Key To Your Home 2019 [Preview]

2019

Y O U R U LT I M AT E R E N O V AT I O N G U I D E

S$9.00

US$6.50

RM15.00

BATHROOM UPGRADE Materials and organising solutions to take your shower zone to the next level

SMART KITCHEN TRANSFORMATIONS How to find the ideal layout for your cooking zone

BEDROOM SECRETS Tips and tricks to maximise a petite boudoir

STRESS-FREE MAKEOVER Home improvement tips from homeowners and professionals

LIVING PLANNING

COMMON GROUNDS Configure the way your communal space is laid out according to size, form and function Text Fidz Azmin

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he heartland home is all about practicality, which is why its floorplan is designed with function in mind. While sizes and shapes may vary, an HDB unit typically boasts three hot spots in its common zone – each equipped with the essentials to ease everyday living. A small plot of land designated for footwear-related activity lies at the entryway. This is followed by the home’s social hub whose primary function is to welcome guests. But this place is now more commonly used for the family to enjoy a spot of entertainment as well, which means that it should be furnished with suitable furniture and equipment to meet these needs. The dining zone takes up residence at the far end of the common area, an important place for mealtimes and bonding sessions. Whether yours is petite or large, timeworn or new, the key to a layout that works is in making the best of what you’ve got.

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DESIGN BY GREEN AND LUSH

LIVING

DESIGN BY FUSE CONCEPT

DESIGN BY STUDIO FORTYFOUR

PLANNING

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BALANCE IS KEY Living areas that occupy 4-room HDB flats are analogous to the Goldilocks principle – they’re neither too big nor too tiny. Both living and dining zones that have been furnished with full-sized furniture can sit comfortably within its floor area – but you should still be frugal with the use of space when designing these two zones. Think round coffee table that takes up lesser footprint than a rectangular one; or skip the traditional dining place in lieu of its more svelte counterpart – the breakfast counter. Not only will these small but impactful moves give the interior much-needed breathing space, it also provides owners with extra square footage to experiment with more when it comes to designing the living room.

DESIGN BY AKIHAUS

A canny way to delineate between two areas occupying the same space is with a raised platform floor.

DESIGN BY DB STUDIO

IMAGE COURTESY OF LAGOON

DIVIDE AND CONQUER Residents of 5-room flats are blessed with the luxury of space – particularly in the living area. This means you get to try out different configurations for your interior and furnish it to your heart’s desire.

Arranging the living and dining zones in a linear fashion helps to keep communication channels open in this part of home. Another popular option with home dwellers is to make use of the bonus square footage to create a brand-new room. Wall partitions tend to feel closed in, so aim to keep it barrier-free unless privacy is priority. Find smart alternatives such as open bookshelves and low cabinets that help to create a division of space without enclosing it entirely.

GO SMALL, LIVE BIG The communal zone in a 3-room flat may be Polly Pocket sized, but it can still be stylish and functional with the right game plan. And that’s making your apartment look bigger than it really is.

Keep furniture pieces compact and preferably lowslung, and pare down to only the essentials – like a sofa. If you’re one who entertains regularly, outfit it with an ottoman or foldable chairs that can be kept away until the next guest pops by. A regular coffee table might not fit into your narrow interior; instead, opt for a petite end table that can be shuffled around easily. To avoid space wastage, arrange your furniture flushed against the wall or fit a basket in neglected corners for stashing stuff.

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LIVING SOLUTIONS

BUILT FOR KEEPS

Text Fidz Azmin

Built-in furniture help make your space work extra efficiently for you without taking up precious real estate

The laminated wood slatted backdrop in this living room doesn’t just serve as a design element. More notably, it is constructed as a sliding door that helps to keep the household’s lessthan-lovely bomb shelter door well out of sight.

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DESIGN BY DB STUDIO

WELCOME ORDER IN The entryway is where we make the transition from home to workday in the morning, and then back to our respective havens when dusk falls. Here at the home’s drop-off station, we shed footwear and dump keys and mail – so it should be suitably equipped to serve this function. Due to its customisable nature, the built-in unit is favoured over loose pieces of foyer furniture particularly in a spot that’s stingy with space. Make your shoe closet work harder for you by building your bespoke unit with a ledge or nook. This will come handy in corralling your bits and bobs. If you are able to afford the square footage and budget, incorporate a seating area that allows you to put on and take off your footwear with ease.

The entrance hall of this condominium is kept free of clutter with a custom-made shoe cabinet right by the window. But what makes it extra special and serviceable is the mobile bench that can be rolled out from under the unit whenever needed.

DESIGN BY D’MARVEL SCALE

DESIGN BY STUDIO FORTYFOUR

BTO flats are notorious for sporting unsightly HDB features such as the DB box and bomb shelter. They’re typically sited near the entryway or within the living area – areas that are the first to welcome guests. The feature wall by the main door of this apartment does an impeccable job of covering up both. The best part is, the panel on the far right hosts space for shoes and a display ledge for décor purposes.

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LIVING SOLUTIONS

WALL AND MORE In the entertainment mecca of the home, the media feature wall is its focal point.

While a standard television console provides the bare minimum in keeping your media paraphernalia in order, a bespoke unit undoubtedly offers more. Take advantage of the stretch of vertical space with a floor-toceiling fitted storage unit. Concealed niches that seem to stay camouflaged against the walls create a clean and clutter-free environment, while a bookshelf-style piece that boasts a mix of open shelving and hidden compartments injects texture and character into the interior.

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DESIGN BY DAN’S WORKSHOP

DESIGN BY D’MARVEL SCALE

DESIGN BY FUSE CONCEPT

A silhouette of quaint rooftop cottages immediately garners attention, but this television feature wall goes far beyond the aesthetic. These structures are, in fact, storage alcoves that can be accessed via an imperceptible eyelet that acts as a door pull.

The feature is also designed with a detachable cabinet-on-wheels that can used as a table when needed or pushed back underneath the console to free up room for walking.

Conventional chairs tend to cover a wider footprint, so a bench built into the wall on the other side of the dining table helps free up floor space. Apart from making the area appear more spacious, this structure is also chockful of nifty storage. There are cubbyholes along the top, nooks for books down the sides, as well as concealed compartments beneath the bench.

DESIGN BY THE MONOCOT STUDIO

DESIGN BY LEMONFRIDGE STUDIO

NIFTY NOOKS As built-in furniture pieces can be customised to a tee, a canny way to carve out more square footage is to incorporate it within the frame of other built elements. For instance, a sofa frame assembled into the wall helps to whittle down the usage of precious floor area. But what pushes the envelope is creating the most unexpected of hiding places within the handcrafted piece. This could be under-seat space or open niches to display your bric-a-bracs.

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KITCHEN PLANNING

ALL IN GOOD TASTE

DESIGN BY FUSE CONCEPT

The heart of home should reflect your discerning taste and complement your cooking and creature habits. What’s the layout that’d work best for you? Text Fidz Azmin

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BEST FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH BIG FAMILIES; CHEFS WHO PREFER A MORE SPACIOUS WORKING AREA.

IMAGE COURTESY OF LAGOON

ISLAND LIFE The island is coveted by serious home chefs – for many reasons why. This unit alone is able to accommodate a sink, worktop and even elbow room for diners. What’s more, storage can be built into its frame – either beneath or right atop the counter.

With an island in place, the dynamics of the kitchen is completely transformed. It is elevated from its traditional role as a place solely for meal preparations to a multifunctional living room where folks gather. This layout typically sees the island positioned further out where the cooking area flows out to the dining zone, making access from the communal zone easy.

This hardworking unit can be used in many ways including a casual spot for congregating, a nook for a quick bite, or even a primary dining zone. We can also imagine this worktop to be used for after-office-hours tasks or study sessions with the kids. But while it gives more, it also demands more. This arrangement is better suited for larger spaces and it requires more budget than simpler setups.

Surround an island with stools to create a casual setting for mealtimes or for grabbing a snack.

DESIGN BY DAN’S WORKSHOP

DESIGN BY THE MONOCOT STUDIO

The island acts as a partition between kitchen and communal zone to keep these areas of the home segregated without the need for walls.

Islands are generally freestanding, but it’s not uncommon to find these alternatives – the peninsula counter that’s attached to the wall – especially in tight areas. In this cooking space, bi-fold glass dividers aid to inhibit any fumes from escaping out into the common zone.

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KITCHEN

OPEN CALL An open-plan kitchen does away with partitions between the cooking and eating areas, merging these two parts of home seamlessly. This results in an environment that feels more fluid, brighter and bigger – giving petite apartments an edge. In this free-flowing space, sometimes an island or dining table is incorporated into the floor plan to serve as a low-profile partition that helps to visually demarcate between zones.

It is a far cry from traditional enclosed kitchens of yore – but remember, its open layout means everything in this part of home is in plain sight. Thus, proper storage and diligent housekeeping practice is a must. On another note, if you’re concerned about oily fumes spreading across the entire interior, consider solutions such as glass panels or even air purifying devices.

IMAGE COURTESY OF URBAN FRONT

PLANNING

The vastly different wall and floor finishes between the kitchen and dining room provide a clear demarcation between these areas without hindering the flow and rhythm of the interior.

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DESIGN BY EIGHTYTWO

DESIGN BY EIGHTYTWO

BEST FOR WEEKEND HOME CHEFS WHO DON’T DO A LOT OF HEAVY COOKING; THOSE WHO’D RATHER HAVE A T T HOME THAN A T H

The tiny kitchen in this compact apartment doesn’t feel claustrophobic all thanks to the lack of walls. A strategically placed bar top counter acts as a visual divider between the cooking and common spaces, giving structure to its interior.

for your traipsing needs, this format is also employed in many restaurants and commercial kitchens. The fact is, the preparation, sink and cooking areas are all positioned within close proximity, making it easy to reach, chop, cook, and wash up – much like an effective production line.

T CHEFS WHO PREFER TO FOCUS ON THE TASKS AT HAND AND WANT TO SAVE TIME ON MEAL PREPARATIONS.

By having its countertop extended out to create a breakfast counter, this kitchen demonstrates how the galley template can be adapted and modified to suit the space. The extended worktop offers more room for preparation work and allows kinfolks and friends to interact with whoever’s enjoying their meals over at the dining area.

DESIGN BY GREEN AND LUSH

DESIGN BY GREEN AND LUSH

ON BOARD THE GALLEY Straightforward, simple, and the go-to layout for tiny kitchens, the humble galley has served homeowners for generations and it’s of no surprise.

This layout is versatile enough to be fitted in spaces of all proportions; it is cost-effective and perhaps the most efficient for cooking.

Formed by a parallel run of cabinet units that leaves a narrow central aisle

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KITCHEN SURFACES

DESIGN BY MATERIAL A quick guide to the selection of materials for backsplashes, countertops and cabinets in the home kitchen Text Jasmine Goh

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IMAGE COURTESY OF COSENTINO

etting the right surfaces and materials to suit your lifestyle will go a long way in determining your kitchen success story. There are plenty of choices out there and it is best to select one that fits your financial budget and household usage. To help you get started, here is a list of the most common materials used in our local home kitchens.

IMAGE COURTESY OF CAESARSTONE

ENGINEERED QUARTZ Suitable for: Countertops | Backsplashes More commonly known as its commercial brand names like Caesarstone and Silestone, engineered quartz is a material that is nonporous, hygienic, and requires minimal maintenance. It is manufactured by fortifying crushed natural quartz with polymer resin to produce a hard-wearing worktop with high durability, resistance to stains and scratches, and a wide range of colours and patterns.

CHOOSE THIS IF… YOU LIKE THE LOOK OF NATURAL STONE BUT WANT SOMETHING THAT IS EASIER TO MAINTAIN BECAUSE OF ALL THE HEAVY COOKING THAT YOU DO.

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KITCHEN SURFACES

STAINLESS STEEL Suitable for: Backsplashes | Countertops

CHOOSE THIS IF… YOU COOK OFTEN AND WANT AN T CLEAN SPACE.

DESIGN BY KDOT ASSOCIATES

Being the go-to material in the commercial kitchen sector, stainless steel is perfect for kitchens with lots of heavy cooking or for simply emulating the industrial style.

Despite the minimal maintenance required, stainless steel is not very popular in homes because it can look very cold when used on an entire area. It is also a magnet for fingerprints and smudges. When installing stainless steel at home, make it work by using it only for a portion of the kitchen, most commonly just above the hob.

NANOTECH MATERIAL Suitable for: Countertops | Cabinet fronts

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DESIGN BY A SOLID PLAN

IMAGE COURTESY OF DADA

Made from nanoparticles and acrylic resins, Fenix Nanotech Matte (NTM) is known for its beautiful matte surface and thermal-healing ability, which allows micro-scratches on the surface to be easily removed by simply applying heat to the area.

This range of matte surfaces now includes a metal version.

Fenix Nanotech Alloy (NTA) is a new metallic material that has all the properties of NTM. With multilayer coating and nanotechnology, NTA has a metal structure but is resistant to scratches and fingerprints, soft to the touch, and extremely matte. It is also highly resistant to solvents and household cleaning products.

CHOOSE THIS IF… YOU LOVE MATTE SURFACES AND HAVE DEEP POCKETS.

IMAGE COURTESY OF KOMPACPLUS

KOMPACPLUS Suitable for: Backsplashes | Countertops Despite its slim profile, KompacPlus panels are extremely strong and sturdy. These high-density composite panels are only 6mm thick, and offer a sleek, modern look for your kitchen.

Non-porous and stain-resistant, KompacPlus panels can be mounted directly on the cabinet carcass or even over existing finishes.

CHOOSE THIS IF… YOU WANT SOMETHING SIMPLE, STRONG, AND EASY TO MAINTAIN.

ALUMINIUM Suitable for: Backsplashes | Cabinet carcass | Cabinet fronts

CHOOSE THIS IF… YOU WANT A T T H TH T IS ABLE TO WITHSTAND SINGAPORE’S HUMIDITY.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ALUSTIL

Instead of having cabinets made of a wooden carcass, which is susceptible to water damage, termite infestation, and warping, consider using aluminium. Not only is it resistant to the above problems, it is also extremely strong, sturdy and rustproof. A countertop of a different material and glass doors can be added to customise the kitchen to the look you want. In addition, the modular nature of an aluminium cabinet carcass allows it to be easily dismantled and re-assembled at another location.

This means that you can bring your kitchen cabinets with you whenever you upgrade to a new home!

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KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

KITCHEN ESSENTIALS Deck your cooking zone with the right tools and appliances that will aid you on your culinary adventures Text Jasmine Goh

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uying big-ticket items like the refrigerator and oven can be daunting, especially for first-time homeowners.

Remember that your selection should be based on your personal lifestyle and needs, not the latest or flashiest. Here is a quick guide to choosing the right kitchen appliance for you and your family.

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OPT FOR A SMALLER COOKTOP IF YOU HAVE A SMALL KITCHEN OR SIMPLY DO ONLY LIGHT COOKING, LIKE THE DOMINO RANGE OF HOBS FROM HĂ„FELE. COOKTOP Even if you do not cook regularly, a cooktop is one of those essentials in a kitchen that you want to get right. To choose a suitable cooktop for your home, first decide if you want a gas hob or an electric-powered one such as hot plates, induction or radiant.

Häfele Domino Radiant Hob

1 Gas Hob Before the introduction of electricpowered cooktops, gas hobs were probably the most common type of cooktop in the home. The use of flames allow the cookware to achieve high temperatures suitable for Asian stirfrying. Gas hobs now look much sleeker than before, and are available in stainless steel, glass or enamelled finishes.

2 Induction Hob

IMAGE COURTESY OF COSENTINO

Extremely efficient at heating food, induction cooktops use high-frequency electromagnets to generate a magnetic field that heats the pan and not the cooktop. Since it does not use naked fire or direct heat, induction cooktops are safer and more child-friendly. However, induction cooktops require a specific kind of cookware so you may have to replace some of your existing cookware if you install an induction cooktop.

3 Radiant Hob Radiant cooktops contain coiled metal elements under the ceramic surface.

These coils are electronically heated, which heat the ceramic surface and then warm the cookware. Ceramic cooktops retain heat after cooking, unlike induction. Choose a model that comes with a residual heat indicator so that you know if the surface has cooled sufficiently for you to touch or clean.

Bosch Stainless Steel Hob with FlameSelec

Electrolux 70cm Induction Hob

Turbo Incanto T773GV Schott Glass Hob

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KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Electrolux 90cm Inspiration Chimney Hood

Bosch Downdraft Stainless Steel Hood

COOKER HOOD Hoods remove the grease and cooking fumes from the air so that your kitchen is less oily and smoky after a cooking session. The ideal hood for your home depends on the size of your cooktop, as the cooker hood should cover the entire cooking area. Cooker hoods with an extractor unit help to remove all odours effectively by channelling the air out, but due to building restrictions, apartment dwellers may have to use a re-circulating type instead. This cleans the air by filtering it and returning it back into the kitchen.

1 Chimney Hood Due to its distinctive chimney shape, this hood is often the focal point in the kitchen. A similar style is the T-shape hood. Chimney hoods can be either mounted on the wall or installed as an island hood.

2 Vertical Hood Mounted on the wall, the vertical

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Turbo TSL-902Black Telescopic Hood

hood is like the chimney hood except that the extracting surface is positioned at an angle. This design gives kitchens an elegant and modern look.

With the black panelling, this pair of island hoods looks more like pendant lighting and makes for a striking focal point.

3 Telescopic Hood As its name suggests, the telescopic cooker hood can be extended to enlarge the extraction surface. It is usually integrated into a wall cabinet and is hardly noticeable.

4 Canopy Hood This is a hood that is built into the cabinet or covered with panelling to match your kitchen units or be hidden as part of the cabinets, making it almost invisible yet remaining very efficient.

5 Countertop Extractors Built into the counter, the downdraft hood is hidden until you need it. It aims to extract fumes and smells directly at their source without being given a chance to rise up.

Häfele Island Hood

OVEN Besides bake, grill and roast, ovens now can also steam food and clean themselves! The first step to selecting an oven is to determine the oven capacity that fits your needs. Next, you need to consider the limitations of your physical space and decide if you want a countertop oven, a freestanding range, or a built-in model.

1 Countertop Generally smaller than built-in ovens, countertop ovens are sufficient for simple baking and grilling. They are easy to install and can be repaired or replaced without fuss. It, however, takes up space on the counter, which can be undesirable if your countertops are already occupied by other small appliances.

2 Freestanding Range This is a large kitchen appliance that has both a cooktop and an oven. It can be stationed anywhere with a gas pipe or a power source. This is an ideal alternative if you want the large size of a built-in oven without the hassle of renovating your kitchen.

3 Built-In The way that a built-in oven is integrated into your kitchen is really up to you. It typically goes under your cooktop, but it can also be installed at a higher level where you will be able to watch and remove food comfortably without squatting. Since it is installed to be flush with the surface of your cabinets, the built-in oven allows your kitchen to look sleek and modern.

Bosch Series 6 Oven

4 Wireless Technology Some ovens now come with wireless capabilities using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NearField Communication (NFC), like the Candy Watch&Touch Oven, so you can control your appliance using an app on your smartphone.

5 Cleaning Features Cleaning the inside of an oven can be backbreaking work and so, many new ovens are now designed to be self-cleaning. Look out for catalytic lining or pyrolytic ovens like the Electrolux Pyrolytic Cleaning Oven. A catalytic lining utilises a specific material on the surface to absorb grease and reduce stains, while pyrolytic ovens use extreme temperatures to burn grime away.

Turbo Incanto TFM8627 Multifunction Oven

Candy Watch&Touch Oven

LG NeoChef Microwave Oven

Electrolux EOC5400AOX Pyrolytic Cleaning Oven

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BEDROOM SOLUTIONS

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INTERNAL AFFAIRS Keep your threads in order and in impeccable condition with these organising ideas and implements

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE EWINS HOME

Text Fidz Azmin

IMAGE COURTESY OF IKEA

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Dress Code

Although fashion gurus and minimalists advocate the concept of the capsule wardrobe, most of us are still guilty of owning more clothes than necessary. But are you housing and treating them properly? If your closet is in a state of chaos, whip it back into shape by purging the unnecessary. Then, classify the ones worth saving by placing same-category apparel together.

For example, tees stick together, while jeans belong in a compartment with their own kind. This makes keeping tabs on your inventory easy – plus, the time that you save from hunting can be spent on dolling up.

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BEDROOM SOLUTIONS

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Baskets & Cases

Wardrobe interiors typically come equipped with basic storage elements such as rails, drawers and open shelving. Some retailers also offer an option to choose from several interior configurations. But these sections alone are not adequate in maximising and ensuring order in that yawning abyss within armoires. This is why you should make organising aids your closet’s new best companion.

If you own a lot of t-shirts or sweaters, fold and store them in deep metal wire or mesh baskets. Modular boxes can be used within drawers to compartmentalise and corral smaller items such as socks and undergarments, while roomy zipper boxes are handy for stashing away less frequently worn apparels such as winter coats up on the upper shelves.

IMAGE COURTESY OF IKEA

TIP!

Bag of Tricks

Guilty of strewing your bags across the bedroom floor or piling them at the bottom of your cupboard misshapen and worst for the wear? Whether it’s high-end or a hardworking piece that you keep coming back to, bags deserve to be treated better. With premium quality ones especially, it is important that care is taken to maintain their beauty and lustre. Make sure that they are stored upright to retain their original shape. Glass display cabinets are a good way to show off your enviable collection. For a more unconventional spin, place bags upon bookshelves. Or make the most of hooks to hang your everyday pieces. These unsung storage heroes can be mounted anywhere, from the insides of your closet to the back of your bedroom door.

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IMAGE COURTESY OF DAWANDA

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NO MATTER IF THEY’RE MADE OF TH H CONTAINERS PROVIDE A CLEARER VIEW OF YOUR BELONGINGS. THIS MEANS FASTER PREP TIME. CONSIDER ACQUIRING CLEAR STORAGE TYPES ESPECIALLY IF MORNINGS ARE A CONSTANT RUSH FOR YOU.

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It’s in the Details

It’s easy for small accessories such as pieces of jewellery, watches and sunglasses to be misplaced or get jumbled up in a pile when they’re not stored the right way.

Fortunately, solutions to corral your treasures are many and varied, from pretty yet practical jewel boxes and jewellery stands to trays that keep your nightly essentials neat. For the spacestarved, opt for wall-hung storage solutions. If you prefer your valuables out of sight, devote a drawer in your closet for your trinkets. To prevent them from rattling around and getting mixed up, sort and separate with dividers.

Umbra Pendant from HipVan We love smart spacesaving storage solutions like Umbra’s pendant. It is a metal hanger that is slim enough to be sneakily placed in narrow nooks.

15 triangular slots provide ample space for accessories, from scarves to shades.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE EWINS HOME

Instead of a conventional accessory stand that would take up precious counter space, Umbra’s over-the-door organiser, as its name suggests, can be hung over either your room or closet door.

All Hung Up

When compared to shelves, the hanging space is much more efficient as it allows clothes to be in plain sight. Garments that have been pressed also stay impeccable – making it faster to get dressed for the day. Fortunately, you don’t have to be restricted to your wardrobe’s existing rail space. Double the amount by fixing another bar – that is, if dimensions permit. A simpler way to squeeze in more is by using slimmer hangers – think minimal metal ones as opposed to those chunky wooden types.

Or how about investing in a wardrobe system that’s tailored to your needs? Equip it with useful components such as a pull-out trouser hanger to keep the gentleman’s daily threads free of creases and ready for the work week.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE EWINS HOME

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Umbra Valerina Over-theDoor Organiser from HipVan

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BATHROOM PLANNING

THE SUITE LIFE

20 renovation hacks to take heed of if you’re giving your bath space a new do, be it an overhaul or a mini makeover

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IMAGE COURTESY OF NORSU INTERIORS

Text Fidz Azmin

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1 When it comes to design, remember that trends come and go, but a classic aesthetic stays eternally stylish. And nothing spells timeless quite like a neutral palette. Keep neutrals exciting by experimenting with textures such as fabric, rattan and stone.

Natural materials such as wood don’t mingle well with water, so look for durable impersonators instead.

IMAGE COURTESY OF KSL LIVING

2 First things first, discuss with your partner and determine how big of a change your bathroom requires. Would it suffice with minor cosmetic changes or does it need a major makeover? This first step is key to keeping your expectations and budget in check.

4 Don’t forget about storage in the shower area. Apart from caddies, there are other options to keep your toiletries at arm’s reach – such as carving out a recessed shelf into the wall, mounting a ledge or constructing a corner shelf.

3 Think through your storage needs and craft a solution that’d accommodate all of your tools and things. Adequate and proper storage will thwart clutter and also remove the need for additional freestanding units further down the road.

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Instead of the usual horizontal placement, these subway tiles are stacked vertically, creating a fresh look.

This unexpected arrangement also helps make the ceiling appear taller.

IMAGE COURTESY OF HAFARY

5 Simple doesn’t have to be stodgy.

Stir interest in your bath space by laying classic subway or other rectangular tiles across walls in an unconventional way to form a unique pattern.

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BATHROOM PLANNING

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TIP! HT LOOKING BATHROOM BY INCORPORATING PLENTY OF REFLECTIVE SURFACES, SUCH AS GLOSSY TILES AND MIRRORS.

6 Plan for adequate countertop space when designing your vanity. There should be sufficient surface area to set down your makeup and grooming tools.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SOON BEE HUAT

7 Opt for easy maintenance by laying your washroom with large tiles. Since grime tend to accumulate along grout lines, you can lighten the load by minimising the presence of these joints and seams.

8 Make the most of the limited square footage with a wall-to-wall built-in vanity – that is, if your layout permits. With fewer corners, ridges and surfaces to wipe, you get to save time on scrubbing.

10 For a quick modern upgrade, replace dated fixtures and accessories with sleek ones. Not only do they exude contemporary cool, their streamlined aesthetic is less likely to collect dirt, making maintenance a breeze.

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IMAGE COURTESY OF HANSGROHE

9 Floating vanities get our vote for numerous reasons. Apart from curtailing visual clutter, the breathing space right beneath the unit allows you to mop the floors with ease.

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11 For fixtures made to last, we recommend procuring pieces crafted with a stainless steel finish.

This material is tough, highly resistant to rust, and a cinch to clean. When shop-hopping, be sure to look out for the different grades – and invest in only the best.

DESIGN BY STUDIO FORTYFOUR

12 Whether you hold the keys to a resale or brand-new BTO flat, never neglect the importance of checking for defects. Inspect and scrutinise everything from leaks and stains to hollow tiles and punctured grouts. Ensure drainage holes are not clogged and that water is able to drain away quickly.

Troubleshooting prior to renovations will also help provide you with a clearer gauge of the total costs involved

13 To impart an illusion of height in the bathroom, Wilson Teng of Studio FortyFour suggests swathing it with chevron tiles or surfaces with directional patterns. This draws the eyes upwards and tricks you into thinking the ceiling is higher than it really is.

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DESIGN BY DB STUDIO

14 Claire Tan, interior designer with DB Studio, highlights the restriction period on the removal of existing surfaces in newly acquired HDB BTO apartments. She suggests overlaying them because not only will you still get the tiles of your choice, you save costs too as no hacking is involved.

15 Before setting your renovation date, ensure all big-ticket items like the fixtures, water closet and tub are either already at your place or will reach there prior to the big day. Items that cannot be bought off the shelves need to be ordered and will thus require a longer waiting time. If your interior designer is doing all of the coordinating, just sit back and relax.

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KEY PROJECTS STUDIO FORTYFOUR

Raw Beauty I With its uncluttered appearance and thoughtful design details, this four-room apartment is both functional and stylish

n order to fully translate the homeowners’ love for a raw and refined look, the designers from Studio FortyFour, Wilson Deng and Vandra Png, utilised a layered and tactile material palette to create a cohesive look. Coupling wood and cement finishes with pops of black and brass gold highlights with custom built-ins and choice furnishings, this new BTO flat has been transformed into a truly elegant home.

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FACT

FILE 112

SPACE 4-room BTO unit

SIZE Approx 1,000 square feet

LOCATION Bendemeer Road

HOME TO 2 adults

DESIGNER Wilson Deng and Vandra Png from Studio FortyFour

RENO PERIOD 12 weeks

1. Living Offering the owners a compromise between their love for raw cement textures and their wish for a low maintenance home, the television feature wall in the living room was clad in cement screedlookalike laminates, injecting a sense of rawness into the surroundings. Meanwhile, the customised television console, with its dark woodgrains and gold-coloured surface, as well as the goldaccented coffee table add a luxurious touch to the communal space.

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2. Overall As the couple preferred an airier and brighter layout without partitions separating the different zones, the walls that enclosed the kitchen were torn down to create an open-concept space linking the living, dining and cooking zones.

By having such an open communal area that encourages movement and interaction, the couple and their guests are able to move about freely within the home whenever there are gatherings.

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KEY PROJECTS STUDIO FORTYFOUR

5. Kitchen entrance While wood-effect planks were used for the flooring in most areas of the home, light grey homogeneous tiles signal the transition into the kitchen. With the absence of walls, the change in flooring helps to subtly demarcate the kitchen in the open-concept home. Meanwhile, the overhead beam up above was wrapped with woodgrained laminates to turn it from an interior eyesore into an architectural feature.

6. Study Instead of placing a workstation within one bedroom, it was decided that separate sleeping and study sections were more suitable for the owners. After combining two bedrooms into one expanded master boudoir, the designers were able to carve out a dedicated study on the other end of the sleeping zone. By doing so, the couple was given a shared space to inhabit and use at the same time without disturbing each other.

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3. Kitchen The kitchen encompasses a relatively small square footage, but it works for the couple as they do not cook regularly. However, to ensure that they will have sufficient space for meal prep whenever they do need to cook, the designers installed new worktops that line the outer perimeters of the kitchen.

Comprising woodgrained laminated cabinets that are complete with a black quartz top and gold detailing, the cooking zone is at once polished and homely.

4. Dining The dining zone is kept simple where only a custommade table and a wall-hung gold-accented lamp adorn the space. Constructed using laminates sporting a black stone-like appearance, the handsome dining table is a picture of elegance and sophistication. Additionally, a pair of dining chairs in a brown hue coupled with the wood-effect tiled flooring imbues some warmth into the area.

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TIP! An easy way to achieve a visually cohesive look throughout your home is to stick to a uniformed selection of colours and materials.

7. Master bedroom Inspired by their overseas travels where they were used to seeing and sleeping on a platform bed, the couple wanted to incorporate the same concept into their private quarters. Tucked behind a stretch of storage drawers, the sleeping area is kept hidden from prying eyes.

In addition to being relatively pared down in design, the designers also utilised subtle decor elements that maintain the serenity and minimalist ambience within the room.

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8. Master bathroom For a varied look, the master en suite was given a more masculine design treatment that was achieved by overlaying homogeneous cementlooking tiles over the original ones. Covering all the vertical surfaces, the shower zone is kept visually cohesive. Meanwhile, to provide the homeowners with a space to store personal bathroom accessories, the designers constructed a dark wood-laminated storage cabinet that sits below the sink.

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.

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Tel: 9178 1791 Email: hello@studiofortyfour.com.sg Web: www.studiofortyfour.com.sg

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KEY PROJECTS ARCHIVE DESIGN

FACT

FILE

SPACE 2-bedroom condominium unit

SIZE 1,500 square feet

LOCATION Amber Road

HOME TO 2 adults

DESIGNER Lucas Yang from Archive Design

RENO PERIOD 10 weeks

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Cheerful bliss A thoughtful design and a carefully chosen material palette transform an ordinary two-bedroom apartment into a modern abode that is spacious and welcoming

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ome to two design-savvy occupants, this two-storey apartment boasts an interior that follows Japanese and Scandinavian design principles, which was thought up by design director Lucas Yang of Archive Design.

By bringing in a combination of gentle wood tones, marbled textures and thoughtfully-designed storage solutions, the result is a cosy abode that is perfect for everyday living.

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1. Living Constructed out of a panel of light wood strips that were arranged in a symmetrical pattern, an eye-catching fullheight feature wall dominates the living room. To adhere to the streamlined look the owners wanted for their home, the newly customised wall also keeps the entrances to the bomb shelter and laundry room hidden from sight.

TIP! Neutral colours are truly versatile, for they can be used to either create a quiet look within a space, or act as a simple backdrop for interesting textures.

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3. Kitchen Full of crisp white and cosy light wood tones that are complemented by natural light filtering through the generous windows, the kitchen is imbued with an airy atmosphere.

Meanwhile, as the owners blend their own juices quite often, the utilitarian zone was outfitted with four drawers that take on the shape of wooden crates, providing storage solutions for their assortment of fruits and vegetables.

2. Staircase storage Taking up residence under the home’s staircase are a series of casement doors that can be pulled out to reveal storage units that the owners use to store their daily wearables. Meanwhile, mirrored panels were used on the exterior which not only allow the occupants to look at themselves before leaving the home, but also add visual depth to the surrounding space.

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KEY PROJECTS ARCHIVE DESIGN

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4. Master bedroom Similar to the outer communal areas, the master bedroom’s back wall employs the same wooden strip panelling. However, it has been painted over in white, creating a subtle yet striking design element that does not distract from the restful atmosphere of the sleeping zone. In addition, warm cove lighting that have been embedded into the headboard help enhance the cosy ambience of the space.

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5. Master en suite By removing the original wall tiles and replacing them with marble tiles, the master en suite exudes an air of elegance and sophistication. To prevent the space from feeling too cold, Lucas employed the use of black homogeneous tiles for the floor and wood laminates for the under-sink cabinet, which help to balance out the luxurious marble material while adding some warmth to the bathroom.

FACT

FILE

SPACE 3-bedroom condominium unit

SIZE 1,100 square feet

LOCATION Bukit Timah Road

HOME TO 2 adults

DESIGNER Lucas Yang from Archive Design

RENO PERIOD 10 weeks

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Understated elegance Woodwork elements and contemporary furnishings come together to form a posh yet intimate love nest

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hen Lucas Yang of Archive Design was approached to helm the renovation of this three-bedroom apartment, the brief he was given was to create a space that meets the functional and aesthetic needs of the homeowners. Through the use dark rich hues, soothing shades of brown and brassy accents, the result is a truly posh and elegant interior that’s perfectly curated for its occupants.

1. Living Cosy yet stylish, the living room is anchored by a striking television feature wall that was constructed out of genuine marble tiles from Hafary, where the brass strips embedded within offer visual continuity to its surrounding fixtures. Meanwhile, a leather Chesterfield sofa in a burnt orange shade helps complete the warm, cosy look of the living area.

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KEY PROJECTS ARCHIVE DESIGN

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2. Entryway Along the home’s entryway – where the bomb shelter, DB box and shoe storage are situated – Lucas clad the exterior with dark walnut laminates that transform these fixtures into a visually arresting feature wall. In addition, diagonally arranged brass strips help add dimension and visual interest to the feature, while brightening up the area at the same time.

TIP! Expand a room’s visual variety by including interesting focal points into the space, such as a painting or a feature wall.

3. Master bedroom Perfectly optimised for rest and repose, the master bedroom embodies an intimate atmosphere, which is attributed to the dark blue feature wall behind the bed set. Although relatively simply furnished, a pair of bedside hanging pendant lights enhance the sophistication of the space with its copper exterior, while offering a warm glow when switched on at night.

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4. Wardrobe To carve out more floor area to house a wardrobe, a wall between the master and an adjacent bedroom was hacked and pushed back, effectively enlarging the size of the original room. As a spacesaving feature, the wardrobe units were designed with sliding doors instead of traditional swing doors, and are clad in full-height black-tinted mirror panels that help to create the impression of a larger boudoir.

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5. Master en suite As per the owners’ request, a high-end hotel atmosphere was achieved in the master en suite by hacking away the original floor and wall tiles and replacing with stone-textured homogeneous tiles. For practicality purposes, a single glass panel separates the wet and dry zones, while toiletries are stored within upper- and below-sink cabinets. Meanwhile, cove lighting bathe the bathroom in a warm glow.

ARCHIVE DESIGN From conception to the actual implementation stage, the elite team of designers over at Archive Design work intimately with their clients to transformdream homes into a reality.

Offering renovation services for both commercial and residential projects, the firm prides itself on creating beautiful spaces that tell a story through quality craft, character and creativity.

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362 Upper Paya Lebar Road #02-08A Da Jin Building Singapore 534963 Tel: 6702 7738 www.archiveindesign.com

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