2 0 18
YO U R U LT I M AT E H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T G U I D E
PRACTICAL AND CHIC RENO IDEAS
+
REFRESH IN STYLE
Transform your bathroom into a spa-like haven
ASK THE EXPERTS
30 things to know before you start your reno
KITCHEN CONFIDENCE
How to build an efficient cooking zone crafted to your needs
BEDROOM SECRETS
Useful solutions and essentials for a good night’s sleep
S$9.00
US$6.50
RM15.00
PREP • RENO ADVICE
30
TIPS TO KNOW FOR A SMOOTH RENOVATION
Image courtesy of Hafary
Get the upper hand with these golden renovation rules
20
Design by three-d conceptwerke
Image courtesy of Hafary
Design by D’Marvel Scale
Design by Poetus
Text Disa Tan
21
Design by D’Marvel Scale
Image courtesy of Hafary
Design by KDOT Associates
PREP • RENO ADVICE
22
Design by Poetus
Image courtesy of Greenlam
Design by Poetus
Design by Minimo & Minimology
Text Disa Tan
23
PREP • TRENDS
STYLE STATEMENT Bring the look of these 4 noteworthy themes home with these interior inspo
1
SCANDINAVIAN
A STYLE WHICH HAS TRULY WON THE HEARTS OF MANY HOMEOWNERS IN RECENT YEARS, THE NORDIC LOOK IS PERFECT FOR OUR SMALL BUT LIGHT-FILLED DWELLINGS.
1 WARM WOOD The Scandinavian style involves a lot of wood and this dining space shows off the beautiful grains to perfection with the full feature wall and bay window seat. This communal space is also wonderfully warm and versatile with the additional hidden storage beneath the seat.
26
2
Text Disa Tan
2 SERENE SLUMBER Sweet dreams are made of these: a two-tone paint treatment with calming colours. This feature wall is not only visually striking; this setup will stay relevant for a long time to come.
3 SIMPLE ACCENTS Forget ornate, excessive details and work with clean-cut forms that make for a visual feast. Even simple wall hooks such as these cute-as-a-button pieces can create a grand statement.
5
4
6
Images courtesy of (clockwise from top left) Muuto, Farrow & Ball, Debenhams, Wood Works and Loaf
3
4 STORY TIME Tell your story with typography, photos or visuals that capture your fancy. It goes well on any wall and a good spot would be the usually neglected hallway that leads to the private areas.
5 CRISP HUES Blue and white tones take over this kitchen like a breath of fresh air. Cooking is definitely a delight with its open shelving which lets you showcase your kitchen wares with pride.
6 CLEAN LINES A defining feature of Scandinavian styles is simple design lines. This is a great look for the bedroom which should have a calm, restorative quality.
27
PREP • TRENDS
ECLECTIC DON’T PLAY BY THE RULES WITH THIS LOOK THAT BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN OTHER STYLES. MIX THINGS UP AND PUT TOGETHER A QUIRKY LOOK THAT IS SO VERY YOU.
1 NOSTALGIA CALLING Vintage elements are almost always present in an eclectic setting so why keep it at just the furnishings? Go for a full wall of subway tiles with a creamy, aged appeal to evoke that old-school diner vibe.
1
THINK DIFFERENT Eclecticism can also be applied in the nursery, where you can go with something grown-up for a kids’ space rather than the usual pastels or kiddy motifs.
3 FLEXIBLE FUNCTIONS Pegboards are an affordable and customisable solution for storing just about everything. It works great for the kitchen and the divine colours will really pop to boost visual interest.
4 PERSONALISED FEATURE Create your own feature wall out of personal mementos. In the rulebook of eclecticism, it’s all about using the things you love to create a one-of-akind setting.
28
Images courtesy of (clockwise from top left) DelightFULL, Debenhams, Dulux and Deer Industries
2
2
3
4
Text Disa Tan
INDUSTRIAL CREATE YOUR OWN WAREHOUSEINSPIRED LOFT WITH WEATHERED ELEMENTS AND FURNISHINGS THAT ARE CHIC AND FUNCTIONAL.
1
1
2
COPPER ELEMENTS The burnish tones of these metallic pendant lights echo the red brick backdrop. It puts together a picture of homely warmth set against the other cool metallic surfaces.
3
4
5
Images courtesy of (clockwise from top left) Davey Lighting, Versaform, Wallsauce, Loaf and Smithers of Stamford
2 MIX & MATCH The industrial style can be visually overpowering. Take off this visual bulk by embellishing modernstyle cabinetry with industrial-inspired elements. Go with no-frills handles, mesh wire cabinet doors and raw-looking woodgrained patterns.
3 FAUX BRICKS Distressed surfaces are easy on the eyes, but not easy in maintenance. Wallpaper sporting the same look will put these worries to rest. No more issues with peeling paint or powdery substances on the floor!
4 RECYCLED FURNITURE Secondhand furniture or pieces that have been repurposed with old wood carry a weathered flair and fit perfectly into an industrial scene.
5 FACTORY PIECES Vintage metal furniture such as this welder TV console is chic as it is functional. The grilles usher in interesting textures that take inspiration from the factory look.
29
LIVING • SURFACE
36
Text Lynette Goh
READY FOR THE FLOOR
We weigh the pros and cons of popular flooring materials
A
social space, the living room is central to your home because it is not only a space that is on display for your guests but it also acts as a gathering area for everyone who visits your home in the future. The floor makes up a large and important part of setting the room’s ambience. Hence the choice of material is pivotal in ensuring that you and your guests have the best experience.
1 KNOCK ON WOOD
Image coutesy of Hafary
When it comes to the floor in your living room, wood could be your first choice. However, because it is an organic product, it is not recommended to be placed in areas with frequent moisture contact. An alternative, vinyl, is the complete opposite of wood – it is 100 per cent water-resistant. There is also engineered wood made of a composite of various types of wood and wood derivatives. This man-made material is said to be stronger and more durable than solid wood as well as relatively moisture-resistant.
ENGINEERED WOOD
VINYL
Material: Plywood and a veneer of fine hardwood on top Cost: Moderate to high Pros: • Veneer of real wood – with its unique patterns and deep appearances Cons: • Can receive a limited number of sandings • Not 100 per cent water-resistant
Material: 100 per cent plastic Cost: Affordable to moderate Pros: • 100 per cent water-resistant • Can have as few as no seams, making it easy to install Cons: • Not eco-friendly
37
LIVING • SURFACE
2 NATURE’S GIFT
Image coutesy of Hafary
Natural stone is exotic, unique, and undoubtedly beautiful. Yet this material may not be the best choice for a flooring that is low-maintenance and affordable. Vinyl that appears like natural stone, on the other hand, is an economical and fuss-free alternative that imitates the design of stone. Both materials hold differing pros and cons.
38
NATURAL STONE
STONE ALTERNATIVES
Material: Slate, marble, limestone, travertine, granite or sandstone Cost: Expensive Pros: • Each piece a unique creation • Natural, non-polluting eco-friendly material • Helps reconnect a space with the natural world Cons: • Other than granite and slate, natural stone is quite porous and needs to be treated with a sealing agent • Polished materials like marble can be scratched easily • Brittle and can chip easily
Material: Vinyl flooring Cost: Affordable to moderate Pros: • Financially sustainable • Easy to install • Comfortable, provides a warm touch • Resistant to moisture Cons: • Not eco-friendly • Contains particles such as PVC and toxins are produced in the manufacture of Chloride in PVC, causing serious harm to the environment • Artificial images, unable to fully replicate the experience with stone itself
Text Lynette Goh
3 PORCELAIN STATE
Design by Dan’s Workshop
Under the same family of ceramics, porcelain and ceramic flooring are the most common flooring materials found in Singaporean homes. They are often the go-to material for homeowners not just for its durability but also for its neutral appearance. That is not to say that there are no differences in both materials because they still differ slightly.
PORCELAIN
CERAMIC
Material: Clays, feldspar or flint, silica. Fired at a temperature of 1454°C Cost: More expensive than ceramic tiles Pros: • Less porous than ceramic clays. This means that it more resistant to moisture than ceramic tiles • Higher feldspar content, making it more durable • Water absorption rate of 0.5 per cent or less Cons: • A harder cut, making it more brittle. As such, it requires the experienced hand of a tilesetter to cut properly • More expensive
Material: Similar raw materials as porcelain. Fired at a lower temperature of 1204°C Cost: A cheaper alternative to porcelain Pros: • Easier material for DIY homeowners to cut by hand, wet tile saws or snap tile cutters because it is less dense • More affordable Cons: • Not durable enough because it is more porous – meaning, it absorbs more water
4 RAW EDGES
Design by TM Design Studio
Most house owners who are big fans of the industrial themed home are fans of concrete flooring. Rugged-looking, but classic and easy to maintain, concrete’s hardness definitely has its advantages. However, because of its porous nature, it can be more difficult to maintain. Alternatively, consider other concrete-inspired choices that are just as aesthetically pleasing without compromising on quality. CONCRETE
CONCRETE ALTERNATIVES
Material: Portland cement, water, aggregates (sand and rock) Cost: Affordable Pros: • Extremely tough and resilient • Able to withstand pressure • Easy to maintain Cons: • Its hardness can be a liability especially for houses with children and elderly • Cold to touch • If not properly sealed and it will be susceptible to penetration by moisture, which can lead to growth of mould
Material: Ceramic or porcelain tiles Cost: Depending on the material Pros: • Less likely to form mould as porcelain features low water absorption rate • Stain-resistant • More designs available for different interior styles Cons: • Porcelain is more susceptible to breakage • Not as eco-friendly as raw concrete
39
LIVING • SOLUTIONS
SPACE FOR MORE
Design by Brim Design
No matter how large your home is, you never seem to have enough space. Here are a few smart ideas to squeeze out some space in your living room
T
hink of all the things you do in the living room, and you’ll quickly realise that this isn’t just a space for watching TV. The living room is a multipurpose space that should adapt to your needs, whether you’re entertaining guests, reading a book or just curling up on the couch with your laptop. Here are some ideas that can fill your living room with space, storage and style.
40
ZONE BY ZONE Thanks to the popularity of open-concept homes, many homeowners are opting to knock down walls and combine rooms to increase the amount of usable space. However, it’s still important to demarcate space. There should be a visual boundary that reminds you where the living room ends and the kitchen begins, for example. Instead of a partition, you can design subtle boundaries, like a step up, a shift in tonal colour palette, different floor tiles or even a ceiling feature.
Text Redzman Rahmat
Design by Design Chapterz
Design by The Orange Cube
SCALE THE WALLS Stop lamenting the lack of floor space in your home! Instead of cramming all your storage furniture in an already tight space, look upwards for an alternative solution. Instead of a bookshelf that takes up a large portion of the room, build shelves that are higher up on the walls. You can even build a ledge nearer to the ceiling, creating an out-ofreach shelf for display.
DOUBLE ILLUSION It’s no secret that mirrors can do wonders in a small room. A wellplaced mirror lends to the illusion that the space is larger than it is, simply by tricking your eyes into believing that the room is double its size. Consider cladding a wall in you room with tinted or burnished mirror to make the room feel more spacious.
CENTREPIECE MASTERPIECE EVERYONE HAS A COFFEE TABLE IN THEIR HOME, RIGHT? BUT IS IT ACTUALLY A NECESSITY OR IS IT JUST ANOTHER SPACE-HOGGER IN THE LIVING ROOM? THE BEST SOLUTION IS TO FIND A TABLE THAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS AND SPATIAL RESTRICTIONS. HERE ARE A FEW MODERN COFFEE TABLES THAT NOT ONLY LOOK GOOD BUT CAN HELP ALLEVIATE YOUR STORAGE PROBLEMS.
OTTOMAN AND POUFFES BONGO POUFFE, from King Living If your coffee table is more of a furniture centrepiece than a functional furniture, then you might be better off with a multipurpose solution. An ottoman or a pouffe like the Bongo from King Living. It’s sturdy enough to be used as an extra seat when guests pop by or a footstool when you need to rest your feet. Add a tray and it becomes a convenient table.
NESTING TABLES AND STACKING TABLES HAMBURGER SIDE TABLES, from Journey East Nesting tables are designed to be compact but can be expanded when you need additional surface space. Bursting with personality, the Hamburger table is an example of a clever interpretation of the nesting table. They sit proudly in your living room and when the time calls for it, can be separated into individual pieces for maximum usage with minimum fuss.
41
LIVING • EQUIPMENT
HOME ENTERTAINMENT SUITE
Image courtesy of Samsung
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or just looking to update your current collection, here’s how you can equip your home with the best in home entertainment gadgets
44
Text Germaine Cheah
10/10 VISION HERE’S NO DOUBT THAT THE TELEVISION IS THE CENTREPIECE OF ANY HOME ENTERTAINMENT SUITE. BUT AS A TV IS A LONG-TERM PURCHASE, HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU SHELL OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A NEW SET.
SCREEN SIZE The first thing you’ll most likely think of when purchasing a television is the screen size, but with such a diverse range of sizes available, just how do you decide on one? Consider how many people in your family typically watch television together and how far away from the set you’ll be sitting, then pick the largest screen size that will fit comfortably, and work around those requirements. Note that with the sleek design of modern TVs, larger screens will take up lesser space than you might think. SCREEN RESOLUTION Screen resolution refers to the sharpness of the television picture, usually in terms of horizontal lines of pixels. As technology rapidly advances, we have since progressed from the days of 720p and 1080p screen resolution to Ultra HD – also called 4K – television sets. These 4K models have four times the number of pixels, a total of 2,160 pixels to be exact, than its predecessors. The biggest benefit of these types of television sets is that small objects that appear on the screen have more detail, images appear richer and more life-like. UNDERSTANDING TV JARGON • LED: The TV panel is made up of LCD, or liquid crystal, pixels that are illuminated by tiny LED lights to create the picture you see on the screen. LED TVs can dynamically light up specific portions of the screen and dim other parts to better represent a mix of light and dark areas within a picture.
• OLED: In place of a backlight, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TVs are made up of a layer of organic LEDs that can illuminate themselves, and when controlled at the pixel level, achieves absolute black and stunning levels of contrast. The created effect is dependent on how much electric current there is – lots of current, lots of light; no current, no light – and that’s the key to OLED’s excellent picture quality. • HDR: The latest technology to arrive on the TV scene, High Dynamic Range (HDR) televisions are able to produce pictures that contain increased brightness and contrast than normal TVs, as long as they are fed HDR content that contain this extra luminance data. • QLED: Although it utilises display technology similar to that of OLED, QLED TVs actually make use of quantum dots in front of the backlight to construct the picture you see on screen. Becoming more and more common in recent television releases, the end result produced is a wider colour spectrum, increased brightness, and more accurate and natural colours.
VIEWING PLEASURE
• Smart TV: Basically, it just means that your television set comes with built-in Wi-Fi, effectively allowing you to stream online content like Netflix or BBC iPlayer, playing games and even post social media updates without having to buy a separate streaming box.
45
LIVING • GET THE LOOK
1
2
8
7
3
COME TOGETHER
6
Create a cosy space for gathering with your nearest and dearest
4
5
48
KITCHEN •
SURFACE
•
SOLUTIONS
•
50 54 58 62
EQUIPMENT
MISE EN PLACE IN THE ZONE NEAT TRICKS CHEF’S TOOLS
Image courtesy of Silestone
PLANNING
49
KITCHEN • PLANNING
MISE EN PLACE
I
f you take pleasure in cooking and home entertaining, the kitchen forms an undeniably big part of home. To make time spent here even more worthwhile, it’s important that you build a space that works most efficiently for you no matter the floor size. While no two kitchens are alike, we’ve listed some layouts you can consider when configuring your very own hardworking room.
50
Design by Mesh Work Studio
Build a powerhouse kitchen crafted with your lifestyle needs and creature habits in mind
Text Fidz Azmin
TIP! Glass partitions hold practical value in a small kitchen as they help keep fumes and unpleasant odours at bay and away from the living areas.
ALL ABOARD
Design by Z L Construction
When space is at a premium, opt for the galley style. Characterised by two parallel lines of cabinet units with walking space in the middle, this layout may be lean but it is packed with everything a domestic chef needs to cook up a storm. As the sink, prep counter and cooktop sit in a single row where they’re positioned at an equidistant away from the refrigerator, this helps move things along during hectic meals preparation sessions. The galley’s versatility also gives modern home dwellers the opportunity to play around with a kitchen’s basic components and custom a configuration that suits their habits and preferences. For example, one end of the cabinetry can be outfitted with a breakfast counter to remove the need for a dining table – thus saving precious space. In addition, many BTO flatowners prefer to have glass partitions in place of solid walls to welcome more light into the constrained cooking zone and to encourage a sense of connectedness to the common area.
TIP! The U-shaped layout is similar to the galley, but it has one access closed off. Three adjoining rows of cabinets translate to an expansive storage and work surface. Take note though, there’s usually just enough maneuvering room for one chef.
Design by Free Space Intent
IDEAS TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF A SMALL WORKING AREA:
• White or pale colour palettes help to visually expand a room • Removing upper cabinetry or opting for open shelving feels airier • Good lighting is critical. Consider how your kitchen will be lit – through sun or electric powered means • Small spaces heat up fast. Invest in a powerful hood that sucks all that heat and humidity away just as quickly
51
KITCHEN • SOLUTIONS
NEAT TRICKS
Image courtesy of IKEA
Solutions to keep it organised in the cooking zone
58
Text Jolene Limuco
A
ABOVE AND BEYOND The easiest way to add storage space in the kitchen is by installing cabinets. Typical kitchen layouts feature top and bottom-hung cabinets. These compartments allow you to tuck your cookware, serving ware and cupboard staples neatly away. But to utilise every square inch of cabinet space, installing pulldown systems in your top cabinets, like the iMove system kitchen solutions retailer Häfele, will ensure that hard-to-reach corners will not go to waste.
CONTAIN IT Keeping your pantry provisions in perfect order is the secret to an organised kitchen. While it may take up a few minutes to decant ingredients like salt, flour and rice into containers and jars, the effort will be well worth it as it keeps clutter at bay. And think of the time you’ll save from rummaging through cabinets and fussing over flimsy boxes and packets. Keep ingredients you use everyday within arms length on racks or shelves and rarely used items inside cabinets – having a storing system in the kitchen will save you time and effort when whipping up a meal.
Image courtesy of Blum
Image courtesy of Häfele
Image courtesy of Crate & Barrel
s one of the most utilised areas in the home, the kitchen can get quite messy. But if you have sufficient storage solutions here, keeping it perpetually organised is easy. And with a neat and tidy cooking space, whipping up delicious and healthy meals will be a breeze. Here are some nifty ideas to keep this utilitarian space spick and span – and totally efficient.
GO UNDER Bottom-hung cabinets are a must in efficient kitchens. Whether it is to store oft-used cookware and tableware or essential ingredients, these easily accessible cabinets keep your kitchen neat as well. As with top-hung cabinets, every bit of space should be fully utilised. Corner drawer extensions like this Space Corner unit from Blum ensures that every available space can be used to store cooking essentials. Plus, it makes reaching for things much easier.
59
Image courtesy of Häfele
KITCHEN • SOLUTIONS
Image courtesy of IKEA
INNER PEACE Drawers are part and parcel of kitchen storage solutions but a messy drawer can turn a cooking session into a rummaging farce. That’s why drawer organisers come in handy. The Scala FineLine MosaicQ interior drawer system from Häfele is a modular organiser that lets you store your kitchen essentials according to your preferences. The system includes foil roll holders, spice jar inserts and knife blocks to help you keep necessary items in order.
60
KEEP IT OPEN Conventional kitchen storage solutions consist of closed cabinetry but if you have a petite cooking space, open shelving are a neat solution to create an illusion of space. They function just as top-hung cabinets do but allow you to enjoy greater accessibility. What’s more, open shelving, like the FALSTERBO shelving units from IKEA, are versatile in the sense that they let you store and display your cookware, serving ware and food items according to how you like it.
Text Jolene Limuco
RACK UP A surefire way to keep your utensils, cookware and condiments within easy reach is by organising them neatly. And racks big and small are perfect for keeping things in order. Prop larger free-standing racks against a corner in the kitchen or make use of available wall space and hang smaller racks up. Keep similar items together to keep it organised. When everything is in its place, whipping up a meal will be easier.
TIP!
Image courtesy of The Ewins Home
Sort utensils and cookware according to use for consistently seamless cooking sessions.
Image courtesy of Häfele
Image courtesy of IKEA
SQUEEZE IT IN Even if you have already installed top-hung cabinets, there are ways to squeeze in additional shelves to keep you everyday essentials within easy reach. The Cafim Ribbon from The Ewins Home is a nifty magnetic strip that can hold slim aluminium shelves and hooks to help you keep kitchen tools, wares and ingredients easily accessible. Install this between tophung cabinets and your countertop for stress-free everyday cooking.
SWING TIME Another way to make bottomhung cabinets more accessible is by installing swivel or pull-out racks inside storage compartments. Cabinet systems like the LeMans II swivel rack and the Dispensa rack system from Häfele will help you maximise your kitchen storage spaces while making it effortless to reach for things.
61
KITCHEN • GET THE LOOK 1
2
8
3
FUNCTIONAL STYLE
7
Take your kitchen’s chic factor to the next level with these cool picks
6
4
5
68
BEDROOM •
SOLUTIONS
•
ESSENTIALS
70 A SOUND PLAN 74 MAKE ROOM FOR REST 78 GOODNIGHT, SLEET TIGHT
Image coutesy of Robinsons
PLANNING
69
BEDROOM • PLANNING
A SOUND PLAN
Employ the right strategy to create a cocoon perfect for slumber
A
Image courtesy of Design Hotels
room that’s devoted to utter rest and relaxation should feel inviting and be free of clutter – a sublime sanctuary for sleep. It is also one of the most personal spaces in a home, thus it should cater completely to your creature habits. Whether it’s a renovation or an upgrade, take note of these guidelines to attain a master suite that’s all about you.
70
Text Fidz Azmin
TIP! Walls that have been demolished must be re-built to reflect the house’s original floor plan should you intend to sell your apartment.
Design by Studio FortyFour
1 STRUCTURE MATTERS Knocking down walls gives you the liberty to change the form and function of your interior, whether you wish to make space for walking or a walk-in wardrobe. Nevertheless, take note that not all structural walls and posts can be removed – even if it’s just a partial teardown. Certain partitions are necessary in maintaining the structural integrity of the building and may endanger the safety of those in the vicinity if they are removed. An approval from the relevant authorities is absolutely necessary if you’re looking into demolition works. Because of the modern home dweller’s discerning taste and demand for flexibility, the way newer HDB apartments are being designed today has changed. The necessary beams and columns that initially exist all throughout an interior are now neatly tucked away at the sides. This allows flexible layouts – and spells good news for residents who are keen to experiment with the way their flats are being planned out.
2 SIZE SAVVY
Design by Motto Designs
Size matters when it comes to setting up a bedroom. But essentially, the three components that make this space work are the bed, wardrobe and vanity area. With cramped rooms, scale down the proportions. Rather than fitting in an entire dressing table, take up less footprint with a wall-mounted mirror and shelves or use the bathroom’s vanity instead. Spacious master suites can afford to be filled up with more – perhaps a workstation, a full-length bookcase, or even a reading chair. Remember, balance is key. Don’t go overboard in this place for rest lest you’ll risk facing much more clutter than before.
71
BEDROOM • SOLUTIONS
The bedroom is arguably the most important room in your home. It’s the one place where you can truly relax and let go of the stresses of the day. Here are a few ways to help you keep things in order within your bedroom
74
Design by Icon Interior
MAKE ROOM FOR REST
Text Redzman Rahmat
ON DISPLAY
POLE SYSTEM WARDROBE The modular pole-system wardrobe is fast growing in popularity, and with good reason too. It’s easy to install, can be adjusted and moved around, and is relatively affordable. Basically, you pick and choose the rods, hooks, hangers and shelves, to create your own modular floor-to-ceiling wardrobe. The end result is typically an open-concept closet that you DIY to your exact specifications.
Image courtesy of IKEA
STANDALONE WARDROBE A freestanding “off-the-shelf” wardrobe is a flexible choice for the bedroom. Don’t think that you’ll be limited by your choices; you’ll have to pick between sliding or hinged doors, the number of panels, and even the internal organisation system. One of the advantages of a standalone wardrobe is the fact that you can move it around should you ever feel the need to rearrange the layout of your bedroom.
BUILT-IN WARDROBE With precious space to spare, a good solution might be to task your contractor or interior designer to create a built-in closet space to your exact specifications. Customising your wardrobe means that you can specify its exact dimensions, effectively taking up the exact amount of space that you have. You can also determine your wardrobe’s size, height and even its internal system. The built-in wardrobe is also ideal for rooms with odd shapes and layouts.
Design by White Attic Interior
Image courtesy of Howards Storage World
APART FROM YOUR BED, THE WARDROBE IS THE OTHER MAIN CULPRIT THAT TAKES UP THE MOST SPACE IN YOUR BEDROOM. A SIZEABLE PORTION OF YOUR ROOM IS DEDICATED TO STORAGE FOR YOUR CLOTHES, SO IT’S ONLY RIGHT THAT YOU PLAN FOR IT ACCORDINGLY. HERE ARE SOME WARDROBE OPTIONS THAT CAN HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LIMITED FLOOR SPACE.
75
KEY PROJECTS / STUDIO FORTYFOUR
1
PASTEL HAVEN
WITH COLOURFUL ACCENTS AND WELL-APPOINTED FURNISHINGS, THIS COSY FOUR-ROOM FLAT IS AN AMALGAMATION OF THE HOMEOWNERS’ FAVOURITE THINGS
While using pastels in an interior may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the homeowners of this four-room BTO flat were in favour of it. In fact, when they met up with interior designers Wilson Deng and Vandra Png from Studio FortyFour, they expressed their love for cheery light-filled spaces. After a major renovation, the home now sports a refreshing look with wood tones complemented by pops of pastels, providing a bright and inviting atmosphere to cosy up in.
114
FACT FILE SPACE 4-ROOM BTO UNIT SIZE APPROX. 1,000 SQUARE FEET LOCATION UPPER SERANGOON ROAD HOME TO 2 ADULTS DESIGNER WILSON DENG AND VANDRA PNG FROM STUDIO FORTYFOUR RENO PERIOD 12 WEEKS
1 / Living While unconventional, the living room is closed off from the rest of the house with a glass and woodgrained laminated sliding door. This is to close up the living space to allow the air-conditioning to circulate better, while preventing smells from the kitchen to filter into the living area. Also in the space is a black and white-trimmed home theatre system and television cabinetry chosen to complement the periwinkle blue sofa.
2
2 / Kitchen Boldly dressed in navy blue and rose pink, the kitchen encompasses a unique identity that is a reflection of the homeowners’ favourite colours. Fitted out with white square tiles for the backsplash and Rovere Asburgo compact top from EDL, the kitchen is well-equipped for the couple’s weekend cooking sessions. Meanwhile, a curved nook at the entrance serves as an extra space for food prep and additional storage.
TIP / BALANCE OUT PASTEL SHADES WITH NEUTRAL TONED FITTINGS AND FURNISHINGS TO CREATE A SPACE THAT’S BOTH STYLISH AND EASY ON THE EYES. 3 / Dining As the male homeowner usually works from home, interior designers Wilson and Vandra were inspired to construct a dining table with enough space to be used as a workstation when needed. As the couple plays host to friends from time to time, the designers also made one side of the table fully rounded to create more seating possibilities. Also in this space is a mid-height laminated partition wall installed to hide charging cables and other wires falling over the table from the computer.
3
115
KEY PROJECTS / STUDIO FORTYFOUR
4 / Entryway As an avid lover of handcrafted leather shoes, the male owner specifically requested that the entryway include a custom-made built-in shoe cabinet to show off his extensive collection. As such, the cabinet was designed with tempered glass panels at the front and back to allow the shoe collection to be displayed from all angles. Meanwhile, embossed diamonds that distinguish the space from the rest of the house defines the entryway’s flooring.
4
5
5 / Master bedroom In order to expand the adjacent living space, a partition wall belonging to an existing bedroom was knocked down to encompass a grey laminated walk-in closet. The modification also allowed for seamless movement between the sleeping zone and the wardrobe. In addition, tri-coloured chevron tiles from Hafary were used to separate the two spaces.
116
6 / Master en suite In the master bathroom, a wall of dusty pink tiles and speckled floor tiles evoke a sense of joy into the space, and is a perfect complement to the mint green-walled master boudoir. Other features include a glass partition wall that separates the wet and dry zones, a contemporary shower system and marble-fronted cabinetry below the sink that houses the owners’ bathroom essentials.
6
1
MINIMALIST WONDER
BALANCING A COLOUR SCHEME OF WHITE WALLS, WOOD FINISHES AND GREY FURNISHINGS, THIS FOUR-ROOM HDB APARTMENT OOZES PRACTICALITY AND ELEGANCE IN EQUAL MEASURE
Bearing many traditional hallmarks of Scandinavian design, this fourroom flat checks many boxes of the homeowners’ request for a home with uncluttered interiors. Wooden tones and neutral colours are recurring features that can be found throughout the unit, and when coupled with choice furnishings, the apartment is transformed into a truly elegant home.
FACT FILE SPACE 4-ROOM BTO UNIT SIZE APPROX 1,000 SQUARE FEET LOCATION JALAN TENTERAM HOME TO 2 ADULTS DESIGNER WILSON DENG AND VANDRA PNG FROM STUDIO FORTYFOUR RENO PERIOD 8 WEEKS
117
KEY PROJECTS / STUDIO FORTYFOUR
1 / Overall Satisfying the owners’ desire for a simple yet welcoming space, this BTO unit’s renovation works were kept fairly minimal. Besides being swathed in white paint, the front and rear walls of the communal spaces were left unadorned, which interior designers Wilson Deng and Vandra Png complemented with light woodvinyl flooring, in turn creating a home that embodies the very image of a restful abode. 2 / Living Expertly designed for everyday living, the communal zone’s clean and uncluttered look allows the homeowners to enjoy a moment of peace before tackling a busy day. Sticking to a clean palette of whites and neutral colours, the space is kitted out with understated furniture pieces, such as a grey love seat and solid oak wood cabinetry below the television, amplifying the bright and airy atmosphere.
2
3 / Entryway Despite its compact size, the entryway is outfitted with a custom-made shoe cabinet and bench that provides the homeowners with a spot to sit down to take off or put on their shoes. Besides housing shoes, the top of the light woodgrained laminated cabinetry also serves as counter space for items like keys, wallets and other personal belongings.
118
3
TIP / SMALL ORNAMENTAL PLANTS CAN GO A LONG WAY IN LIVENING UP A MONOCHROMATIC SPACE BY ADDING A TOUCH OF GREENERY TO ITS SURROUNDINGS.
4 / Kitchen To tie in with the aesthetics seen in the communal spaces, the kitchen features a mix of white and woodgrained cabinetry. Warm cove lights were also added to amplify the cosy ambience. In addition, the designers made use of Statuario Venatino quartz from iQuartz to create the countertop, creating a classy yet functional prep surface.
5 / Kitchen windows Embedded into the kitchen partition wall are sliding windows that sit over the countertop. These allow the homeowners to open up the space between the dining area and kitchen to serve dishes when necessary. The windows can be easily closed when heavy cooking is taking place to keep cooking odours at bay.
6
6 / Dining Addressing the homeowners’ wish for a semi open-concept kitchen, the interior designers knocked down an existing hollow block wall and replaced it with a kitchen entrance made from glass and woodgrained laminates. Meanwhile, the dining zone features furniture in similar coloured laminates that help to create visual symmetry with the kitchen entrance.
/ STUDIO FORTYFOUR / Studio FortyFour is a creative interior design firm founded by two right-brainers who love telling stories through spatial environments. By manipulating the mediums of space, materials, light and sound, the team brings abstract designs to life in the form of stylish and functional spaces that can exist, grow and connect.
4
5
9178 1791 hellofortyfour@gmail.com www.studiofortyfour.com.sg
119
W W W . S Q U A R E R O O M S . C O M . S G
Your path to becoming a well-informed homeowner
WWW.SQUAREROOMS.COM.SG
Check out these essential guides to help you find and furnish your new home.
STEP 1
STEP 2
FIND
4 house hunting tips everyone should know
FINANCE
5 things you need to know about home loans
STEP 3 STEP 4
PREPARE
RENOVATE
4 things to note when collecting the keys to your BTO
Get connected today!
@SquareRoomsMag
Renovation questions every homeowner should ask
SquareRooms
GET YOUR DIGITAL COPY!
Download your favourite issues anywhere on the go!