Buying their very first BTO flat is a rite of passage for many Singaporeans. Once the property is secured, they’ll be tasked with personalising its appearance.
A few specific purchases are needed to upgrade the interior design of your BTO apartment.
BTO flats come with various home design features. These will depend on whether you’re getting optional component scheme (OCS) or universal design (UD) components. OCS is offered on opt-in basis and it can include internal doors, sanitary fittings and floor finishes.
Universal design upgrades are aimed at making homes more practical and secure for an ageing population. The UD upgrades include ramps, seats, family playground areas, porches, lift upgrades and link bridges.
Apart from providing these, the HDB leaves flat owners to handle other BTO improvements on their own.
It’s up to you to choose the items, accessories and appliances that will give you the home you’ve always dreamed of. Here are a few of the most popular choices among Singaporean BTO owners in need of comfort, security and versatility.
Remote Controls and Home Automation Tools
While every BTO owner has specific preferences, there are certainly new trends to take note of in terms of convenience, appliance and décor upgrade purchases.
Home automation tools currently top the list.
While such tech solutions used to quite expensive some time ago, they’re now readily accessible. There are numerous tools you can acquire effortlessly and control remotely via your smartphone.
Controlling the temperature in your BTO flat is just one example of a well-executed and practical home automation upgrade. Other conveniences you may want to consider include systems and devices that reduce electricity consumption, smoke detectors, a security camera, light control, blinds and even a bathtub that can be filled remotely to maintain the water at the perfect temperature until you get home.
Home automation tools ensure your comfort and peace of mind when you’re away from home. You don’t need all possible solutions, however. Choose the ones you’ll use often to get a high return on investment.
Smart Locks and Security Features
Security upgrades are also very popular among BTO flat owners.
The good news is that you once again have many choices to consider.
Locks that can be engaged and disengaged remotely and security cameras have become essentials for Singapore residential interiors. These, however, aren’t the only security-related purchases you can make for your apartment.
One of the simplest ways to make sure your home is safe involves the purchase of new locks. Front door locks are not created equal. You should definitely go for a custom purchase that ensures a higher level of security.
A deadbolt and chain lock is an easy upgrade that will make you feel more confident and protected inside your home. If you have sliding doors (for example – on the balcony), you can get these secured through the addition of an inside bar lock. The same applies to the windows, especially if you live on the ground floor.
A final security item to get is a good household safe.
Home stores feature a wide variety of safes and security boxes. You need at least one for documents, expensive jewellery and the cash you keep in the apartment. Talk to an interior designer or a security specialist to find out which safe design is best suited to your needs.
Blackout Curtains or Blinds
Standard curtains will make your apartment feel cosier but they don’t add a lot of practicality. Blackout curtains or blinds area much better choice.
Nurseries and bedrooms need complete blackout blinds or curtains instead of a darkening solution. The same applies to a movie room. Blackout blinds are more practical than curtains because they seal off all gaps and ensure complete darkness.
If you want a bit more versatility, you should consider dual shade systems. These types of blinds have several functions. You can use them to filter light, to ensure some darkness or the complete blackout of a room. While a bit more expensive, these solutions are the most flexible ones and they’ll be a great addition to just about every room in the flat.
When you get the right blinds, you will enjoy quality sleep and privacy in your home. Many companies develop their product ranges and you have various choices that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
A Light System with Motion Sensors
The BTO flats of today are designed to offer cost-efficiency and sustainability.
Interior designers have seen an increase in the demand for energy efficient solutions. Thus, motion-activated lights have become quite popular among BTO flat owners.
As the name suggests, motion-activated lights are turned on when somebody walks by and activates the motion sensor.
Such lights are a good choice for the porch, hallways and the front of the house. They’re obviously not that great for rooms in need of consistent illumination.
Home lights can also be integrated in the automation system. When you choose such a smart solution, you’ll be in charge of when lights are turned on and off, which parts of the house are illuminated and how intense the light is.
Intelligent home light systems incorporate smart switches (allowing for a single control for multiple lights), wire-free dimmers, home voice controls, scheduling features and smart systems that allow light adjustments on the basis of weather conditions.
It’s up to you to mix and match these components. Do some research to find out what options are available for the enhancement of your home light system. A couple of sensors can do wonder for the proper illumination and the energy-efficiency of your BTO flat.
If you’re still confused about the best upgrades and purchases for your own apartment, discuss the options with a professional.
At Home Guide, we’re ready to listen, understand your vision and bring it to reality. We work with some of the most contemporary solutions but we’re also glad to enhance classic home interiors. Take a look at our residential portfolio or contact us today to get started on BTO flat improvements.
