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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
So, you have listed your HDB flat on the market and are anxiously waiting for prospective buyers to pop by for a viewing. You may be ready to seal the deal, but is your house ready?
You don’t need huge home staging budgets like the real estate agents on Netflix’s Selling Sunset – all you need are some tips and tricks to spruce up your HDB flat before you arrange for flat viewings.
They say a picture paints a thousand words – this is especially relevant when selling your HDB flat, as you need to stand out from the crowd of existing flat listings. Take good photos showcasing the flat’s layout and space to highlight its potential.
P.S. Remember to take the photos during the day – natural light is key.
2. Declutter the Space
Clearing clutter is not an easy task but no one likes a messy space, especially prospective buyers of a new flat. Clutter makes it difficult for buyers to see the potential of the flat – after all, they are here to view the space.
3. Keep It Clean
Once you’ve gotten rid of clutter, do give the flat a thorough mop and scrub, especially on frequently used appliances and furniture. The flat need not be 100% spotless, but should at least be tidy – you do not want prospective buyers to be put off by the stains and dirt.
If your flat’s got attractive attributes, flaunt them! Whether it’s an unblocked view of the neighbourhood, ample living room space, or a unique kitchen concept, you should leverage these attributes which may appeal to prospective buyers. Open the windows to show the amazing view, rearrange the furniture to highlight the spaciousness of the living room, or if you’ve got a HDB flat with a great view, opt for viewings to happen in the day so that prospective buyers can enjoy the scenery.
Make your guests feel welcomed to your home. Add some fresh flowers or potted plant on the dining table, or even use scents to create a warm and cosy ambience in your room or home – these small touches could leave a strong and positive impression on your prospective buyers.
Now your flat is ready to meet its prospective owner!
Before embarking on your HDB flat renovation journey, it’s best to first think about the look of the bathroom, space utilisation and potential additions to the space.
Some new HDB flats built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method come with full floor finishes and built-in sanitary fittings (wash basins, shower sets), while some flats will only provide these under the Optional Component Scheme (OCS).
Familiarise Yourself With the Renovation Guidelines
Have a major makeover in mind? Do familiarise yourself with the HDB renovation guidelines to prevent potential hiccups. For instance, did you know that homeowners of new HDB flats aren’t allowed to remove the wall and floor finishes in bathroom for a period of three years? Instead of hacking away the original tiles, you can overlay them with tiles of your choice.
List Down the Essentials
The next step is to determine the kind of works you need done – whether you choose to DIY or are getting professional help. Some contractors offer bathroom packages, which may reap savings if the works are extensive.
1. Water Heater
First up, determine the type of water heater you want for a comfortable shower (and in some cases, a safe bath temperature for the little ones. There are many different appliances available on the market, ranging from instant heaters to those with a built-in tank that can be chosen to fit your budget, size of the household and shower habits. There’re also smart, energy-efficient water heaters that are remotely operated and notify you when the heated water is ready.
It’s also recommended to have your water heater installed with any major renovation works, to ensure that it fits nicely within the bathroom.
A bidet spray beside the water closet (WC) unit comes in especially handy for bathroom cleaning or when you’re looking to give doggo a shower. You may also wish to add an automated WC bidet, for a more luxe experience.
3. Shower Dividers
Depending on your bathroom layout, a shower divider can help keep some areas of the bathroom dry. You can choose from a simple rail to run a shower curtain, or a more sophisticated option such as glass screens.
Glass screens are a great way to segment your bathroom, keeping much of it “dry” and clean. Customised storage units, along with mirrors, can help hide the clutter.
While some homeowners prefer maximising the bathroom space, some prefer to not have mirrors and too much storage in bathrooms, keeping to a minimalist style. Consider having just a few simple racks to place your toiletries and hang a dry towel for your shower.
Get familiar with the permits required before renovating your HDB flat.
Collected your keys and excited to renovate your HDB flat? Make sure you learn about the permits required and renovation guidelines before starting on your renovation works!
Permits? What Permits?
As the home owner, you are responsible for ensuring that all permits required for your flat’s renovations are obtained from HDB before the works begin.
HDB requires these permits to ensure that the renovations you plan on doing do not affect the structure of your flat. This helps to keep you and your neighbours safe!
Do note that the renovation contractor you are engaging must be listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors, which means they are aware of HDB’s requirements when they carry out renovations, and to protect the structural integrity of the building.
Floor Finishes
You will need a permit if you are thinking of removing existing floor finishes and replacing them with floor finishes of your choice. You also need a permit to raise the level of the floors in your kitchen, balcony, bathroom or toilet – doing these works incorrectly can add unnecessary stress on the floor slab of the flat and weaken the overall structure of the flat.
Hardy and cost-efficient, vinyl is a popular flooring option that can be quickly laid above existing tiles, long as it complies with HDB’s guidelines on replacing floor finishes.
Walls
Before you hack down any walls in your flat, you need to obtain a permit from HDB to ensure that the demolition works do not compromise the structural integrity of the flat.
Similarly, any construction of arches or rounded corners to existing openings also requires HDB’s approval before it can be carried out.
Replacing internal wall finishes? You need a permit too to prevent any tampering of existing wall structures. Just putting wallpaper, or plastering your walls? No permit needed!
Doors
You need a permit to replace your main entrance door, if it is situated along a fire escape route i.e. facing a staircase or lift lobby. The replacement door and the frame of the door must be half hour fire-rated, and complete with a door closer.
Changing the location of doors within the flat also requires a permit from HDB, to ensure that the hacking works involved do not affect the structural integrity of the flat.
Bathrooms/ Toilets
You will have to wait 3 years before removing any wall or floor finishes in the toilets of your BTO flat. Otherwise, the waterproofing works in these wet areas might become damaged.
Instead of hacking away the original tiles, overlay them with the tiles of your choice. For more bathroom renovation tips, read The Basics of Bathroom Renovation!
After 3 years, if you decide to change the flooring or wall finishes of your bathrooms and toilets, or extend your bathroom/ toilet, you will need to get a permit from HDB.
Air-Conditioner Installation Works
If you buy a BTO flat, and the compressor of the air-conditioner is going to be installed at the air-conditioner ledge, you do not have to apply for a permit from HDB before the installation.
You need to submit an air-conditioner installation report if you plan on installing your air-conditioner on building exterior, or if any part of the air-conditioner projects outwards from the building.
Window Works
Permits are needed if you want to install or change your flat’s windows or the grilles at your service yard or balcony. The design of the windows and grilles must also comply with the colour and design scheme approved by HDB, so that your flat does not look too different from your neighbours’ when viewed from the outside.
Replacement of full height and ¾ height windows such as the above is strictly not allowed
To prevent accidents from happening, only engage BCA-approved window contractor registered with HDB for the installation and replacement of your flat’s windows and ensure that all works comply with HDB’s safety requirements.
Applying for an HDB Renovation Permit
You can authorise your renovation contractor to submit an electronic renovation application on your behalf. Removing or repositioning fittings, hacking down or constructing walls? Scans of the layout plans, elevations, sections or details of the proposed works must be submitted together with your application.
Once HDB receives the application, an SMS notification will be sent to you. You can view your renovation permit on My HDBPage once it has been granted.
Do HDB Renovation Permits Expire?
After you obtained the approval from HDB for your renovations, ensure that they are carried out as soon as possible, as these permits come with expiry dates. For new BTO flats, the approved renovations must be completed within 3 months. Resale flats have a shorter deadline – renovation works must be completed within a month, to minimise inconvenience to your existing neighbours.
The renovation contractor must comply with the stipulated timings for carrying out renovations. Remind your contractor to inform your neighbours and put up the Notice of Renovation indicating the start and end date of your renovations outside your flat early, so that your neighbours can make their own plans to avoid the noise and dust during this time, if necessary.
Bonus: Coping with Noisy Renovation Works
Do you have neighbours who are renovating their flat instead? We know it can get challenging at home with noisy renovation works going on around you, such as if you work from home.
You can maintain friendly relations with your neighbours by reaching out to them. Let them know if there are specific days or timeslots that might be of particular concern (e.g. important meetings or interview), so both parties can address it together.
If necessary, you may approach your grassroots leader or other neighbours to act as a mediator when communicating with your new neighbour.
This nifty infographic explains common light renovations that do not require HDB’s approval:
All About That Space: Multifunctional Living Room Ideas
In making the most of our homes, many of us are not afraid to get creative. From building a workspace to putting together a workout corner, here are some multifunctional living room ideas for you to live the urbanist dream with!
1. Living Room + Workstation
Having a workstation in the living room means that you can work and lounge at the same time. Depending on the layout of the room, you can dedicate an unused corner of the living room for your workstation. Otherwise, consider placing a small desk beside or behind the sofa as opposed to a bookshelf or coffee table. Add a swivel chair, a desk lamp and voila, you’ve got yourself the perfect home office in the living room.
Ching Kaiworked out this combination successfully in this 3-room flat
2. Living Room + Bar
Photo credit: West Elm
If you have guests around a lot, you’re going to love this one. Not only can a drinks bar be seamlessly integrated into the living room, the bar is also a conversation starter as well . All that’s required is a low cabinet to house your favourite sodas, juices, or alcohols.
Or, instead of the conventional dinner table, opt for a countertop/high table that doubles up as a bar counter and dining table. You can even add some shelves to display your mugs, glasses, and drinkware.
3. Living Room + Workout Corner
While gym machines may be a stretch (pun intended), exercise equipment such as dumbbells, skipping ropes and stability balls can be easily accommodated in the home.
Photo credit: Higashifushimi
Similar to the home office, make the best of an unused corner of the living room for the workout station. Wall shelves and grids are great ways to keep your equipment organised.
4. Living Room + Play Area
Catered for the little ones, a play area can be easily carved out from the living room. All you need are some toy boxes to contain the clutter and a play mat to protect them from tumbles.
Photo credit: Dog Milk
For the furkids, a cosy corner with your pet’s essentials can also be a great way of keeping organised. Plus, you can now work/ lounge in the living room in the company of your pets.
