Somewhat retro with a touch of contemporary and modernity and a focus on functionality, mid-century modern interior design has been around for some time and its popularity is well-established. But how could something be mid-century and modern at the same time? That’s the beauty of it. A fusion of two very different concepts often delivers wonderful results.

A mid-century modern kitchen brings together modern conveniences and a lot of vintage-style cosiness. Is it the right one for your home? The answer depends on your priorities for the space. In order to make an informed choice, it’s essential to first get a good grasp of the concept and its key elements.

What Is a Mid-Century Modern Kitchen?

A mid-century modern kitchen features lots of natural materials, organic curves and flowing lines, as well as bright and sometimes even eccentric colours used in juxtaposition with the other elements. Yes, that’s a lot to look forward to. This is the reason why a mid-century modern kitchen requires a good concept and some eye for detail in order to work.

Vintage and futuristic can work really well together, as long as there’s some theme or an idea that ties everything together.

The Key Elements of Mid-Century Modern Design

If you focus on a couple of key elements, you’ll successfully bring the mid-century modern aesthetic in your home.

The first aspect of mid-century modern design is minimalism with a touch of eccentricity. Furniture is simple and ergonomic. Lots of space is left empty, allowing the room to breathe. When these things are in place, a more colourful and bright element is going to look just right and not too much.

In addition, a mid-century modern kitchen needs to mix different materials and aesthetics together. Natural options like marble and wood can be contrasted through the use of synthetics like plastic and vinyl. Modern appliances and vintage elements also create a beautiful contrast.

Originally, mid-century modern interior design focused on the beauty of outdoor spaces. Hence, it’s a good idea to try bringing some of that natural beauty in. A little herb garden in the kitchen, for example, will be a perfect addition to this interior design style.

Finally, it’s important to choose the right colour scheme. A few subdued tones that are contrasted by something much more colourful (like a neon tone, for example) will work exceptionally well. The mid-century modern colour palette is grounded in nature but it also highlights the importance of keeping things light and fun.

Is a Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Right for Your Home?

Absolutely!

Every interior design style can work really well in a modern Singaporean flat.

Choosing the right theme is all about understanding your lifestyle and the home décor elements that will enhance it.

If you like functional stuff with a touch of nostalgia, a mid-century modern kitchen is going to be a perfect choice for you.

A Few Ideas to Help You Execute a Mid-Century Modern Concept

You probably already have some vision of what mid-century modern kitchens have to look like. If you don’t, check out a few online galleries. There are lots of cool examples that will give you inspiration.

To make a mid-century modern kitchen happen, you’ll need to prioritise a couple of ideas and concepts.

Start by prioritising natural elements and materials. Wooden cabinets or laminate alternatives, a marble countertop (or a synthetic material that looks like marble), greenery and even a forest-inspired colour palette will all give you the foundations of a mid-century modern kitchen.

Next, create accents in bright and exciting colours. Hot pink, orange, bright blue – these are some excellent choices but they’re not the only ones. Obviously, such accents have to be used sparingly in order not to overpower the kitchen space.

In terms of appliances, select clean, functional and modern pieces. Select those that are energy-efficient. Choose materials like stainless steel.  To make things a bit more intriguing, you can also choose one or two vintage appliances. A retro coffee maker on the countertop will be such a fun touch that you’ll definitely enjoy in the morning.

Now’s the time to think about a couple of retro elements in your modern and clean kitchen space. These are the ones that will give it the mid-century flare.

Furniture gives you of the easiest choices, especially due to the fact that you can easily find authentic pieces in vintage shops and boutiques. A few pieces of art hung on the wall will also be a nice touch, regardless of the fact that many people don’t display paintings/prints in the kitchen.

To sum it all up, keep it authentic (a genuine vintage spice rack will be such a lovely addition to the kitchen!) but also fun. Your personality and aesthetic sense should guide you. Trust your instincts and be selective about the addition of vintage pieces. Genuine ones will make a statement, even if they’re not large and prominent.

A kitchen is one of the most important spaces in your flat so you have to get its design right. Contact Home Guide now if you’d like a professional home interior design company to help make this happen. Not only will we ace a mid-century modern concept, like we have for a variety of styles, we’ll help you bring just about any other vision to reality.

Do you have a clear vision of what the perfect bathroom looks like? That’s a great start for a home renovation project. Focusing on the vision alone, however, isn’t going to yield the results you want within a reasonable timeframe or budget.

Home renovations can be complicated, which is why you need to go through various practical considerations in advance. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, here are some of the most important things to pay attention to before getting started.

Whether the Contractor Understands Your Vision

Just because you have a very good idea about what you want and need doesn’t mean your home renovation contractor is on the same page. Don’t assume they’ve understood you perfectly. Provide details, pictures, diagrams and anything else that could shed more light on the renovation’s scope. If you have images that are reminiscent of your dream bathroom, these can be quite beneficial, as well.

Never assume that a certain aspect of the renovation is obvious. If you do, you risk getting something that you didn’t want in the first place.

The more time you spend planning and talking before the actual job begins, the better. This is also a good opportunity for you to ask questions and decide if a certain contractor is the right professional for the job.

The Cost

Nobody wants to think about money when working on the perfect home. Still, the budget is going to play an important role in determining whether your vision is achievable.

Don’t start out a project hoping for the best and expecting you’ll be capable of managing the expenses. Very often, people who aren’t trained professionals underestimate the cost of a renovation. By doing so, you can jeopardise either your family finances or your ability to complete the bathroom remodel.

Depending on the work that needs to be completed, a bathroom renovation can turn out quite expensive. That’s why you need to get a detailed quote in advance.

Reputable home renovation contractors will provide you with a very specific and detailed price breakdown. This document will help you plan the financial aspect of your renovation. It will also give you a good idea about how realistic your renovation idea is within the budget that you feel comfortable with.

If the quote is higher than what you anticipated, you could either look for an alternative contractor or try modifying the bathroom remodel with a bit of professional input.

Space Availability

Because you’re not a trained professional, you could be overdoing it with the bathroom remodel idea.

Space availability and scale have to be examined before commencing work. The things you plan to fit inside the bathroom will require some physical space. Hence, you can’t cram too many fixtures and accessories in a tiny bathroom.

Trying to work on too much will make a bathroom look and feel cluttered. Even worse, such a project may end up reducing functionality or even posing some actual dangers (that’s especially true for flat owners who don’t focus on accessibility and security).

In the world of interior design, less is often more. Start out with the essentials you absolutely must have. After these have been positioned properly and according to the bathroom’s layout, you can start planning the addition of some accessories.

Bathroom Fixtures That Will Work for You

Most people have two key considerations when choosing bathroom fixtures – comfort and water conservation.

The bathroom, just like the kitchen, is a functional space. Fixtures like the taps, the shower and the toilet are the most important ones. You will need to know the type and style of fixture that’s going to be best matched to your lifestyle and interior design preferences.

Luckily, the market has a lot to offer – get acquainted with the options in advance.

There are low-flow models, single handle, wall-mounted faucets, freestanding options, ball and disc faucets, cartridge and compression faucets and various others. Also, there are numerous materials and finishes to choose among. We have to caution, against choosing materials that are going be very high maintenance, here are some to look out for.

If you don’t know how to make up your mind, consult a home interior design company. The right renovation expert will advise you on the basis of your priorities and the specifics of the bathroom renovation project.

Potential Hidden Problems

Apart from paying attention to the obvious, try to anticipate problems that could stem from those things that never meet the eye.

Structural deficiencies, inadequate plumbing, water damage and corroded plumbing are some of the most common hidden problems. These are especially prominent in older flats. Anyone who is planning a major renovation should have the condition of the plumbing diagnosed to resolve and concealed issues when doing the rest of the work.

Dealing with these practical considerations isn’t as fun as choosing materials, colour palettes and exciting accessories that will turn your bathroom in actual spa. They, however, will help you breeze through the renovation once you get started.

Breezing through the renovation is also dependent on having the right team to back you up. Contact Home Guide now if you’d like to employ an experienced, creative, talented and open-minded team of home interior design experts. We have the knowledge and the skills to execute your vision and elevate it. Check out our residential portfolio for some more information about what we’re capable of achieving.

You have to make so many important choices when renovating your home!

In the process of home interior design, you have to start thinking about the layout, functionality, the right fixtures, the right colours, the right materials…

Speaking of materials, they’re crucial for more than one reason. Materials determine functionality, longevity and the aesthetic appeal of your renovation’s outcome. They’re also one of the biggest factors contributing to just how easy home maintenance is going to be.

Various materials can be used to create a low maintenance interior space you’re going to love. Others, however, will be tremendously demanding. No matter how pretty they are, such materials should probably be avoided or be used sparingly.

Some of the Best Renovation Materials

Before taking a look at some actual high maintenance renovation nightmares, let’s focus on the best materials first.

If you want to enjoy durability, longevity and ease of cleaning, consider the following options:

• Glass: modern tempered glass used in construction (especially in bathrooms, living rooms and kitchens) is very hardy and it can last you a lifetime without getting scratched or cracked. It’s also very suitable for the creation of frame-free panels that act as super cool and minimalist bathroom separators for your shower. Glass is also easy to clean and it’s not going to get stained.
• Wood: perfect for windows and doors, wood can last anywhere between 30 and 100 years without getting damaged (if you take good care of it). Wood can be stained, painted, varnished and lacquered. Not only do these procedures change the appearance of wood and its versatility, they give you an extra layer of protection.
• Aluminum: lightweight and durable, solid aluminum has a lifespan of 30 years and aluminum-clad windows last anywhere between 15 and 20 years. For some added versatility, it can be powder-coated. Aluminum is an especially suitable window treatment for warmer climates.
• Stainless steel: everyone knows it’s exceptionally durable but the actual lifespan of steel exceeds 100 years. It’s affordable, easy to clean, very difficult to scratch and super versatile.
• Engineered wood: it’s an especially good choice for flooring. Engineered hardwood isn’t susceptible to moisture in a way that natural hardwood is. Also, it’s less likely to get warped or become damaged with movement. These features make it an amazing choice for high traffic area.

Now that you know the good options, let’s examine the ones that come on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Natural Hardwood

While it’s considered a luxurious material, hardwood can be difficult to maintain in a pristine condition.

Some of its vulnerabilities include susceptibility to termite attacks and moisture, fairly easy to scratch, distortion with the passage of time and the potential for mould or fungal growth. When it comes to dark types of wood, some kinds of damages become even more obvious and impossible to conceal.

Wood needs constant care in order to look beautiful, new and shiny. If you don’t have the time for it, your beautiful hardwood floors could quickly get an aged appearance (and not in a good way).

Travertine

Travertine tiles are stylish and beautiful. There are lot of natural colours and variations, giving uniqueness to travertine. It’s a fairly popular choice when it comes to flooring but it has a number of shortcomings.

The first and the most important one is that travertine ranks among the most porous natural materials. As such, it can harbour dirt, dust, moisture, mould and even bacteria. To avoid such problems, you’ll need to get your travertine tiles properly sealed on a regular basis.

There’s also some risk of scratching and cracking. While travertine comes in individual tiles that can be replaced, nobody wants to deal with such issues.

The same is true for many other kinds of natural stone. Since most rocks are porous, you’ll need to think of a schedule that will allow for the regular reapplication of sealant for hygienic purposes and to also add some durability.

Bronze-Finish Bathroom Fixtures

While these look stylish and they deliver a bit of retro chic, bronze faucets are tremendously difficult to maintain.

The material is fairly easy to clean but regular maintenance is essential to prevent oxidation and lime scale formation. Scratching is also a possibility.  When it’s not maintained properly, the bronze finish can also start fading – an issue that completely ruins the beautiful appearance of these fixtures.

A Few Other High Maintenance Materials to Avoid

There are several other materials you may want to be careful with.

If you’re looking at wall materials, you may want to avoid plaster. It can be cracked and damaged easily. When damage occurs, fixing the issue can be a particularly challenging task.

Other high maintenance construction materials include granite, natural leather and canvas.

You can still make high maintenance materials work by using them in the right spots and for the right purpose. Also, keep in mind that many alternatives that are durable and very reminiscent of an actual high maintenance material do exist.

If you’re seeking the best materials to match your renovation budget and lifestyle, contact Home Guide. Not only will be consult you on the right choices, we’ll also come up with a personalised project and take care of every single execution aspect.

What do you envision when thinking about those breath-taking spreads in interior design magazines? Expensive materials? Sleek surfaces? Black design elements? All of these can bring luxury and sophistication to the table.

Black is a neutral colour that can make a powerful statement. That’s the reason why some people are hesitant about featuring it in their home interior design.

When used correctly and intentionally, however, black can result in a stunning outcome. If you don’t know how to use the tone and produce something really balanced, the following guide will provide some pointers.

Test It Out

The vision in your head isn’t necessarily going to look amazing in real life. That’s why starting out small is a great idea to test out the potential of a certain interior design element.

Black is a tone that makes an impact, even when used sparingly.

To determine if it’s going to work in your home, start with a couple of small black elements. Black cabinets in the kitchen, black frames on artwork, a few throw pillows – choose these accents to determine the potential of the colour in each of the rooms.

Remember – a little bit goes a long way with a colour like black. Tiny changes can really transform the ambiance in a room. You don’t need to go overboard with something massive or drastic to completely change the way a certain space looks or feels.

Bring It into the Furniture

Another idea focuses on larger pieces like furniture.

Black furniture looks really expensive and chic, regardless of the price tag attached to it. There is something lovely and timeless about black wood. It’s suitable for bedroom pieces, living room furniture and even kitchen or bathroom items.

By picking all of your furniture in a certain room to be black, you create consistency. The minimalist approach to tone selection works really well to add elegance. A splash of colour can be brought in through the selection of the right accessories.

This is one of the easiest ideas to execute and it’s suitable for people who lack professional knowledge in interior design and home renovation.

Apart from choosing black as the colour of your furniture, try to discover pieces that are polished and brag sleek surfaces (a matte finish would be another very interesting choice). Shiny surfaces create a minimalist feel and they look expensive. Additionally, a coat of varnish or sealant simplifies the processes of furniture cleaning and maintenance.

Create a Black Accent Wall

If you’re seeking a more unorthodox way to make black modern and appealing, try adding a black accent wall to a room of choice.

This project is a bit trickier to execute, which is why you’ll need to do some preliminary thinking and strategising.

A black accent wall, especially if the rest of the room features softer neutrals or other tones, adds timeless appeal and some drama to the space. It’s also very trendy and it can be used to break up interior design and create an effortless focal point.

As a general rule of thumb, the black accent wall should be a smaller one. Painting the longest section of the room all black can easily dominate the space in an unattractive way. There’s also some risk of making the space seem dark and gloomy.

Remember that accents shouldn’t be large and pronounced. A smaller accent wall that features black and perhaps some interesting texture will be a stylish and upscale addition to any space. It’s up to you to decide how you’re going to achieve the effect. Paint gives you a clean surface but you can also use some special products (matte, metallic, etc.). Wallpaper makes the addition of texture an effortless task.

Pair with the Right Kinds of Lights

We’ve discussed the importance of natural light and good overall lighting for every flight.

When you make black elements the star of your home décor show, good light becomes even more important.

If you have a lot of black in the room, you will need some extra light to balance out the darkening effect. Choose lots of lamps and the right kinds of fixtures/chandeliers to amplify the light. Mirrors are also a must-use because they can reflect both natural and artificial light for a brighter room.

Light colour is also something worth considering. Warm lights work really well with black elements, creating a regal, warm and inviting home. Cool tones aren’t optimal because they usually produce a more sterile environment.

A black space can seem too dark, even depressing, if the idea isn’t executed correctly. Those who lack the trained eye of a professional can go overboard so quickly. At the same time, black is a colour worth exploring because of its impact. Are you worried that you wouldn’t be capable of striking the right kind of balance? If so, contact Home Guide now.

Our team specialises in contemporary, timeless interior design solutions. Regardless of your lifestyle and preferences, we will optimise the space to meet every single need and give you some aesthetic, visual harmony. Your home deserves classiness and elegance. We can bring both and then some more!

Bookshelves are a traditional way to display your books but let’s face it – some people find traditional a bit too predictable and boring. If you’re one of these people, you’re definitely seeking an alternative way to display your favourite novels. Saving a bit of space while doing so would be an extra bonus.

Creative and space-efficient book displays are easy to achieve by employing a creative approach that’s aligned with the specifics of the respective space. Do you need some inspiration to get started with the project? Check out the suggestions below.

A Book and Art Mix

Wall displays can be so much fun and you don’t need bookshelves to feature some of the novels that you enjoy the most (or that have the most spectacular covers).

A gallery wall can feature both artworks and books. Mixing those together will give you a staple piece of décor that is eclectic and somewhat unusual.

This approach has one con – you can’t feature too many books this way. That’s why a gallery wall should be reserved for some of your biggest valuables. The rest of the books can be put in more concealed storage like a pull-out drawer or a traditional library.

A Reading Bench with Storage Underneath

Instead of thinking about a book display on its own, try to conceptualise an entire reading corner.

A reading corner can be a part of your living room or your study. Depending on the layout of the flat and your reading preferences, such a functional zone can also be created in the bedroom.

Traditionally, reading corners feature a comfy armchair, some shelves and a little table featuring some essentials and a lamp. If you want to employ a different approach, consider using a reading bench. It can be very comfortable and it comes with an added bonus. The space underneath the bench is ideal for the storage of books. You don’t need a custom piece to execute the idea – even mass-manufactured indoor benches can be transformed into a piece of reading furniture with a few minimal adjustments.

Line Them Up Against a Wall

You don’t really need any accessory or piece of furniture to display your books.

When space is too tight, you can actually stack up books against a wall.

Some people worry that such an approach is going to look like an afterthought. And this is a definite risk if the approach isn’t employed correctly.

The trick is to create the right mix of books, plants and souvenirs. Creating a few stacks that have different heights is also a good approach – these will add some movements instead of making the arrangement look boxy.

Books can also be used to create a separate functional zone. By stacking them up, you can easily separate a reading corner from the rest of the room to enjoy some privacy while going through a favourite novel.

Put Together a Headboard Library

Many people want to feature books in their bedroom as this is the place where most of the reading is done. If you’re one of these people, you’ll probably be drawn to the idea.

The space behind and above the bed is usually unutilised. More often than not, it’s reserved for some artwork and that’s it. A headboard library is the perfect mix of decorative and functional. It ensures easy access to books and it also frees up living room space for other essentials.

The trick here is to put the headboard library high enough. Books should be easy to reach and at the same time, you shouldn’t be bumping your head in the installation every single time you sit up.

As an added bonus, you can put a few additional books in a drawer underneath the bed. This space should be saved for the ones you don’t pull out that often or the ones that aren’t attractive enough to place in an open display.

As you can see, a bookshelf is just one of the possibilities but there are so many other options.

Contact Home Guide if you’re looking for a fun book display that matches your lifestyle. In fact, get in touch with us if the word “home” means everything and you want to personalise the living space in every possible way. We’ll give you precisely what you’re envisioning and then some more!

If you’re not fortunate enough to remember all the colour and excitement of the 1970s, you definitely have no idea why interior design from that decade is making a comeback.

It’s true – 1970s home décor is trending right now and there are numerous reasons why. Its richness and layering give it visual appeal and lots of depth. Many people are getting tired of the clean, functional minimalism that interior design brags today and exploring trends like cluttercore. As a result, they’re turning back to older concepts that carry a lot of warmth, charm and personality.

What Does 1970s Interior Design Look Like?

Natural materials, textures, handmade items, lots of geometric patterns and bright colours are all defining for 1970s interior design.

In fact, colour is a prime element that makes interior design from the 1970s so exciting and fun. Multi-colour concepts layered with patterns to top it all off make décor busy but in a fun way. While achieving the goal isn’t an easy task if you lack a trained eye for detail, the outcome can be tremendously surprising and smile-inducing.

Natural materials and handmade pieces also have their place in a 1970s home. Pottery, ceramics, lots of art, woven textiles and tapestries – all of these continue adding colour and cheer to one’s surroundings.

Finally, 1970s furniture is also worth pointing out.

Regardless of their shape and size, the pieces have attitude and a ton of character. Unusual curves and heights bring individualism to a world of mass-manufactured furniture pieces. Natural materials dominate once again. Wood, rattan, wicker and leather are all common choices. Artistic lines work really well with these materials and comfort is also a priority. Softness and plushness make you want to sink into a 1970s sofa – a feeling that everyone would want to experience after a long day at work.

Why Is 1970s Interior Design Trending Once Again?

A walk-in wardrobe is the ultimate space that so many fashion aficionados are dreaming about. Unfortunately, many Singaporean flats lack such a dedicated space.

Turning your box room into a walk-in wardrobe is an exciting project that will help you get your clothing items and accessories in perfect order. The best aspect of this renovation is that the transformation doesn’t require an awful lot. Some shelving will usually be sufficient to get the job done.

Start by thinking where the hanging space is going to be located. It is the focal element in a walk-in wardrobe. All of the shelving will be situated around the hanging space. Coming up with the right configuration will make your box room feel spacious and it will help you get to the belongings you need quickly.

Sliding racks and some clever cabinetry can also help maximise space. Having a good idea about the volume of stuff you want to put in the box room will allow for accurate estimation of the best storage configuration.

A Few Tips to Brings 1970s Chic in Your Home

There are many ways to go about executing a 1970s interior design project.

You can attempt recreating a genuine and authentic home from the decade. Alternatively, you can take the elements that you like and bring them in a contemporary home. In fact, bringing several different styles and trends together can result in a truly eclectic home that carries uniqueness and corresponds to your lifestyle choices.

To accomplish both, you need some restraint and an ability to build a cohesive concept around a couple of focal pieces. If you’re worried about executing a vision, work with an interior design team will make the most sense.

When thinking about the 1970s, concentrate on a few things – patterns, geometric shapes, textured materials and unique-looking furniture. Adding a unique, bold and inspiring colour scheme to the mix will result in the unorthodox and noticeable home décor you’re probably envisioning in your dreams.

Biophilic accents are also very important, plus they invite nature into urban life.

Finally, consider planning a treasure hunt.

Genuine retro pieces from the 1970s can be discovered in vintage shops, as well as on flea markets. To explore and identify such pieces effortlessly, however, you’ll need to first educate on what 1970s furniture and accessories looked like.

Getting a carpenter to create custom pieces inspired by the 1970s is another way to approach the project, especially if you have come across a certain design you enjoy a lot and would like to recreate.

And finally, remember that 1970s interior design is extra. It’s all about colour on top of texture on top of pattern. Still, you will need to be strategic about the excess. Layers can start looking really chaotic and cluttered if you lack a concept to tie everything together.

Contact Home Guide now to come up with such a concept. Not only do we understand genuine period-inspired interior design, we also know how to personalise such a concept and turn it into a great match for your flat. Let us know which decade you’d like to go back to and we’d be happy to make that journey down memory lane with you.

Give Yourself a Powder Room

A powder room is often considered a bit of an outdated concept but it can become a really fun and relaxing personal space for you to enjoy.

Traditionally, powder rooms were the spaces where guests freshened up after a long journey, before spending some quality time with the hosts. Hence, a powder room has bathroom elements and it can also be designed as a boudoir or even a home spa.

A small space is perfect for a powder room because this one doesn’t need all the fixtures a traditional bathroom has.

If you’d like to create the illusion of more space, opt for an all-white colour scheme. The strategic placement of mirrors is also a good choice. The reflected light will make the powder room seem larger and much more inviting.

Fun and Tiny Playroom

Anyone who has a kid knows that space in the flat is never enough for a little explorer.

A box room can be transformed into a fun play area. Elements should be chosen to correspond to a child’s age but they should also offer a bit of versatility, increasing the lifespan of the room.

Multi-purpose pieces are a great choice (and they’re also awesome in a child’s bedroom). Pull-out furniture is also a suitable idea because it leaves enough space for play time. As far as storage is concerned, go vertical rather than horizontal. A wall can even be used to paint a game board – an additional space saver that will completely transform the experience.

A Few Bonus Ideas

As you can see, a box room can be so many different things. And we’ve barely scratched the surface of all the possibilities.

If you’re looking for an alternative suggestion, here are a few. A box room can be turned into a nursery for a baby, a dressing room, a creativity or hobby space, a perfectly organised utility room or even a workshop.

Do you have a certain concept that you really like but don’t know how to execute? Contact Home Guide and we’ll make it happen for you. Personalised projects that are tailored to one’s lifestyle are our forte – check out our residential portfolio to get a better understanding of our style and versatility.

As the name suggests, a box room is tiny. As such, it is often under-utilised. A box room, however, can offer quite a lot in terms of storage space and versatility. If you have no idea what we’re talking about, the following guide will give you a clearer view of the concept.

What Is a Box Room?

A box room is usually one of the smallest spaces in the house. Typically, it is used as a storage room or a guest bedroom. In a HDB flat that would be your bomb shelter. Because of its small size, the box room can host a limited number of furniture pieces. This is the reason why the potential uses can seem very limited at first.

Traditionally, box rooms have been used to house everything that doesn’t fit in another part of the flat.

Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, however, many people across the world started thinking about a transformation. Spending more time at home means needing a number of extra things inside the flat. This is why many box rooms have been transformed into studies, home gyms or even meditation/wellness spaces.

Using a box room as a storage space is always a good choice but it’s not necessarily optimal. If you want to add value to your flat, broaden your horizons a bit and give your box room a functional makeover.

A Walk-In Wardrobe

A walk-in wardrobe is the ultimate space that so many fashion aficionados are dreaming about. Unfortunately, many Singaporean flats lack such a dedicated space.

Turning your box room into a walk-in wardrobe is an exciting project that will help you get your clothing items and accessories in perfect order. The best aspect of this renovation is that the transformation doesn’t require an awful lot. Some shelving will usually be sufficient to get the job done.

Start by thinking where the hanging space is going to be located. It is the focal element in a walk-in wardrobe. All of the shelving will be situated around the hanging space. Coming up with the right configuration will make your box room feel spacious and it will help you get to the belongings you need quickly.

Sliding racks and some clever cabinetry can also help maximise space. Having a good idea about the volume of stuff you want to put in the box room will allow for accurate estimation of the best storage configuration.

Turn the Box Room into a Home Office

This idea has been mentioned briefly into the intro but it’s such a great concept that a little bit of additional elaboration is warranted.

A home office is becoming more demanded than ever before with  more employees enjoying some workplace flexibility. And even if you don’t work from home, such a space can still be utilised in a number of ways. It can be the perfect spot for your child’s learning activities. A home office can also be used to read and concentrate on important tasks (especially if you lack another quiet space).

The perfect home office doesn’t need to be big. In fact, you can feature a foldable desk and turn the box room into a multi-purpose one.

Give Yourself a Powder Room

A powder room is often considered a bit of an outdated concept but it can become a really fun and relaxing personal space for you to enjoy.

Traditionally, powder rooms were the spaces where guests freshened up after a long journey, before spending some quality time with the hosts. Hence, a powder room has bathroom elements and it can also be designed as a boudoir or even a home spa.

A small space is perfect for a powder room because this one doesn’t need all the fixtures a traditional bathroom has.

If you’d like to create the illusion of more space, opt for an all-white colour scheme. The strategic placement of mirrors is also a good choice. The reflected light will make the powder room seem larger and much more inviting.

Fun and Tiny Playroom

Anyone who has a kid knows that space in the flat is never enough for a little explorer.

A box room can be transformed into a fun play area. Elements should be chosen to correspond to a child’s age but they should also offer a bit of versatility, increasing the lifespan of the room.

Multi-purpose pieces are a great choice (and they’re also awesome in a child’s bedroom). Pull-out furniture is also a suitable idea because it leaves enough space for play time. As far as storage is concerned, go vertical rather than horizontal. A wall can even be used to paint a game board – an additional space saver that will completely transform the experience.

A Few Bonus Ideas

As you can see, a box room can be so many different things. And we’ve barely scratched the surface of all the possibilities.

If you’re looking for an alternative suggestion, here are a few. A box room can be turned into a nursery for a baby, a dressing room, a creativity or hobby space, a perfectly organised utility room or even a workshop.

Do you have a certain concept that you really like but don’t know how to execute? Contact Home Guide and we’ll make it happen for you. Personalised projects that are tailored to one’s lifestyle are our forte – check out our residential portfolio to get a better understanding of our style and versatility.

The perfect human and pet-friendly home takes some interior design planning. Making every member of the household feel comfortable isn’t such an easy task when individual needs differ greatly. Is it possible for both pet owners and their four-legged pals to feel great sharing the same home space? The short answer is yes, as long as the power of home interior design is employed correctly.

Make the Right Textile Selections

Choosing appropriate textiles is one of the most important things you’ll need to decide about when you’re a pet owner.

Poor selections aren’t just going to look out of place, they can also be tremendously impractical. You don’t want anything that will end up collecting a ton of fur or that will reveal the smallest of stains.

Velvet, velour and corduroy are all examples of textiles that pet owners should keep out of their home. All of these are unbelievable hair magnets. And if the colour is very different from what your four-legged pal is bragging, you’ll end up with an interior that looks shabby for all of the wrong reasons.

Silk and satin aren’t great choices, either. These can easily get damaged, especially if your pets enjoy vigorous and energetic play time.

Some good fabric choices for pet owners include leather, faux leather and most kinds of synthetic textiles. They’re durable, smooth and easy to clean. On top of that, you’ll have a good range of colours and textures to choose among. As a result, your interior will be easy to maintain and good-looking at the same time.

Be Careful about Wooden Furniture

While it looks awesome and adds a lot of warmth to the home, wooden furniture is far from optimal when kittens and puppies are involved.

Anyone who has ever owned a dog will tell you that wood can be clawed at or chewed effortlessly. As a result, your expensive new coffee table will soon be bragging a jagged leg – an “upgrade” that you definitely wouldn’t be too happy about.

You can still feature wood as an element in your home. Just make sure that metal finishes or encasing are used to house the wooden component. Metal legs aren’t that easy to damage and as such, they’re an ideal choice for pet owners. On top of that, a metal and wood combo looks incredibly elegant. It fits most interior design concepts and delivers a ton of versatility to the flat.

Wicker and rattan are two other natural materials you need to be very cautious about using. They’re easier to chew through than wood and as a result, the damage that a pup can cause will be significant.

Consider Putting Together an Entire Pet Station

A pet station is a cool and functional interior design element that fits the overall project. If style matters to you, chances are that you don’t want to have mismatched pet furniture and accessories just sitting around. Putting together an entire pet station makes it easy to maintain consistency throughout the flat.

Simply put, a pet station is a niche or a little functional zone that houses your pet’s belongings. It can be a pull-out space or it can be positioned in an area that will remain under-utilised otherwise (under the staircase, in a corner, under a table).

Some people replace a single cabinet in the living room with a pet station that houses a pet bed and built-in food and water bowls, for example. A painted frame and a fabric in the same colour as the upholstery of furniture make the pet station a good match to the rest of the home.

It’s also a good idea to consider having at least one cabinet or shelf in the pet station. It will be a great choice for housing toys, accessories, grooming belongings and other pet essentials.

Practical Flooring

Finally, we need to talk about optimal flooring choices for pet owners.

Just like in the case of textiles and furniture, some materials are a big no-no. Thick, shaggy carpets (especially if they come in light colours) aren’t the ones that will make your life easier. Coming home after a rainy day walk will mean definite carpet destruction.

Hardwood floors should also be avoided. Claws can easily create scratches and dents that will damage the expensive material beyond repair.

If you insist on having a hardwood floor, choose harder options like oak and mahogany.

For easy cleaning and maintenance, however, do consider alternative materials.

Ceramic tiles are ideal for pet owners. Laminate is another versatile, beautiful and easy to clean flooring choice.

As a pet owner, you’ll definitely need to get creative with some of the typical décor choices. Various materials and accessories aren’t practical and you’ll need to come up with clever replacements. Luckily, the home improvement market features dozens of choices that make it easy to bring together style and practical appeal.

Contact Home Guide if you want a bit of guidance and the professional execution of the entire renovation. We know what home owners (and their four-legged pals want). We also understand the functional strengths and weaknesses of every single choice. Based on this extensive know-how and the residential work we’ve done through the years, we’ll carry out a project bound to surpass your expectations.

Every now and then, a new trend emerges to shake up the world of interior design. Some last, some go into oblivion as fast as they become popular. Cluttercore is a recent trend but is it destined to thrive in the long run?

We know what you’re thinking – clutter isn’t something that’s meant to be glorified or even tolerated in the world of home interior design. So why is an entire trend named after it? What exactly is cluttercore and how does it correspond to the most important principles of quality design?

What Is Cluttercore?

If it were to be summed up briefly, cluttercore will probably be labelled an anti-minimalist interior design style.

Cluttercore is inspired by interior design maximalism. At the same time, it’s not just a pile of clutter sitting around. Cluttercore is rich and intentional, creating a sense of cosiness and homely comfort. Usually, it focuses on objects, knickknacks and décor pieces that have some sort of value (be it emotional, aesthetic or historical).

While the term clutter usually means a mess, cluttercore is anything but. There’s a strategy to the placement of items, resulting in a neat yet rich home.  Think of it as organised chaos, if such a thing really could exist.

Because of its richness and colour, cluttercore is trending massively on social media right now. Numerous TikTok content creators are focusing their videos on cluttercore. If you want to learn a bit more about it, you can check out Pinterest, Instagram and other favourite social networks. There are tons of pictures and clips out there.

Making a cluttercore home look and feel photoshoot-worthy isn’t such a simple task. You need to follow a number of rules but you also should have an eye for detail in order to achieve the final result without heading into the realm of actually cluttered and overwhelming.

What’s the Difference Between Cluttercore and Maximalism

That’s a valid question – after all, cluttercore is heavily inspired by the maximalist trend.

Maximalism is about richness in all aspects of interior design. It brags colours, patterns, textures, eclectic pieces. Cluttercore, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on the collection of items. It’s much more object-oriented than focused on many colours or a large selection of materials.

Cluttercore is also somewhat based on cottagecore – an interior design style that we’ve talked about before. Cottagecore is all about comfort and nostalgia. It’s also based on natural materials, vintage furniture and art pieces. Many cluttercore fans collect cottagecore items, which brings the two trends very close together.

Tips to Make a Cluttercore Home Feel Chic and Trendy

Now that you’re inspired by the charming aspects of cluttercore, you’re probably thinking about ways to bring it into your home.

When thinking about cluttercore, focus on the creation of layers and the addition of depth to each room. Cluttercore is mismatched in the best way possible. Bring together different items from different periods or belonging to an array of styles. Find a unifying element or a style – a material, a colour, even a motif. Eccentric is good, colourful is also great. A hodgepodge isn’t something to worry about, especially if these disparate pieces seem to “fit” with each other.

If you’re worried about executing an all-encompassing cluttercore concept, start out small. Creating “pockets” of clutter will make it easier for you to test out the trend and determine if it’s the right one for your home.

Random clutter is just that – clutter. Start out with a table or a shelf featuring lots of pictures or favourite souvenirs. Try to arrange those in a way that makes sense – in a line or in a grouping based on some attribute, for example.

Cluttercore should be joyful, the perfect eye feast. When you start out with a single arrangement, you can begin savouring the excess and thinking of larger ways to bring it into your flat.

Finally, if you have favourite possessions that you’ve kept tucked inside shelves and drawers, you should definitely bring those out.

As already mentioned, cluttercore is about displaying your collection, your most beloved possessions that you’ve kept hidden for the sake of easy cleaning and home maintenance. The more emotionally attached you are to these pieces, the better. Having some sort of connection to items will make it so easy for you to determine the perfect display spot for every single piece.

With time, you’ll see your home evolve just like its cottagecore interior. Some collectables will disappear, others will come to replace them. Go with the flow and enjoy the process. Just remember to make arrangements intentional and to leave lots of clean space. It’s a needed element to let rooms breathe and feel ordered regardless of the excess.

Styling a cluttercore home takes some trial and error. It’s also about finding the quality, beautiful pieces that make sense within the context of your surroundings. Executing such a project, especially if you lack the trained eye of an interior design professional, can be a serious challenge.

Let us help you bring this kind of excitement into your home right now. Contact Home Guide to start out a fun and adventurous transformation. Whether you are looking bring cottagecore to your large spanking 5-room-bto renovation or for a super cosy renovation of your 2-room BTO, we’d be honoured to join you on the journey, helping you bring dreams to reality.

Ever since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve learned a very important lesson – being at home should be pleasurable and fulfilling. The pandemic made us spend more time than ever before in our homes. For many, they became a place for living, working, exercising and practising favourite activities while socially distancing.

Covid-19 also increased the focus on wellness as a part of interior design. Wellness, however, is a rather general term that means a lot of different things to different people.

This is why a number of at-home wellness trends have come into existence and they’re currently dominating home renovation projects. If you’re looking for opportunities to upgrade your living space, here are a few of the wellness ideas worth exploring.

A Complete At-Home Concept

Usually, a wellness corner is incorporated in the interior design of a single room – as a part of the living room or the bedroom, for example.

Over the past few years, however, more people are starting to make the switch to a wellness-centric home. Wellness is present in all parts of the residential space and it acts as a unified theme that ties the interior design of the home together.

Imagine being into well-paced, intentional and conscious living. If so, you’d want it to be featured in every single room. Natural materials, comfortable furniture, breath-taking views of the landscape revealed through large windows, a bedroom that’s turned into a relaxation boudoir, the absence of television (or minimal placement of multimedia appliances), a reading corner – all of these work together to ensure opportunities the home owner will want to enjoy every single day.

If wellness is really important to you, think about how you want to enjoy it every single day. When you have a clear concept in mind, you’ll get to decide about the specific décor elements that will bring the concept to your living space.

Indoor Gardens and Lots of Greenery

Plants aren’t just beautiful to look at, they play an important role in the execution of a wellness concept. Bringing nature into your home has a calming effect. Such serenity is important for many people who are forced to cope with the fast-paced city life.

Potted plants are typical for urban dwellers but some are taking the idea a step further.

If you have enough space, the creation of an indoor garden will really give you a lot to look forward to when coming home after a busy office day.

An indoor garden can be decorative or you can even consider growing your own fruits and veggies in a city environment. And even if you don’t have a lot of space, there are still possibilities. Hydroponic systems make it easy to grow plants without needing soil. These systems also minimise the use of pesticides and fertilisers, contributing to cleaner and much easier plant growing.

A Focus on Clear Air

For some people, wellness is about the creation of optimal, healthy living conditions.

One of the biggest problems in the city is air pollution. Gases, dust and dirt particles all reduce air quality and can contribute to a range of respiratory issues.

That’s why 2022 at-home wellness puts special emphasis on air purity.

A simple way to get cleaner air at home has already been discussed – plants aren’t just beautiful to look at. They’re functional in their ability to clean air. In fact, NASA experts have determined which decorative plants have the most powerful air purifying qualities. The list includes popular species like areca palm, snake plant, spider plant, gerbera daisies, aloe vera and dracaena.

Good AC systems also play an important role. And if you choose an energy efficient air conditioner, you’ll get an excellent return on investment.

Cleaner air is also about choosing low VOC paints and sealants, as well as other home renovation products that are free from harmful chemicals.

Colour Psychology

We have already discussed colour psychology and how different tones have the power to influence mood and even health.

Because colours are so important, more home owners and interior designers are putting colour schemes under the magnifying glass in 2022.

When making colour choices, don’t just focus on how pretty a certain scheme looks. You should also think of the way colours impact you – are they calming, stimulating, inspiring, romantic? Which room are you renovating? The colour selection for the bedroom shouldn’t be the same one you make for the home office.

But don’t just think about the theory of colour psychology. Personalise the colour scheme and select tones that make you feel happy. Some people like yellow because it’s the colour they associate with sunlight. Others like blue – like the sky and the sea. It’s really up to you to make those connections and bring positive, exciting tones into your living space.

These are just a few facets of wellness-inspired at-home interior design in 2022. Needless to say, wellness can be a whole lot more – nourishment, good communication, perfect acoustics for the music lovers, thermal comfort, mindfulness, sustainability and even innovation through relevant tech selection.

If you have a very specific idea of what wellness means to you but you don’t know how to execute that idea at home, contact Home Guide for our home renovation services. We love personalised projects that challenge us and get us thinking outside the box. Check out our residential portfolio for a better idea about what we’re capable of.