in Loans
While not exactly a money-saving tip, a renovation loan can help you cover the cost of certain renovation-related works so you can use your savings to buy things like furniture. Do your research on the most competitive rates in the market before applying for one.
When buying a resale flat, you can leverage on several CPF housing grants! As a first-timer applicant, you can apply for the Family Grant and Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) if you meet the criteria. Tap on the Proximity Housing Grant as well, if you are buying a resale flat to live near or with your parents. Likewise, other grants are available for first-timer single Singapore Citizens who are 35 years old or above.
Housing loans from HDB are pegged at 0.10% above the prevailing CPF Ordinary Account (OA) interest rate. The rates may be adjusted in January, April, July and October, in line with CPF interest rate revisions. HDB’s Resale Financial Plan services are available here.
Current bank loan interest rates on the other hand, are lower than HDB Loan rates. However, the rates may fluctuate according to market conditions.
This article was contributed by Qanvast, Singapore’s go-to renovation platform. Whether you’re embarking on a major overhaul or a simple refresh, Qanvast can connect you to the right professionals for the job. Read the original article here.
Ready to Renovate? We Answer Your FAQs on HDB Bomb Shelters
While you can utilise it as extra storage space, avoid removing the door or hacking the walls!
Most HDB flats built from the late 1990s are equipped with a household shelter, also known as the “bomb shelter”. While most home owners utilise the shelter for additional storage space, we’ve seen others transform the space into a cosy pantry or even a library. Learn more about these shelters in this article!
How did these household shelters come about?
Due to building code regulations that took effect in 1996, all apartment buildings in Singapore must be constructed with a household shelter. With strengthened walls, floor and ceiling, the household shelter is designed to protect you and your family during an emergency.
Can I knock down the walls of the shelter to make more space in my flat?
The household shelter is an essential part of your home, so it’s important to note the walls must not be hacked or drilled.
How do I know where the household shelter is located at?
If you look at the floorplan, you will see that the household shelter is clearly marked with the thicker black lines to represent reinforced walls. The shelters are usually located nearer to the living and dining area, or beside the kitchen area. Here are some typical floorplans:
Household shelter in the ‘middle’ of the flat layout, beside the kitchen. In this layout, the door can be inconspicuous as it is not visible from the main living room area.
Household shelter beside the main door. This layout allows you to mask the door with an extended shoe cabinet.
How can I make use of the space within the shelter?
You can transform part of the household shelter into a storeroom by installing shelving units that can be removed in times of need. Avoid filling the shelter to the brim, as you’ll need to utilise the space during an emergency.
Can I remove the door? What about the round metallic disc?
It’s important to leave the door intact and ensure that it can be opened and closed properly.
The round metallic disc is actually a ventilation sleeve for the household shelter. If needed, the sleeve can be tightened to provide an air-tight shelter. We’d recommend that you always keep the vent open and check the gasket and screws from time to time. Do visit this page for some essential maintenance tips for your home shelter!
Is it possible to re-design the bomb shelter?
Many homeowners have either redecorated the door or added design elements to mask its appearance. Here are some examples!
If the shelter is positioned near your front door, you can consider doing a customised shoe cabinet and storage cabinets, according to your décor theme. This helps you create another ‘wall’ to mask the door – can you spot it in the photo above? Alternatively, even a simple application of wall decals and stickers can help to mask the door.
The household shelter door is made of reinforced steel. Some creative homeowners have embraced its original form and transformed it into something like a fridge wall. Now, your magnet collections have a permanent home.
All you need to know for the various renovation stages to make your journey as seamless as possible!
A Guide to Planning Your HDB Home Renovation
Renovating your home can be an exciting project, especially for first-time home owners! From designing your home to completing renovation, knowing when and what to do at each stage of your journey can help you save costs and ensure a pleasant experience.
To help you out, MyNiceHome has put together a timeline and checklist for the various renovation stages to make your journey as seamless as possible!
1 Year Before Key Collection – Decide on Your Theme
Procrastination is the enemy of all good home renovations. Don’t make the mistake of waiting after your key collection before you start thinking about the theme and features that you want in your new home. This is a creative process that takes time!
Start a mood board to collate images of home designs and concepts that you fancy.
Keep an eye out for complementary furniture and appliances as they would influence your carpentry, tile works, placement of your electrical points or even configuration of your home spaces. Having these in mind early can help facilitate discussion with your interior designer (ID) or contractor.
Our favourite sources of inspiration? Pinterest, Instagram and our blog!
3 Months Before Key Collection – Choose Interior Designer/Contractor
Engaging a good interior designer (ID) or contractor takes the guesswork out of renovation and lets you focus on other aspects such as home furnishings and other paperwork.
Besides dedicating ample time for selection, it is important to ensure that the ID shows understanding of your needs and requirements, and your desired concept. They should also be responsive to queries and receptive to feedback, to work with you on ideas or suggest viable alternatives where need be.
Pro tips:
Do your research! Ask around for recommendations and study the IDs’ portfolio and customer reviews. Some questions to keep in mind – Does their style meet your personal preferences? How are the reviews for their service and workmanship?
Shortlist and meet up with the IDs or contractors to discuss your plans and expectations.
Compare quotations, bearing in mind that the extent of work and materials used can make quite a difference in the costs.
Once you have set your mind on a particular ID or contractor, you would likely have to go through several rounds of discussion with them before arriving at the final design.
3 Weeks Before Key Collection – Shop for Fixtures and Fittings
Lighting, bathroom and kitchen fittings – all these items are essential for your new home, while adding character and unique details. Start shopping at around 3 weeks before key collection, to account for shipping and potential delays.
What you should be doing:
Look out for offers including group-buy promotions for new BTO flats.
If you are purchasing from an overseas supplier, check if the fitting is compatible for use in Singapore and suitable for the local climate
Be aware of the time it would take for the item to ship.
Where to buy:
Any e-commerce website (keep an eye out for sales!) or group-buys in your BTO group chats.
Alternatively, visit reputable brick-and-mortar stores to get instant feedback and recommendations from the staff.
Upon obtaining approval from HDB, renovation should be completed within 3 months for new flats and 1 month for existing flats. This will minimise inconvenience and noise disturbances to your new neighbours, especially those who may be working from home or have young children at home. Read our guide on renovating your HDB flat to familiarise yourself with the steps involved!
Pro tips:
Your good and early planning should be paying off at this stage, but you should regularly check in on the works going on at your new flat, to ensure that your renovation can be completed on schedule.
Make sure that your renovation works are being done according to the agreed specifications and design, as well as HDB’s renovation guidelines. Identifying and rectifying any mistake early will definitely save you money, time and effort.
Maintaining friendly relations with your future neighbours is important for a healthy start to your home ownership journey. Be mindful of the noise disturbances to them, and remind your contractor to put up a notice outside your flat that indicates the start and end date of your renovation works. This will help your neighbours make arrangements to avoid the noise and dust during this time.
Inform your neighbours ahead of any noisy renovation works. This is also a great opportunity to get to know them!
Take active steps to reduce any noise disturbances. For instance, close the door of your flat during periods where loud noise from your renovation works could be generated.
We hope you found this guide useful. Happy planning and renovating!
Just collected your keys? Learn about the features in your new HDB flat, and how to maintain them.
Congratulations on collecting the keys to your new home! As you move into your HDB flat, you may have some questions about its features and how to maintain them. Get the answers in this guide!
Drywalls
The internal partition walls in your home are built of drywall system (Severe Duty grade) and are filled with sound insulation material for good sound-proofing. Watch the video below to learn more.
A set of sample anchors, ranging from light to heavy duty, has been placed in your Household Shelter. You can use them for mounting fixtures such as wall cabinets and television sets. When selecting locations for installing anchors, please avoid areas with concealed electrical wiring.
To remove stains on drywalls, use a slightly damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using too much water and wipe up excess moisture or soap along the way, to avoid damaging the drywall. Remember to ventilate your rooms to dry the walls and floor after cleaning!
Timber or vinyl flooring requires minimal maintenance – keep your floors clean with a simple sweep, or a slightly damp mop. Remember to avoid using too much water!
To protect your floors from scratches, consider attaching felt pads to the base of your furniture legs. Also, take extra care especially when moving things around — lift, and not drag, your furniture.
Tiles
Likewise, tile flooring is easy to maintain and requires minimal cleaning. Gaps in between tiles in your flat are filled with tile grout. This is to allow for slight movement of the tiles when there are changes in temperature, and also to help accommodate slight variations in tile sizes which can occur during tile production.
Doors
Timber doors can last a long time if you keep them dry. Some maintenance tips to follow include installing a shower screen in your bathroom to prevent your timber door from getting wet and keeping your rooms well-ventilated.
To protect the timber door from damage during renovation, you can request your renovation contractor to cover your doors and handles with corrugated cardboard or bubble wrap before works begin.
Clothes Drying Rack
It is easy to operate the clothes drying rack in your kitchen or service yard. You can lower the rack in 2 steps:
Unlock the rack by pulling the strap at a 45° angle, in the direction of the arrow indicated on the rack
Slowly release it to lower the rack.
Still unsure? Scan the QR code in your flat to view the instructional video, or request for assistance at the Building Service Centre.
Window Restrictor for Top Hung Windows
A window restrictor is installed at the top hung window between your kitchen and service yard. The window restrictor limits the swing of the window and helps prevent accidental knocks.
If you prefer a bigger window opening, you can simply detach or disengage the windows restrictor by following these steps:
Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD)
Noticed this device in your flat? This is a Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD) – an automatic smoke detector installed on the ceiling that triggers an alarm when smoke is detected.
You can test whether the HFAD is in working condition, by pressing the Test/Reset button located on the front face of the device. A light will blink and an alarm will sound to indicate that the HFAD is working. To reset the device, press the Test/Reset button until the alarm stops.
During renovation, you should place a temporary cover such as a plastic sheet over the HFAD to prevent dust getting into it. Remember to remove the temporary cover after renovation.
To learn more about the HFAD, read the instruction manual in your flat, or refer to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) website at www.scdf.gov.sg/HFAD.
Dual-Flush Low Capacity Water Closet (WC) Suite
As part of our national water conservation efforts, HDB has installed water efficient WCs in your flat which use less water during each flush. This will help you to conserve water and lower your water bill. The flushing effectiveness and volume have been tested in accordance with PUB’s standards and requirements.
However, if you prefer to have a stronger flush, you may choose to supplement the flushing by installing a hand-held bidet spray at the side of the WC and use it to aid your cleaning of the toilet bowl.
We hope you learnt more about the features in your new flat – make sure to follow MyNiceHome on Facebook and Instagram for design inspiration and ideas for your new home!
Excited to move into your new flat soon? Get tips on connecting with your new neighbours.
Moving into a new home can mean a new group of lifelong friends. With the neighbourhood being an extension of your home, take the first step to get to know your neighbours!
Here are some ways to connect with them:
Creating a Gracious Neighbourhood
It is easy to make your neighbourhood a pleasant place to live in, with these little acts of kindness that can go a long way:
• Keep lifts and common areas clutter-free
• Keep noise levels low, especially between 10:30pm and 7:00am
• Prevent killer litter
• Wring excess water from wet laundry before hanging them out to dry
• Service your air-conditioners regularly to prevent leaks or noise disturbances
• Do not throw bulky items into the rubbish chute
• Do not vandalise common areas or amenities
Building Community Bonds
Keen to do something for your community? Participate in the Lively Places Programme to enliven public spaces and bring your neighbours together!
Living the Eco Way
Another way to do your part for the community is by leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Here are some simple actions that you can do every day to contribute to a more sustainable living environment:
Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling
• Bring a reusable bag when shopping
• Borrow or share items if you only need to use them occasionally
• Use unwanted plastic bags to bag garbage
• Deposit recyclable items into designated recycling bins
Saving Energy
• Check the Energy Label of household appliances and choose energy-efficient ones
• Set the temperature of the air-conditioner at a comfortable 25°C
• Choose energy-efficient lightbulbs
• Reduce the use of electrical appliances, such as by using daylight where possible and line drying your laundry
Saving Water
• Look out for the Water Efficiency Label and select water-efficient models when purchasing household appliances
• Reuse water where possible, such as reusing water from washing rice to water your plants
• Use a mug when brushing teeth
• Take shorter showers
Greening
• Keep green plants in your home to beautify and cool the environment
• Join or start a community garden and make friends along the way
For more eco-living tips, check out the Green Living Guide on HDB InfoWEB.
Staying Connected
After moving into your new home, there are many ways for you to keep up with the latest stories and happenings in the heartland!
• Life Storeys – Discover interesting hangouts in your town, and find out how you can play a more active role in your community with HDB’s quarterly community publication, Life Storeys. Read the latest and past issues via the HDB InfoWEB.
• HDB’s Community Events – Visit the Community tab on the HDB InfoWEB to find out more about the community events in the heartland, and stay in touch on what is happening in your neighbourhood.
• MyNiceHome – Follow us on Facebook/ Instagram where we share stories of interesting heartlanders, and tell you all about the best dining and hangout spots close by! Tag us to share your experiences and tips too.
Interior Designer, Contractor, or Home Stylist: What’s the Difference?
Interior designers and home stylists are good sounding boards for design advice, while working directly with contractors can help cut back costs
Looking for someone to help bring your dream home to life? Many might first think of interior designers, but you might also have heard of those who work with contractors or home stylists. Read on, if you’re not sure who to call.
Interior Designer
Interior designers are top of most people’s minds when they think of home renovation. This is for good reason, as interior designers provide a whole suite of design and renovation services.
An interior designer would be a good fit for you if you need a sounding board for the design of your home. They’re also great if you don’t have experience or time to oversee your home renovation, as interior designers can help to work with contractors and manage the entire renovation process.
Contractor
Unlike an interior designer, a contractor’s expertise lies in the execution of the renovation works, rather than design advice. Depending on the scope of work, contractors may also hire sub-contractors such as electricians, plumbers, and painters.
If you have a clear vision for your home or perhaps even some background in architecture and design, you could consider working directly with contractors. This might translate into some savings, since you would not need to pay for design services.
However, this also means you will need to keep track of the budget and progress on your own, or ensure that the main contractor is able to do so. Since the different vendors have their own area of specialisation, they will not have an overview of the renovation process. This means you will need to be familiar with the sequence of works – for example, knowing that you can only start carpentry works after wiring and piping works – to avoid having to rework the renovations.
You might also have heard of a third option – home stylists, sometimes also called interior stylists. While home stylists are similar to interior designers, their area of expertise is slightly different. Interior designers oversee the big picture, including the overall concept, timeline and major renovation works. On the other hand, home stylists have a fine-tuned eye for detail. They can advise on colour, texture, furnishing and decor changes to help make the space truly yours.
If you’re an existing homeowner looking to refresh your home (or just one or two rooms) without going through big renovations, a home stylist might be the perfect budget-friendly option for you.
TL;DR Who should I engage?
If you could do with some design advice and help in managing the renovation journey, an interior designer is a good option
If you have some background in design and are confident in managing the process by yourself, consider working directly with a contractor(s) to potentially save some cost
If you are looking to upgrade your space without taking up major renovation, try reaching out to a home or interior stylist
Whichever route you take, be sure to read our Guide to Renovating Your HDB Flat first to familiarise yourself with the process for a smooth renovation journey!
Quartz, Tiles & More: Kitchen Backsplash Materials to Consider
Kitchen backsplash – the hero piece all kitchens deserve.
Like a feature wall, a backsplash can go a long way to add character and colour to your kitchen – but its purpose extends far beyond making cooking look fashionable. Kitchen backsplashes add longevity to your kitchen walls by protecting them from unwanted spills, splatters, and grease stains.
Here’s a quick guide on some of the more popular kitchen backsplash materials.
Given the wide range of styles and design finishes, tiles are an easy favourite. Easy to install, non-porous, scratch and heat-resistant, tiles are an affordable option that are both durable and splash-friendly. However, be mindful that regular cleaning and maintenance is needed to ensure grout surfaces stay pristine. The good news is, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda should do the trick!
2. Stainless Steel
Photos: Pinterest
A statement feature for industrial-chic homes, stainless steel backsplashes are a practical option because they are easy to clean, as well as resistant to stain, heat, and water damage. Its homogenous surface also makes it tough on bacteria and mould. While stainless steel can reflect light to brighten up cooking spaces, care needs to be taken to prevent scratches and dents over time. Acidic residues from food splatters could also damage the steel surface if left uncleaned for long periods.
Tempered glass is a low-maintenance option that can weather all types of cooking, from soup boiling to wok hey storms. Its smooth surface means grease and spills can be cleaned up almost effortlessly. Naturally water and heat resistant, tempered glass backsplashes make for highly-durable surfaces that have the added bonus of being scratch-proof. Repairing or changing a glass backsplash, however, is not an easy feat so make sure you choose a design you’ll love for a long time.
Made with compressed layers of kraft papers and resin, KompacPlus backsplashes are resistant to wear-and-tear, steam and water. It is also non-porous which makes for a hygienic surface that is simple to clean. KompacPlus surfaces come in a variety of stone and wood-like finishes to complement your Scandinavian home. While heat resistant, direct contact with hot items could cause surface damage.
5. Quartz
Photos: Pinterest
Elegant and modern, quartz backsplashes have a non-porous finish which makes for fuss-free cleaning. Although quartz is heat-resistant, it is important to note that high temperatures that come into direct contact with the surface could do some serious damage.
