As of May 16, 2021, Singapore has once again tightened the measures to counter the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. This time around, the measures limit gatherings to two people, turn work from home into a default mode and prohibit dining in.
Essentially, the restrictions are very strict and coming quite close to the Circuit Breaker period of 2020.
This fact means that some measures are going to be around in the longer term, changing our lives, our work and our interactions with others.
Singaporeans, just like people from all parts of the world, have been forced to spend more time at home than ever before. The function of the residential property has been expanded to accommodate for changing needs and desires. Today, most of us work from home, chill out and exercise indoors to some extent. Interior design has to change in order to accommodate for these realities.
If you’re thinking about home renovation upgrades in 2021 to boost the functionality of your flat, you’re not alone. Luckily, a reputable Singapore home interior design company like Home Guide can help you make the most of the available space to restore some sense of normalcy amid these chaotic times.
Managing a Stay-In Renovation
Have you had your travel plans for 2020 and 2021 changed exponentially? In that case, you can redirect the travel funds you saved to a home renovation.
The tricky part here would be to carry out a home renovation while staying home (most likely with other family members like your spouse and your kids). A stay-in renovation is a somewhat tricky concept to execute but it can be done.
For a start, your interior design company can organise the renovation in phases to facilitate contractor activities and give you some degree of comfort. Together, you can also work out a plan to minimise the inconvenience to your neighbours.
The easiest way to carry out the project is to move from one part of the flat to another while the work is ongoing. Dustproofing of the areas that are being upgraded will minimise inconveniences and the need for constant cleaning. Regular plastic drop cloths to cover furniture and accessories will also come in handy.
It may also be a good idea to consider external storage for bulkier pieces of furniture, art and other valuable belongings. Taking those out of the flat while the renovation lasts will minimise the risk of damage and also speed up work. As there’ll be no need to move bulky items around, contractors will get to finish their job much faster.
Home Renovation Ideas in a Post-Covid-19 World
Now that you have an idea about how to carry out and stage the work, it’s time to check out a few ideas aimed at expanding the range of activities you can engage in at home.
Based on our practice, we recommend modernising your kitchen as one of the primary project pillars. Dining out has been very difficult during 2020 and it will probably continue being challenging this year. Having a functional and modern kitchen will simplify meal prep at home, even if you’re not a masterchef.
The kitchen can also be remodelled into the area that you count on to host and entertain guests. A beautiful island with bar stools or a large food preparation countertop will create a sense of community and belonging.
It’s also a good idea to plan the addition of new custom cabinetry to free up as much space as possible and reduce kitchen clutter. If you have the budget for it, think about some clever appliances and gadgets to diversify the range of meals you could prepare for family and loved ones.
A bathroom renovation will easily give you a personal spa and a chillout area most of us are in definite need of right now. Something as simple as the installation of a rainforest shower or hydro massage jets will give you the perfect opportunity to relax and decompress in the end of a busy day.
Finally, do turn your focus to the living area.
This is one of the most versatile parts of the flat. While most people use it for entertainment and TV watching, a living room can be divided into a couple of functional zones through the use of partitions and custom carpentry.
You can easily add a study zone for your child’s online lessons. A small study niche would be a good choice if you don’t have the space for a separate home office. Hence, during the day, your living room would transform into a work and study area. In the evening, it will be the place where the family will come together for some fun and laughs.
Don’t forget the addition of smart storage solutions to the living room for the purpose of ensuring effortless home transformations.
It’s easy to see how the functionality of every Singaporean flat can be extended immensely through the power of interior design. For the purpose, however, you have to be smart and strategic when it comes to allocating your renovation budget.
Home Guide can help you achieve the biggest and most cost-efficient change. Everything required for a comfortable, satisfying life is within your reach. You simply have to unleash your apartment’s hidden potential. Contact us today to start the process.
