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A picture, an artistic photograph or even an odd sculpture can really transform the interior of your home or office. What matters is selecting an authentic piece that has sufficient artistic value and the gives your space a bit of oomph.

You may think that it’s impossible to work on home décor improvements while Singapore’s Covid-19 circuit breaker measures are in place. This isn’t really the case.

Equipped with a computer, a smartphone and reliable internet access, you can accomplish a whole lot to take your interior design concept to the next level.

Decide What You’re Looking for in Advance

Before attempting to source artwork online, you should do some research about the possibilities.

A painting isn’t the only choice. Even if you go for a painting, what style would you be looking for? Impressionism? Cubism? Modernism? Do a bit of work in and research the options to determine which one you’re drawn to the most.

Social media can help you get inspired, so do begin your art quest there. Pinterest boards that focus on art, for example, give you a beautiful catalogue to explore. Numerous people who are avid art fans curate their customised boards and if you follow them, you’ll learn a lot more about the specific kinds of art you enjoy.

If you feel a bit confused about choosing the artistic style that matches your home or office in terms of interior design, having a consultation with a professional could be beneficial.

The Home Guide team is available on WhatsApp to remotely address your inquiries. You can also reach us by using the Contact Us information on our website. This way, we can give you some suggestions while adhering to the circuit breaker measures and helping fight off the Covid-19 pandemic.

How to Buy Authentic Artwork from Your Home

Now is the time to help local artists and galleries. As economic uncertainty is likely to affect the entire world in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, every dollar you spend will count.

While choosing art is a really personal experience and viewing the piece itself before buying is usually recommended, you can still make an excellent selection online.

The Artling is one of the most renowned online art galleries in Singapore that gives local creators an opportunity to display their work and find buyers. If you purchase a piece of art from this gallery, you will get a certificate of authenticity and secure shipping to your doorstep.

All of the artwork is insured, so you can rest assured that all possible delivery and shipping scenarios will be accounted for.

Some types of art you can acquire via this gallery include paintings, prints, photography, illustrations, sculptures, sketches and even unique artisan design items. Art consultancy is also available if you don’t know where to get started.

Society6 is also worth paying attention to. The online gallery represents independent artists from many parts of the world, including local talents. There’s a great diversity of choices – from affordable artwork to some outstanding pieces.

Décor items are also available for purchase and you’ll get your hands on some of the finest works of local artisans.

Society6 offers online delivery and if you’re not happy with what you get, you can request a full refund within 60 days of purchasing.

A couple of other online galleries worth checking out include Exquisite Art, Yang Gallery and even Etsy. If you want to favour the work of Singaporean artists on Etsy, you can do a basic search to filter out the options you’re not interested in.

A Few Additional Tips and Suggestions

There are two important practical considerations to go through before starting your online shopping experience.

For a start, decide on a budget.

Art is a general term. You can easily find prints and pictures for a couple of bucks. Classics go up to the million-dollar range. Setting your budget before getting started will allow you to stay within your means and limit down the number of pieces you’re going to examine.

The second important consideration is the available space.

How big of an art piece can you accommodate in your home or office?

If you live in a small flat, putting a massive canvas on the wall will only make the room feel cramped. Art needs space to “breathe” and you should definitely choose dimensions that are in scale with the overall size of the property.

A final important thing to do is forget what the critics say.

Yes, there are artists and artworks that have received universal recognition and praise. These pieces, however, may be too far out of what you’d consider beautiful and attractive. If a piece of art does not “speak” to you, look for an alternative. If you’re not buying art as a piece of investment, you need something that you’ll enjoy looking at day after day.

Art is subjective and what works for one person is not necessarily going to appeal to someone else. Trust your gut, even if you’ve never bought art before. The fact that you’re not educated on painting styles, the history of the Renaissance or modern art doesn’t mean you should refrain from relying on your own judgment.

You have to be in love with a piece of art before you consider buying it. You don’t need to be a connoisseur to do that. So do take your time and use all of the online resources at your disposal. The more you examine different opportunities, the easier it will become for you to pinpoint the ones that you can see hanging on the wall.

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Covid-19 has changed the way we live, the way we interact with others and the way we work. Many companies have prioritised the safety of their employees by adhering to current Circuit Breaker safe-distancing measure of closing workplaces, adopting the home office setup. If you’ve never worked from a home office before, however, you may be somewhat clueless about dedicating a space in your flat to the purpose.

Interior design professionals recommend several home office setups as much more effective than others. You don’t need significant resources to create such a space conducive to concentration and productivity. Here are a couple of basic ideas and guiding principles for setting up the best home office.

A Small Home Office Setup

The first setup is probably the one that will appeal to most Singaporeans as it can be executed effortlessly in a space-starved flat.

What you need to understand clearly is that a home office can be put together in a nook or a corner of a room. You’ll need a desk, an ergonomic chair and just one storage unit for the purpose. Obviously, there could be some other equipment required on the basis of your line of work but you get the idea.

The corner of the living room is a great choice for the setting up of a home office. If you have one bare wall, you can add floating shelves and eliminate the need for a storage unit like a filing cabinet.

Dedicating a part of the bedroom to a home office is another good idea you can execute if you’re looking for a more tranquil and undisturbed environment.

The general rule of thumb here is to build up rather than out so that you can make the most of the available vertical space. Such an approach will help you organise the essentials without creating clutter in your home. Keep it minimal!

The Window Home Office

Natural light boosts cognitive abilities and concentration. Hence, you may want to place your desk under a window for an optimal home office setup.

If you have a balcony or some type of patio, that space can easily be transformed into an outdoor office. You’ll get to enjoy the sunlight and the fresh air. Being outside will also create a bit of separation from the rest of your family, giving you the perfect chance to handle distractions.

The Comfy Home Office

While it’s important to create a clear line of separation between the office and the rest of the flat, you can easily utilise some of the perks of being at home.

While it is more of a challenge to make the office more like a home, it is easy to make your home work space feel cosy and comfortable. A thick rug or a carpet will quickly take away from the sterility of the office. You can also have a small couch or a love-seat (even a bean bag chair) by your desk for those moments you need to relax or do a bit of creative thinking.

A hybrid setup works well for nearly all lines of work. Finish the design off with the right decorations like pictures created by your kids or some favourite, inspiring artwork.

Disappearing Home Office

If you’re really, really pressed for space, you can utilise the amazing power of smart, multi-purpose furniture.

There are numerous home solutions that will give you a desk and a storage unit during the day and that you can transform into something else when you’re done with your professional tasks.

Storage units and filing cabinets, for example, can double as coffee tables for the living room. There are also foldable desks you can elevate when you’re done with work to open up space.

While some smart furniture pieces need to be custom-created for your space, there are also readily available products in most furniture stores. Check those out – some of the retailers can easily deliver a smart desk or a storage unit to your home at a time of social distancing.

The Standing Desk Home Office

Consider getting a standing desk for your home office if you don’t have a dedicated work space already.

Standing desks come with multiple advantages worth exploring.

For a start, they occupy a lot less space than a regular desk. In the end of the day, a standing desk can be folded to make the interior design clean and clutter-free.

Standing desks encourage you to take more frequent breaks and to move around. If you’ve spent some time at home already, you know that immobility can be a huge issue.

There are standing desks that can transform into a regular desk, if you’re not 100 per cent confident in the suitability of the idea. Such hybrid choices have been embraced in numerous offices and they’re a massive hit among employees.

The Makeshift Home Office

Some people don’t need a dedicated work space to stay engaged and productive at home.

If you’re one of these people, you’ll be free from having to invest in new furniture or home modifications at this time.

Still, you should find some way to handle distractions. Portable panels and screens may be a good choice to separate yourself from the rest of the family and enjoy some tranquillity.

The right home office setup depends entirely on the way you work and the resources you need to be productive. Take some time to consider the biggest challenges you’ll need to overcome at home and base the setup on those.

Finally, don’t forget to enlist some professional assistance.

The interior design team at Home Guide  are specialists in both residential interior design projects as well as office interior design we are still by your side at this challenging moment, even if we could only offer remote assistance. Contact us today via phone, email, social media or WhatsApp to discuss the specifics of your brand new home office concept.

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Desperate times call for desperate measures and nearly the entire world has gone into a lockdown mode to counter the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Singapore is also joining the efforts, which means that more and more people are staying at home as offices close down and remote work takes over.

The Home Guide team has made the decision to close down our showroom office from April 7 until May 4. We believe this is the responsible thing to do, when it comes to saving lives and helping conquer a major health threat. Still, we are remotely available to consult clients and help with the conceptualisation and planning of brand new home interior design and renovation.

If you are using social distancing to consider home improvements, you can get in touch with us via WhatsApp. We also monitor our Facebook and Instagram profiles and will respond to questions sent there. You can also get in touch with us by email.

All of the Home Guide ongoing site work will be suspended until further notice.

While social distancing has had a profound effect on our lives and the ways that we work, we firmly believe that the opportunity can be used for the betterment of the future.

So, while spending time at home, start planning for a remodelling or a renovation project that you’d like to go through in the future. You still have access to a ton of resources that will inspire you and give you spectacular ideas about what to do with your living or work space.

What Will Your Future Home or Office Look Like?

If you have never worked on an extensive renovation project in the past, you may feel clueless about where to get started.

Browsing through online resources makes it easy to get acquainted with different styles and concepts. Once you identify the one that appeals to you the most, the search can be narrowed down to pinpoint specific elements.

The Home Guide residential, office and retail portfolios provide an excellent starting point.

Check out the projects we’ve completed in the past to determine if these come close to what you’re looking for. Needless to say, you can also get in touch with us to inquire about a specific execution or to fine-tune the idea.

Social media also provide amazing research opportunities.

Head over to Pinterest – multiple popular boards are dedicated to both residential and commercial interior design. You can also do an image search for an individual term that you’re curious about, for example – a particular interior design style like Scandinavian or art deco.

Visual social media like Instagram can also come in handy. There, you’ll find items categorised by hashtags. Identifying the most prominent interior design-related hashtags will give you access to huge collections of images.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of YouTube. There are dozens of home and office walk-throughs, as well as visuals demonstrating the execution of a particular interior design idea. Even if you’re not into the entire thing, you can pick little nuggets from here and there to eventually come up with a home remodelling strategy that’s 100 per cent personalised and catered to your needs.

Other Less Common Sources of Inspiration

You can find inspiration in just about everything. The colours of the sunset, a beautiful painting you’ve seen online or the layout of a celebrity home can all give you that lightbulb moment.

It may be a good idea to start a scrapbook while social distancing. All you’ll need for the purpose is a plain notebook, some magazines and a printer that you can use for online images you like.

Cut out or print everything related to interior design and renovation that you fancy. Apart from featuring the images in your interior design scrapbook, you can also write down notes. Such a journal will help you organise all of your ideas and fine-tune the original concept even further.

Style blogs and even urban photography websites can also open your eyes to the immensely big world of interior design and décor. Just use Google to discover a few resources to get started with – there are thousands of style blogs and digital magazines out there. Some will miss the mark but others will give you content you’ll enjoy and content that’s in line with your vision.

We do recommend checking out our interior design blog. Not only does it feature explanation of various interior design projects and practical tips, the blog will also highlight some clever solutions that may be just what your home needs.

This Too Shall Pass

The current uncertainty right now makes it impossible to determine how long social distancing is going to last. We know one thing for certain, however – this too shall pass!

You have all the time in the world right now – use it to plan for the future. Even if you’re limited in your ability to go out, shop and start actual work, you can explore ideas and acquaint yourself with brand new possibilities.

And don’t forget that we’re here to help you and guide you through the process. While meeting right now isn’t possible, we believe that digital communication is the next best thing and it provides amazing opportunities to stay in touch.

In the end, we’d like to say that we hope you and your loved ones stay healthy and strong. Take good care of your health, do the responsible thing and we’ll soon all emerge from this situation much stronger.

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Everybody dreams of having the perfect bedroom. it’s a relaxing and sophisticated space that brags a beautiful colour scheme, high quality fabrics and soothing accessories.

Unfortunately, many Singaporeans postpone bedroom upgrade projects because they worry about the cost. Is a bedroom renovation really that expensive and can the work be done without spending a ton of money on it?

There are some easy remodelling and renovation ideas that will contribute to a complete bedroom transformation. Here are some of the approaches that Singapore interior design professionals recommend to their clients looking for a budget-friendly upgrade.

Add Framing to the Art on the Walls

A beautiful and elaborate painting or photo frame can be really inexpensive. At the same time, the addition of such an ornate element to the bedroom wall will quickly transform its appeal.

If you don’t have artwork or photos in your bedroom, the time has come to hang some. If you already do, look for new frames.

Having all of your pictures in exactly the same frame adds consistency and a decorative element to the bedroom. You can go clean and minimalist (black-painted wooden frames are one beautiful example) or you can opt for ornate frames that will give you a bit of the art deco vibe.

Do consult a Singapore interior design company about the selection of the right frames or having such custom-made for your project. Otherwise, you risk creating a massive stylistic hodgepodge or getting an outcome that’s somewhat kitschy instead of artistic.

Try Removable Wallpaper

Removable wallpaper is inexpensive and it’s also a lot of fun if you want to carry out a bold transformation.

This product doesn’t get permanently stuck to your walls. When you get tired of it, you can take the wallpaper down and replace it with something else.

The use of removal wallpaper is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to immediately transform your bedroom. Try bold patterns or graphic prints to breathe some youthfulness into the interior design. Geometric shapes and florals are other great choices if you want to distance yourself from the typical monochromatic wall.

Add a Few Pops of Colour

Whenever an interior design concept is executed in one tone or several similar colours, the final décor could look a little bit bland and lacking an oomph.

There’s an easy fix for the problem.

Adding a few pops of colour to the bedroom décor will make it more inviting and fun. You don’t need large items or expensive decorations to make the change happen.

Choosing a few bright and bold pillows to throw on the bed, for example, will immediately create a focal point in the room. You can also select a little rug or a carpet that’s bright and patterned.

Throws, curtains and other fabrics also provide excellent opportunities for keeping the bedroom décor looking lively instead of tired.

DIY Art

The area above the bed is a lovely canvas. The best part of carrying out such a project is that you can do it on your own.

If you do a bit of online research (Pinterest is a great source of inspiration), you’ll come across dozens of projects that are very easy to execute. The only resources you’ll need include the right paints and a couple of brushes.

You can use decals for the purpose, you can try out paint patterns or even splatters. Some people have even gone as far as to paint a fake headboard behind your bed. You’re limited only by your imagination and your artistic abilities.

When engaging in such a DIY project, do a test run before carrying out the actual work. Make sure that the concept you have in mind works to prevent a massive disaster on the wall.

Experiment with Textures

Some people like the monochromatic look of their bedroom and do not want to test out art and patterns. If you’re one of these people, you can upgrade the appearance of your bedroom through the interplay of different textures.

There are so many ways to bring various textures into the bedroom.

You will have the warmth of natural wood, the impeccable smoothness of metal, soft fabrics and heavy patterned curtains. You can add even more textures by having a couple of fluffy pillows or a faux fur throw rug. Do colour coordinate to make sure these accessories all fall within the colour scheme you’ve chosen for the bedroom.

Reposition the Bed and Get Rid of Cheap-Looking Furniture

The final bedroom upgrade we want to suggest does not involve the purchase of anything.

For a start, do a bedroom evaluation. Are there cheap-looking items and accessories you do not use or don’t even like? These need to go. More isn’t always better in the world of interior design. In fact, a few well-chosen pieces can look much better than a mismatched plethora.

When you’re done with cleaning up, consider repositioning the bed.

A bed that’s pushed in the corner isn’t an optimal choice. Instead, try having the bed against a window or centrally positioned. Once you make the shift, you’ll notice just how much it opens the room up.

Bedroom upgrades can be executed in so many ways that match both your style and your budget. At Home Guide home interior design and renovations, we like challenges and we do our best to personalise the projects clients entrust in our hands.

Do you want to make your bedroom much more sophisticated and excited without breaking the bank? We have the right solution for you. Contact us today for a consultation!.

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Do you want to feel nature around you 24/7? Luckily, you can harness the power of interior design and home remodelling to bring the great outdoors into your home and make it a bit more sustainable.

Various projects can be executed to make your space greener and much more reminiscent of a natural habitat. Here are some simple suggestions you can easily execute with the help of the right Singapore interior design company.

Plants Everywhere, Yes – Everywhere!

One of the most affordable and practical options for bringing nature into your home is buying lots and lots of plants and flowers.

You can do a bit of research to identify the species that necessitate least care. There are also plants for every room – some demanding little light, some even being a good choice for placement in a bathroom.

The pots and the containers used to house your plants can make an additional style statement and enforce the overall interior design concept you’re featuring in your property. Choose among the numerous possibilities available on the market – lightweight plastic that looks like clay, ceramics, concrete and even stone planting containers can really make your home feel like an urban jungle

Have an Entire Green Wall

If featuring potted plants in your home isn’t enough, you can transform an entire wall into a green space.

Do talk to an interior designer and a landscaping professional about the execution of this project. There will be some practical considerations and some adjustments you’ll have to make to your crawling plants thrive.

Vertical gardens are becoming a new hot trend for residential spaces. A living plant wall can be set up on any wall or fence, as long as the particular room has the right conditions for the plants to thrive. You can either make your own frame to hold the plants or get a pre-constructed one to simplify the process.

Some easy to care-for plants that will grow up and take over the wall include bromeliads, aglaonemas, pothos, snake plant and Brazil philodendron. Most florists and landscape artists will give you good suggestions about easy to care for plants that will grow quickly and soon have the entire wall covered.

Paint a Wall to Get a Beautiful Landscape

Instead of selecting pictures and other pieces of art for your home, have a painting created on one of the walls.

A beautiful picture can bring your favourite place to the living room. A mountain, a lake or a valley landscape can give you some realistic depth and natural appeal. You will simply need to select the right artist for the task, someone who will be up to the scale of the project.

The picture doesn’t have to be 100 per cent realistic – you can choose a landscape that’s a bit more stylised and modern. Choosing one style or the other is entirely dependent on the interior design concept you’re going for.

Use Scents and Sounds

Olfactory signals are very powerful and they can quickly transport us to a place that we love. Don’t underestimate the power of scents when designing a home with the great outdoors in mind.

Incense, potpourri and scented candles can all be utilised to sense the saltiness of the ocean or the fresh aroma of a forest right after the rain.

You can further enhance these scents by using gentle sounds of waves or the wind passing through the branches of trees. There are numerous apps and relaxing recordings you can utilise to bring the sounds of nature into your home.

Natural Decorations

The best aspect of using natural decorations is that you don’t need to buy them – you can create your own decorative items.

Sea shells, pebbles, branches, crystals, fossils and dried leaves can all be used to boost the natural appeal of your home.

Some of these are ideal for the creation of accessories. Leaves can also be used as patterns when painting – having the shape repeated over an entire wall will definitely make a statement.

Don’t be afraid to breathe life into your residential space through the power of botanicals and other natural materials. All you need is a bit of creativity to decide exactly how you’re going to use each individual item.

Water Wall or a Living Room Waterfall

Obviously, such a project will be more challenging to execute and you’ll need a professional to carry out the work. A water wall or a cascade/waterfall in the living room, however, will lead to the complete transformation of that space. Water brings on such tranquillity that you’ll feel completely rejuvenated after spending a bit of time by your indoor waterfall.

There are some ready-made indoor waterfalls. You’ll simply have to fill those with water and plug them in. Alternatively, you can opt for a custom execution that is 100 per cent tailored to the size of your property and the interior design style of the overall decoration.

If you decide to carry out such a project, choose a Singapore interior design team and a contractor that have some experience with such water installations. The system should be designed and set up impeccably to reduce the risk of moisture accumulating in your home or even flooding.

At Home Guide home interior design and renovations, we love working with natural materials and we’re passionate about customised, one of a kind solutions. Together, we can completely overhaul the appearance of your home to give you exactly what you need to feel comfortable and satisfied.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today and let us know exactly how you plan to bring nature indoors. We will discuss the specifics with you and create a personalised quote based on all work elements that have been discussed in advance.

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Over the course of 2020, Singapore will provide 24.8 million dollars for the energy-efficient home renovations of one, two and three-room HDB apartments. Thus, if you’re planning the renovation of your flat right now and you’re looking for a source of funding, you’re in luck.

The climate-friendly household package will be rolled out this year, Minister of Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli announced. Who can apply for the funding and what exactly will the process entail?

The Climate-Friendly Household Package

The climate-friendly household package will include a one-off voucher for 150 dollars. Offered by the National Environment Agency (NEA), the package will be available for investment in energy and water efficient refrigerator models.

As already mentioned, one to three-room HDB flat owners can apply under the new scheme.

According to preliminary estimates, approximately 300,000 households living in HDB apartments will qualify for funding under the scheme.

On top of enjoying a brand new appliance, households will also get to benefit from the energy savings that stem from the use of an energy efficient fridge, the official announcement reads.

In addition to the fridge vouchers, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources will also offer LED programme vouchers for more energy-efficient light installations at home.

The LED light programme was first launched in 2018. Originally, only one and two-room HDB flat owners could apply. Currently, the programme has been expanded to also offer funding to three-room HDB flat owners.

As a part of the package, each household will receive a 25-dollar voucher for the purchase of LED lights. Current estimates show that LED lights are nearly 80 per cent more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts like incandescent light bulbs. They’re also 40 per cent more energy-efficient than fluorescent light bulbs.

The LED light programme will benefit 233,000 households. As per official statistics, 64 per cent of these families do not have LED lights currently installed in their home.

Since the LED light programme has been in existence for some time already, there’s evidence of its effectiveness. Already, 8,700 families living in one or two-room HDB flats have received their funding for a switch to a more energy-efficient lighting solution.

Singapore Fighting to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions

The home improvement funding for energy efficiency projects isn’t the only way in which official entities are attempting to counteract environmental changes.

The Minister of Environment and Water Resources also announced various measures that will target refrigeration and air conditions as two of the primary contributors to greenhouse emissions.

These measures will be introduced and enforced by NEA from 2020 to 2023. The primary target is hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – a refrigerant that can be found in a vast range of equipment and climate control units. The problem with HFC is that it can potentially leak at any time – from installation to maintenance and even during the removal of a unit.

Some forms of HFCs used in refrigerator and AC units can trap a lot more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, hence the measures.

One of the things that NEA will do is the introduction of a climate-friendly label that households can use to identify fridges or air conditioning systems that use alternatives to HFCs. According to NEA, currently only 10 per cent of refrigerants installed and used throughout Singapore are climate-friendly.

Companies that want to make a switch to environment-friendly commercial water chillers will also be entitled to NEA grants.

In addition, NEA will launch a course that will help AC technicians handle equipment in the best possible way to minimise the eventual leakage of refrigerants.

Making Your Home and Your Living Greener

It seems that 2020 will be the year of sustainable home improvements in Singapore.

While you may need to invest some money in more energy-efficient and green choices, these deliver a very high return on investment. The conservation of resources you’ll achieve through such solutions will bring down various utility bills, leading to significantly reduced household expenditure in the long run. These savings will help you pay off the home improvements and then save some more!

To make the most of the new grants and other clever energy efficient improvements for your home, you will need the right partner. Luckily, a reputable Singapore interior design company can help you there in a cost-efficient, reliable and tailored way.

To get started with sustainable home improvements, think of what your flat misses the most.

Is it lacking insulation, which leads to escaping heat or cooling? Are your appliances old, which makes them consume a lot of electricity? Or maybe you have items of questionable origin that are potentially emitting VOCs and other harmful compounds?

The first step would be to carry out a thorough home assessment. If you don’t know what you’re doing, the Home Guide interior designers can handle the task for you.

Just schedule an appointment and we’ll come to your HDB flat to analyse its current condition. Based on the state of affairs, we will recommend a personalised renovation plan that will make your house greener and also contribute to the biggest long-term savings.

With the new measures introduced by the government, carrying out a home renovation does not have to be expensive. On top of the funding, you can also benefit from affordable packages and promotional offers to get the best outcome on a limited budget.

Don’t hesitate to check out our residential interior design portfolio and acquaint yourself with the work that we’re most proud of. If you like what you see, contact us today to get work on your brand new sustainable home started.

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Mid-century modern interior design is making a rapid comeback in both residential interior design projects and office interior design projects. The style is recognised for practicality and comfort. It originated in the aftermath of World War II to produce decors that are bold, beautiful and fun at the same time.

It’s easy to see how mid-century modern interior design can quickly boost the appeal of a residential project. We have been seeing a comeback to this style in the world of office décor. So, why is this trend returning to the corporate world and what kinds of office concepts can be created this way?

Office Timelessness with Mid-Century Modern Design

Are you a fan of Mad Men? If you’ve ever watched the show, you know what a mid-century modern office looks like.

Mid-century modern offices dominated the scene in the 1960s and 1970s. They are making a serious comeback today, resulting in some beautiful contrast from the streamlined high-tech office.

At the limelight of the mid-century modern craze, people treated the office as their home away from home. Right now, we’re seeing a call for the creation of more such spaces. Modern businesses are moving away from the strict corporate appeal. They’re looking for a more home-like feel in the office, which is why mid-century modern interior design offers excellent opportunities.

Creating the Mid-Century Modern Office Vibe: Clean Lines

Every reputable Singapore interior design company will start with overall space planning before moving on to the details. When working with a mid-century modern concept, clean lines happen to be one of the biggest essentials.

This applies to the furniture, to decorations and to even room organisation.

Mid-century modern furniture tends to be quite simple. There are no excessive ornaments or decorative works. Tables and desks are excellent for the creation of clean, straight lines that give the space a lot of geometric appeal. This, however, doesn’t mean that everything needs to be rectangular and boxy.

All kinds of geometric patterns and clean, minimalist shapes are welcome in the world of mid-century modern design. Triangles and even circles can give the space a bit of dynamic appeal while still maintaining the dynamism of the overall spatial planning.

Choosing the Right Storage Units

When it comes to furniture and functional office pieces, storage units rank among the most essential products you’ll have to select

Closed storage units are most in line with the mid-century modern design philosophy.

Closed units make it very easy to hide away contemporary tech clutter. As a result, you can easily enforce the retro vibe at the office and make the employees feel like they’ve taken a time machine to a couple of decades back.

Open shelves, on the other hand, can be used to display books, potted plants and even beautiful artwork (little figurines, sculptures, framed pictures or posters).  This means that storage units can still be diversified and streamlined when such a choice makes sense, as long as they’re being utilised in an optimal way.

Pops of Colour

All office design elements mentioned so far are functional.

They aim to optimise the space, create a clean concept and result in effortless accessibility. Mid-century modern design, however, isn’t just about function. As we’ve already mentioned in the introduction, it’s a lot of fun. And fun is easiest to achieve with bold use of colours.

Functional and minimal furniture can easily be brightened up with a couple of accessories. A bold pillow or a little colourful rug will be the kinds of accessories that make the transition to the home environment at the office.

The use of colours needs to be strategic. A well-chosen bright piece can easily stand out and create a focal point in a corporate space that’s otherwise subdued. There’s really no need to go for dozens of brightly coloured accessories. A few high quality pieces can deliver a much better outcome than numerous knick-knacks fighting for attention.

Let It Be Light

The final aspect of mid-century office interior design we need to discuss is light.

Having sufficient amounts of light is essential for a corporate space. Light boosts productivity, makes the office more cheerful and welcoming. Light fixtures, however, can also be used as statement pieces that reinforce the chosen interior design theme.

In the world of mid-century modern interior design, lights are bold and unapologetic.

Sculptural lamps are an excellent example of a fixture that fits the concept beautifully. Once again – think of Mad Men and the typical desk lamps of the show. While everything else is functional and clean, a sculptural light can create some contrast and make a statement.

Standing lamps and accent lights that illuminate functional areas can also be utilised to create different zones, each one with its specific function.

Making the Mid-Century Modern Office a Reality

Mid-century modern interior design dominated for several decades. As a result, there’s no one single way to execute such a concept.

A mid-century modern office can be very eclectic and daring. It can also be minimal and functional. It can be a combination of both.

An interior design partner like Home Guide can help you conceptualise the mid-century modern office design elements that make the most sense within your line of work. The best office decors are personalised, suitable for the respective number of people who will be inhabiting the space and original.

Check out our office design portfolio to get a better understanding of our work philosophy and the types of projects that we feel comfortable with. If you’re ready to get started, contact Home Guide right now to discuss the specifics of the execution.

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We all treasure the vintage items that we own, but at the same time, it is true that most of these are either gathering dust in storage somewhere or locked away in a cabinet.

Some people collect antique plates or vintage teacups, others like vintage art or posters and much more. However, pretty much everyone has difficulty putting their antique finds on display.

Contrary to most people’s beliefs, antiques and collectibles go well with modern home interior design in Singapore as long as you know how to put them together.

That’s the problem; most of us have no idea how to add them to a modern home seamlessly.

It is essential to realize that these antiques and heirlooms have some amazing stories to tell, so why not give them centre stage in your home with the following tips:

Organize Them By Colour

We highly recommend group your antique collection in by the colour. This can be really soothing to the eye and provides uniformity to a room that’s otherwise filled with contrasting colour palettes.

Moreover, you can even place non-antique décor with these collectible items and keep them in a single location to make it the room’s focal area.

Create A Gallery Wall

For vintage items like posters, plates, or record albums, it’s a good idea to dedicate an entire wall to them.

Gallery walls look great everywhere, but if you really want to give your collection the attention it deserves, display it a high traffic area. This means that hallways, staircases and even the living room could lend a wall to your collectibles.

Display Vintage Ceramics On Shelves

Old ceramics and pottery can be very delicate. And the intricate designs on them mandate that you leave them to stand alone on a shelf.

Maybe invest in an antique dresser or vintage cart to display them. If money’s tight, just put them at the top of your kitchen cabinets. These powerful pieces will command attention and bring together your room no matter how you decorate them.

Use Ignored Spaces

Think of displaying your collectibles in out-of-the-ordinary places that don’t often draw the eyes. Your collection can bring new life to these spaces and make them look amazing.

We are talking about the space under the staircase, the empty shelf above the sink in the bathroom and other such areas where you can display your toys, sculptures and even coins, etc.

To grab the attention of your guests, you must create a colour contrast between the object and the place you are putting it up.

A modern home interior doesn’t have to clash with your precious vintage collectibles. Incorporating the past with the present is a highly creative way to decorate your home.

For expert help, hire a Singapore home interior design company like Home Guide interior design to introduce new ways to display your antique collection. Check out our residential interior design portfolio here.

Disorganized Wall Art

It’s always a good idea to add a contemporary look to your décor with the right art pieces. But arrange it the wrong way and you run the risk of overpowering the entire space.

Common mistakes include installing it too high or low on the wall. This disturbs its alignment with the furniture and breaks the entire design plan of the room.

This mistake can be avoided by placing pieces 8 to 10 inches higher than the furniture, and you have a room that looks stunning.

While it is easy to avoid these mistakes when designing your home. Start your home design journey with confidence to create a space that perfectly depicts your personality and taste.

If you are still unsure about your decisions and you feel frustrated with all the options available, hire a professional interior design company to help you make all the right decisions and to create a beautiful home of your own.

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Not everyone has a keen eye for detail and the creativity required to complete a home interior design that is both; within budget and aesthetically appealing.

You can find some great accessories and accent pieces at the mall, but it does not necessarily mean that they will look good in your home.

A lot goes into HDB, condo, and apartment interior design to ensure that it’s perfect according to the local landscape and housing situations in Singapore.

The room size, weather, colour palettes, natural and artificial lighting, seating requirements and décor placement are just a few of the considerations that go into ensuring stellar design.

So it’s only natural that amateurs and DIYers make mistakes with residential interior design.

We documented some of the most common home design blunders people make when decorating or renovating their homes. Here we list them down along with their solutions to help you avoid and fix these issues promptly:

Mistakes To Avoid When Designing Your Home

How you choose to decorate your space is a personal decision, but a professional interior designer in Singapore can help you explore your unique tastes and create a home that’s exactly the way you want it.

Whether you are a fan of the hottest trends or prefer a more classic style, it’s easy to get carried away and make mistakes.

However, an interior designer can spot them pretty quickly and guide you on how to rectify these quickly.

Here are the top issues to look out for:

Selecting Paint Before Furniture

The ambience of a room depends on its colour theme and the wrong shade can mess up the entire aura of a space.

Selecting the paint colour before buying the furniture is never a good idea because it is easier to change the colour to your sofa than the other way around.

People often make this mistake and end up having trouble finding furniture pieces that fit their style and budget criteria.

Bad Lighting

Lighting is most often an afterthought – people either go overboard with harsh lights or install ones that are inadequate for the room size.

It is a common mistake to overlook the purpose of the lights when buying them – but a trained interior design expert can help you differentiate between task lighting, ambient lighting, and general lighting.

Before installing these, evaluate the kind of lighting needed and stay on top of the hottest trends in this niche, so you buy the right products for your home.

You can also install dimmer switches to balance the light intensity of the room and ensure adequate illumination.

Buying Too Much Furniture

No matter how expensive it is, clutter can never be a good design principle.

And too many tables, mirrors, seating arrangements, etc. can kill the design aesthetics of design before you know what happened. It also shows a lack of taste and makes the space very difficult to move.

The best way to prevent this clutter is to remove pieces that your room can do without so that it looks more organized. Home interior designers suggest allowing a 30-inch space between furniture pieces for you to walk around it.

Disorganized Wall Art

It’s always a good idea to add a contemporary look to your décor with the right art pieces. But arrange it the wrong way and you run the risk of overpowering the entire space.

Common mistakes include installing it too high or low on the wall. This disturbs its alignment with the furniture and breaks the entire design plan of the room.

This mistake can be avoided by placing pieces 8 to 10 inches higher than the furniture, and you have a room that looks stunning.

While it is easy to avoid these mistakes when designing your home. Start your home design journey with confidence to create a space that perfectly depicts your personality and taste.

If you are still unsure about your decisions and you feel frustrated with all the options available, hire a professional interior design company to help you make all the right decisions and to create a beautiful home of your own.

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A man cave is a retreat designed according to the taste and hobbies of the man of the house. He can use it as his personal space for whatever he deems fit – spending some quiet time, enjoy his hobbies, or invite his friends over for a game!

In fact, it could be a small room housing all his favourite collectibles or a large basement with a massive entertainment center. When you have a basement ready for renovation, the sky is the limit to your creativity.

If you’re thinking to renovate your basement, we have some tips for you. Whether you are hiring a home interior design company or doing it yourself, here are five tips on planning and designing the ultimate man cave.

Create A Dark Yet Modern Theme

Think of a cigar lounge – if you want to give your man cave the same brooding look, go for dark and vibrant colours. Incorporating hues of brown, burgundy, or black will make the room look more elegant and comfortable as well.

Although dark colours might make the room seem smaller, that shouldn’t be a problem. At the end of the day, you have a cosy retreat where you can enjoy some me-time.

Compliment these colours with wood flooring in black walnut or taupe to give a contemporary look to your man cave. You can even add some interesting textures to the wall, such as brick print, that will provide a contrast with the flooring for a wow factor.

Dark Leather Or Wood Furniture

A dark brown leather sofa or chair is an essential piece of furniture for a man cave. Even if you are not a leather person, go for a dark grey or brown fabric for the upholstery to make it appropriate for a masculine space.

The rest of the furniture, such as tables or bookshelves, should match the floors to make the room look more sophisticated and comfy. For expert help on mixing your colours so that they don’t clash, you can get in touch with a reputable Singapore home interior design company.

Minimal Lights

Lighting has to compliment your décor and furniture and it should be strategically placed to highlight specific areas of the room.

Bright coloured lights enabled that can be dimmed, will work effectively in creating a testosterone-charged ambience in the room.

Moreover, themed lighting can also work wonders – get Edison light bulbs if you want a more rustic look for your man cave.

The Devil’s In The Details

Your man cave is the perfect place to house your memorabilia, collectibles, and posters of your favourite bands and movies. You can install a pool table, full-size entertainment centre or even a bar, granted that you have the required space.

But avoid turning it into a storage room with too many things – have few noticeable objects to create a comfortable atmosphere.

For a more dramatic look, you can place paintings or sculptors as standalone objects to infuse creativity and aesthetics to your man cave.

Everyone deserves a space where they can relax after a long hard day, surrounded by the things they cherish. Renovating your basement into a man cave allows you the opportunity to relive your childhood dream of having a space designed only for yourself.

If you are tempted to start planning your man cave by yourself or thinking of hiring home interior design experts in Singapore, get in touch with Home Guide Interior Design to begin your project today.

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It does not necessarily take a lot of money to make your home look majestic – just a touch of gold here and there in the interior design can deliver class, elegance and grandeur like nothing else – if done well

Be it gold hoops in your ears, gold rims on your car or gold frames on your walls – a touch of this bright, luxurious colour can brighten up every aspect of your life.

Good Home interior design in Singapore is very important in this space starved country. Not only do Singaporeans value fashion trends and home lifestyle ideas, but they also give due importance to their surroundings, minimalism and effective use of space. Colour and furnishings also play their roles in adding to the aesthetics of the homes here.

If you are tired of the contemporary interior colour design trends, then the timeless good looks of gold could catch your fancy.

So if it’s a classy, royal vibe you’re aiming for, shades of gold can deliver spectacularly on all counts.

But How Much Is Too Much?

Working with gold accents might not be as simple as you think.

After all, it is easy to get carries away with a colour as brilliant and multi-faceted as this one – and before you know it, your effort to create elegance might make the space look tacky instead.

Here’s a quick guide to getting the gold right in your home’s interior décor.

Tips On Making Gold A Part Of Your Home Interior Design

Read on as we help you brainstorm ideas on how hues of gold can be added to your home interior design in Singapore without major home renovations and expenditures:

1. Jazz Up Your Walls

If you wish to go all out and instantly accentuate the walls of your home, invest in wall paint in subtle, light hues of gold.

Alternatively, you can choose one main wall and splash it with bright, shimmery gold paint to give your living room a pop of colour that immediately draws attention.

Be careful though – shiny gold walls would require you to keep the rest of your space minimal in terms of furnishings and décor.

2. Accessorize It

Little accents and adornments in rustic, antique gold or metallic yellow can be the best way to add a subtle hint of resplendence to your home, without overdoing the colour. In fact, these gold accents go very well with rustic chic interior design.

Check out thrift stores for antique brass candelabras, fix up gold-framed intricate mirrors around your house or simply place a golden dish, ashtray, or statuettes on your coffee table to glamorously accessorize your apartment.

3.    Subtle Addition To Your Furniture

While we don’t recommend buying a golden sofa, we do believe adding little spritzes of gold on your furnishings can add splendour to your home interior design.

Throw a few cushions in shades of marigold or mustard-gold to your living room couches.

Similarly, if you own a metal bookshelf, you can spray paint it with glittery gold to spruce it up.

Setting stools with gold finishing behind your kitchen counter if you have an open kitchen set up, can also add a touch of glamour to your cooking space.

4.    Glam Up The Bathroom

Who says pretty interior designing should only be limited to living rooms and bedrooms?

Use that creativity on the unsightly plumbing in your apartment bathroom and cover it up – think about antique gold mid-century fixtures on the sink or a golden-lined mirror on a white tiled background. The result will be uber-chic!

5.  Light It Up

Have you ever been impressed by those dull gold metallic lampshades in fine dining restaurants that offer warm, pleasing lighting?

They are a treat to the eyes and give a regal effect to any room. You can pair up a neutral beige lampshade with a bright yellow-gold base and place it on your bedside table – an easy way to brighten up your nights without breaking the bank!

5. Enliven Your Space With Gold

A pop of colour can instantly uplift your mood and add a sparkle to your day.

And the best part is, it doesn’t have to involve lengthy home renovations – you can infuse your lovely home with a touch of royal splendour quickly and easily with some professional help.

With the extensive experience and creative genius of the team behind Home Guide interior designs Singapore, your living space can look glamorous and ready to entertain guests in no time.

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The interior designing industry is embracing the latest innovations in technology at breakneck speed, making it necessary for designers to find new and exciting ways to integrate them into their processes.

These new developments contribute to the way our condos, BTO flats and HDB’s are designed. The technology is helping us find ways to maximise the use of space – a precious commodity here in Singapore.

Consumers and designers can now collaborate on home interior design in Singapore – making technology a time saver for both parties. It adds to the efficiency of design implementation and communication, giving clients the power to consult their chosen interior designers from anywhere in the world.

And that’s just the beginning.

Here are five more ways technology is paving the way for a more modern, flexible, and comfortable lifestyle.

Singaporeans have a sophisticated taste when it comes to designing their homes. Perhaps that’s why the city was honoured as the UNESCO Creative City of Design in 2015 – the locals demand unbridled quality and attention to detail and it shows in the way our homes and offices are built.

So it’s only natural for Singapore to spearhead the application of innovations in technology like smart homes, virtual reality, and 3D designs, to name a few.

Here are five technologies that have the power to impact home interior design in Singapore.

1.    Digital Design Tools

Hand-drawn sketches have been made redundant thanks to a wide variety of online design tools that make it easier and more efficient for a home designer to bring their vision to life.

This innovation will allow designers and clients to view the end-result before the construction or decoration has even begun so they can plan accordingly.

Design software like Autodesk AutoCAD and Sketch Up offer the tools to render, simulate and visualize interiors for a comprehensive vision of the design plan.

Of course, this mandates that the designer must master the technical digital design software to be successful.

2.    Virtual Reality

VR allows clients to walk into their future house virtually with a 360-degree view of their ideas – they can ‘see’ their designs in real-life settings before finalizing them.

VR can save interior designers in Singapore from time-consuming construction of physical models and the process costs of design and décor by trial and error.

HomeAlive 360o by Home Guide is one such digital tool that allows the clients to experience their future homes virtually before undergoing the renovation and designing processes.

3.    Smart Homes

Technology has successfully integrated itself into our everyday lives, completely revolutionising the residential interior design in Singapore. Smart objects like automatic lightings, smart entertainment centres and smart thermostats powered through Google Home and Amazon Echo have turned traditional spaces into futuristic homes.

Interior designers have to be mindful of these innovations, so they don’t miss out on an opportunity to integrate them into their projects. This technology is energy-efficient and can prove to be very affordable and convenient for homeowners.

5.  Tiny House Movement

Due to the limited space allocated for houses in Singapore, interior designers are slowly embracing the small house movement by offering clean and minimal design and décor to their clients.

It ensures simple living and delivers multi-functionality that maximizes the usage of space while making sure that all the necessities are delivered.

With the growing fan base of tiny house movement, home interior designers in Singapore are often asked to design premium clutter-free spaces with utmost expertise.

6.    Sustainable Home Design

The entire interior design industry here relies on sustainability and its successful integration with technology. Today, the home interior designers in Singapore focus on two crucial environmental factors; cooling and lighting.

They install environment-friendly gadgets and incorporate them into the modern home design to control cooling and lighting systems to create a more sustainable space.

Furthermore, interior designers will be required to use renewable materials like bamboo, sustainable construction technologies, and smart appliances to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

Home Guide Interior Design and Renovations has recognized the importance of technology and the impact that its integration has on the interior design industry of Singapore. With 25 years of experience, we promise to create the best home designs keeping the recent technology trends in mind.

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More two-room built to order (BTO) flats will be offered in the non-mature towns of Choa Chu Kang, Tengah and Woodlands, a recent announcement from February 24, 2020 reads. This increase has resulted from demographic shifts in Singapore and regulatory changes that simplified home ownerships for certain groups.

A 2013 rule change allowed singles aged 35 or older to buy a new apartment as a first-time applicant. As a result of the change, 15,700 people purchased a new home and this new demand drove the interest in the smaller flats up.

Of these 15,700 people, 7,700 have already collected the keys and come in possession. So, how can the new owners make the most of a two-room flat? A bit of planning and some remodelling work can open up additional space. The selection of the right interior design concept for a two-room flat is also essential to reduce the risk of clutter.

A Quick Overview of the Scheme

The scheme is created to address the needs of singles, elderly individual and young families that do not have children yet.

The purchase and ownership conditions vary. Seniors, for example, qualify for their flat under the Housing and Development Board’s (HDB) two-room Flexi Scheme. Seniors are also free to pick the length of flat lease.

Prior to the change introduced in 2013, senior Singaporeans were solely entitled to acquiring a resale flat.

HDB announced that the supply of two-room flats has remained steady ever since the introduction of the regulatory changes. Since 2014, the average has been about 4,000 units per annum. The increase announced now is to accommodate for the growing interest in smaller properties. HDB reported that the additional two-bedroom flats will be launched as a part of upcoming May and August BTO exercises.

The HDB is tasked with the ongoing monitoring of housing needs in Singapore. Because more singles are looking forward to home ownership, the availability of more two-room BTO flats was announced for the exercises coming up in 2020.

In addition, HDB has undertaken several other initiatives to support flat ownership among younger people who are still single.

Those who acquired a flat before September 11, 2019 benefited from a housing grant of up to 40,000 dollars. This funding was comprised of an Additional Central Provident Fund grant (up to 20,000 dollars) and a Special CFT Housing Grant (also up to 20,000 dollars).

The monthly income ceiling requirement was also changed in September 2019. It was increased from 6,000 to 7,000 dollars for eligible first-time buyers who are single and aged 35 or older.

Singapore’s population is growing, which means that the share of singles is also increasing. As a result, official entities like the HDB need to conceptualise new housing policies that cater to the needs of this growing segment. According to official research, the number of single Singaporeans was 918,700 people in 2008. It has reached 1.057 million people in 2018 – an increase of approximately 15 per cent.

Making the Most of a Two-Room BTO Flat

A two-room BTO flat will benefit from minimalist or contemporary interior design aimed at optimising the space.

Scandinavian-inspired interiors and other functional solutions get rid of clutter. All of the elements serve a specific purpose. In addition, smart furniture is chosen to free up some additional space. Clever furniture can serve multiple purposes (for example – a bed that’s foldable and doubles as a storage unit), enabling the home owner to acquire fewer pieces without making a compromise with style or comfort.

Space-starved two-room flats will also benefit from the right colour scheme and the clever use of natural light.

Colours like white and light beige reflect light, which creates the illusion of more space. The same applies to the strategic placement of mirrors. The reflective surface bounces off the light and it also creates the feel of a bigger apartment.

Finally, an open floor concept can be executed if you’re looking for more extensive work. The removal of partitions makes every single space look bigger. There are still clever opportunities for ensuring privacy and having peaceful corners where you can enjoy undisturbed experiences. to execute a high quality open floor apartment renovation, however, you’ll need to select the right professionals to partner up with.

Every Singapore interior design company has extensive experience with two-room BTO flats. These provide excellent opportunities for the introduction of smart upgrades and clever solutions that boost sustainability, provide sufficient storage space and reflect the aesthetic preferences of the owner at the same time.

Getting Started with the Transformation of Your BTO Apartment

The execution of an interior design project can be quite costly. Luckily, opportunities exist to bring down the expenditure without reducing the amount of work that’s going to be done.

To create the living space of your dreams, you have to select the right Singapore residential interior designer.

Home Guide’s team loves working with small spaces, showing owners the amazing potential that such apartments have. In addition, we have done our best to give clients access to both reliable and affordable solutions.

If you want to get a better idea of what we can do for you, please check out the Home Guide residential portfolio. Alternatively, get in touch with us right now to discuss your specific vision for the two-room BTO flat and the ways in which that vison can be brought to reality.

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Asian-inspired home interior designs can be taken in so many directions. Japanese-inspired and japandi interiors are just two examples of the Asian flavour. Asian zen interior design executions provide one more opportunity that’s characterised by serenity and peacefulness.

What Is Asian Zen Interior Design?

Asian zen interior design brings together several great concepts that can result in a functional and comfortable living space.

For a start, Asian zen is all about minimalism. There are no excessive decorations or intricate ornaments serving that are there to make the room prettier. The space is crafted in a way that serves a specific purpose in the best possible way.

In addition, Asian zen interiors make good use of natural and organic materials. The rooms are coloured in soft tones and there’s a lot of natural light that ensures good illumination and that also makes the space look bigger/cleaner.

Asian zen spaces are open and balanced. They’re characterised by clean lines, solutions aimed at reducing clutter and harmony (when it comes to curves, materials, colours and textures). Asian zen isn’t about quantity, rather the focus falls on quality. It’s much better to have one very well-made piece of furniture than a wide selection of mediocre choices.

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s take a look at several specific examples that will allow for the successful execution of an Asian zen interior design project.

Open Spaces = Calmness and Peacefulness

To execute an Asian zen interior design concept, you definitely don’t want to feel cramped and trapped in your home.

The first and most important thing you should achieve is openness of space. This doesn’t necessarily have to involve tearing down walls. Your Singapore interior design company will come up with suggestions that are relatively easy to execute and that will give you a good outcome.

If your apartment is already furnished, you will have to do a bit of editing. How many of the pieces in a certain room do you use on a regular basis? Everything that has just been sitting there and collecting dust should go.

You can further introduce the concept by clearing surfaces from knick-knacks and small items. Souvenirs, figurines, bowls you don’t really fill with fruit, the ugly paintings that were awarded to you as housewarming gifts can all go. It’s ok to still feature decorations but make sure that the number of items is limited and that you only keep high quality artwork around.

Calming Colours

We have discussed the incredible power of colours more than once. It plays an exceptionally important role in the world of Asian zen interiors because specific tones can easily promote peacefulness and relaxation.

Choose pastels and natural colours. Avoid bright blocks of colour, metallic or neon tones. Your colour palette should be modest and undemanding if you want the functional beauty of the home décor itself to shine.

Neutrals and natural tones are both perfect. In fact, they can be combined to create a gentle colour palette for every single room. The colour palette shouldn’t be screaming for attention. This, however, doesn’t mean your home has to be boring if you opt for Asian zen interior design. A little pop of colour here and there and some dark accents can work really well to create focal points that immediately draw the eye.

When choosing bright colours, once again consider the tones that you can observe in nature. The bold purple of irises and the dark greens of a pine forest do have their place in an Asian zen home. The same applies to reds, pinks and oranges.

Let the Light in

One of the most important projects you’ll need to undertake when working on an Asian zen home focuses on letting as much natural light in as possible.

Opening up new window spaces is one of the things you can do. If you’re not keen on demolition and reconstruction, however, you can rely on less invasive approaches to optimise the amount of sunlight reaching every single room.

Mirrors and reflective surfaces are ideal because they maximise the light by reflecting it and directing it to the darker parts of the room. The same applies to wall colours like white and light beige.

When opting for artificial light, select bulbs that have a tone and a warmth similar to those of sunlight. If you want to be in full control of your environment, replace the traditional light switches with dimmer switches or smart light bulbs. These allow you to adjust the intensity of the light, which means you can modify the ambiance in your home effortlessly.

Asian-Inspired Furniture

The final thing we’re going to discuss in the context of Asian zen interior design is furniture.

Asian-inspired furniture tends to be minimal and often crafted of dark wood. That would create the perfect contrast to your otherwise subdued colour palette,

Bamboo and rattan are two other great furniture choices.

Upholsteries and accessories like pillows and throw rugs should be made of natural fibres like cotton and linen. Unbleached fabrics and natural hues look both undemanding and comforting. They can also be utilised creatively to give your home the little pop of colour needed to make things a bit more dynamic and exciting.

An Asian zen home concept is unpretentious and functional. If you dislike extensive decorative work and function is most important to you, this is the concept to pursue during an upcoming home renovation.

Home Guide has extensive experience with minimal and functional residential projects. To find out more about what we’re capable of doing, check our portfolio or contact the team today.

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What does a craftsman-style home look like? This is a beautiful and highly balanced approach to home interior design that most professionals in the field feel truly happy about. It is warm, welcoming and inviting. It focuses on fine details and impeccable executions. It’s the style you should choose if you want to turn your apartment into a real, cosy home.

So, what exactly does craftsman interior design entail? Here are some of the most outstanding and distinctive characteristics of the style.

The Origins of Craftsman Interior Design

Craftsman interior design relies on a lot of exquisite woodwork, custom cabinetry and the use of natural materials that can be turned into original pieces.

It’s the exact opposite of the mass-manufactured and readily accessible commercial decors of today.

Craftsman-style homes were popularised for the first time in the early 1900s. Leaders of the arts and crafts movement like Gustav Stickley and William Morris were also responsible for the introduction of this interior design style.

In those original years, a craftsman interior referred to home design that was practical, executed in harmony with nature and focused on locally-available materials.

Today, the craftsman interior design style is still based on many of those early elements. It employs simple shapes, a lot of wood, exposed joints, stylised fabrics depicting natural scenes (florals, animals, etc.,) and limited but well-executed ornamentation.

Craftsman Homes Today

The popularity of craftsman homes continues being high today because of their practical appeal.

Craftsman homes are clean and functional without being minimalist and completely sterile. This style maintains personality and warmth, without going in the realm of rustic or boho home décor executions.

In essence, craftsman interior designs bring the best of both worlds (modern and traditional) together.

The other aspect of craftsman interior design that appeals to many Singapore home owners is its originality.

Many of the pieces that a Singapore interior design company executing such a project will order are going to be custom-made. Hence, no two craftsman interior designs are similar. They carry a distinctive personality, they embody the spirit of the space and the views of the homeowner.

Defining Craftsman Interior Design Elements

We have mentioned some of the distinctive elements of craftsman decors already. Still, there are several other defining characteristics that deserve to be outlined.

Apart from wood, there are other materials that can be displayed prominently in a craftsman home. These include glass, stone, all kinds of metals, ceramic tiles and solid pieces of straight-lined furniture.

An interior executed in this style could feature a couple of elements like window seats, nooks and crannies equipped with functional elements, built-in smart storage solutions (hidden or folding shelves), panelled walls, open floor plans and columns or movable panels that define spaces.

Speaking of furniture, all of the pieces look prominent and they feature geometric shapes. Ornamentation is minimal, allowing the richness and the colour of the wood to shine through. Cast iron or other metal elements could be utilised as reinforcement or a bit of decorative work.

Upholstery isn’t very typical in the realm of craftsman interiors. Instead, leather and felt or suede are the preferred materials.

Light, Colour and Other Craftsman Elements

All of the colours used to execute a craftsman home are nature-inspired.

There’s the blue of the ocean, the green of the grass, orange and yellow coming from autumn leaves, brown, beige, pink and red.

Whenever dark tones are prominent, these can be lightened up a bit through the use of gold or other metallic. Shimmering effects and stained glass could be incorporated in the overall concept, giving it a bit of brightness and saturation.

As far as lights go, these are simple and functional. Fixtures aren’t excessively ornate – don’t expect to see a massive crystal chandelier into a craftsman home. Instead, look for brass or copper hammered fixtures.

Lamps are typically study and accent lights are utilised in functional areas (like above the kitchen countertop, for example). Heavy metal bases for freestanding lamps and geometric shape decorations are quite common for lights created during the peak of the craftsman era. Some of these authentic fixtures (just like some original furniture) are still available for purchase today.

All elements of the design in the realm of craftsman homes can be customised and enhanced to address the specifics of the space.

Storage areas hidden behind the wall panelling allow for order and effortless decluttering. Pull-out cabinets in the kitchen simplify the access to condiments, herbs and the other essentials required to prepare a tasty meal. Bedroom closets are integrated through the use of sliding doors that don’t occupy any space and allow the room to “breathe.”

These are just a few examples of custom-made solutions for craftsman homes in Singapore.

If you have a specific vision for your flat but you struggle finding the right furniture and home décor pieces in a store, a craftsman execution may be the right way to go.

It gives you the freedom to explore utilitarian, practical options or to even conceptualise your own furniture. And while most worry about the cost of custom-made solutions, these can prove to be more affordable and capable of producing a higher return on investment than mass manufactured items.

Home Guide knows what it takes to introduce all of the essential craftsman home elements while still keeping the concept fresh and exciting.

Check out our residential portfolio to gain a better idea about the work we’re capable of doing. If you already have a specific idea and you need a partner who can implement, contact us today to get started.

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Everybody dreams of living in a perfect home. We all have a specific vision that unfortunately, very few flats will come close to. As a result, extensive renovation work may be required to get the desired outcome.

How much should you be prepared to spend on bringing your dream Singapore home in existence? The answer to that question depends on numerous things. Today, we will take a look at the factors that affect the cost of home improvements and the best ways to save some money (without compromising the quality of the outcome, of course!).

Most Important Factors That Affect the Cost

It’s impossible to come up with a renovation cost number that will be universally valid for all Singapore homeowners.

Some entities have developed renovation cost calculators you can use to input the variables and determine the amount you should be prepared to spend on the modernisation of the property.

Based on these calculators, some of the most important factors that affect the cost include the type of apartment, its size, the number of rooms you wish to renovate, the specific projects you plan to carry out and the nature of materials you want to utilise.

The bulk of renovation costs is accounted for by major types of work like hacking, masonry and carpentry. If you’re planning to carry out any of those, you should be prepared to handle the cost.

Some other, less expensive aspects of the renovation, include plumbing, electrical works, ceiling work, painting and the cleanup after all of the work is done.

Average Costs to Anticipate in 2020

Based on these guiding principles, we can determine the average cost of renovating your apartment in 2020.

According to Qanvast, the average that four-room apartment owners in Singapore should be prepared to spend on a property renovation in 2020 is 53,000 dollars. The lowest possible amount for the work to be done on this flat is 5,000 dollars and the figure can go up to 110,000 dollars.

The average for a three-room flat is 32,000 dollars for a new flat and 42,600 dollars for a resale flat. When it comes to larger apartments, the average for a five-room flat in 2020 will be 52,100 dollars for a new flat and 65,200 dollars for a resale flat.

If we stick with the four-room example quoted above, the overall price can be broken down into separate processes.

The costliest one will be carpentry work with an average of 24,000 dollars for a four-room flat. Flooring and tiling comes second at an estimated average cost of 11,625 dollars, followed by the purchase of appliances (7,000 dollars), demolition (6,000 dollars) and electrical work (4,000 dollars). The least expensive work type is plumbing with an average of only 875 dollars.

The average cost of a home renovation can also be broken down on the basis of the style that the homeowner is interested in.

Contemporary renovations for an HDB flat come at an average of 72,530 dollars. A minimalist home interior design project execution will cost an average of 62,471 dollars and a Scandinavian project will cost an average of 55,315 dollars.

It’s interesting to point out that the eclectic style ranks as the second most expensive renovation option after the contemporary flat. Such a project will cost 69,314 dollars for an average HDB apartment. A traditional renovation is the least expensive one with an average 46,890 dollars.

Bringing Down the Cost of a Property Renovation

Is it possible to get a price cut without accepting a quality compromise? If so, how can you achieve both of the goals?

Finding the right Singapore interior design company is the most important prerequisite for an affordable renovation that yields a beautiful outcome.

Reputable interior design companies like Home Guide, for example, often announce promo packages for their clients. As experienced interior design and home renovation professionals, we understand the fact that many people who have just acquired a flat lack the money needed to carry out the perfect renovation. This is why we’ve created a range of promo offers to address the specific needs of these people.

Currently, we have BTO promotions tailored to the needs of three-room, four-room and five-room flat owners.

Alternatively, you can explore our new condo renovation package – a comprehensive selection of services aimed at providing a design consultation, perspective drawing of all the carpentry work, project management, job site supervision & work with sub-contractors, material and colour scheme proposal, as well as the submission of the required renovation permit.

We have also thought about the needs of home owners who will only be carrying out a partial renovation. Our resale toilet renovation package and resale kitchen renovation package are provided as opportunities to make these projects happen without breaking the bank.

Our partial packages focus on the bathroom and the kitchen since these are the two most functional spaces in the house. As such, they can be the costliest ones to modernise and upgrade.

Please check out our offers to see what you’ll be getting and to determine exactly how much money you can save by partnering up with Home Guide. If you want to learn a bit more about who we are and what we do, don’t hesitate to explore our residential portfolio for examples of our best projects.

You can get professional apartment upgrades on a budget. The secret is knowing exactly what you want to achieve and finding the right partner for the job. Contact Home Guide right now if you’re ready to get started.

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Do you want a better-looking, more contemporary and exciting home? Let’s face it – who wouldn’t? To achieve the goal, you hire a Singapore home interior designer to conceptualise the upgrade for you. But what exactly will it take to give you an optimal outcome?

Unless an interior designer is starting the project from scratch, there will be stuff to work with – your furniture, the décor and materials you already own. Some of these things, however, could be standing in the way of achieving your home renovation goal.

Many interior design elements that used to be heavily popular and desired some time ago have already lost their shine. These are a few of the items that your Singapore interior design company wants you to get rid of.

Pillows and Accessories That Match the Furniture Colour

Matching sets of furniture and accessories used to be THE THING some time ago. Luckily, trends have changed and interiors don’t have to be so matchy-matchy anymore.

Very often, you will have matching pillows, rugs and cushions that come in a set with a large furniture piece like the sofa. These, however, will produce a really bland interior that lacks an focus point.

Instead of using these accessories, opt for sets in contrasting colours. Or alternatively – if your furniture upholstery is monochromatic, choose bright patterned fabrics that add a bit of life and fun to the décor of the room.

Interior design rules have become a lot more lenient over the past few years. You don’t have to match everything or colour-coordinate your choices. In fact, a bit of purposeful mismatching can give your home soul.

Random Furniture

Holding on to random furniture you have accumulated through the years is a big mistake.

Such pieces don’t add to the sophistication of a room. The only thing they can create is clutter.

You don’t need 10 mismatched chairs, a good set of six would do for the dining table. You don’t need a love seat, a lounge chair, a rocking chair and a sofa.

Many of these pieces scream “my owner doesn’t know what to do with me but also doesn’t want to throw me away.” It’s time to make up your mind.

In the world of interior design, less is often more. It’s much better to highlight a couple of beautiful and functional pieces than to have all kinds of mismatched furniture that you don’t really use anyway.

Ornate Window Treatments

We live in a world that prioritises clean, minimal and functional interior design.

If you’re a fan of ornate choices and decorations, chances are that you’re overdoing it and you’re hindering some of your apartment’s natural beauty from shining through.

Excessively ornate window treatments are one example of such a décor piece you need to get rid of.

The problem with ornate window treatments is that they don’t allow a lot of natural light to enter the room. Natural light can quickly elevate the mood, make the room appear more spacious and more cheerful.

A window treatment can definitely frame the space but it doesn’t have to be the star of the show. Light curtain or beautiful contemporary blinds will be sufficient to get the result without hindering the passage of natural light.

Tiny Rugs

In the world of interior design, proportion is everything.

The size of the items inside a room can make the entire space look bigger or smaller.

A tiny rug in the middle of a large living room will look out and it will mess up the scale of things. Even if the rug is really fine and made from luxury materials, it will throw the entire room décor concept off.

As a general rule of thumb, you need a rug that’s large enough to fall under the table and to also host chairs. In the living room, choose a rug that extends a little bit beyond the coffee table and the sofa.

Fake Plants

Why, oh why are you keeping fake plants in your home when there are so many easy to care for flowers out there?

Fake plants, even the best executions, look like the material they’re made of – plastic. They collect dust, they don’t clean the air and they add very little to the overall atmosphere of the room.

If you’re going to have plants, opt for the real thing. Fake plants don’t serve as a good replacement and they can easily cheapen the overall execution of your beautiful interior design concept.

Dishes and Cookware

Through the years, you’ve probably collected so many gifts in the form of dishes and cookware that your kitchen cabinets are overflowing.

It’s time to think about donating those items and keeping one or two beautiful matching sets.

Just ask yourself a simple question – will you use all of the china, the pots and the pans in your lifetime? If the answer is no, the time has come to free up some functional space in the kitchen and make it tidier.

Good interior design isn’t always about an abundance of items and keeping everything that has ever come into your life. A bit of editing can do wonders for your home concept, if you know exactly what to get rid of.

In case you’re not certain, do trust the professional eye. The Home Guide team can take a look at your flat’s current condition and suggest the improvements that will make it roomier, brighter and a bit more modern. Contact us right now to get started.