How To Stretch Your Dollar When Decorating Your Flat

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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Largest interior design and furniture fair to be held at Singapore Expo, Hall 6B from 6 – 14 Apr 2019

Welcome to a world of inspiration where you can explore new home collection at the Glamorous Living & Design 2019– Your one stop solution for new and existing homeowners

Enjoy great discount on new furniture, curtains, floorings, branded mattresses, dining tables and more!

  • With more than 5,000 furniture designs for you to choose from!
  • Exclusive Mattress Deals, more than 300 mattresses to try on, choose the Best Mattress which perfectly suits your needs
  • Exclusive deals for all BTO owners!
  • Over 20 International Branded mattresses brands for you to test all out and find the perfect mattress

Widest range of premium mattresses at an exceptional price. Browse their extensive range to international branded mattresses on display to meet all your needs.

Also, wide range of furnishings solutions for floorings, curtains, digital locks and more at your own dream home. – Mix it with playfully detailed accessories to create a match made in modern living.

Get free interior design consultations and join the grand draw for a chance to win $10,888 cash!

Address: Visit us at Singapore Expo Hall 6B, free admission
Opening Hour: 12pm to 10pm from 6 Apr to 14 Apr 2019
Website: Visit www.poya-events.com for more information. Like our Facebook Page to stay updated with their new fair!

 

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4 Pro Tips for Designing Your New Home

This is it! You’re about to take the plunge and build your first home from the ground up. But before you break ground, you’ll need to spend some time working on your design. Whether you are a new home buyer or a seasoned veteran, here are 4 tips for designing your new home!

  1. Assemble Your Team First

Before you begin the process, you need to make certain to assemble your design team. This can include your interior designer, contractor, architect, etc. If you are unsure how to find this team, ask around for personal recommendations within your circle. Always make certain to ask homeowners that experienced a project on a scale similar to your own!

If you’ve already found a contractor, make certain to check their input as well: in most scenarios, they already have a trusted professional circle of artisans and tradespeople.

  1. Get Everything in Writing

This may seem obvious, but you need to make sure that each and every specialist is working off a contract. Building houses is a complicated and messy business. You need to arm yourself for any future calamities.

It doesn’t matter if you know the builder, or if they have a trustworthy aura; this is a business relationship. As an employer, you need to protect your employee and yourself from possible delays and mistakes.

Most professional contractors will provide a legal contract. Make certain to have your lawyer thoroughly examine this before you sign it. If your contractor does not provide said document, it is up to you to draw up the paperwork. Make certain that the contract includes specific deliverable dates and costs, and create a contingency plan in case things go wrong.

  1. Design for Details

During the design process, you need to take into account the minute details of the house. It’s easy to be blinded by the grand scale of your project and forget about the smaller things. It’s understandable: designing Dutch thatched roofs will always seem more interesting than your basement insulation materials.

However, these unseen details are important to remember. Although the world will see the grand facade of the house, you will see its smallest details on a daily basis. You will experience and live this detail for decades. This is why it’s crucial to think on a smaller scale.

This scale includes deciding where electrical outlets need to be, ensuring each room has access to ample lighting, and making sure the kitchen is close enough to the water heater. Check with your contractor to ensure everything in the design is up to code. They have undergone multiple types of exams and countless building projects: this allows them to find flaws that are nearly invisible to the untrained eye.

This may seem tedious, but it’s worth it. If you put the leg work in now, you can save yourself a whole lot of grief in the future.

  1. Consider the Future

If you are going to design a house, make certain that you are creating it for every possible version of yourself. This means that you must design for your present self and for your future as well!

Remember, a house is a semi-permanent fixture of your life. The average mortgage loan term is thirty years. As such, you should design your home as something that will be inhabited for that period of time. For example, a spiral staircase may be easily maneuvered now. However, thirty years in the future, it may pose a mobility problem.

Take into account any possible lifestyle changes. Do you have children? If not, do you see them in the future? Are there elderly family members who will be moving in with you? All of these scenarios should be considered and accommodated. By factoring the future into your design, you can create the perfect home that suits you at every stage of your life.

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Feng Shui’s Guide To Attracting Money

Aside from your credit score and your net income, there are various elements that can affect your finances. Believe it or not, your home design can affect your bank account. Based on the ancient school of thought that focuses on balancing energy, you may try these money-centered Feng Shui tips.

#1: HOME SWEET HOME

What is the first thing that your guests will notice upon entering your humble home? The front door, of course! Paying attention to the details of your front door is important in letting the auspicious energy flow. Is your door made from cheap plastic or strong wood?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

According to Feng Shui, the quality of your door determines the energy that will run throughout your home. The same goes for the front entrance. Dubbed as the “Mouth of Chi”, the front entrance is a place where nourishing energy shall enter your space. Thus, you must invest on a sturdy door and keep the entryway clean.

#2: WHAT ATTRACTS NEGATIVE ENERGY

It goes without saying that a cluttered space contributes to a cluttered mind. This ideal echoes the sentiment of your finances and the energy it receives. Untidiness has a negative influence on many areas of your life including your wealth. This is why you must remove any unnecessary items that create visual clutter. For instance, you may dispose your dead plants and clean your rubbish bins.

On the other hand, you must protect the items that represent money in a negative manner. Manage your unpaid bills and telecom payment reminders. Interestingly, you shall organize the receipts of the things that you regret purchasing too.

As I have said above, clutter can influence other areas of your life including the places you see and the people you meet. Keeping things that remind you of the people or places that you do not want to be associated with can attract negative energy. Think about that!

#3: PAINT THE TOWN RED, PURPLE, OR GREEN

As a Psychology student, one of my favorite topics was Color Psychology. I was fascinated by how some people act based on the display of colors. So, it comes as no surprise that I will include the relationship of color and Feng Shui. Color is believed to have a powerful impact on a person’s life. Focusing on money, red is considered powerful and propitious. Imagine walking on a red carpet or driving a red sports car!

Aside from the mighty red, green and purple are key colors in attracting prosperity. Experiment between these colors to see which one suits your vibe. If you deem purple as a favorable color, you may start by decorating your home with hints of purple. Throw purple pillows in your bedroom or paint your walls lilac for a subtle glow. It is important to decorate with mindfulness to enhance the energy surrounding your home.

#4: THE SYMBOL OF ABUNDANCE

The symbol of abundance is none other than Water. Any objects exuding a wavy, curvy, or sinuous shape can be considered as a Water element in your home. Mirrors and crystals are just some of the examples.

Now, let us dive into the Feng Shui “rules” of decorating with Water elements. The premise is simple! The state of Water in your home mirrors your finances (no pun intended). Do install a fountain in your money corner. For small spaces, a good alternative is a tabletop fountain. Placing it beside a dragon figurine is believed to attract wealth. If it is totally impossible to place a fountain in your home then, you may display images of flowing water. Search for images containing a waterfall or a fast-moving river. Remember to avoid displaying disturbing water scenes.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

DONT’S: Do not let your fountain’s water to be stagnant. Leaking or dripping taps are not conducive to prosperity either. Interestingly, a water element in your bedroom may negatively impact your finances. A mirror should not face your bed!

Sources: 1, 2, &3

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The Funiture Mall celebrates 23rd anniversary with fun activities and giveaways on 7 & 8 Oct 17

The Furniture Mall is one of Singapore’s largest shopping space for quality furniture. There are as many as 40 stores and 70 brands housed under the mall including stores that stock the latest furnishing items and professionals providing interior design services.

Well, something big is happening on the 7 & 8 October. The Furniture Mall will be running fun activities and giveaways to celebrate their 23rd birthday. From photo-taking with Singapore’s Largest Mattress to Customised Photo Prints Macarons, you are in for a treat!

Here’s a sneak preview on what’s happening this weekend:

1. Photo Booth with animated GIF Contest

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Stand to walk away with a Panasonic Steam Oven worth $399 when you participate in their “Most Creative GIF with Singapore’s Largest Mattress” contest happening on 7 & 8 Oct 2017. This is the largest mattress you can find in Singapore (courtesy of SLEEPNIGHT) so don’t miss you chance to get wild and creative!

Venue: Level 1 Mezzanine, accessible from entrance at car porch near Lobby A

2. Macaron Printing Redemption

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Get a free macaron when you make any purchase at The Furniture Mall. This edible macaron comes with a customised photo printing that is too adorable to eat it! Valid while stocks last.

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Head on to their Hashtag Booth to take instant photos. Upload them on instagram with hashtags and you will be able to get these shots home.

The Furniture Mall
10 Toh Guan Road, Singapore 608838.
CSO Line:6898 2272
Fax No :6296 2355
Business Hours: 11.30am – 9pm daily

 

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