Types of Room Doors for Your HDB Flat

Leave a Comment / Design Ideas / October 11, 2022 October 11, 2022

Types of Room Doors for Your HDB Flat

Sliding, bifold and more: find out how you can change up the look of your home with these different types of room doors!

Doors may not be the first things that home owners think of when renovating their homes. However, the types of room doors installed can totally change the look of your home. If you’re seeking inspiration on what kind of doors to fix in your home, check out our handy shortlist!

1. Hinged Doors

These doors are mounted on hinges on one end of the door, and are a classic design that comes in a variety of materials and finishes. They are also easy to install. Add some character to the hinged doors by selecting handles that match your overall home décor. The best part? Hinged doors are highly versatile and suit every room.

2. Bi-fold Doors

*Home Tours: A Mid-Century Home With an Eclectic Twist*

Bi-fold doors are another type of hinged doors but slightly more space-efficient! These multi-panelled doors come with a folding mechanism that lets you open the doors in a neat manner. When opened, the panels stack up so these are also great for compact spaces. Bi-fold doors are usually used for balconies and bathrooms.

3. French Doors

They say two is better than one, and you can achieve that with French doors. These doors are installed as a pair, and its wide-set style helps create an illusion of a bigger space. Depending on the décor of your home, you can opt to either install the doors hinged at the sides, or as sliding doors.

4. Sliding Doors

If you prefer a more compact alternative to the traditional hinged doors, sliding room doors might just be the thing for you. These doors open with a smooth gliding motion, making it space-efficient as you need not cater space for the door to swing. Depending on the aesthetic you’re going for, you could either opt for a plain design which camouflages with your walls, or a pop of design for something unique!

5. Pivot Doors

A pivot door is one that rotates on a spindle, which allows the door to swing both ways. With no need for a door handle, pivot room doors fit well in minimalist homes. However, such doors tend to be quite heavy and would require ample space to accommodate the swinging doors.

Now that you have a better idea on the types of door for your flat, you might be excited to install or even replace the existing main or internal doors. But wait up! Don’t forget that a permit is required if you are making these fixes:

Replacing the main entrance door and/or frame if your unit is along the fire escape route, or
Intending to reposition internal door entrances

Learn more of about the HDB guidelines on doors and gates here.

Getting ready to renovate your flat? Read our guides to find out how you can better plan for your renovation works, what the renovation process entails and the type of renovation permits required. More design ideas can also be found here.

A Touch of Peranakan

Leave a Comment / Home Tour / October 7, 2022 October 7, 2022

A Touch of Peranakan

Once an eastie, always an eastie! Christopher brings us around his peranakan-inspired 5-room flat in Pasir Ris.

Christopher knew that the 5-room resale flat in Pasir Ris was The One, the moment he saw it. “My mother and I had viewed 10 properties before falling in love with this unit,” he said.

Having grown up and lived in the east side of Singaporefor allhis life, Pasir Ris was an ideal town for Christopher with its laidback vibes and peaceful surroundings. On top of the lovely view, the flat offered him the chance to design his home the way he wanted.

Christopher worked closely with his interior designer, Dan,to develop the design ideas and carry out the renovation works. To complement a soothing palette of greys and blues,subtle patterns were incorporated in the décor for visual interest. One example is thestunning feature wall of Peranakan tiles at the entryway, as a nod to Christopher’s heritage.

In planning the layout of the flat, Christopher considered how the space could meet his lifestyle needs. “As I had little use for a balcony, I chose to expand the living room instead,” he explained. The change made room for ample seating and dining space, which is especially useful when he has friends over.

While Christopher purchased most of his furniture from Castlery and IKEA, he also has unusual pieces in his home, such as a customised coffee table with a Peranakan tile pattern that complements the overall interior design concept.

Christopher and his mother do a lot of cooking at home, so he remodelled the kitchen into one with both wet and dry areas that are separated by glass doors to keep the cooking fumes out. The open concept kitchen features a dark blue island with a unique motif, which also doubles up as a casual breakfast bar.

An avid vinyl record collector, Christopher transformed one of the bedrooms into a music room. Besides full-height shelves to display his extensive, prized collection, the room is decked out in framed signed vinyls and other toy memorabilia. “It is a favourite spot for me to sit back and unwind while listening to music,” Christopher said.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Living the Artist’s Dream

Leave a Comment / Design Ideas / October 5, 2022 October 5, 2022

Living the Artist’s Dream

Grace is a pro at pairing colours and textures. Check out how she designed her 5-room flat!

Stepping inside the five-room flat, one can’t help but marvel at the amalgamation of colours and textures. “I didn’t have a specific theme when I was designing the house because I couldn’t choose between them,” Grace laughed. “But I do know that I love to be stimulated by visual elements, so my home is really colourful.”

From deciding on the colour palette to picking out the furniture to painting the walls, Grace had put the house together from scratch. “My husband is really easy-going, so he leaves the décor to me,” she grinned.

Located in Bukit Batok, the flat is a stone throw’s away from the MRT station and amenities such as hawker centres and polyclinics – one of the primary reasons why she fell in love with the neighbourhood. “We got pretty lucky when purchasing our flat,” Grace shared and continued, “We opted for the Sale of Balance flats in Bukit Batok and had only two units in our block to choose from – one unit was booked on the flat selection day but we’re still very pleased with our unit.”

In addition to using more than 10 colours on the walls of her home, a variety of textures are found throughout the flat. “When browsing for home decor ideas, my main goal was to have an aesthetic space. This resulted in a carefully curated party of colours and textures that include glass, coarse stones, leather, metal and more!”

With sewing machines, materials and bags hanging off nearby racks, one can easily guess Grace’s line of work. The founder of GSEWS, a venture that specialises in customised bags, Grace was an architecture student at the National University of Singapore (NUS) when she uncovered her passion for sewing and in particular, bag making. 2 ½ years into the course, she made the life-changing decision of dropping her degree to pursue her passion.

“Honestly, the further I was into the course, the more I thought I was not suited to be an architect,” Grace said. “I was making and selling bags while in school, and it dawned on me that I am more of a craft maker than building designer. That was when I decided to make the switch.”

Considering the importance of her home workstation, Grace was extra meticulous when designing the space. “Having the option to hack the partition walls was very helpful as it resulted in a wide rectangular area that gave us ample layout possibilities,” Grace smiles.

“The workspace also features the only white walls in the house as I use them as the backdrop for product photoshoots.”

Putting the Pinterest-worthy home together however, did come with its fair share of challenges. Every piece of furniture complemented the overall aesthetic, something Grace was particularly mindful of. “Our renovation budget was tight and my design ideas such as the fluted glass sliding toilet door and marble kitchen wall were not easy to execute.”

“I had to look for cost-friendly alternatives like marble-printed tiles for the kitchen countertop that was more affordable than the regular quartz material, but with the same durability,” Grace explains.

“But I have to say that this made the renovation process more fulfilling. Take the glass sliding door for example – we had to source for the different components of the door (hinges, sliding track, rollers, glass, door handle, door lock) before assembling it ourselves. The process was rewarding as it helped widen my knowledge of materials and construction methods tremendously.” From the customised high table in the living room to the doorknobs, Grace’s home is a careful curation of both overseas and local furniture.

So what are some renovation tips Grace has for homeowners? “I find visualisation aids very useful, especially for those not intending to engage their interior designers or consultants. Personally, I recommend Home Design, an interior design mobile app that allowed me to visualise the furniture layout, wall colours and more to see what works and what doesn’t”, quips the homeowner.

She also shared that how, even after one and a half years, she’s still making tweaks to her home workspace. “The main objective is to keep it simple, neat and efficient for work,” Grace says. “I’d put a lot of thought into the placement of the sewing machines, tables and tools but I’m still constantly making changes in order to improve the workflow. For instance, in order to save on space, I’ve replaced a stand-alone clothes rack with knobs to hang my bags on.”

For aspiring home business owners looking to design their workspace, Grace highlights the importance of workflow visualisation. “Think about the space utilisation (especially if you’re working with many tools or constantly need to move around) before planning permanent fixtures such as storage spaces and doors. It’s helpful to keep your layout flexible with mobile shelves and tables as you’ll tend to move them around as you make adjustments to your workspace.”

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Home Tours: A Modern, Idyllic Paradise

Leave a Comment / Home Tour / October 5, 2022 October 5, 2022

Home Tours: A Modern, Idyllic Paradise

From the earthy colour palette to breezy, sheer curtains step into Joey and Huang Peng’s 5-room home.

From the earthy colour palette to the breezy, sheer curtains that bathe the flat in natural light, it’s almost hard to believe that Joey and Huang Peng’s flat is located in Toa Payoh, and not in a more exotic locale by the beach.

Channeling Resort Vibes

It was love at first sight for the first-time home owners, who were drawn to the resale flat’s spacious and squarish layout. “When we were viewing the flat, we could already envision what our home would look like,” they recall.

They combined the living and dining rooms, creating a villa-like open plan, and connected the open-concept kitchen seamlessly to this communal space. “The countertop is prep space and hangout spot all in one,” Joey says.

*The rounded countertop offers a contemporary look*

This layout creates a larger common space for hosting family and friends, and helps to keep the area cool through cross-ventilation, especially when the bi-fold balcony doors are open.

The balcony features a row of house plants, including an oversized banana tree that channels serious resort vibes. This cosy space is also furnished with a bar table and stools, where Joey and Huang Peng would occasionally spend their time unwinding after a long day.

*The balcony is also designed as a green sanctuary*

Blending Old and New

The balcony isn’t the only place to have a meal. Indoors, a dining set featuring rattan—a classic material enjoying a revival— adds a laidback charm to the home.

In the kitchen, terrazzo—another material making a comeback— feature in the floor tiles. Considering that the Huangs’ flat is 37-years-old, the heritage elements are a fitting nod to the ‘retro-ness’ of the flat.

*The terrazzo tiles in the kitchen also serves as a space demarcation*

“We embarked on our flat-buying journey knowing that we wanted a home for life, one that could accommodate our current lifestyle and grow with our needs,” they say. “Since we’re planning to make this flat our forever home, we made sure that the lease could cover us up to the age of 95.”

Place for Privacy and Rest

Their forever home is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. To carve out a little privacy in an open plan home, Joey and Huang Peng incorporated a partition wall, to demarcate the space between the bedrooms and common living area.

*Beyond adding to the home’s aesthetics, the partition doubles up as a storage space*

A combination of function and form, the partition doubles up as a storage space too. It is a statement piece – one of the interior design ideas suggested by the couple’s architect consultant.

The private quarters of the home feel like a sanctuary. A darker shade of teal is used in the master bedroom to create a restful ambience, with the chic white sheets reminiscent of those in a resort. The bathroom sports a minimalist look, with grey subway tiles as its primary feature.

*Soothing colours such as dark teal and greys are used to make the master bedroom a more conducive space for rest*

When recalling the renovation process, the couple emphasises, “It’s important to invest in quality materials, especially for built-ins and fixtures that are going to last you a long time. We always believe in putting functionality first – an important consideration we think home owners should take into account.”

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

5 Tips on How to Cool a Room Without Aircon

Leave a Comment / Design Ideas / October 1, 2022 October 7, 2022

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

A Baby Proofing Checklist for Your Home

Leave a Comment / Design Ideas / October 1, 2022 October 11, 2022

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

Choosing the Best Bed Frame Style for Your Room

Leave a Comment / Design Ideas / October 1, 2022 October 5, 2022

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

Photo: Home Tours: Heritage Home with a Contemporary Twist

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

Photo: Home Tours: An Industrial Home with a Splash of Chic

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

Photos: Home Tours: A Glamorous 4-room Flat in Tampines, Home Tours: Dressed in Dreamy Pastels

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

Leave a Comment / Design Ideas / October 1, 2022 October 5, 2022

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

Home Tours: A Modern Idyllic Paradise

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.

Home Tours: A Modern Idyllic Paradise

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

Eclectic Elements

Home Tours: A Mid-Century Modern Home with an Eclectic Twist

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

Home Tours: A Monochrome Greenhouse with Retro Influences

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.

Home Tours: A Monochrome Greenhouse with Retro Influences

Playful Bohemian

Home Tours: A Playful, Bohemian Home

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!

Home Tours: A Playful, Bohemian Home

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

Zen Vibes

Home Tours: How a Couple Designed Their Elegant Abode

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.

Home Tours: How a Couple Designed Their Elegant Abode

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

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