Meet & Greet: The Living Room Edition - Issue 08 by RenoNation Singapore

Issue 08 - January 2015

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MCI: (P) 132/09/2013

www.renonation.sg

Exclusive!

Know Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Store for Your Animal Sign in 2015

Meet & Greet:

The Living Room Edition Cover Story:

5 Common Decorating Flaws in Your Living Room

Home Theatre:

What You Need & How to Get That Cinematic Experience

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Hallmarks Of An Exceptional TV

â&#x20AC;&#x153;An absolute stunner that'll ruin smaller-sized TVs for youâ&#x20AC;?

Why do we go to the cinema? Aside from escaping the mundanity that fills our everyday lives, movies are best seen on wide screens with surround sound to create a thoroughly absorbing experience. But what if we want to bring that very experience into our own homes? Then this is where a suitable television comes into play and LG is among the many brands that you should consider.

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UB980T

[1] Exceptional Picture Quality The true hallmark of exceptional picture quality is that the images are so rich in detail and colour, they can be easily mistaken for the real thing. That's how exceptional the picture quality is from an LG ULTRA HD (4K) TV. LG employs 3,840 x 2,160 resolution In-Plane Switching (IPS) 4K panels, which means that you get to enjoy exceptionally vivid and accurate colours with a wide viewing angleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ensuring a consistently excellent picture from nearly any vantage point.

[2] Smart+ TV

An integral part of LG's SMART+ TV, the simple and intuitive webOS Smart+ TV makes your entire experience downright hassle-freeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;thanks to an animated character named BeanBird that will appear onscreen to help you with the setup. Whether you're searching and viewing content or connecting with other devices, the initial set-up process is so incredibly smooth, you never have to tear out your hair over some mumbo jumbo in the instruction manual.

[3] 4K 3D+ Experience When 2D simply isn't enough to satisfy you, then LG's 4K 3D+ experience will definitely send you over the moon. Using Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology to render convincing 3D images with virtually no flicker or image ghosting, the latest LG ULTRA HD (4K) TVs also provide an exceptionally comfortable 3D viewing experience with their large and high resolution display. You can even adjust the intensity of 3D effects with a unique control feature!

[4] Deep & Rich Surround Sound System Want surround sound that will take you to infinity and beyond? Then look no further than the new premium ULTRA HD (4K) TV model (UB980T). Developed in collaboration with high-end audio products maker Harman Kardon, the ULTRA Surround sound system reproduces deep, rich audio from a forwardfacing, multi-channel speaker configuration.

With a stellar collection of premium models and more affordable options in screen sizes starting from 49 inches, there is definitely something for everyone, every budget and personal preference. But if you want to upsize your viewing experience, then don't forget to check out the awesome new premium ULTRA HD (4K) TV model (UB980T) in 65, 79, 84 and 98 inches. Trust us, your cinematic experience will never be the same again.

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CONTENTPAGE

Issue 08 - January 2015

ONTHECOVER

17 HOME HUB Entertainment in Hi-Definition

Image by Diva's Interior. Visit www.divasinterior.com or www.renonation.sg for more information.

12 COVER STORY 5 Common Decorating Flaws in Your Living Room

36 PROJECT DIY How to Refurbish an Old Coffee Table

17 HOME HUB Entertainment in Hi-Definition

40 PROPERTY MARKET Suburban Properties Becoming More Attractive

22 VERSA STYLE The Perks of Having a Vase

42 PARENTING TIPS 6 Mess-free Sensory Activities for Your Little Toddler

26 FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH Screen Gems 32 HOME IMPROVEMENT 5 Cleaning Mistakes You Might Be Making Right Now

46 AESTHETIC VALUE A Cushy Experience

26 48 SHOW & TELL Whimsicality in Quietude 52 SIMPLY ID Know Your ID: 9 Creation 56 NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Hub of Conveniences 58 LUST.WISH LIST Three's a Charm 60 GEOMANCY The 12 Animal Signs for 2015 66 STOCKIST

9 renonation.sg sales@merlin.com.sg

www.merlingallery.com

Merlin Gallery 292 River Valley Road, Lv 2 & 3 Singapore 238333 +65 6235 2238

River Valley 292 River Valley Road, Singapore 238333 +65 6735 1866

www.merlin.com.sg

Holland Village 36 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277693 +65 6467 2522

Paragon 290 Orchard Road #05-30, Singapore 238859 +65 6835 2988

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EDITOR'SNOTE

Issue 08 - January 2015

TIME FLIES It seems like yesterday when our first issue was out in 2013 and now it's already 2015! It's cliché, but I still gotta say this: time really flies! Well, a new year always brings with it endless possibilities and opportunities so we at RenoNation hope that you get to strike some items off your bucket list, meet wondrous new people and achieve personal heights in your life. I, for one, hope to finally finish that novel I've been telling myself to complete. Since we're beginning anew with a fresh year, I'm proud to announce that RenoNation has undergone some changes! Aside from our usual gems on home improvement and décor, we've added brand new sections like Parenting Tips (p42) and Project DIY (p36) to the mix—making our magazine even better than before! And the best thing is? RenoNation still continues to be free! After all, as Po from Kung Fu Panda says, there is no charge for awesomeness...or attractiveness. From cleaning mistakes you might be making at home (p32) to tips on how to use vases as a décor accessory (p22) and an in-depth look at home theatre systems (p17), we're pretty sure that this first issue of the year will rock your boat and take home improvement projects to a new high in 2015! Editor,

Lilian

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MANAGING DIRECTOR Kenneth Tan EDITORIAL For editorial matters (editorial@renonation.sg) EDITOR Lilian Wu ADVERTISING & MARKETING For advertising enquiries (support@renonation.sg) CREATIVE DESIGNER Sophia Basuni BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM Ek'e Teo, Kenneth Tan RENONATION IS PUBLISHED BY OFFSPRINGS GROUP PTE LTD 143 Cecil Street, #03-01 GB Building, Singapore 069542 Tel: +65 6225 3132 www.renonation.sg

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All information is correct at time of printing. While every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, neither the publisher, editor and their employees and agents can be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions, howsoever. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. We shall not be liable for any actions taken based on the views expressed, or information provided within this publication. You should always seek professional advice from the appropriate advisor, professional or institution. Products featured are subject to availability and/or while stocks last. Prices are subject to change. No part of this publication may be reproduced, either in print or on the Internet, without prior written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. ©2013-15. Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd.

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COVERSTORY

5 Common Decorating Flaws in Your Living Room It being the first room that your guests usually step into, the living room is one social space that you shouldn't neglect in the course of your decorating. But overdoing it can lead to clutter and make your guests feel ill at ease. Read on as we bring you 5 decorating flaws that could undo your living room. BY LILIAN WU

YOU NEGLECT THE ENTRANCE DÉCOR. What do your guests see upon entering your home? If it's a blank wall or a chaotic pile of shoes, then it's time to turn things around. First impressions last a lifetime after all.

What You Can Do Instead:

First and foremost, get your clutter under control. No one enjoys seeing a pile of dirty and smelly shoes taking over the doorway so hide them away in a tasteful shoe cabinet. If you have the space to spare, throw in a bench and umbrella rack as well. Does your doorway lead directly into the living room? You can always spice things up with a divider that doubles up as a display cabinet or a simple sculptural see-through divider to let light through. Blank wall? No sweat. Dress it up with a few well-chosen pictures, creative painted patterns or wallpaper to prepare your guests for the awesomeness that is the rest of your house. Avoid putting any old décor you can get your hands on. Make sure they are tasteful and in line with the rest of your interior design. The key here is to create a coherent theme from start to finish so it won't feel like a stuttering mix of different décors.

In the digital age of selfies, you might be tempted to fill your walls with pictures of your best memories. While that's sweet, it pays not to go overboard with the photo décor because it makes your living room look chaotic.

What You Can Do Instead:

Dedicate a portion of your wall to become your personal gallery. The beauty of this idea is that you can always switch out the photos when you are bored and still keep things sleek. Invest in frames of a few different designs, colour or sizes to keep things interesting. For a truly powerful statement, go for frames in the same colour to echo the overall theme in your house. Worried about misaligned photos on the wall? Not if you try this first: Cut out templates of your photo frames and arrange on the wall in the manner you prefer. This will help you determine where to put the nail on the wall without screwing the alignment up.

YOUR DÉCOR IS TOO “MATCHY”. While a certain degree of matching elements is expected to keep things organised and easy on the eye, the truth is that too many matching pieces will just make the overall theme boring and fall down flat.

What You Can Do Instead:

Avoid “matching”; go for coordination instead. This means putting together a palette of various textures, materials, prints, and colour tones that work well with one another. There are always different hues of any colour so play around with it. Avoid weighing down your room by concentrating the patterns on just one side. Distribute them evenly throughout the room. Work with 3 patterns of varying sizes and build on a common trait the patterns all have. Try not to have too many busy patterns at one go or it'll just be chaos. Intersperse the patterns with solids to achieve a balanced look. Another thing to note: don't mix colours with different intensities. If you love pastel colours, don't mix them with primary colours. The same goes for muted tones; don't put them together with jewel hues.

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TOO MANY MEMORIES

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YOUR LIVING ROOM LOOKS LIKE A SHOWROOM. The next time your guests comment that your living room looks like a showroom, remember that it might not be such a good thing.

What You Can Do Instead:

A showroom is just that; a place where retailers display their latest products to attract buyers. In fact your home should be a place where it feels personable, warm and inviting. This means doing something unique that will become the talking point of your living room, so be as creative as you like. One noteworthy method is to commemorate the birth of your children by hanging clocks that show their respective birth times. You can then personalise each timing with a shadow box containing your child's baby picture and the baby clothes they used to wear. This idea can be used for practically any memorable day in your life so have fun with it!

KEEPING SOMETHING AT HOME THAT YOU HATE. We've all faced this dilemma: there is always something you feel obliged to keep around because you think it'll make someone happy. But why should someone else have a say (unconscious or not) in the home dĂŠcor when it's your home?

What You Can Do Instead: There is really no need to torture yourself by displaying something that makes you unhappy. Throw it away, keep it somewhere inconspicuous (like the store room) or give away to someone who might appreciate it more. If it happens to be something that your spouse loves, then some form of compromise is in order. One way is to set aside a special little corner for them to display their favourite trinkets.

Of course, these are just 5 of the most common decorating flaws that could undo your living room. But don't go into a frenzy just because you think your living room is flawed. After all, the fun part to having your own home is the freedom to keep improving on it!

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Image: Bosch Experience Centre

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Experience with

24.01.2015 SATURDAY LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE!

sive Enjoy exclu d an discounts s at g a b ie good the event!

Event Highlights* • "Cook in Style - Kitchen Interior Themes & Trends" by ARCHéTYPE • Cooking Demo by Bosch, with light refreshments • "What Tiles are Suitable for Kitchens?" by Soon Bee Huat *Event Highlights may be subject to change.

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Entertainment in Hi-Definition Step into the world of epic battles, thrilling mysteries and fantastic lives with the right Home Theatre System, but don't forget to read this first. BY LILIAN WU

Not so long ago, the cinema was the place to go to if you want to enjoy a cinematic experience with huge screens and surround sound. Today's technological advancements, however, present many options for the movie lover to enjoy his or her favourite shows at home without stepping out of the house. People used to buy VCRs (video cassette recorders). Some even chose to use a projector and screen to experience the movie thrill, but for a truly 3-dimensional experience that takes you through a wormhole and back, the home theatre system is the companion you'll need. Before you go about building up your home theatre system, let us take you through the process.

TOP IMAGE: Image by Jamo速

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HOMEHUB

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Analyse The Space Not every room or lifestyle is well-suited for a theatrical experience. There are a number of reasons for this:

THE ROOM MAY BE TOO SMALL. Ideally you'd want a room that can hold the home theatre system of your choice, comfy seating and speakers that can be placed away from the main seating area without being too close to the walls. The size of the room also determines the optimal size of the TV you can buy, seating arrangements and distance, as well as the speakers' configuration. You definitely don't want the wrong type of home theatre system to overpower your small home.

THE SHAPE OF YOUR ROOM DISTORTS SOUNDS. Perfectly square rooms tend to distort sounds, while the ideal ratio for rectangular rooms is believed by many to be the following: If Height is H, then Width = 1.6 x H Length = 2.6 x H TOP IMAGE:

Onkyo TX-NR838 Dolby Atmos Receiver, Price: $1,799

Of course, not all rooms fit such a criteria but you can still make the best of what you already have. “The current intelligent AV receiver/processor like the Onkyo TX-NR838 comes with an EQ mic that intelligently auto-calibrates to your room size and with proper speakers placement, you can bring out the best calibration for your room space,” said Jaeret Lim, Sales Manager, from Hwee Seng Electronics. If you have yet to start your renovations, you can always approach home theatre experts such as Hwee Seng Electronics and Atlas Sound & Vision to work with your contractor or interior designer to plan the most effective home theatre system for your room. What if your renovations are already completed? No worries, you can still go ahead with your dream home theatre system by consulting the professionals for set-up advice. Jaeret advised homeowners to check if their preferred speakers come in finishes that match their interior decorations, because speakers are the most visible part of the set-up. “For example,” he said, “some of the famous brands for speakers like Jamo's latest Concert series come in 3 different finishings (High-gloss Black, High-gloss White and Walnut Veneer) to complement the existing colours of normal households.”

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TOO MUCH SOUND INTERFERENCE Sounds such as loud clock ticking, the sound of an aquarium pump or washing machine cycle can distract you from the overall experience so do take note. YOUR ROOM IS TOO BRIGHTLY LIT. The amount of ambient light in the room, be it day or night, can vastly affect your movie experience. Reflective surfaces such as walls with bright high-gloss paint or lots of mirrors are also a big no-no. Avoid hanging art framed with glass as these will reflect both sound and light. To get the best results, paint your room a dark grey or black. If that seems too over the top for you, then invest in a set of heavy, coloured drapes like those you see in cinemas.

YOUR FLOORING CONSISTS OF BARE TILES OR WOOD. Such floors tend to cause acoustical reflections that can distort your sound. To counter this, a good rug or floor carpet can absorb stray sounds that will affect the quality of your audio playback.

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What You Need For The Home Theatre System If you believe your room or space has the potential to be your own entertainment hub, then it's time to familiarise yourself with the different components of a swanky home theatre system: THE TV

TOP IMAGE:

LG TV UB930T (Price: $4,999)

40˚ or less

Sofa

15˚ or less

TV Sofa

The most visible star of your home theatre system; the television brings stories to life in a way that no other medium can. Many brands and models in the market today boast of high definition—a feature that gives you pictures in stunning high resolutions. Some even enable you to enjoy a 3D cinematic experience at home with a compatible 3D Blu-ray player and glasses. You can also choose from the following options, depending on your budget: • Plasma TV • LCD TV • Ultra HD or 4K TV • OLED TV • Curved TV

WHAT ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE TELEVISION? Is there an optimal size to buy based on the size of your room and viewing distance from the screen? Well, there are recommendations of course. For example, THX suggests a viewing angle of 40° and vertical placement of 15° (or less) to create an absorbing cinematic experience. For the average seating distance of about 9 feet from the TV screen, THX recommends a TV size of 60 inches. Ultimately, the television size depends on your personal preferences and budget. But just so you know; there are some who believe that the bigger your TV is, the better your viewing experience will be. As for where to position the TV, make sure it's on the shorter wall of a rectangular room that has no windows or door on it.

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THE SPEAKERS & SUBWOOFER Aside from the superior picture, you'd want fantastic surround sounds that will transport you to another world so this is where you need to invest in a good set of speakers and subwoofer. Here is a shopping list of speakers that you should consider getting:

1. One Centre Channel Speaker (sits below or above your television) 2. One set of Left and Right Front Speakers (to flank your television) e.g. bookshelf or floorstanding speakers 3. Two or more Surround Speakers (beside and/or behind your seats) 4. One or two Subwoofers

TOP IMAGE: Image by Jamo®

Not enough room to accommodate the speakers? Then you might want to consider in-wall or in-ceiling speakers as an alternative. Just be sure to consult the home theatre system experts to find out what type of speakers you should buy. Oh and one more tip, the size of your speakers should match the size of your television to create the best sound possible.

THE VIDEO SOURCES These are source devices that play your favourite movies e.g. Blue-ray players, DVD players and Video game consoles. THE A/V RECEIVER

TOP IMAGE:

Onkyo TX-NR636 Dolby Atmos Receiver, Price: $1,099

The control centre that provides an excellent user interface for your home theatre system, it has the following functions: • Allows you to connect and switch video as well as audio sources, making it easy for you to switch sources whenever you want • Has a radio tuner, some models such as the Onkyo TX-NR636 Dolby Atmos Receiver even has a built-in internet radio • Decodes surround-sound formats and amplifies audio signals to speakers

It might sound all very complicated to someone new to this but trust us. Once you get it all set up for the ultimate home entertainment experience, you won't look back to the time when all you had was a home theatre in a box.

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VERSASTYLE

The Perks of Having a Vase What happens if you need to update an empty corner in a hurry? A vase might just be your solution because it's one of the most versatile dĂŠcor accessories around the circuit. Here are 5 simple ways to add that much needed sparkle and style to your room. BY LILIAN WU

23 renonation.sg • Design and Build • Renovation Works (Commercial / Residential) • Additions & Modification • Space Planning •

LUX DESIGN

48 Toh Guan Road East, Enterprise Hub

#03-146, Singapore 608586

+65 6795 2652

enquiries@luxdesign.com.sg www.luxdesign.com.sg

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01 FLOWERS + VASE = INSTANT BEAUT Y BOOST Have you ever noticed how a vase of beautiful flowers instantly brightens up a room? But before you carelessly pair random blooms with that vase you received as a house-warming gift, remember that not every pairing is a match made in heaven! A bud vase, for instance, will look great with small flowers or single stems of flowers like tulips and roses for a designer look. One more thing to remember: the more ornate a vase is, the simpler your flower arrangement should be to avoid a clash of personalities.

Florentine Vase (20cm) by Tools from BI & L Collections Price: $108.82

02 TALKING POINT(S) It might seem weird to you, but vases don't always have to hold flowers in order to light up the room. Some ornate designs can even stand on their own, which means you can simply use it as a centrepiece and leave it to impress your guests as they enter your abode. Others introduce a textural contrast with their metallic sheen so there is always an element of interest within the room.

Kartell Shanghai Vase by Mario Bellini from Lifestorey Price: $301

Kartell Matelasse Vase by Patricia Urquiola from Space Furniture Asia Hub Price: $190

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03 SPACE FILLER

FYLLIG from IKEA Singapore Price: $59.90

Sometimes no matter how you rearrange your furniture, there is this annoying little space that you just can't seem to fill. No worries, for the vase is here to save the day! All you have to do is place a tall vase in that emptiness and voilà! Problem solved. But be sure to allocate some “breathing space” around the vase or it might look squeezed among your furniture pieces. The size of the vase also depends on how big your furniture and accessories are. For example, a giant vase will look great in a large space but if your furniture is small or medium-sized, then you may want to invest in a collection of tall vases with a slimmer girth.

04 MULTIFUNCTIONAL Aside from holding flowers and generally looking good by its awesome self, the vase is also a versatile player in the home décor scene. You can use it to hold utensils on the buffet table, scented candles in the bathroom and even use it to store your umbrellas at the front door!

Seletti RainBoots Flower Vase from Lifestorey Price: upon request

05 PUT THEM ANYWHERE

Dress-up Vase Hanging Vase (220mm tall in copper or brass) from The Workshop Gallery Price: $140 each

by Nendo from Four&Twenty Price: $35 to $116

The good thing about vases is that they can be displayed practically anywhere in the house. Even the bathroom can look good with some greenery or blooms in a simple vase. For a less fussy décor alternative, however, you can opt for unique designs that can stand on their own or hanging ones to highlight a gorgeous scenery from your window.

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FLAVOUROFTHEMONTH

Screen Gems Remember how excited you were as a kid when it came to watching Sunday morning cartoons? What about the times when you had to fight with your siblings for the remote control? Today, the television has become bigger, slimmer and smarter than ever—which means we get to do even more stuff than just watching TV programmes! BY LILIAN WU

TOP IMAGE: Image by Jamo®

55'' UB850T Ultra HD TV ($3,999) • Ultra HD (4K) Resolution • IPS 4K • 4K 3D+ • LG Smart+TV (webOS)

55” 55EC930T Curved OLED TV ($4,999) • Perfect Viewing Angle • True Black • Infinite Contrast • Lifelike Colour (4 Colour Pixel—WRGB)

EDITOR'S PICK

($3,199) • Display Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 • Pixel Plus Ultra HD • 400Hz Perfect Motion Rate Ultra • Smart TV • Also available in 58”

50” Philips Full HD LED TV 6509 Series with 2-sided Ambilight ($1,899) • • • • •

Display Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 Pixel Plus HD 200Hz Perfect Motion Rate Smart TV Also available in 42”

65" Philips Ultra HD lED TV Series 8609 with 3-sided Ambilight ($7,999) • • • •

Display Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 Pixel Plus Ultra HD 400Hz Perfect Motion Rate Ultra Smart TV

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HOMEIMPROVEMENT

5 Cleaning Mistakes You Might Be Making Right Now You pride yourself on being an excellent housekeeper, but even the best might be making a few cleaning mistakes unknowingly as they rush about trying to get the household chores done. If left unchecked, such mistakes could leave germs behind and even affect your health after a prolonged period. Here are 5 of the most common ones. BY LILIAN WU

1 YOU CLEAN THE WINDOWS ON A SUNNY DAY. Does the sight of azure skies and sunshine inspire you to start cleaning your windows? Hold it right there! Since sunny days usually mean higher temperatures that will dry out the cleaning solution on your windows too quickly and leave streaks behind as a result, it's recommended that you clean your windows on a cloudy or overcast day instead. The lack of sunlight also means that there will be less glare in your eyes and you'll be able to clean your windows more efficiently.

Want to clean your windows like a pro? Here are some tips: • Hook up your vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to get rid of all the dust that had accumulated in all the crevices first. • Use a squeegee instead of cloths. The squeegee can cover more surface area, and won't drag dust and dirt from one spot to another. It also won't leave behind a static charge, which attracts more dirt build-up or grime to your windows. • For a more eco-friendly way to clean your windows, you can try using newspaper and a vinegar/water mixture.

We know that moment of panic when you spill something on your most highly prized carpet, but we ask that you calm down before swooping down to scrub at the stain with a piece of wet cloth. Scrubbing will actually cause the carpet fibres to get distorted and the damage will be permanent if you're not careful. It'll also make the stain more difficult to remove later.

Here's what you can do instead: • Before attempting to clean the spill, clear the zone of any excess solids with a spoon as much as possible. Cleaning must be done as soon as possible to prevent the stain from settling in. • Next use a white cloth or paper towel (with no patterns or the printing might bleed onto the carpet) to dab the area repeatedly to remove any excess liquid. • Work from the edge towards the centre to prevent the stain from spreading and repeat the step until there is no more stain on the cloth or paper towel. • Apply a cleaning agent of your preference, but don't make it too wet or it can destroy your carpet backing. Try this in an inconspicuous part of the carpet to make sure the cleaning agent is colour safe first. • After 10 minutes, use a white cloth or paper towel to absorb the cleaning agent from the outside in. • Follow that up by blotting the area with cool water. • Last but not least, blot the area dry.

3 YOU DON'T WEAR GLOVES. If you're a veteran housekeeper, you've probably been cleaning the home without a glove and doing just as fine anyway. But do you know that the skin has this amazing but scary ability to absorb chemicals from cleaning products? This may cause you to fall ill after a prolonged period and might trigger negative effects such as migraines, reproductive problems, allergies, asthma symptoms, and even cancer!

Better be safe than sorry, we always say, so do wear a set of gloves every time you roll up your sleeves for cleaning duties!

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2 YOU TREAT CARPET STAINS INAPPROPRIATELY.

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4 YOUR CLEANING IS ALWAYS TOO RUSHED. Unless you're truly passionate about cleaning, very few people will really want to dwell too much on the process. But that still doesn't give you the excuse to rush through the cleaning like a dinosaur is nipping at your heels. Avoid wiping off the cleaning agent as soon as you sprayed it onto the surface and let it sit for some time. Observe the recommended time frames on the labels so the cleaning products get a chance to really work on the stain or kill off the microscopic organisms on the surface as they promise.

5 YOU DON'T PRACTISE PROPER KITCHEN SPONGE HYGIENE. If your kitchen sponge has been in action for a long time, now is the time for you to discard it. The reason for this is simple: by changing your sponge regularly, you cut down on the risk of cross contamination and food poisoning. You might also be using your sponge to clean cutting boards that had previously handled raw meat, but this is not really advisable because it will just cause bacteria to spread to the next thing you want to clean.

Keep the condition of your sponge in tip-top condition by doing the following: • Clean and disinfect your sponge daily. A deep cleaning method will be to place a damp (not dry or even slightly wet) sponge into the microwave and heat it for 1 to 2 minutes. This will significantly lower the populations of bacteria, mould and yeast according to a study done by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The sponge shouldn't have any metal parts. • Make sure your sponge is completely dry after every use and store it in a dry spot. • Do not use it on your counter-tops. Use cloths instead but do not use the same cloth for everything either.

We know cleaning can be tough, but don't take your health for granted just to achieve a sparkling clean house. Have fun cleaning; just remember to watch out for the cleaning mistakes!

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1ST GREEN

GREEN LABEL

KITCHEN CABINET CERTIFIED IN SINGAPORE

AND ONLY Copy of A-Z Renovation Price Guide HERE!

No. 8 Kim Keat Lane, Singapore 328865 +65 6352 8809 | info@skycreation.com.sg | www.skycreation.com.sg www.facebook.com/SkyCreationSG

SINGAPORE . MALAYSIA . CHINA . HONG KONG

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PROJECTDIY

How to Refurbish an Old Coffee Table Do you have an old but still functional coffee table? It may look dingy now but with a little DIY help, you can still give it a fresh breath of life instead of throwing it away! Angie Ong from Angie’s Napkin Decoupage Shop shows how it can be done using the decoupage technique and distress paint effect.

WHAT IS DECOUPAGE? "Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing coloured paper cut-outs, paper napkins or specially printed decoupage papers onto it in combination with special paint effects... the final layer is sealed with multiple layers of varnish until the 'stuck on' appearance disappears and the result looks like painting or inlay work." −Angie Ong Interesting, right? We love how decoupage can literally recreate the look of ageing yet functional furniture, that's why we invited Angie from Angie's Napkin Decoupage Shop to take us through a simple tutorial. We will be DIY-ing new items every issue so don't forget to stay tuned!

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED Available at Art Friend: » Acrylic Paint Sienna Brown (FolkArt) » Acrylic Paint Burnt Umber (FolkArt) Available at Daiso, $1 Shops or IKEA: » 1 Sponge without green wool » 1 Candle » 1 Steel wool Can be purchased from Angie: » Acrylic Paint White @ $10 per 80ml bottle » 5 pieces x Decoupage Rice Papers @ $5-$10 per piece » Decoupage Glue @ $8 per 80ml bottle » 1 bottle of Acrylic Varnish @ $10 per 80ml bottle » 1 Nylon Brush @ $8 per brush (Art Friend also carries a wide range) » 1 Squeegee/Scraper to flatten the decoupage paper @$10 per piece Other tools: Scissors Time required: 6 to 7 hours

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BEFORE DECOUPAGE

STEP 2

STEP 1

Sponge the table top with Sienna Brown Acrylic Paint. Then sponge the sides of the table top with Burnt Umber Acrylic Paint.

Using a candle, rub wax onto the table top previously painted in Sienna Brown. Brush off the waxy bits the candle left behind with a clean brush.

STEP 3

STEP 4

Apply 2 to 3 coats of White Acrylic Paint to cover the Sienna Brown on the table top.

Using a steel wool, gently scrape the top coats of white paint off the previously waxed area on the table top. This will give the table a 'distressed' appearance. [Distressing being the art of making an object appear aged and weathered.] The edges, the bottom part of the table legs and the corners are all parts that will have more wear and tear, so you can scrape off more of the top paint coats in these areas to make the table look more vintage. Repeat Steps 1-4 for all the other parts of the table that have not been distressed (legs and sides of the table)

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STEP 5

Cut out all the images from the decoupage rice paper. Angie used 5 pieces of Italy-imported decoupage rice paper.

STEP 6

Paste the images you had cut from the decoupage rice paper onto the table-top using the decoupage glue. Use a squeegee or scraper to flatten the rice paper images on the table-top until there are no creases.

STEP 7

After sticking all the images onto the table, apply 3 coats of acrylic varnish. Make sure that each coat is dry before you apply the next coat. The final product should look like the images have been painted onto the table.

FINAL RESULT

One of the pioneers who had introduced the art of decoupage to Singapore in the past 3 years, Angie holds a Certificate of Completion in Decoupage and Faux Finish on Every Surface by BeBelle Photo Decoupage Crafts and Supplies in Thailand. Angie is a patient and meticulous teacher who has over 4 years of experience in teaching the art of decoupage and is currently conducting classes for all age groups in her home studio. She also helps customers to refurbish their furniture with the art of decoupage. For more information on decoupage, decoupage classes or if you wish to give your furniture a new look, do contact Angie at 9790 8645 or check out her online presence at: www.facebook.com/napkindecoupageshop.

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PROPERTYMARKET

Suburban Properties Becoming More Attractive The Outside Central Region (OCR) is considered the suburbs of Singapore and comprises the East planning region, North East planning region, North planning region and West planning region. This includes the densely populated neighbourhoods of Punggol, Woodlands and Jurong, where a wide variety of massmarket condominiums are located together with, in recent years, an increasing number of executive condominiums (ECs). Steven Tan, Managing Director of OrangeTee, shared that due to the cumulative effects of the cooling measures and TDSR where liquidity is restricted, buyers have become increasingly quantum sensitive, which in turn, has benefitted smaller-sized units and projects in outlying regions (OCR), where the overall quantum is more affordable compared to the central region. Sharing similar sentiments, Eugene Lim, Key Executive Officer and Head of Research, ERA Singapore said, “OCR homes are becoming more attractive to buyers due to the lower price quantum. With loan curbs, buyers continue to be limited by the amount of debt they can take, as such, properties priced between $800,000 to $1.2 million are the best sellers, followed by homes up to the $1.6 million range.”

THE RISE OF THE WEST AND NORTH Apart from the lower price quantum, properties in the OCR are also increasingly becoming more attractive due to the government’s decentralisation strategy to sustain Singapore’s growth by developing regional centres at various parts of the island including the West and North regions. In the West, new commercial hubs like Jurong Gateway are being developed outside the city centre to provide more choices of attractive business locations and bring jobs closer to homes. When complete, the 360ha Jurong Lake District will feature two distinct but complementary precincts – Jurong Gateway and Lakeside. The former, which is set to be the commercial hub of the West, will comprise high-rise offices, condominium developments, as well as a slew of entertainment options, while the latter is being developed as a destination for young families, with tourist attractions and parks complemented by water activities. Here are some of the developments that are underway:

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J U R O N G G AT E WAY – A V I B R A N T C O M M E R C I A L H U B Located around the Jurong East MRT station, the new 70ha Jurong Gateway, which is slated to develop between 2013 to 2025, is fast shaping up to be a vibrant commercial hub. Within just a few years, many new developments have sprouted up in the area including Westgate (an integrated retail and office development comprising a seven-storey lifestyle and family shopping mall, and a 20-storey office tower known as Westgate Tower), JEM (the first lifestyle hub in western Singapore with integration of shopping, entertainment and residence at the same location), Devan Nair Institute (a continuing educational & training institute) and JCube (a shopping mall housing Singapore’s first Olympic-sized ice rink and first IMAX theatre in the suburbs). That said, Jurong Gateway is far from done. The district will be welcoming a couple more new developments within the next few years. Upcoming launches of a hospital (Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital by 2015), more shopping malls (Big Box Warehouse Retail Outlet – Singapore’s largest warehouse retail mall), a hotel by Genting Group, and new injection of offices look set to cement Jurong Gateway’s position as the biggest and most vibrant commercial hub outside of the city. V I S I O N E XC H A N G E Another commercial development that is set to add buzz to the district is Vision Exchange, developed by Sim Lian Group and slated to be completed in 2018. The North region also looks set to undergo a complete transformation, thanks to the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) visionary plans. Opportunities for home buyers in the North Region would be anchored by the development of the Woodlands Regional Centre, which will become Singapore’s third regional centre.

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PARENTINGTIPS

6 Mess-free Sensory Activities for Your Little Toddler Toddlers are a curious bunch, aren’t they? They love to explore their immediate environment and engage in different play experiences. This is the age where their learning takes flight! Wouldn’t it be great to prepare lots of fun hands-on experiences to engage their little senses? If you are a parent torn between creating a fantastic play experience and planning a fuss-free and easy to clean up activity with your child, we show you how you can have the best of both through these 6 fun experiences that are absolutely mess-free! BY CRYSTAL TAN

S QU I S H Y G E L B AG Ziploc® bags are very useful for preserving or packing things. These bags can be made into fun things for your child too! Put coloured hair gel and glitter (optional) into the bag together with buttons or googly eyes and watch your children have fun squishing. They may also attempt to draw or write on it. You can encourage them to draw or write on the bags with their fingers, or use two different coloured hair gels and ask your child to mix them up to see what happens.

TIPS

This activity works well with paint too. Your child can witness how two different coloured paints (primary colours) mix and form a secondary colour.

NAT U R E C O L L AG E Bring your child out for an outdoor walk and you can easily spot fallen leaves, flowers, twigs and branches along the walkway or at the park. Pick them up and bring them back, they will make a great nature art piece. Provide contact paper and allow your child to paste and decorate his own nature collage. You can easily frame it up and use it as a décor for your living room.

Toddlers are especially curious when it comes to bubbles. Have you noticed how they play with bubbles during bath time? They also love to swirl bubbles and feel the texture in their hands. One fun experience you can provide for your child is to create a foamy bubble play in the bathroom. Use a mixer to create thick foamy bubbles and you can add in some non-toxic water colours to make it more colourful! Get your toddler to move (swirl, squeeze and step) and get them to watch the cause and effect of their actions. TIPS

Use non-toxic baby bath lotion that will be gentle on your baby’s skin.

H O T A N D C O L D WAT E R PL AY

S M E L L A N D M AT C H Toddlers usually have a good sense of smell but it isn’t totally reliable yet. Create a fun activity of “Smell and Match” to help them explore and enhance their sense of smell. Prepare small little coloured bottles or plastic jars and add different spices and/or scented objects. Some spices you can use are: nutmeg, cloves, coffee beans, flower petals etc. Seal it with plastic and create some holes on it. Make duplicates for each selection so that your child can smell and match the bottles with the same scent together.

TIPS

Other selection that parents can use: cinnamon sticks, peppermint, vanilla, cocoa and perfume sprayed on a cotton ball.

What better way to learn about “hot” (warm) and “cold” than letting them experiment with ice and warm water? There are many fun ways to explore and play with ice. You can provide a coloured paper and allow your child to draw on the paper with a small piece of ice. Let him be creative without limits; he can doodle with ice, draw shapes, patterns and even pictures. To spice things up after the drawing session, provide small kitchen wares for your child to engage in pretend play. He can pretend to cook with ice or pour the ice from cup to cup. Definitely a great way to work on his motor development and eye-hand coordination. Next up, prepare a tub of warm water for your child to engage in water play. Bring in all his little toys and witness beautiful imaginative play in progress!

TIPS

For a mess-free experience, you can conduct this activity in the balcony or in your bathtub. If your child is at a teething stage, crush the ice so that it does not pose as a choking hazard for your child.

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FOA M Y B U B B L E PL AY

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H O M E-M A D E D O U G H PL AY This is one amazing creation that children will absolutely love because it provides endless wonders! Dough play helps to enhance children’s holistic development and their imagination. Provide additional fun elements like straw, figurines, buttons and cookie cutters on different days to capture their attention. Home-made dough are generally more value for money and they are easy to make as well. Here’s one easy recipe you can try: • 2 cups of plain flour • 2 tablespoons of oil • ½ cup of salt • 2 tablespoons of Cream of Tartar • 1 cup of boiling water (add in a little more if the texture is not right) • Food Colourings • Few drops of Glycerine

Steps: 1. Mix plain flour and salt together. 2. Add oil. Mix well. 3. Add in food colouring and hot water (slowly). Mix and knead. 4. When dough is formed, add Glycerine to provide extra shine. (P/s: You can add more flour if your dough is too sticky or add in more water if it is too dry.)

It’s not difficult to prepare fun activities for your toddler. Give them room for exploration without limiting or restricting their creativity with rigid activities. Allow your child to learn through play and they will reap so much more.

45 renonation.sg 11 Woodlands Close #06-04, Woodlands 11, Singapore 737853 +65 6339 4668 or +65 6339 3878 +65 6339 0083 enquiry@acespacedesign.com www.acespacedesign.com

OUR PASSION IN AESTHETICS, AND CREATION

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AESTHETICVALUE

A Cushy Experience Craving for an instant makeover? Then look no further than these throw pillows that are not only vibrantly coloured, but are also bold statements in themselves. BY LILIAN WU

Cross on Natural Linen Your living room may be in need of some desperate first-aid where dĂŠcor is concerned, but these Swiss Cross cushions from Maissone Contemporary Homeware are actually quite the hot favourite in contemporary settings. Just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overdo the accessorising or Choco Chanel will take you to task for that avoidable faux pas. from Maissone Contemporary Homeware $98 each

Atsuyo et Akiko Sequin and Sequin Heart Cushions Add some bang to your living room with these shiny sequin cushions in two different shapes from Cuckoo Little Lifestyle Store. While they are both throw pillows, remember that their respective shapes fulfil different functions. The rectangular one, for instance, is great for lower back or neck support while the heart-shaped cushion will provide the much needed cute factor. from Cuckoo Little Lifestyle Store Sequin: $120 each Heart: $90 each

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Cushions Introduce an element of Mother Nature into your living room with these cushy depictions of palm trees and palm leaves from Singapore Trading Post. Available in earthy yet charming colours, the cushions will warm the cockles of anyone's heart when they walk into the room. from Singapore Trading Post Palm Tree Style Fabric Cushion: $65 Palm Leaf and Frangipani Style Fabric Cushion: $65 Palm Leaf Style Fabric Cushion with Yellow Border: $65

Kleuren Neon Cushions

Wings (Gold, Turquoise and Cherry) If graphical elements are more your thing, then you mustn't miss out on checking out the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wingsâ&#x20AC;? cushions from Korla. Whether it's gold, turquoise or cherry, these squeezable beauties are best paired with similarly coloured cushions to avoid visual chaos on your sofa. from Korla Medium, without insert: $100.53 | Medium, with insert: $121.04 Rectangle, without insert: $86.21 | Rectangle, with insert: $93.37

There is nothing more cheerful than a set of cushions in funky colours on your dowdy sofa, like this collection from Courts Singapore. Available in series of neon colours, they are part of an all new ensemble brought in by the furniture and electronics giant to break new ground where price and style are concerned. from Courts Singapore $59 each

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SHOW&TELL

Whimsicality in Quietude What do people usually do after graduating with a Diploma in Furniture Design? For Melvin Ong, founder of local design studio Desinere, it meant beefing up his portfolio with a degree in Product Design from the prestigious Central St Martin's College of Art & Design in London and following up with a string of rich experiences that help him see things from a different perspective. BY LILIAN WU

TOP IMAGE:

Melvin Ong from Desinere

TOP IMAGE:

Fraise: Ornamental Paper Vase/Shade ($52) Size: 18cm(D) x 9cm(H)

Design, for Melvin, has always been inspired by the little things in life that people normally won't notice as they rush around in their personal rat race. Take the Itty Bitty Rocking Chair for instance; it was loosely inspired by a spider, which in turn, had evolved from a design that originally had 10 legs. The Mappa Pleated Tableware, too, took its cue from the ancient art of origamiâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;giving rise to an elegant collection of tableware that is sure to charm anyone. Melvin's designs are not of the slap-dash variety either, there is quiet passion evident in every line of his work and there is a touch of whimsicality as well; which is not surprising since he had the opportunity to be under the tutelage of established designers such as Reiko Kaneko while he was in the UK. Melvin's overseas stint also included working with the award-winning creative agency Brand42 in London, where he was involved with projects from CNN, Johnnie Walker and MailOnline. He then went on to exhibit his personal work as part of a collaboration at Tent London 2010 and at the Milan Salone Satellite the following year. Finally in 2012, Melvin decided to move back to Singapore to set up his own design studio. With all these experiences moulding him, what kind of designer has Melvin grown into? We catch up with him and pop a few questions.

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» DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A PRODUCT DESIGNER IN 2 WORDS AND WHY THOSE 2 WORDS? QUIET & WHIMSICAL QUIET - I guess I used the word 'quiet' because I tend to lean towards a more minimal and clean aesthetic in my work and the manner in which I approach designing can be aptly described as one that is rather reflective and contemplative—in which both needs a sense of solace and quietness to work. WHIMSICAL - I like to incorporate very subtly a sense of quirkiness and whimsicality in my work. I think it's somewhat almost like an inner voice to be a bit dreamy in approaching design. One example would be the itty bitty rocking chair that I designed which was loosely inspired by a spider. » WHAT COMES FIRST FOR YOU DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS? THE MATERIALS OR DESIGN IDEA? I think with each project, it's a different design process, sometimes a project can stem from the want of exploring a material or process in a different manner while at times the driver for a particular project would centre around a particular theme or message that I wish to express. So I would say that it is contextual and depends on the rationale and nature of each project.

TOP IMAGE, FIRST:

Itty Bitty: Rocking Chair ($395) Size: 40cm(L) x 30cm(W) x 30cm(H) TOP IMAGE, SECOND:

Mappa: Pleated Tableware Still undergoing refinement, up for preorders (Price: upon request) Size: 14cm(D) x 6(H)cm TOP IMAGE, THIRD: Fouetté: Spintop ($118) Size: 4.2cm(D) x 4.8cm(H)

» YOU GRADUATED WITH A DIPLOMA IN FURNITURE DESIGN AT THE NANYANG ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS BEFORE MOVING ON TO PURSUE A DEGREE IN PRODUCT DESIGN IN LONDON, WHAT SPURRED YOU TO MAKE THE TRANSITION? It was partly because I wanted to expose myself to the world out of Singapore a bit more. I feel especially in the design field it is difficult to merely see the world from a Singaporean perspective. The exposure to a different culture and way of life aboard definitely opened up my mind as well as perspectives to certain things that I thought could only be done only in a certain manner. Furthermore, exposure to London brought me closer to Europe where you get exposed to a lot more design-centric cities. » HOW HAVE YOUR EXPERIENCES IN LONDON AND SINGAPORE MOULDED YOU RESPECTIVELY AS A DESIGNER? I think collectively both experiences have taught me not to take things for granted, and as well as not to be too quick to judge and put down ideas. My education in Singapore definitely made me a more disciplined and driven person while my experience in London taught me to open up more and be more spontaneous and bold in my design approach.

We love how a Singaporean is making waves in the local design scene! Keen to know more about Melvin's work? Then do check out his website at desinere.com.sg and Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/desinere.design for more details.

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Bespoke Residential Design From start to finish, concept to product; our attention to the finest detail and professional yet personable service is our distinguishing streak. We are driven by an unyielding dedication to innovative concepts and fresh perspectives. And most importantly, we truly listen to what you have to say.

We give your home A Look Of Its Own.

1 Coleman Street, #05-03B, The Adelphi, Singapore 179803 T : 9875 1996 E : enquiry@insidelookz.com.sg W : www.insidelookz.com.sg

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SIMPLYID

Know Your ID: 9 Creation BY LILIAN WU

As any self-respecting homeowner will tell you, the search for a fitting interior design firm is a tough and tiring journey to make. It's almost like attending a matchmaking session every time you meet an interior designer (ID). Do you like him or her? Are their ideas aligned with yours? Can you afford to pay them to design your dream home without going bankrupt? Can the interior designer, gasp, be trusted with your money? Knowing what an agonising experience it can be to choose a suitable ID, we created this new section to showcase different ID companies. Now you don't have to be wary of unfamiliar faces because we are bringing the IDs right to your doorstep! Are you intrigued yet? Well, here's our first ID of the year: KURT BOH FROM 9 CREATION.

ID Firm: 9 Creation Address: 761 North Bridge Road Singapore 198729 Tel: 6295 0922 Web: www.9creation.com.sg

Âť TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT 9 CREATION. WHO ARE YOU GUYS AND WHY INTERIOR DESIGN? I didn't start out in this trade. In fact, I was initially working as a marketing director in an MNC. Due to frequent travelling and family commitments, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a new career. I decided to try interior design since I was interested and took a course at NAFA. Luckily for me, I had a friend who was in the interior design trade so I joined him to learn the ropes. After some time, I set up 9 Creation and the rest as they say, is history. We have been in business for about 3 years now and along the way I got to know a number of talented IDs. They started to join me and to date, we have 9 IDs. Just nice, our company name also has '9' in it! Haha. We also have an in-house drafter who can do all our 3D rendering, which is good because this means we have full control over our processes. I just feel that it doesn't matter how long you've been in the trade. It really depends on how passionate and committed you are. If you work just for money, you'll never make it. But if you love what you're doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours.

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Let us put together the pieces of a beautiful home for you.

7 6 1 N or t h Br i d g e R o a d S in g a po re 1 9 8 7 2 9 Te l : 6 2 9 5 0 9 2 2 | w w w. 9 c re a t io n . c o m. s g

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» TELL US ABOUT THE TIME WHEN YOU WERE FACED WITH A STRUCTURAL CHALLENGE IN THE LIVING ROOM AND HOW YOU SOLVED THE ISSUE. An experienced interior designer will know when there is a structure to be avoided so we are usually able to work around it. It's also important not to lose sight of the main idea in the pursuit of visual beauty when you're planning the design. » HAVE YOU EVER COME ACROSS HOMEOWNERS WHO ASKED YOU TO DESIGN THE IMPOSSIBLE? HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO TURN IT INTO SOMETHING REALISTIC AND WORKABLE? The key is Communication. We need to let our homeowners know that their dream house is in good hands. Frequent and open communication will reduce misunderstandings. In my experience, there is no sense of beauty if something is not convenient. But this doesn't mean we can't communicate with the homeowner to help make their request come true. » WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON DECORATING MISTAKES THAT YOU'VE ENCOUNTERED SO FAR? Well, I personally feel that interior design is very subjective. Everyone has a different opinion of what constitutes a beautiful design. I, for one, prefer something that is simple and not too complicated or cluttered. But like I said, there is no right or wrong. The most important thing is to communicate properly with homeowners to avoid any misunderstandings or mistakes. When there are mistakes, there will inevitably be conflicts so better to communicate properly and openly with the homeowner.

» IF THERE IS JUST ONE ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE HOMEOWNERS ON THE DECORATING OF THEIR HOMES, WHAT WILL YOU SAY? If you ask me, I would say that the cheapest or most expensive renovation packages don't always mean that the renovation will turn out well. Pay the price you want to pay. This is why we don't have fixed renovation packages because we believe everyone has different needs and wants. This also means that you need to judge if the interior designer is genuinely interested in helping you and not just base your decision on the price of the renovation package.

9 Creation is an interior design firm that caters to a wide range of clientèle with very different needs. Backed by extensive experience in residential and commercial projects, they have both the expertise and tools to meet every design challenge with meticulous project management and detailed coordination. For a noobligation chat, don't hesitate to contact them at 6295 0922 or check out their portfolio on RenoNation.sg

SAVE MORE NOW! FREE ON-SITE QUOTATION

6286 6778 / 6286 6330

Hours

9238 9710 (Sebastian) 9776 7769 (Kay)

10% Discount Call Now

for more details

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed WE SPECIALISE IN:

• Day & Night Curtains • Blackout Curtains (ideal for bedrooms) • Roman Blinds (creates a classy feel for small windows) • Roller Blinds (simple yet stylish in design & easy to maintain) • Vertical Blinds (good light control & perfect for large windows) • Motorised Blinds (convenient) • Venetian Blinds • Window Films (can be used on windows of all shapes & sizes) • Korean Wallpapers (adds excitement to your plain walls & creates a lively environment) Tong Kheng Curtains & Blinds Pte Ltd 14 New Industrial Road, #07-02 Hudson Industrial Building, Singapore 536203 | T 6286 6778 / 6286 6330 | F 6382 2663 E info@tongkheng.com.sg | W www.tongkheng.com.sg | Tong Kheng Curtains & Blinds Pte Ltd

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Add a Sophisticated & Elegant Ambience to Your Home

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NEWKIDSONTHEBLOCK

Hub of Conveniences BY LILIAN WU

1. Dyson Fluffy Vacuum Cleaner ($999) From DYSON

2. Concert Series by Jamo速 (prices upon request) From HWEE SENG (ELECTRONICS) 3. 1st ever Dolby Atmos速 Enabled Onkyo network A/V receivers (TX-NR737 $1,499, TX-NR838 $1,799 and more) From HWEE SENG (ELECTRONICS) 4. Thermos速 Shuttle Chef速 KGB-series (3L or 4.5L) (prices starting from $250) From THERMOS SINGAPORE

3 4

57 renonation.sg Showroom @ East 246 MacPherson Road #01-01, Betime Building Singapore 348578 Tel:+65 6744 5115 Fax:+65 6846 5115

Showroom @ West 18 Boon Lay Way #01-93/94, Tradehub 21 Singapore 609966 Tel: +65 6779 5115 Fax: +65 6778 5115

www.northwestinterior.com

Showroom @ North 31 Admiralty Road #01-01, StorHub Woodlands Singapore 739984 Tel: +65 6554 5115 Fax: +65 6842 1551

enquiry@northwestinterior.com

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LUST.WISHLIST

Three's a Charm BY LILIAN WU

If you haven't already heard, Courts has a new range of Struöcfurniture! It all started with over a week's worth of teasers where it encouraged the price-conscious public to guess the price of a few furniture pieces from a mysterious brand. The campaign was an instant hit; garnering over 5,000 entries and sparked off an extremely high level of curiosity about the brand's roots. Some even thought it had European origins since the furniture pieces have the look and feel of a designer range. When Courts finally revealed that it was the true mastermind behind Struöcfurniture (Struöc is actually Courts spelt backwards!), Singaporeans were pleasantly surprised to know that the stylish range is closer to home than they thought. “Driven by our unwavering commitment to offer great pieces at great prices, Courts has extensively expanded its range of furniture to include more than 2,000 new items that will suit any style— from retro to contemporary, or coloured pieces to muted hues—without bursting your budget,” said Terry O'Connor, CEO of Courts Singapore. And he's right. With Court's extended range of furniture and home accessories, you now have more stylish options to choose from. In fact, the new collection from Courts is available in 3 distinctive styles that come with a wide variety of furniture and home accessories.

TOP IMAGES:

Curious Display Cabinet ( Red: $379 | Yellow: $339 | Blue: $299) Linon 12 Drawers Cabinet ($1,999)

FU N K—LIVE OUT LOUD Are you in love with bold colours and striking silhouettes? Then this style is definitely right up your street. We love how conventional pieces are given an unexpected twist with quirky colours, which seems to suggest a whimsical personality that is both delightful and unique.

Vendetta 3+2.5 Seat Fabric Sofa ($5,399)

C L A S SIC—T IME LE S S IS P RICE LE S S

TOP IMAGE:

Beleza Chandelier (Price: $671)

This is a style that you might be more comfortable with due to its timeless charm and nostalgic feel. Reminiscent of the good old times when furniture pieces match one another and are consistent in their style, the classic style holds no surprise, but exudes a homey appeal that will warm the cockles of any heart.

URBA N— LE S S IS MORE If clean lines and uncluttered interiors are more your cup of cappuccino, then you should definitely read on. Far from being cold and minimalist, the urban style can be sophisticated yet comfortable. Drawing inspiration from the clean geometric lines of structural elements, the urban style is the epitome of the phrase “less is more”.

RIGHT IMAGE:

Urbane Lantern ($173)

TOP IMAGE:

Veda Leather L-shaped Sofa ($7,999)

Are you in love with the new range yet? Here at RenoNation, we love the fact that Courts has reinvented itself to give home décor fans like us more choices to choose from! Simply drop by any of their outlets in Singapore, and you can see and feel the pieces for yourself. Courts has also partnered with Ciseern at their Megastore in Tampines where you can get a free consultation if you bring your floor plan along so you can shop for your dream pieces and ask for expert advice at the same time.

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BOTTOM IMAGE:

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GEOMANCY

The 12 Animal Signs for 2015 As we approach the end of 2014, it's time to welcome a New Year. The Year of the Wood Goat is likely to be influential and fruitful for individuals who wish to discover more about what the year holds for them. The 12 Animal Signs for 2015 will help provide a deep insight into every animal sign and what the next twelve months have in store for each of those signs, as well as assist you in making the right decisions in the coming year.

GOAT Your intellect and creative energy will be all fired up in 2015, igniting a new sense of confidence and independence to take on any new challenges for the year. If your career is based in the creative and arts field, there is really no stopping you as you let your dynamic energy flow free for all to see. Even if you don’t consider yourself the creative type, you’ll still benefit from an increased learning capacity and insights which will support you in any training or educational tasks. If there is a course or qualification that you wanted to take, now is the time to take up the challenge. While your new-found energy and passion to excel is giving you a new boost of life and conviction, remember that you are still human. Stress will take its toll on you if you continue to push yourself too hard for 2015. As you pursue your new-found passions in life, take this opportunity to make some healthy lifestyle changes such as working out regularly, eating right and resting more.

MONKEY This year, you’ll be swinging from one good opportunity to another. There are positive indications for both career progression and personal happiness. The only limits here are the ones you set for yourself. Not only will you encounter the opportunity for a job promotion, you’re also likely to become involved in new business projects that will prove to be financially rewarding for you in the long run. Central to all this will be your natural ability to hold court with new-found friends, potential love interests and influential people who will be cheering you on immensely as you pursue your goals and ambitions for 2015. Despite your exuberance for life and your new-found luck, you have the dark tendency to lose yourself in the moment. This can cause you to develop bouts of depression and insecurity as you navigate the maze of life. Keep a level head and keep your plans for 2015 firmly in sight, this will help you overcome any mental or emotional obstacle to succeed in whatever you want to do.

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ROOSTER Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for you to consider reversing the trend that your life has always taken. Instead of constantly chasing wealth and success like you did in the past, why not spend more time with the people who matters most to you? Money does make the world go round but it cannot buy you happiness or the love and the respect of your family and friends. As there will be some undesirable obstacles along the way, take comfort in knowing that there will be a rainbow at the end of every rainstorm. Take a step back from the craziness of life and look inside yourself and you will discover that for all the skills and money one can have, what matters most is a good heart and soul. With a little self-discipline and determination, anything is possible for you to achieve this year. Just remember where your heart truly lies and know that you can always go home when you want to.

DOG You'll be blessed with the innate ability to seek wealth and prosperity this year. In addition, there are indications that the women in your life, or women in senior positions, will be more than happy to help you set your plans into motion or put derailed plans back on track. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for new opportunities to further your goals but always remember to be diplomatic, poised and gracious when pursuing them. It's possible that 2015 will offer you numerous challenges, so the best thing you can do is to rise above it, while keeping yourself grounded. If you are always restrained, calm and rational, then you will have weathered the worst of the challenges and issues, leaving you free to focus on your career and family obligations.

PIG This year denotes positive consequences for your career. If you are employed by an organisation, it is likely that your efforts will finally be recognised by the top senior management and that you will soon be on your way for a promotion and salary increment. If you own your own business, it is likely that exploring new markets could spell a profit increase for you. As long as you're prepared to think outside of the box, you'll see the progress you desire. This year might be the right time for you to evaluate your friendship with the people around you as some of your so-called friends are becoming envious of the success you will have this year. Be strong and do not allow petty gossip, jealousy and drama get to your head. Keep calm and always remember that you'll be a more effective person and worker when you are relaxed and stable. 2015 has a lot to offer you, provided you keep a level head and be prepared with all the right facts to face any challenge. With your eyes firmly on the prize, there is nothing you cannot do.

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RAT It’s time to reach out to others and to seek the support that you rightfully deserve. When you do so, you’ll see how easy it is to get the help you need and thus allowing yourself the opportunity to expand your influence or take on more responsibilities. When your efforts are noticed by the right people, it will, of course, be rewarded in your monthly pay cheque. Although it’s fun to constantly chase after wealth and success, it’ll also do you good to spend some quality time with your spouse or partner. Doing so will keep the flames of your love burning, even if it has sizzled out for a while in the past year. In short, 2015 is likely to be a year of growth and renewal—both at work and in your personal relationships with your loved ones.

OX It's grand to have high ambitions, but sometimes you need to look at what's right in front of you and set short-term goals that can be achieved—a method that will help you attain success easily. In 2015, there are signs that your head is constantly in the clouds as you chase lofty goals and forget about the more tangible ones on the ground. It'll be wise to have a back-up plan and start watching your finances, regardless of your current financial status. Although you'll have to work harder than others to achieve your goals, know that the key to having a successful 2015 is to keep yourself grounded in the moment so you don't miss out on the opportunities that could pass you by.

TIGER 2015 promises to be an outstanding year for you. You'll not only have career success and personal happiness, any problem you will face this year will also be resolved quickly. There is much for you to celebrate, but do remember to thank the people who helped you achieve your goals. This means improving on your interpersonal skills, and learning to mind your words and actions in case you offend someone. With the support of your friends and advisers, you'll have every reason to be positive about the next 12 months. Just make sure you make the most of them.

RABBIT You'll benefit greatly when you focus on your relationships in 2015. Noble people around you throughout the year will contribute to the level of your success for the year so make sure you make the most of the support and friendship that is offered. It will also be prudent to show gratitude as the relationships you will or have developed may prove beneficial to your career development, financial success and personal happiness. 2015 is likely to be a great year for you financially as there are suggestions that you'll receive substantial financial gains in the form of bonuses, pay rises or profit returns from your investments. Although you'll have to watch out for minor accidents, 2015 will prove to be an outstanding year as long as you remain vigilant and positive.

2015 will be an exciting year for you due to the slew of different opportunities that will present themselves. You might feel overwhelmed by the choices, but know that you'll have a Noble person waiting to support and lighten your load. The positive influences this year suggest that great things will either take your career to new heights or give it a much needed kick-start, but this requires full commitment in order to achieve the maximum results you crave. However fortunate you may feel about the new career opportunities, remember that not all will prove to be the right choice for you. Seek advice from the Noble people in your life and gather all the facts before making a decision. There are plenty of supporters and luck on your side this year, so take the bull by the horns and meet your challenges head-on with dedication.

SNAKE You should be coiled and ready for action in 2015, for this year will be rich with opportunities for you to grow as a person and to improve your skills, social position and career prospects. Since your growth is pretty much self-directed, you'll find ample support from a variety of sources—which is particularly beneficial for those who work in education and research or people who are engaged in long-term study. You'll be given the chance to flex your intellectual and creative muscles, and it's also likely that you'll be showered with opportunities so always be prepared to strike when the iron's hot.

HORSE 2015 should be a year where you focus on loving and taking care of yourself as it's vital for you to create a work-life balance that includes proper rest, healthy diet, and some 'me' time to gear up for the exciting opportunities that will come your way. You're likely to enjoy some positive gains in your career and even earn some considerable wealth in the process if you work hard, but don't neglect your health and personal happiness. The good news is that you'll always have someone to rely on in times of sickness and health, but remember to stay healthy and upbeat with the help and love of your own support network.

For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/jy2015fsa.

ABOUT DATO’ JOEY YAP Dato’ Joey Yap is the leading Feng Shui, BaZi and Face Reading consultant in Asia. He is an international speaker, bestselling author of over 140 books and master trainer in Chinese Metaphysics. He is also the Chief Consultant of Joey Yap Consulting Group and founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics.

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