Key To Your Home 2017 [Preview]

Your ultimate

reno guide

BY

Expert advice

Useful tips and hacks to save time and money

Kitchen overhaul

The best materials and equipment for your cooking zone

Bedroom organisation

Wardrobe systems to keep it neat and tidy in the sleeping zone

Small bathroom solutions

How to maximise every square inch of your bathing space

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To-do list

A step-by-step checklist for your renovation

2017 S$9.00 US$6.50 RM15.00

8 887457 169120 >

Planning / expert tips

Reno

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Knowledge is power.

Get acquainted with useful reno tips and hacks from the experts to save time and money

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text Disa Tan

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After deciding on your interior designer…

Design by Mong Design

Homeowners can request for a site visit to a completed project by their appointed interior designer to get a clear understanding of the workmanship. This sets the right expectations and prevents disappointment or disagreements in the future.

what are the ideal months to have a renovation?

March to June. The second quarter of the year is also when contractors and carpenters have fewer jobs so they are under less stress.

And the worst?

Typically, July or August is when we are rushing to complete renovations before the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Our other peak period is October till the Lunar New Year, and you might find some delays because of the influx of renovations.

Design by Free Space Intent

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Kalyn Guo, Design Director, Home Journal

Raymond Seow, Design Director, Free Space Intent

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Planning / checklist

BATHROOM

Your to do list Here’s how to stay on top of things from the start till the end of your renovation

FLOOR MAT: Place a floor mat outside the bathroom to catch dirt and to minimise wet and dirty footprints during the renovation.

TILES: Use a coin and gently tap on each wall tile. If it is loose or there is a hollow sound, it might indicate the tiles were not bonded properly.

WATER PIPES: Check the piping for leakages, especially for an old flat or apartment.

GROUT: After chemical cleaning for your tiles is completed, there might be holes within the grout lines. Get your interior designer or contractor to patch them up.

FIXTURES: Besides installing the major sanitary fixtures, don’t forget about smaller details like the towel rack and various toiletry holders.

FRONT ENTRANCE UTILITIES: Activate your water and electricity supply.

KEYS: Make sure each key, even the one for the letter box, works.

LOCK: Get a digital lock or a number lock so your interior designer and the contractor can gain access during the renovation and you can change the code afterwards.

DOORBELL: Get the electrician to hook up your doorbell or get a battery-operated doorbell.

FRONT DOOR: With the door being a constant source of human traffic, check for scratches and damages, especially at the bottom.

PRIVACY: If your unit faces the lift lobby, you might want to consider installing a privacy divider.

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We recommend cleaning the house one to two weeks after the renovation ends.

The dust would have settled by then and there will be less irritants in the air.

Alicia Koh, Director, I.Poise

text Disa Tan

BEDROOM COVE LIGHTING: Besides testing the lighting, look out for cracks, nail holes or uneven joinery in the false ceiling.

WALLPAPER: Always get extra wallpaper so if air bubbles or damages occur later, you have the option of a do-over.

MATTRESS: If your mattress or bed frame arrives early, way before your wallpaper is up; protect it with plastic covering.

CLEANING: Schedule the cleaning for the floors, cabinetry and window frames after the renovation is done and before any bulky furniture arrives.

While determining the total space available in their kitchen and their lifestyle requirements, homeowners should also make a list of the kitchen appliances, tools and utensils they require.

Mark Yong, Marketing Director, The Ewins Home

LIVING & DINING

KITCHEN KITCHEN APPLIANCES: Shop for all your major built-in appliances like the hob, hood, oven and even the sink early so they can be incorporated into the cabinetry in time.

WET WORKS: Purchase additional tiles in the event that some of the existing floor tiles get scratched during hacking.

CABINETRY: Make sure the carpentry has been sanded down properly. Open and close all the cabinet doors to ensure they swing smoothly. Check for uneven gaps when the doors are closed.

WATER HEATER & GAS: Set a date to get your gas provider to activate the gas supply after your water heater and hob have been installed.

FLOORING: Check for scratches and uneven installation.

FURNISHINGS: Measure the floor and wall space for new furniture and entertainment appliances.

PAINTING: Look out for cracks and patchy paint work. Get an extra tub of paint in the same colour for future touch-ups.

POWER POINTS: Switch on all the lights, including the bedrooms and kitchen, to ensure they don’t cause a power trip.

WINDOWS: Install solar films or day curtains and blinds to protect your furniture from sun damage and keep the space cool.

SAFETY: Install window grilles if there are young children or pets in your household.

WI-FI: Set a date with your internet service provider to activate your internet connection.

DELIVERY: Arrange furniture deliveries the same day your internet service provider comes so you won’t have to take an extra day off work.

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Planning / STYLING INSPO

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SHAKE

THINGS UP

Image courtesy of Studio mk27

Update your home with these fresh new ideas

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text Martin Teo

LIVING ROOM

Does your living room lack a punch of sunshine?

While the natural goodness of sunlight is essential, a jolt of zesty yellow and summery orange can bring out a sense of urban chic to your living space.

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tip!

Image courtesy of Studio mk27

If you don’t want to go all out with bright tones, add subtle punches for that touch of zing.

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Image courtesy of Studio Ashby

1 Knock on wood

On its own, wood surfaces exude warmth. Accentuate the beautiful natural veins with deep solid oxblood or tangerine. If you’re up for some glimmer, add a touch of copper or antique bronze for a little bit of glamour.

2 Milky ways

Buttermilk is a beautiful shade of yellow but commonly perceived as a washed out colour. When paired beautifully with warm neutrals

and wood surfaces, the living space becomes a cosy corner for gatherings or even some quiet time alone. Don’t be afraid to try something new, always.

3 Into leitmotifs

Go subtle but creative with beautiful patterns on paintings, rugs or upholstery to inject that pop of fun into your common space. Always remember that home decorating is always a work in progress.

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Planning / Styling inspo

DINING ROOM

Your dining room can be a tricky space to curate especially when it is right in between the kitchen and living room. With a neutral palette, the dining room can be considered a transitional space that hovers between style and functionality.

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tip!

Image courtesy of Emmerson

A monochrome dining space is not only stylish, it is practical too!

1 Natural slate

In the presence of wood, the monochromatic palette turns vaguely into a soft and gentle grey ensemble.

For a complete look, put together whites in various tones and texture, peppered with small nuances of dark greys.

A complete circle represents harmony and unity. Express a harmonious dining space in soothing neutrals using a good combination of edgefree furniture and decor pieces.

3 Shapes and lines

The table setting is as important as the entire look of the dining space.

Basic colours like black and white can also make your home-cooked dishes stand out and look Instagram-worthy!

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Image courtesy of Studio Ashby

2 Round ‘n’ round we go

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3 Image courtesy of Tesco

li ving room / audio-visual equipment

Entertainment

suite

How to equip your home with the best home entertainment gadgets

Televisions

The television is perhaps the centrepiece of your home entertainment suite. With so many innovations being developed at breakneck speed, there always seem to be a reason to update your set.

Samsung KS9000 Curved SUHD TV Price: from $5,199 (55-inch), available at major electronics and home appliance stores If you are particular about getting the best image on your screen, then you’d appreciate that the Samsung SUHD TV is equipped with 10-bit Quantum dot display. This means that it is able to show off vibrant colour and contrast for true-to-life images. Even if projected images are dark, the in-built Ultra Black technology is able to significantly reduce light reflection to

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enhance picture quality with minimal glare.

If you’re one of those people who don’t like to toggle between different remote controllers, you’d be happy to know that with Samsung’s improved One Remote you can control multiple entertainment platforms all from one device. What’s more, the Tizen operating system also makes it easy for you to access content and services on various platforms by automatically detecting the type of device with no setup required, whether it is a game console, OTT box or sound system.

Star feature

10-bit Quantum dot display that delivers vibrant colour contrasts and true-to-life images

text jolene limuco

Sony BRAVIA X93D 4K HDR TV Price: $8,999, available at Sony Stores, Sony Centres and selected authorised dealers

Star feature

OLED technology that displays crisp, nuanced images

LG OLED E6 4K TV Price: from $7,499 (55inch), available at major electronics and home appliance stores Equipped with enhanced OLED technology that can turn pixels on and off, you’d be able to experience “the perfect black” and infinite contrast on the LG OLED E6 4K screen. This means that viewers will enjoy nuanced and clear images even when small objects are placed in dark areas.

What’s more, this television also features improved capabilities to play Dolby Vision HDR

media that can project stunning images with brighter highlights and deeper light-to-dark contrasts. The E6 is also supported with BT.2020, the next-gen standard for broadcast and distribution, making it capable of higher colour reproduction rate.

The E6’s Picture-OnGlass design means that the OLED module is applied directly to the glass back panel for an ultra-sleek profile. We also like that the speakers are placed directly below the screen, making the device extremely streamlined and ideal for mounting on the wall.

TV buying cheat sheet

Sony’s X93D Series 4K HDR television is equipped with the brand’s new Slim Backlight Drive technology with a new grid-array backlighting structure.

This allows the television to display peak brightness and black levels more precisely, all while maintaining a slim form. The 4K Processor X1 and its precision colour mapping allow the in-built TRILUMINOUS Display to emit a wide colour spectrum at any brightness level. The X1

also improves the streaming quality of 4K HDR images provided by Internet video services.

The X93D also provides a seamless user interface with a Content Bar that includes enhanced content navigation and voice search, all without disrupting your TV viewing.

Perhaps what homeowners living in compact homes will appreciate most is that the X93D’s slim display and clean cable management design.

When hung, the TV sits close to the wall and virtually disappears into it, leaving just the picture itself.

Star feature

Built-in TRILUMINOUS Display that emits a wide colour spectrum to display a wide range of brightness levels

What should you look out for when buying a television?

1 Smart TVs help keep clutter at bay It’s not unusual to “feed” content from multiple sources to your TV these days. Whether it is a cable box, game console or Blu-Ray player, your Smart TV can access and control them all. This means you don’t have to juggle multiple remote controls anymore.

2 Consider the size

of your space Recommended sizes for televisions are 40-inches for a bedroom and at least 55-inches for the living room.

Large televisions are good as it allows you to take in more details when you are enjoying your favourite shows.

3 HDR capabilities provide better picture quality High definition resolution (HDR) provides better contrast and colour. This means you will get to enjoy realistic images all without heading out to the cinema.

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living room / air control

Cooling Measures Afraid of the heat? No worries, here’s our guide on how to find the best air control products for you and your family

LG ArtCool Air Conditioner from $3,400 at major electronics and home appliance stores Boasting a sleek tempered glass frame, the LG ArtCool air-conditioner is both an efficient and stylish airconditioner unit. With the help of a fivestage system, the ArtCool can reduce the spread of harmful airborne bacteria and viruses through its filtering, deodorising, eliminating, ionising and auto cleaning functions.

Samsung 5 Ticks Wi-Fi System from $3,299 (System 2) to $4,099 (System 3) at Gain City

Air-Conditioners As one of the best options to combat Singapore’s hot and humid weather, air-conditioners are a ubiquitous sight in every building. Whether it is an office or school, you can be sure to find at least one unit within the compound. Homes are no exception, so why not choose the best one for your personal use?

There are a number of variables that you should take note of when selecting an airconditioner unit for your home.

Factors such as noise, location and ceiling height are some important factors, which should always be taken into account

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before installing a new unit.

Likewise, it is crucial to take note of an air-conditioner unit’s cooling capacity, which is measured in British Themal Units (BTU).

A unit with a BTU rating that is too low will not cool a room down adequately, whereas the converse is likely to result in energy wastage and a hefty electrical bill.

A general rule of thumb that you can follow is to have 20 BTU for every one square foot of a room’s area. If a room is heavily shaded or exposed to sunlight, simply reduce or increase your calculation by 10 per cent for a more accurate estimate.

Featuring a built-in wireless control system, Samsung’s 5 Ticks Wi-Fi series of air-conditioners can be operated with ease through compatible Android or IOS 7 smart devices. You can select your preferred temperature, fan speed or turn on the air purifying Virus Doctor function from anywhere at any time.

tip!

Cooling capacities range from 5,000 BTUs for a basic unit to over 24,000 BTUs, so choose the most appropriate capacity for your space.

Daikin CTKS25QVM (System 3) from $3,599 at Daikin Proshop retailers (installation & GST included) The CTKS25QVM is an inverter airconditioning unit that is part of Daikin’s SMILE series of air-conditioners that promises to be efficient and wallet-friendly.

Additionally, the CTKS25QVM operates at a low sound level ranging between 19db and 43db, which is comparable to the sound of a gentle breeze.

text Stanley Lim

Fans Similar to their cold-air emitting cousins, fans are essential appliances in the struggle to beat the heat.

And just like air conditioners, there is a way to determine their suitability for your room.

Generally, the performance of a fan can be measured by its airflow or volume of air it can move over a minute (CFM).

To determine the minimum CFM of a fan for a chosen space, you can calculate the room’s volume by multiplying its floor area by ceiling height before multiplying the result by the desired rate of air refreshment (in minutes).

For instance, if you wish to refresh the air of a room with a volume measuring 1,200 cubic feet once every 6 minutes, you will need a fan that is capable of moving 200 cubic feet of air in a minute (200 CFM).

Airflow aside, the type of fan you choose matters as well.

Different categories of fans can offer various benefits depending on your personal needs and preferences. To illustrate, a table or desk fan might prove to more advantageous than a ceiling fan if you desire portability, whereas the opposite stands true should you wish to maximise your home’s vertical space.

Relite Rapid Fan from $169 at Relite Speciality Need a simple, value-for-money ceiling fan? The Relite Rapid might just be what you are looking for.

Besides its aerodynamic blade design and quiet operation of less than 50 db, the Relite Rapid also comes with a corrosion resistant, epoxy-coated aluminium frame and a built-in mounting chain for longlasting safety.

Dyson Pure Cool Link Fan from $999 at major electronics and home appliance stores With a 2-in-1 function that allows it to double up as a fan and air purifier, the Dyson Pure Cool Link is ideal for Singapore’s warm tropical climate. The fan even comes with a buddy link smartphone app that helps users to keep track of surrounding pollutants and set air quality targets.

Image courtesy of Crestar

Crestar Skylite Fan from $499 at major electronics and home appliance stores As one of Crestar’s best-selling models, the Skylite series is both a ceiling fan and lamp in one fixture.

Featuring a built-in Tri-colour LED light, the five-blade fan even comes with the option of wooden blades for homeowners who wish to add a touch of timber to their interiors.

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living room / air control

Air Purifiers Ventilation and temperature are not the only environmental factors that matter when determining a room’s comfort, air quality is a significant quality that determines occupant health. Air purifiers can filter harmful particles from the surrounding space, with the help of advanced technologies.

High-Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) filters are ultra-fine traps, which prevent dust, mites and other airborne matter from being recirculated into a room. This technology is common to most air purifier models on the market, but it is not the only

air cleaning method found in these machines.

Other notable features that can be found in today’s air purifiers include activated carbon filters and ultraviolet light emitters. The former is capable of adsorbing the molecules of harmful gases, such as cigarette smoke and foul odours, whereas the latter sees the use of ultraviolet lamps that sanitise airborne micro organisms, including germs and viruses.

Some air purifiers even double as humidifiers, which allows them to relieve respiratory distress caused by dry environments.

tip!

To maximise the effects of an air purifier, place it in an air-conditioned room with closed doors and windows.

Novita LaundryFresh™ ND 315.5 Dehumidifier from $599 at major electronics and home appliance stores Don’t let the eye-popping colours of Novita’s LaundryFresh™ ND315.5 Dehumidifier distract you, this compact machine packs a punch when it comes to refreshing indoor air. Capable of emitting up to 20 million negative ions with its semi-permanent built-in ioniser, this machine can remove harmful airborne particles with ease.

Cado AP-C100 Air Purifier from $699 at major electronics and home appliance stores Designed to fit a desktop or bedside, the Cado AP-C100 goes against the idea that air purifiers are large devices. Measuring only 30.8cm in height, this petite machine has an internal fan that draws in air from the top, which then makes use of a special self-renewing filter to break down trapped dirt and bacteria.

Image courtesy of Philips

Philips 2000 Series AC2887/30 Air Cleaner from $699 at major electronics and home appliance stores

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Thanks to the VitaShield Intelligent Purification System (IPS) that incorporates a powerful filtration system, the Philips AC2887/30 Air Cleaner gets rid of unwanted airborne particles through its Pollution, Allergen and Virus modes. The machine is also capable of optimising settings by providing user feedback through its professional-grade Aerasense sensor.

KITCHEN

46 Plan for success | 52 cooks’ essentials | 58 be my guest | 62 kitchen confidential

Image courtesy of Nordal

layouts, tools, dining essentials, materials

Image courtesy of B&Q

kitchen / layouts

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text Disa Tan

Plan for success The kitchen may not the biggest area of the home, but it is certainly the most important. The layout you choose will dictate how efficient it will run

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U-Shaped

Most ideal for older HDB flats and open-concept spaces This is an efficient for that as it will block the working layout for entrance and you need at least households who cook on a daily 3.5 feet of space between the basis. With only one way in and out, island and the surrounding it is well-suited for one primary cabinets for the cabinet doors to cook as it keeps onlookers and open properly. small children out of the main For more countertop space, cooking area. It typically occupies you can relocate the refrigerator a square area and whether it is a and take it out of the layout. small or spacious area can make a Alternatively, you can also difference. A larger area means you change one of the end counters can factor in a freestanding island into an extension of the dining or a dining table in the centre. A table and then eliminate the smaller space will not have room overhead cabinets.

Refrigerator

CUT CORNERS

Corners are often neglected so the SPACE CORNER from Blum revives this dead zone.

The design allows a full extension, which means items stored at the back can be accessed easily.

Available at Blum

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kitchen / dining essentials

Be My Guest

Hosting a soiree? Make an impression and create an inviting space to ensure your guests feel right at home

Image courtesy of Luzerne

Ralph Lauren Home Audrey Dinnerware Collection POA at Proof Living

Table Manners Set the mood for an intimate dinner date, a casual brunch, or tea for two with a perfectly curated table setting.

We love!

Drawing inspiration from a silk garment, the designer added a touch of luxury to this porcelain plate with a hand-painted 24-karat-gold rim.

Svenska Hem teapot $49.90 at kikki.K

Georg Jensen Arne Jacobsen cutlery set $420 at Inhabitant

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Horn Effect coasters $51.70 (for a set of four) at Mia Fleur

text Fidz Azmin

Oak Straight bench From $745 at Ethnicraft Online Squeeze in more guests at the dining table for a merry good time.

DoubleUp dining Table From $1,344 at Kuhl Home

Room For More Invest in pieces that work hard for you. Like these space-savers and style-makers built to bear years of partying, feasting, and good old-fashioned gatherings.

Mara Stool $159 at HomesToLife

About A Stool barstool POA at Dream

GM7700 dining table From $8,114 at Danish Design

Guest chair $580 at Danish Design Stow these away on days when you don’t need extra seating.

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kitchen / materials

Kitchen confidential Renovating your kitchen? Take a look at these practical surface materials

e it the countertop, wall or floor, the kitchen surface must be hardwearing and easy to clean. But should you have to choose between style and function? With a plethora of kitchen surfaces today, you can have both! We take a look at surfaces that offer practical features and plenty of style.

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Countertops 1 granite

A premium material that takes wear and tear well, granite is heat- and scratchresistant. Without proper sealing, though, granite can harbour bacteria and stains. To prevent stains, regularly apply a sealant on the surface.

2 quartz

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It’s among the priciest countertop materials, but quartz is loved for its heat, stain and scratch resistance. Composed of natural quartz and other materials, quartz countertops today can depict a variety of looks like marble and even oxidised steel, as seen on the Trillium by Dekton.

text Rossara Jamil

Aside from function, style and durability, you should also consider countertop maintenance in your budget too. Account for delivery and installation fees as well as custom details.

Rakean Aruman, Marketing Manager at Cosentino

Image courtesy of Dekton by Cosentino

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bedroom / DECOR

PRIVATE OASIS

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It’s good to layer up textures and colours together to exude a more lavish look.

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Image courtesy of Norsu Interiors

Surprising decorating ideas to elevate and update the look of your bedroom

text Martin Teo

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tip!

Design by Studio Ashby

Create a restful mood with wood and metallic furnishings.

1 Swatch switch

It’s easy to make quick swaps to refresh the bedroom.

Introduce new throws and pillows for a seasonal change.

Or add a new piece of art, no hammering required.

2 Put in texture

Highlight your bedding ensemble with a more subdued yet textured surrounding that complements each other. Neutral walls and soft furnishing make the perfect backdrop for a master bedroom’s focal point – an intricate texture of choice.

shopping list

from top Space Line pendant lamp, $495 at BoConcept; Oscar side table, $177.40 at Swoon Editions; Karla arm chair, $661 at Swoon Editions, “Black Keys” cotton cushion, $70.80 at In-spaces; Teak Nordic II bed, $2,295 (queen) at Ethnicraft Online

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Image courtesy of Tempur

bedroom / mattresses & pillows

Good night, sleep tight The essential bedding guide to help you get a good night’s sleep every night

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e spend a third of our lives in bed so it’s important to choose the right mattress to support your body while you rest. Inefficient support can lead to back pain and sleepless nights. It is important not only to choose the right mattress, it is also important to replace your mattress after using it for eight to 10 years. So what’s the ideal mattress?

There is no one perfect mattress for all. It boils down to your preference and sleeping patterns.

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text Jolene Limuco

Types of mattresses Inner spring

Great for: Back sleepers and people who prefer firm support Perhaps the most popular type of mattresses out there, innerspring mattresses feature a steel coil support system built in. These types of mattresses offer medium to firm support. However, look out for inner spring mattresses with enough coils built in so that they can offer proper support while you sleep.

Pocket spring

Simmons Beautyrest Star Passion mattress

Latex

Image courtesy of Courts

Great for: People who prefer all-over support and comfort; light sleepers These days, more mattress manufacturers are offering the advanced pocketed spring mattresses. These are considered to be more comfortable as individual springs provide more comfort and support to the body. Independent coils are also more suitable for light sleepers as they will not feel disturbed if their sleeping partners roll over or get up from bed.

Great for: People with skin and respiratory allergies; side sleepers Made from the sap of rubber trees, latex is environmentally friendly and comfortable. Good-quality latex mattresses are made with pin-core holes in their design to allow the material to “breathe”. This also allows users to feel cooler and supported while they sleep. Another feature of this material is that it is resilient and highly elastic – it has the ability to push up the body and create a buoyant effect that distributes weight evenly to relieve pressure while maintaining a soft touch. Another benefit of latex mattresses is that they are naturally resistant to dust mites.

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bathroom / surfaces

Material world Pick the right surface for your bathing space by looking past its aesthetics

place you visit first thing in the morning and the last before you retreat for slumber, the bathroom is one of the most utilised rooms in a home. And the smallest too. Even with its limited size, renovations would normally run full scale, no matter if you’re remodeling a trusty old bathroom or designing one in a newly acquired abode. To kickstart the renovation, you first have to take on the tricky task of finding the right surface.

Surfaces come in an astounding array of patterns, and even multiple finishes depending on the type of material you choose.

Due to the different shapes

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Tiles with wood-like texture aligned in a herringbone arrangement make a handsome lead-in to the Victorian inspired decorative wall.

Coal Sestino porcelain floor and wall tiles from Hup Kiong

ASK THE EXPERTS

What are slip ratings?

In layman’s term, slip ratings grade how rough the surface of the tile is.

For domestic bathrooms, this ranges from R9, the smoothest, to R11, a grade most advisable for places with the elderly and little ones.

Florence Seet, Media and Marketing Consultant, Soon Bee Huat

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available, they can also be arranged in a configuration that pleases you.

Although style is a factor in shaping how your bathroom will turn out, homeowners need to consider the practicality of the chosen surface as well. Taking into account the entire family members’ needs and creature habits will go a long way into securing a space that will serve the kinfolk for the long run.

Wonder Walls With walls, your options are boundless. You can select from an entire spectrum of decorative tiles, or explore possibilities with non-slip ones. According to Wee Geck Ying, senior business development at Hafary, “Decorative tiles are designed for aesthetic appeal, as they typically possess either extremely smooth or rough textures that make them more fitting for walls.” Non-slip tiles are built for safety and practical performance, specifically made for areas with tons of water activity.

Get Floored When you have practicality in mind, you usually begin with texture first.

The floor area of your bath space is separated into two sections, the dry and wet area. “For the shower section, I’d advise a surface with more friction,” advises Florence Seet, media and marketing

text Fidz Azmin

Image courtesy of Hup Kiong

Apart from block colours, ceramic is able to emulate the look of stones, wood, even metals and textiles.

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bathroom / surfaces

consultant for Soon Bee Huat. “This is especially important if you have elderly or small children in the household.” Homeowners can opt for polished floors for the dry area – that’s the zone near the entryway with less exposure to water.

Non-slip Or Not The obvious choice for floors would be non-slip tiles. But don’t restrict yourself just yet. Geck Ying explains that most materials are versatile.

“Porcelain tiles, for example, are available in polished, matte, and textured surfaces. Stones such as granite are come in glossy, honed, and even flamed surfaces,” she explains. “In general, the smooth ones are more suitable for walls, while rougher textures fit floors better.”

Do away with the usual subway tiles, and make a style statement with these understated ones instead. Crayons Bright White decorative tiles from Hafary

shopping tips:

Image courtesy of Hup Kiong

1. Before you visit a store, find inspiration online, in magazines, or even in your friends’ abode.

You’re bound to chance upon a style you adore.

Wake up to brighter mornings by swathing the wall that backs your vanity or countertop with cheery patterned tiles. Ceramic wall tiles from Hup Kiong

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2. Consider the maintenance factor of the surface. More grout lines mean more cleaning, while polished surfaces are the easiest to maintain.

3. “Keep to at most three patterns for a small space. If not, your bathroom might appear too loud and garish,” advises Florence.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Are marble and granite safe for bathroom floors?

For marble and granite, slip ratings can be increased or decreased depending on the surface finish and how it was treated. When it comes to tiles, different collections offer different ratings.

Wee Geck Ying, Senior Business Development Executive, Hafary

Image courtesy of Soon Bee Huat

Also referred to as a full-body or unglazed porcelain tile, the homogeneous tile is actually a form of ceramic tile made of porcelain clay. It is however denser, less porous, and more stain and water resistant as compared to ceramic.

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the Lowdown

While there are many different surface materials for homeowners to cherry-pick from, we shortlist the top four contenders.

Marble Type: Stone A stone that is as beautiful as it is durable, marble is a favourite amongst those looking for a luxurious quality for their lavatory.

Although it can last a lifetime if properly cared for, periodic sealing is required especially in areas that are frequently in contact with water.

Recommended for: Walls Granite Type: Stone A product of mother nature, granite is one of the hardest stones in the world. Coupled with a highly scratch and heat resistant nature, it’s often used for kitchen worktops too. Just like marble, its unique grains give this stone definite character. Also, it needs periodic sealing in places more exposed to water.

Recommended for: Walls and floors Ceramic Type: Tile Apart from block colours, ceramic is able to emulate the look of stones, wood, even metals and textiles.

What’s more, this tile is one of the most affordable. That said, it isn’t very suitable as a walking surface, and not as hard-wearing as porcelain.

Recommended for: Walls Porcelain Type: Tile Boasting a versatility similar to that of ceramic, porcelain is a perennial hit with design-savvy homeowners.

Maintenance is easy, as waxing or sealing is not required. Besides, this tile is extremely durable and highly resistant to scratches – even more so than natural stones.

Recommended for: Walls and floors

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key projects POETUS

harmony in diversity

Intrepid furnishings and an eclectic concept make for a home with discerning appeal

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SPACE

SIZE

HOME TO

LOCATION

DESIGNER

5-room HDB flat

1,100 sqf

A couple

Woodlands Drive 14

Wein Goh from Poetus

he house was described to be in shambles, as the last renovation works date 20 years back. The homeowners wanted a personal space that reflects their outgoing nature and lifestyle, with the capacity to embrace frequent hosting activities. The result is an unconventional home that embodies the perfect blend of opposites, while retaining cohesiveness, eclectic charm and warmth.

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tip

1. Living Room The spaciousness of the living room is accentuated by the presence of airy whites, verdant greens and woodgrain seen on the vinyl flooring and laminated TV console. To highlight a certain part of the space as the homeowners’ desired, directional lighting in the form of track lights were installed for versatile usage. With a perceptive eye for detail, designer Wein Goh selected a contrasting scheme of trendy hues pitted against oriental elements – the former being the sofa and latter an Arabic rug – to signify the complementary harmony that is the couple’s personalities.

A carefully-selected collection of differing pendant lamps can make for a statement light fixture that provides focal point in a space.

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2. ENTRYWAY A red-brick wall was erected near the entryway to maintain the home’s privacy when the door is ajar. For tactile interest, it was made to look slightly worn-out at the edges, with display recesses to slot in potted plants. A calcium silicate board cupboard extends into the living area, providing ample storage space to facilitate an abundance of travel memorabilia, lifestyle accessories and household supplies due to the homeowners’ love for globe-trotting and hosting guests.

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3. DINING area/KITCHEN

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As they are frequent hosts, the couple wanted an open-concept kitchen that is conducive for having friends over. As such, a dining areacum-kitchen was created, complete with KompacPlus countertops and an attached dining table reinforced with mild steel legs. The open-plan space facilitates warm gatherings efficiently, making the process of food preparation not a solitary activity but a window for bonding sessions. The interesting fusion of ethnic elements like the Indian motifs seen on the solid ply cabinet doors spray-painted black paired with a slight industrial spin contributed by the cement

screed kitchen backsplash and spider pendant light fixture once again symbolises the couple’s different tastes.

4. ENTERTAINMENT ROOM The designated entertainment room had its wall hacked away to be replaced with glass panels mounted in slim black frames synonymous with slatted blinds, which channel the vibe of colonialstyle decor. As requested by the homeowners, the visual connection it allows would not disrupt the flow of communication between the couple even when the husband is having his private music sessions inside.

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key projects POETUS

5. MASTER BEDROOM A highly unconventional walk-in wardrobe system conveys the strong character of the master bedroom. The zone was created with a dark-tinted polycarbonate screen to diffuse just the right amount of light so that the space would not appear claustrophobic.

Encaustic tiles that line the side wall give a rustic feel to the private sanctuary; while the combination of upcycled scaffold material and galvanised steel pipes that make up the skeleton of the wardrobe is not only a riveting sight to behold, it is also customised at adjusted heights for optimum accessibility.

6. MASTER EN SUITE The master bathroom is swathed in masculinity, with the rich brown hues of the homogeneous tile walls and black granite for the vanity sink countertop. A vast elongated mirror was favoured to prevent clash of usage in the house, so that the homeowners can preen at the same time.

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7. KITCHEN BATHROOM

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The kitchen bathroom uses a play of materials to demarcate the wet and dry areas. The shower zone exudes a bright and cheery theme with its hexagonal mosaic tiles, while the dry section floor features light homogeneous tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern.

It was taken into consideration that this bathroom should provide visual interest, as it is a common area where guests would often encounter. Also, the homeowners can envision a splashing fun time here with children in the future.

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textured indulgence

A tapestry of textures serves as the unifying theme for this minimalist family home SPACE

SIZE

Home to

LOCATION

DESIGNER

4-bedroom penthouse condo

2,300 sqf

A family of three

Edgefield Plains

Wayne Pung from Poetus

pon request, a bachelor pad was transformed into a space focused on texture, effective space usage and thoughtful features catered to the needs of the homeowner’s elderly parents. The home’s original layout was divided up into multiple smaller areas, so that these areas can be transformed into points of interest as well as quirky storage areas. The masterpiece is a stunning abode that encompasses impeccable taste and clever design details.

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key projects POETUS

tip Defy horizontal convention. Work double volume ceilings to your advantage by expanding vertically.

1. Dining Area The dining area was integrated into the living space to form a bonding area consisting of the living room, dining corner and balcony. This space is a home entertainment hotspot where gatherings with relatives are hosted over the weekends. Hence, the main feature of the communal area is a wood laminated board mounted on a wooden frame with the family members’ names spelled out in a customised Scrabble feature wall.

An industrial flair was contributed to the setting with silver domeshaped pendant lights, which complement the vintage touch that the dining table exudes.

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2. LIVING ROOM

3. MASTER BEDROOM

Due to the homeowner’s request to focus on textures, the living area is a clean and light-filled space decorated in true minimalist style with copious amounts of woodgrains, including the ceiling fan. Having too much wood may come off a little heavy, so designer Wayne Pung decided to incorporate some cement texture into the feature wall to balance the look, while allowing plenty of natural light to filter in. Also seen in this space, white-washed wood finished vinyl flooring juxtaposed with darktoned walls.

As the master bedroom had limited space to work with, utilising the double volume ceiling fulfilled the homeowner’s request for a multifunctional area. Thinking out of the box, Wayne multiplied the space by working vertically upwards. The result is a loft bed overhead and a working area snugly ensconced beneath the upper deck. The seamless aesthetic is enhanced by a play of textures in muted palettes, with the smoky cement-effect laminates used for the ceiling-tofloor feature wall and woodgrained dark laminates used for the loft deck.

4. LOFT DECK Storage areas were also concealed in part of the understairs to maximise the use of space. Clear glass panels line the side of the upper deck, casting an illusion of continual flow and space. The circular pendant lights act as soft elements to play down the harsh lines that abound the master bedroom; they were also carefully centered within the vertical height to project interesting effects at night.

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5. PARENTS’ BEDROOM Two original bedrooms were completely sacrificed in order to create an extended master suite, wardrobe, en-suite bathroom and a private living room. The expanded sleeping quarters belong to the homeowner’s elderly parents; hence there was a need for such facilities to be within a short walking distance for their convenience. The room is doused in soft airy tones of ivory, with slatted blinds that let in natural lighting. Eye-catching features include the white wainscoting that bounds the parameters of the room, as well as the three-height wood-texture laminated wardrobe incorporated under stair area from the master bedroom.

6. ROOF TERRACE

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A sink utility in the form of an island counter complete with black granite countertop and dark wood-textured tiles makes the roof terrace the perfect area for gatherings. The storage cabinets would be able to facilitate basic kitchen utensils to get a party started, without having to make multiple trips to the kitchen located downstairs.

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Poetus Poetus has been well-received by the Singaporean market. The firm’s projects have been featured multiple times on magazines, newspapers and online articles.

Frequent referrals from their past clients are telling of their ability to deliver. For Poetus, the most important aspect of the design process is engaging with the clients to understand their needs to create a space that truly reflects them.

65 Ubi Road 1 #01-88 Oxley Bizhub Singapore 408729 Tel: 6384 2581 Email: werpoets@poetus.com.sg Web: www.poetus.com.sg Poetus

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