These wallpapers, decals, and decors are perfect for peeps who miss travelling

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Tres Tintas Paris

While borders are slowly reopening for business travellers and official travel, restrictions for leisure travel probably won’t be lifted so soon. If you’re an avid traveller, we feel you.

For those who are dying to travel, these wallpapers and decals are a great visual reminder that the pandemic will be over one day. When that time arrives, we will be able to explore the world again!

#1: Above The Clouds
Above the Clouds Wallpaper

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

Are you a window-, middle-, or aisle-seat kind of person? One of the greatest things about getting a window seat is the view above the clouds. Oh boy, how we miss those cotton candy clouds up from above.

Whether you choose to have this backdrop in the bedroom, study room, or home office space, it will definitely bring you back to the happy times you were up in the skies.

To proceed, please measure your wall size and enter the dimensions on this page. The team at Hello Circus has also kindly provided a guide on how to measure your wall to help you get started.

#2: Tres Tintas Paris
Tres Tintas Paris

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

A few months back in June, we read with excitement how the Eiffel Tower reopened after a three-month break due to COVID-19. Though… it will be some time before we can travel to Paris to view the iconic tower.

Travellers who have treaded the grounds of Champ de Mars and seen the 300-m tall wrought-iron lattice tower can now travel back in time with this wallpaper.

Sold by Hello Circus, they are made-to-measure and numbered accordingly with the DIY installation in mind. You may also request for an installation hire at an additional cost. Get your quote from the team by clicking this link.

#3: London Houses
London Houses

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

This wallpaper of London houses reflects Hello Circus’s view of the townhouses at Notting Hill. Notting Hill is a lively neighbourhood in London and home to one of London’s best markets – Portobello Road Market.

This unique piece is created with 2D drawings, arranged, and photographed in 3D. It will be printed on high-quality non-woven paper in factories with the highest standards from Europe. Reinforced with nylon fibres, your wallpaper will also be resistant to colour fading.

Send your measurements to the team via this link.

#4: Watercolour World Map
Watercolour World Map Wallpaper

Image Credits: Urban Li’l

Price: S$85 / sqm with installation from S$240

The world’s under your watch with this world map wallpaper. Ignite your passion for adventure with this eco-friendly, child-safe, and highly durable piece from Urban Li’l. This wallpaper is produced locally in Singapore and will require about two weeks to be ready.

To order, simply click through the link to input the measurements here. Then, cart out at S$0 and the team will get back to you with a quotation of the actual price. Payment can be made offline. Oh yes, the site measurement fee at an additional S$50 is refundable upon a confirmed order.

For other colours or designs, the team at Urban Li’l can create it for you at no extra costs! Drop them a request on hello@urbanlil.com or WhatsApp them using the bottom right-hand icon on their website.

#5: Wall Decals

Price: To be quoted

If you’re not ready to commit to a full-scale wallpaper for your living spaces, wall decals are great to begin with. Here are some designs that caught our eye.

Adventure is all you need

Adventure is all you need

Where will your next adventure take you?

Oh, the places you’ll go

Oh, the places you’ll go

Yeah, just think of all the places you will go when the virus is under control!

Rome

Rome

Was Rome on your travel list before the virus situation? Put it up on the wall because travelling will be made possible again. This too shall pass.

I promise to stay wild

I promise to stay wild

The thrill of booking an impromptu flight may not be possible now. But promise yourself to stay wild… in heart, mind, and spirit.

Without travel, I am lost

Without travel, I am lost

This quote speaks volume of the hearts of travel lovers. As we await the pandemic to pass, may our hearts grow fonder with the thought of seeing the world again soon.

For more travel-related wall art decals from The Hidden Folks, click here.

#6: Wall Decor

To complement your wallpapers and wall decals, you can also consider wall decors. We found a few eye-catching designs from Etsy.

Departures board art prints

Departures Board Art Prints

Price: S$16.98+

You can customize your own list of cities free of charge! Just include the relevant details under the ‘Notes to Seller’ section before carting out.

Scratch-off world map

Scratch-off world map

Price: S$33.12+

Glove trotters will appreciate this scratch-off world map to remind them of the adventures they have gone through while abroad. You can choose to have yours done in gold or silver foil.

Retro travel posters

Retro Travel Posters

Price: S$31.73

For all things retro, get this printable set of 12 travel posters. You can instantly download and print once payment is confirmed. The seller recommends that you print this on matte finish paper to reduce glare and bring out the rich colour.

Check out more travel-related wall decor from Etsy by clicking through the link.

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6 Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants That Purifies Air

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Many Singaporeans have dabbled into gardening in the recent months due to the limitations of the Circuit Breaker. One thing is for sure, bringing your first houseplant home can be exciting and intimidating.

With the endless varieties of indoor plants, you may not know where to start. Consider starting with these forgiving plants that will not easily die on your watch.

#1: SNAKE PLANT

Plant lovers all over Instagram have been posting their own pots of Snake plants. Snake plants are aesthetically pleasing and are easy to take care of. In fact, it was the first plant that my uncle requested for when he moved into his new home.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

They do not need to bask in a ton of light and they can weather different conditions such as drought. Its blade-like leaves come in varying colors and patterns that offer beauty and air-purifying benefits.

#2: SPIDER PLANT

Add architecture and personality to your indoor space by placing a Spider plant. A Spider plant has “spiderettes” or small plants, which dangle from its stems like spiders hanging from a web. These spiderettes can be planted into smaller posts as this plant loves to reproduce.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Another benefit is its ability to remove harmful xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde from the air. It accomplishes this without harming your curious and beloved pets.

#3: ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is one of my favorite plants because of its multi-purpose applications in the beauty and skincare industry. Although Aloe vera is a desert plant, direct sunlight can create black spots on its leaves. So, keep it away from the sun’s rays. Find a place that can help you take take advantage of its air-purifying benefits such as your bedroom.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

This plant is believed to have similar effects to a combination of air purifiers. Besides being a skin balm, it can also remove microorganisms from our air. Not to mention, its plump leaves can provide a soothing gel for burns and cuts. Allow this succulent to dry completely in between watering. You may water as little as every two to three weeks.

#4: PEACE LILY

Ahhhh peace! Who does not want peace to enter their homes? Native to tropical rainforests, the Peace Lily delights in dim lighting. You can put it in a windowless office or an enclosed bathroom. This will add brightness to your space with its subtle white flowers. Moreover, it removes trichloroethylene gas and ammonia fumes from furniture and paint.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When this indoor plant has had enough water, it will subtly droop its leaves. This is a sign to move it into a new pot for better drainage.

#5: BAMBOO

Like air plants, Bamboo can grown without soil. Simply place its stalks in a vase full of water with pebbles or marbles at the bottom. If your bamboo starts to grow beyond your first container, just upgrade to a new one without additional re-potting procedures.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Aside from being low-maintenance, it is capable of providing a higher amount of oxygen in comparison to other types of plants.

#6: RUBBER PLANT

If you have pollen allergies and you cannot seem to hold your sneezes with certain outdoor plants then, you may opt for the Rubber plant. A rubber plant cleanses the air by removing formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Its flowers and fruits do not grow often when its kept indoors too. Thus, they are perfect for newly painted or renovated flats.

The rubber plant can withstand neglect as it thrives in drier soil. They can be watered only once a week.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Spruce up your home and purify your air with these forgiving and low-maintenance indoor plants!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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How To Stretch Your Dollar When Decorating Your Flat

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With the rising real estate prices and fast-paced lifestyle, people opt to live in HDB flats or apartments. Individuals find it convenient to live in these types of residences given that these are easily accessible to workplaces and commercial areas, offers facilities and amenities, and provides better security. Despite all these advantages, living in a flat means having to deal with a limited space in comparison to house.

In my quest to find ways to maximize the functionality and design of my space, I tapped my Interior Designer friend. Here are some tips that Interior Designer Krishna L. generously shared to me.

#1: PLAN THE SPACE

Having a small space requires identifying the distribution of areas. It is important to recognize the functions and activities that take place in each zone. Adequate planning makes it easier to know what types of furnishings are needed within the space. This helps save time and money for the owners. Personally, I love watching Never Too Small on YouTube as this channel shows how to plan space sections within micro-apartments.

#2: REMEMBER – LESS IS MORE

Given the space available, it is necessary to make use of the space wisely. Having too many things going on in a small space makes it cramped and chaotic. Avoid overcrowding the space and know which items are essential in order to conserve more space.

#3: ELEVATE FURNISHINGS

One way of giving an illusion of spaciousness is keeping things off the floor. Make furniture pieces and fixtures “float” – opt for sofa and tables with exposed legs and mount shelves on wall – to achieve an illusion of a bigger space. Not only does this make the space larger but also provides a room for additional storage.

#4: INVEST IN MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PIECES

A limited space requires flexibility in terms of utility and functionality. Looking for furniture pieces that provide more than one function can save money and space.

#5: MAXIMIZE VERTICAL SPACE

Condominiums and apartments often less square footage than a traditional residential space. Thus, it is better to take advantage of the walls. Use floor-to-ceiling cabinets or shelves for storage and display, mount wall decors and art or add tall plants to make the room appear larger.

Image Credits: 3aces.ph

#6: ADD MIRRORS

It is a well-known fact that mirrors can make a small space appear grander. Mirrors not only give the illusion of a greater square footage but also reflects natural and artificial light, thereby creating an impression of a bigger space.

#7: CONSIDER THE LIGHTING

Natural lighting provides a healthier well-being but also helps open up a room. However, condominiums have limited access to natural light since there are less windows. It can be useful to have a variety of artificial lighting to achieve a great atmosphere and warm ambiance within a space. Lighting placement can either make or break a space, so it must be thoroughly planned.

#8: FIND THE RIGHT COLOR THEME

Colors can influence the way we view spaces – lighter colors reflect light and give an illusion of space, whereas darker colors absorb light and diminish a space. In order to make a room feel larger, it is good to have the right color palette for the floor, wall, and ceiling. This does not necessarily mean limiting your options with an all-white interior; rather, use a color scheme that create cohesion and unity. Choosing monochromatic or neutral colors, for instance, can make the space feel airy, open, and visually bigger. Applying dark or bold color or pattern sparingly to accent wall, furniture, or decors can create depth, contrast, and personality to the space.

#9: CHOOSE THE FLOORING WISELY

Like color schemes, flooring surfaces can greatly impact the size of a space. It is better to avoid using a contrasting color for the flooring. Choose hues for carpets, tiles, and wood flooring that would complement the walls and ceiling to achieve continuity. Light-colored wooden floor planks that are either wide or long can make a space look bigger.

#10: ADD GREENERY

Plants greatly benefits one’s health. Having indoor plants can make the space brighter and lively. Moreover, it gardening is a good hobby to dwell on as you work from home or obey the stay-at-home notice.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

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7 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Your Weekend

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Who says you need to break the bank to have an awesome weekend? Here are seven weekend ideas that you can dive into:

1: CREATE A SCAVENGER HUNT

Spice up your weekend by creating an exciting scavenger hunt. Start by gathering group of people in one area. Then, divide the group into two. Act as the game master who will hide all the items around the vicinity.

Add an exciting twist to your scavenger hunt by letting each player bring a unique item related to a given theme. For instance, you may have a BTS-themed Scavenger Hunt complete with all the BT21 collectibles! Set a timer and enjoy the hunt. A friendly competition never hurt anybody!

2: VOLUNTEER TO BABYSIT

Parents, admit it! You all need a break every once in a while. Not to mention, many single parents hardly ever get a chance to unwind. This is why most of them would jump on a chance to let someone babysit their children for a day.

If you are passionate about taking care of kids and being surrounded by them, consider volunteering to babysit for a friend or a relative. Spend the day by doing arts and crafts or by visiting the nearby playground.

3: SHOP AT FLEA MARKETS

Expand your wardrobe without breaking your budget by investing in sustainable fashion. Fortunately for you, Singapore has a wealth of flea markets with items selling for as low as S$2.

Begin your search by checking out the Fleawhere and The Luggage Market. Fleawhere is a market organizer known for its regular flea parties at Lucky Plaza. In fact, it will be holding the 7th edition of the “Daebak Sale” this June 29 (Saturday). The Daebak Sale offers affordable items from your favorite Instagram Influencers. All items are under S$12! Check out www.fleawhere.com for more details.

Let us move on to The Luggage Market. As the name suggests, you will be greeted by a huge sight of vendors carrying luggages. These luggages are filled with preloved clothing ranging from S$2 to S$5. These insanely low prices attract crowds from far and wide. Visit the Grand Link Square on a Sunday to check it out!

4: GO ON A WALKING TOUR

See what is beyond the four walls of your cubicle by exploring the great outdoors! Get up close and personal with nature as you embark on any one of the National Parks’ walking or cycling trails.

Feast your eyes as you spot large numbers of biodiversity and hundreds of bird species that most trails provide. Whether you prefer a long seamless walk in a chain of hills or a peaceful cycling experience off the city, there is definitely a suitable trail for you. Learn more about the trails at
www.nparks.gov.sg.

5: MAKE A TIME CAPSULE

Treasure life’s precious moments by creating a time capsule that you will open a decade from now. A time capsule, often put in a small box, houses preserved articles or records of your present-day life. You can either put a polaroid selfie, a piece of clothing, or a heartfelt letter inside. Be as creative as you can when filling it up!

The fun never stops now! Imagine how you will react upon seeing the changes that happened in a span of 10 years.

6: REVAMP YOUR FLAT

There is a way to change your home’s entire look in a snap. You read that right! Simply rearrange the key elements – the furniture and decorations. Try moving the couch to a different wall or a table to a different corner.

You will be surprised to see how fresh a room looks just by moving a piece of furniture into different positions or angles.

7: PUSH STRESS AWAY

Whether you like it or not, stress is inescapable. Use the weekend to freshen up your mind in time for the weekday grind. One of the ways that you can overcome stress is by practicing the basic meditation technique. Best of all? It does not cost a cent!

Watch this short video to know the essential information on how to meditate:

Sources: 1 & 2

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Hottest Trends In Millennial Home Hunting

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By year 2020, half of the global workforce will consist of Millennials. As they transcend to the top of the chain, it is important to know how they will spend their money on properties.

#1: IN WI-FI WE TRUST

Above all the hierarchy of needs, technology shines as a newcomer. It comes as no surprise that Millennials value convenience and connectedness. In fact, they are willing to pay more in order to secure their homes with smart technology. Smart technology includes electronic access, key-less locks, security cameras, voice-activated assistants, and so on. Having the ability to control your home from a smartphone is something that appeals to many buyers of this generation.

#2: HOME IS WHERE THE GREENS ARE

Eco-living has been trending nowadays as many people encourage zero waste. Vast majority of Millennials identify themselves as environmentally-conscious individuals who prefer to lead a sustainable lifestyle. This philosophy extends to their homes.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

For instance, they may opt to use Nippon Paint Odour-less or Nippon Paint Aqua Bodelac for its low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content. VOCs are believed to cause many physical reactions to one’s body. Aside from this, they may opt for energy-efficient appliances.

#3: VERSATILITY IS KEY

Open interior layouts with less walls or partitions attract the Generation Y. You see, these open layouts allow them to socialize and to live freely. Moreover, they use one room in a variety of ways. The living room can double as a dining or a gaming room. They redecorate whenever possible.

#4: SIZE DOES NOT MATTER

When it comes to purchasing their nests, size does not matter for Millennials. Since they prioritize convenience over space, they are willing to sacrifice by living in small flats. They prefer locations closer to their offices or the public transportation modes.

#5: HERE FOR THE LONG RUN

People from Gen Y tend to purchase properties later in life. Flexible long-term payment schemes are seen as a safer option rather than paying upfront. You see, they want to live a life in their own terms.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

They do not want the responsibility to hinder them from pursuing their passions!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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