Just like the home kitchen, the laundry room is a functional zone. This doesn’t mean, however, its design has to be entirely practical. A laundry room can be stylish and functional at the same time to fit in with home interior design. To accomplish both goals, however, you have to consider the specifics of the space and the ways in which its going to get utilised.

When coming up with a laundry room design, keep the following ideas in mind in order to make the space perfect for its purpose and aesthetically-pleasing.

Focus on Storage First

Laundry rooms often look messy because lots of things have to be kept inside of them. Clothing hampers, hangers, laundry supplies, cleaning tools, ironing boards and various others will need to find their place inside the laundry room.

To make interior design great, focus on smart storage before choosing anything else for the room.

Cabinets, open shelves, folding storage units and even ceiling storage cells will be much-needed in the laundry room. If the space is fairly small, go vertical instead of horizontal. Placing shelves above each other will help you organise essentials neatly and keep them readily available.

White Is Not The Only Colour

Many people will keep the laundry room all white. While such a colour scheme looks pristine, it lacks personality and gives off a vibe of sterility.

The right colour scheme can bring this utilitarian area to life. Deep green or sky blue are both vibrant choices that will immediately “lift” and transform the overall execution.

Needless to say, these aren’t the only colours worth exploring.

You can match the laundry room colour scheme to the rest of the apartment. You can go for something completely different. It’s really up to you to add a bit of brightness to the room. Colour can be added through wall paint, textiles or storage units that are painted in the respective tone. The only elements that will be free from colour are going to be the appliances.

To take it a step further, choose patterned wallpaper or use stencils to add graphic elements to the walls. While a bit quirky, such designs will definitely make your laundry room unique and fun.

Quality Materials

Stylishness and beauty aren’t always about loud colours and bold décor. Sometimes, luxurious and beautiful materials will be enough to bring a concept to life.

Natural wood, stone, marble and metal will give your laundry room the visual appeal that you desire.

If you choose hardwood (for example – cabinetry), make sure that it’s away from the washing machine and the sink. We suggesting using laminates that mimic the material you like for this area instead of actual wood. Laundry rooms tend to be quite humid. Materials that aren’t water-proof can get damaged in such environment. Wood can be protected through the addition of varnish. Furthermore, the right colour will transform plain wooden planks into something much more exciting.

As far as flooring goes, tiles are a typical choice for a laundry room.

Tiles today, however, are available in all shapes and sizes. You can go for classic tiles or ones that resemble another material. There are such beautiful options out there that they will create the perfect illusion.

Install a Large, Deep Sink in the Laundry Room

We’ve already mentioned a sink as a part of the laundry room’s design and here’s why you need to have one.

Sometimes, you’ll have to treat stains before throwing clothes in the washing machine. Some delicates will need to be hand-washed. A sink also allows you to do some easy cleanup every once in a while.

To make the design practical, place the sink next to the washing machine. Choose a variety that’s deep enough to accommodate even larger clothing pieces and home textiles without a ton of water spilling.

Don’t Forget Proper Illumination

Very often, laundry rooms lack windows or they’re positioned in a part of the residential space that isn’t properly illuminated.

Proper lighting selection will add some brightness and also highlight key functional areas.

Spot lights above the sink will help you identify stains easily and treat them before actually washing clothes.

Ceiling lights should come in warm, inviting tones. Go for energy-efficient lights, just like you should in the rest of the house. Such bulbs are very long-lived and they’ll save you a ton of money on your electricity bills. And while the laundry room isn’t the one you’ll be spending most of your time in, it’s still a good idea to choose consistency when planning the sustainability of your home.

Speaking of sustainability, energy-efficient appliances are always a good idea, as well.

When in Doubt, Keep It Simple

If you don’t know how to approach this interior design project, focus on simplicity. All elements that have no functional role should be kept out of the laundry room  while focusing on the key points above will make a world of difference – storage, colour, materials, a wash sink and proper illumination.

Simple and clean is always beautiful to look at. This is especially important for small spaces that can start feeling cramped in a matter of seconds.

Are you clueless about laundry room design? Does your flat lack the space for the placement of a separate laundry room? Home Guide is the best interior design company in Singapore to you design,  plan and execute your next home renovation in Singapore. And we can most definitely help you plan and execute the perfect laundry room concept. Contact us now and we’ll get started on your project immediately.

Plants are beautiful and so pleasant to look at. How many times have you imagined putting together the perfect home garden consisting of flowers, greenery and even a few exotic species? Unfortunately, all of your home garden projects have come to an abrupt end so far when the plants died. It’s simply not in your blood to keep flowers alive!

You’re not alone in facing difficulties with potted plants.

The good news is that you can still enjoy greenery without having to worry about anything losing its foliage, drying up or drowning in too much water. You’ll need to get somewhat creative but the outcome will definitely be worth the effort.

Give Plants a Try with Low Maintenance Species

Before looking at the other ways to add greenery to your home, let’s talk about low maintenance plants.

Chances are that your gardening efforts have been failing due to the fact you chose the wrong plants. Some species are very sensitive to light, fertilization, pruning and watering conditions. If you don’t get things right, you’ll most definitely lose those plants.

Other species are much less fickle. They can survive without being watered for prolonged periods of time and they don’t need a lot of sunlight in order to thrive. Some of these low maintenance plant species include snake plant, pothos, spider plant, succulents, most kinds of air plants, monstera and philodendrons. Most of these also look really good and you’ll definitely enjoy the beauty of your brand new, low-maintenance garden.

Faux Plants

Faux plants are an obvious replacement but many people would avoid their addition to their home interior. The reason is simple – in the past, faux plants used to look really tacky and some think it is bad for Feng Shui. They had a terrible plastic feel to them, which made such décor elements look cheap and very artificial.

Faux plants today are very different from their predecessors.

If you look online or visit a home décor store in Singapore such as Spotlight of Ikea, you’ll come across dozens of choices. Made of different materials, such plants are really lifelike and difficult to distinguish from actual greenery.

Faux plants don’t require any care (well, you’ll still need to dust them every once in a while) and if you have the budget, you can easily create an entire wall out of them. Just choose the varieties that are best suited to your home interior design and come up with a balanced arrangement that complements the rest of the décor.

Dried Flowers and Leaves

Dried floral arrangements are also quite long-lived. They’re not as durable as faux plants but often, such bouquets or arrangements can have a really artistic feel to them.

Many shop sell dried flowers, grasses and leaves. These are available in the form of bouquets, individual pieces you can mix and match yourself or even framed “artworks.”

Some dried flowers like lavender, for example, will also add a lovely scent to your home’s interior.

Dried flowers can last up to one year if you take proper care of them. That’s a wonderful fact because you’ll be free from having to think about replacements often. Additionally, you can change things up every once in a while to give your décor a fresh upgrade.

Grow Moss on a Wall

Greenery in the form of a moss wall is super fun and almost entirely maintenance-free.

Moss doesn’t need watering or fertilization. You can simply mist it once or twice per week and it will be good to go.

Creating a DIY moss garden is very easy, even if you’re not the best at keeping potted plants alive. And if you don’t have the time or the desire to handle such a project on your own, you can always get a florist to help you with creating that beautiful green spot in your home.

Use Textiles, Wallpapers or Art

Finally, you can use traditional décor elements to create the feeling of greenery at home.

Printed textiles and wallpapers give you the easiest choices. At the same time, these décor elements are large enough to make the greenery visible and prominent.

Alternatively, you can choose artwork that depicts plants or other natural elements. This isn’t greenery per-se but it will most definitely contribute to the home vibe you’re going for.

Nature-inspired art can also be abstract rather than hyper-realistic. What matters is getting those green hues and the earthiness of the outdoors. Don’t be afraid of exploring different kinds of art and going for what you enjoy the most. By doing so, you’ll remain true to your vision and you’ll also have a lovely green element to enjoy.

Bouquets and Natural Displays

If you like the appearance of actual plants, you can easily have those at home without needing to care for them in the long-run.

A beautiful floral bouquet will last you a week or so. it’s also very easy to pick some beautiful leaves or a couple of branches and create your own temporary green arrangement.

It’s always a good idea to use your imagination and bring the outdoor elements you like the most in your home.

And if you don’t know how to do so in an aesthetic way, you can always employ some assistance.

The Home Guide interior design team has you covered. We know how to make your home both green and low-maintenance. Contact us today to discover the secret for yourself.

You don’t need to be a classically-trained artist to “hang” a gallery wall at home.

The term gallery wall is actually quite all-encompassing. It can refer to paintings, photographs, posters, prints or any other form of visual expression that you enjoy. A gallery wall usually consists of multiple framed (or not) pieces that cover a fairly large surface area. This way, the impact of an individual piece is multiplied and the overall effect is much more impressive.

Putting together a gallery wall is all about your individual preferences (and keeping the rest of the room clean to point attention towards the artwork on the wall). Still, if you need a bit of guidance to execute the project successfully, you can count on a few simple and practical tips.

Let The Theme Guide You

Many people think they need to have art pieces belonging to the same style or colour scheme in order to ensure gallery wall consistency.

This is one way to look at the project but it’s not the only option.

You’ll find it much easier to design and hang a gallery wall by coming up with a topic or a theme.

Because you’re using multiple visual pieces, you could be telling a story. Go for something personal, emotional, touching or inspirational. It’s really up to you to decide what message you’re going to deliver. When you have an overall concept, you’ll find it much easier to select individual visual pieces that work together as a collective.

Picture Perfect Placement

It’s a good idea to come up with a placement pattern before hanging the gallery wall.

There are templates you can use for the purpose. Alternatively, know the dimensions and orientation of each art piece.  This information will help you determine the kind of placement that will work best.

In some instances, people will go for linear placement or a grid. This gallery wall is very structured and mathematically precise. The individual pieces are aligned with each other and the space between an artwork and another one is consistent.

Alternatively, you can opt for placement that seems random but isn’t really so. A vertical piece could be placed next to a horizontal one. What matters here is having some sort of structure to follow. Proper planning will help you populate the space in an aesthetic way, without making one section of the wall or another too heavy on artwork.

By determining the placement in advance, you’ll also get to decide what kinds of frames are best and how big each individual frame should be.

Let the Frames Make a Statment

Speaking of frames, they could also tell a story and help you achieve an even more dramatic effect.

There are so many possibilities to explore when it comes to framing art.

Traditional, ornate wooden frames add opulence and some bohemian charm to your gallery wall. If the artworks themselves are very colourful and detailed, simple and clean frames would work best. You can also feature frames that have different colours and shapes (squares, triangles, rectangles) to make the overall statement much more dynamic and engaging.

If you don’t know how to approach framing, consider buying art pieces that are already professionally framed. Alternatively, get some help from an interior design professional. Frames could enforce a particular interior design style, which is why you’d want to make the right selection.

Try a Mixed Media Gallery Wall

Sometimes, you’ll do a ton of research to discover inspiration. Still, traditional gallery walls aren’t going to tickle your fancy. You’ll experience the sort of disconnect that tells you the styling is simply not the best idea for your home.

In such instances, you may want to experiment with gallery wall ideas that are a bit more unorthodox.

A mixed media gallery wall is one such opportunity.

Mixed media refers to combining different kinds of artworks and not just paintings. Your gallery wall could feature pictures, ceramics, wall sculptures, mosaic pieces, pottery, textiles and anything else that stylistically enhances the overall idea.

There are many tremendous mixed media executions you can see by doing a simple online search. While ensuring visual consistency is a bit more difficult with this kind of gallery wall, the final result can be truly stunning if you play your cards right.

Break the Rules

This is our final tip and more often than not, it produces amazing results.

Most people would place a gallery wall behind the sofa in the living room. Instead of doing so, choose an entire wall that’s visible and cover it from top to bottom.

Alternatively, hang empty frames that don’t contain any artwork at all. This unusual idea will make such a massive statement that you wouldn’t need anything else to make the living room décor complete.

Don’t be afraid of being bold and out there. If you believe in the concept and it’s not just a snobbish attempt to do something different, the outcome will be raw and emotionally-impactful.

At Home Guide, we’re ready to get inspired by your ideas and take them to the next level. Don’t be afraid of sharing your gallery wall concept with us. We’d be honoured to bring the vision to reality. Contact us now to start working on a more artistic and inspiring living space together.

A kitchen renovation can be an expensive endeavour. Some recent estimates suggest that a kitchen upgrade in Singapore can cost you anywhere between 10,000 and 15,000 dollars. That’s the sum needed for a total overhaul involving every part of the room.

Luckily, there are opportunities you can employ to reduce the cost.

Finding your focus and getting creative can both help you save some money and still get the outcome that you desire. It’s also a good idea to work with a professional home interior design company. While you may think that such a partnership is going to be costly, interior designers can come up with a highly personalised project that takes your budget into account create magic with it.

Work With The Existing Kitchen Layout

Before looking at specific approaches aimed at reducing the cost of a kitchen renovation, let’s look at the big picture.

One of the decisions that will contribute to a very expensive kitchen remodel is a complete change of the existing kitchen layout.

If you decide to reposition everything, you’ll probably need to handle plumbing changes (to bring the pipes to where they need to be), some demolition and reconstruction. All of this work will require materials, as well as numerous hours of labour.

Are you happy with the current layout? If so, keep it! A huge impact can be made by focusing on a new colour scheme, refreshing the cabinets, countertops, lighting and upgrading appliances. These changes are much more affordable and quicker to make than a complete layout change.

Give Your Old Cabinets a Second Life

You no longer like the cabinetry that you have in your kitchen? There’s no need to replace the old cabinets in order to enjoy a brand new vision for your space.

A single cabinet can cost anywhere between 80 and 180 dollars, depending on the material and the size. Now, multiply that sum by the number of cabinets you need. Chances are that you’ll get a big sum that’s really not a necessary type of expenditure.

Old kitchen cabinets can be renovated and their appearance is very easy to transform.

Adding a fresh coat of varnish will give you the beautiful visual of natural wood. Alternatively, you can paint the cabinets in a colour that you enjoy to modernise the overall kitchen concept.

There’s one more easy, quick and affordable option for upgrading the existing cabinetry. Getting new hardware is a wonderful idea and it doesn’t cost a lot. A dramatic new handle can completely overhaul the appearance of old cabinets.

Find Alternatives for Expensive Materials

A luxurious, modern kitchen uses materials like marble, stainless steel and natural wood. These materials, however, rank among the most expensive ones.

You can get the appearance of such costly materials by opting for high quality replacements.

Over the course of our career, we’ve executed multiple residential renovation projects involving the use of materials like laminate that look like marble, granite or wood. When the right replacement is chosen, it will look expensive and authentic. Additionally, synthetic materials that look like natural ones can be much easier to maintain in a pristine condition.

Do work with an interior designer on the selection of such replacement materials. A renovation contractor in Singapore that is also an expert in home interior design will know which ones look best and will deliver the highest return on investment. If you just buy cheap supplies on your own, you’ll probably end up regretting the decision (and renovating your kitchen once again in the near future due to quality issues). Learn about the high-low method here.

Consider Kitchen Upgrades That Will Save You Money

Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront makes sense if such a decision is going to help you save money in the long-run.

There are ways to make your kitchen more sustainable and energy efficient, reducing your utility bills in a noticeable way.

Low-flow kitchen faucets and energy-efficient lights sound like simple replacements but they will have a massive impact. A low-flow faucet saves 5.7 litres of water per minute of use. That’s quite a lot and it will quickly add up.

Energy-efficient appliances are also worth considering. True, you will need to spend a decent amount of money on such when planning the renovation. But here’s a simple example to convince you of the benefits – seven per cent of your household’s electricity consumption goes to running a fridge. And that’s if you’re using an energy-efficient model. Older fridges consumed about 14 per cent of the overall household electric use. With an average life expectancy of 15 to 17 years, an energy-efficient fridge will definitely pay itself off in the form of a reduced electricity bill.

And that’s just one appliance you could replace. Energy-efficient washers, ovens, dryers, etc. can contribute to even more impressive savings.

As you can see, it’s not difficult (or expensive) to get creative with your kitchen renovation. In fact, expanding the original vision and looking beyond the obvious choices can help you get an outstanding outcome that’s much more affordable than a standard renovation.

Getting started with a personalised, properly budgeted kitchen upgrade can be daunting. Are you lacking a vision and the inspiration to make that project your own? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d plan and execute a beautiful, energy efficient and cost effective brand new kitchen for you  without compromising quality.

It’s a brand new year and the time has come for a 2022 resolution. Are you thinking about improving your living space? If so, the number one thing to do is get rid of clutter.

Clutter isn’t just unpleasant to look at, it can also have more profound mental health consequences. Studies show that clutter reduces productivity and it can also make you feel stressed out. Right now, we’re spending more time at home than ever before. It’s essential to put together living spaces that inspire and heal. Getting rid of clutter will thus turn into a key priority.

Even if you live in a smaller apartment like a 2-room BTO, there are powerful ways to become more organised and get rid of stuff that’s been piled on surfaces around the home. The following guide will acquaint you with some of the best decluttering strategies to employ this January.

Is There Anything You Can Get Rid of?

Adding clever storage solutions to your home is a great idea but before doing so, try engaging in another process.

The first step towards effective decluttering is taking inventory of your belongings and deciding what you can get rid of – one of the first steps in the KonMari method.

Over time, we tend to accumulate lots of stuff that we don’t really need and that we no longer use.

Souvenirs, home décor items, clothes, shoes, magazines, books, electronics, houseware and collectables can easily take over the interior design. Items that you once found useful and beautiful are now simply there because of habit and emotional attachment.

Try to take a detached look at your home. If you can’t, an interior design professional can consult you and help you pinpoint the pieces worth keeping. Everything else can be donated or sold to open up some space and allow the flat to breathe.

Clear Out Your Storage Space, As Well

What does your storage space hold right now? Chances are that it keeps lots of items you no longer need and will not be using in your life again.

If you’re going to be doing decluttering for the new year, you will have to involve your storage space, as well.

Storage spaces will slowly start to accumulate lots of… well… junk. Gifts you received but don’t like, questionable art, clothes that no longer fit, extra utensils, tools and so much more will simply be hidden there. Chances are that you’ve actually forgotten about many of these items.

Open up the closet and the cabinets and take a good look inside.

Your storage space should be organised in order to help you control the living environment in your flat. If it’s been a few years since you last cleared it out, the time has come for some retrospection and storage decluttering.

Minimise Your Storage Space

Once you’ve cleared out the storage space, try minimising it.

This tip may sound counter-intuitive but it’s actually the best approach to adopt in the beginning of the new year.

Buying new storage bins and shelves will simply prompt you to fill those out with more stuff. Chances are that a lot of it is stuff you don’t need.

Instead, try to reduce the size of your storage area.

By having fewer shelves to fill, you will become more selective about the stuff you’re going to keep. All of it will have meaning and purpose, allowing you to create a functional interior that resonates with your lifestyle.

Take Before and After Pictures

Do you feel like decluttering your entire home is too much of a project to take on in one go?

If so, you may need a bit of inspiration to get started with such a major endeavour.

Such inspiration can easily be found inside the very flat you need to clean out and decorate anew.

Start by decluttering a smaller room or a particular area. For example, you can clean out your home office or get your child’s toys organised.

To see how much of an effect decluttering is going to have on such a small space, take before and after pictures.

These photographs will let you carry out a side-by-side comparison. They’ll show you how dramatic the change can be. By looking at such pictures, you’ll find the inspiration to go through your entire home and maximise the usable space in it.

Keep Some of Your Shelving Empty

It’s always a good idea to have some room to grow.

Shelves that are jam-packed with stuff don’t leave any room for growth. This can be especially troublesome if you have a collection or like adding new books to your library (or spice jars to your kitchen).

A general rule of thumb is to leave a little bit of each shelf empty.

Interior designers suggest keeping at least 10 percent of storage units (regardless of what they are) free from stuff. By doing so, you’ll keep items organized and you’ll also have a bit of space for new worthy additions.

As you can see, a thorough decluttering project to start the year off right doesn’t have to be difficult or resource-intensive.

Still, you may be clueless about getting re-organised and refreshing your living space.

Home Guide can help you.

Our home interior design experts will transform your flat, free up space with our space planning expertise and help you bring order where chaos used to reign. Contact us now to begin this exciting new journey.

The kitchen is a space for socialising, spending quality time together as a family and making delicious, nutritional meals. As such, it has both a communal and a practical purpose. A kitchen should bring the family together. To do so, it needs the right design and optimal usage of the space. It should make you fall in love the moment you see it.

A kitchen island is a modern addition to the kitchen that helps meet both of its purposes. Usually made of a countertop with storage underneath, the island serves as a social space and a fixture that could separate the kitchen from the rest of the home in the case of an open space apartment.

Because of its size and function, the kitchen island is one of the most prominent design elements in that particular room. Choosing the right style, materials and even an unconventional shape can easily make your kitchen brand new. You can explore classic kitchen island ideas or something a bit more out of the box. Whatever the choice, a change in style will have a definite impact.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are a couple of kitchen island ideas worth paying attention to.

A Curved Kitchen Island

The standard kitchen island is rectangular in shape. Its angular nature allows for easier maintenance and placement. Having a larger kitchen, however, makes it possible to experiment with intriguing new shapes and curves.

A curved kitchen island looks streamlined and modern. Its curves can often accentuate the movement and design in the room.

Curved islands are also a great choice for kitchen spaces that aren’t regularly shaped. A smaller section can be positioned towards the narrowest part of the kitchen, creating flow and reducing the risk of the space feeling cramped or cluttered.

Adding a polished countertop to the curved island will increase its appeal even further.

Bringing Disparate Materials Together

The kitchen island countertop and sides are usually made of the same material. To switch things up, consider the use several different materials alongside each other. Not only will such an island make a visual impact, it also creates functional zones that can be used for different purposes. When done well, especially with the help of a home interior design company, your kitchen island instantly becomes a statement piece.

For example, the countertop of the island can consist of a marble and a wooden section. The wood will add warmth and will be perfect for socialising. The marble section allows for easy food preparation and cleaning after the job is done.

Kitchen Island with Built-In Appliances

A kitchen island usually consist of a countertop or it can have such a surface plus some storage space underneath. But a kitchen island can also be utilised to house built-in appliances.

Using the kitchen island as a space for appliances like the microwave, an oven or even a wine cellar is going to be amazing for a small kitchen. While the island itself will need to be heftier, lots of other kitchen space will be saved.

Multi-Level Kitchen Island

Here’s another way to break away from tradition. Usually, a kitchen island has a single level countertop. But this doesn’t have to be the norm. in fact, adding a few different levels will create beautiful movement and also increase the usable surface of the island.

A lower section of the island will be ideal for food prep or making cocktails. The taller section is going to be great for socialising.

And this is just one idea of how multiple levels can be used. Depending on your needs and your family’s lifestyle, you can incorporate various activities into the utilisation of the multi-level countertop.

An Illuminated Island

As a general rule of thumb, a kitchen island features lights above. These are needed to illuminate the countertop.

A great alternative would be to have a kitchen island that features underneath illumination.

Illuminating the base of the island will make it look as if it were floating. This visual can be incredibly striking and futuristic. It will turn the island into a centrepiece that isn’t just functional but also exceptionally beautiful to look at.

Kitchen Island Display Niches

Apart from featuring storage space, a kitchen island can also be used to display a whole host of items.

Some households can feature books and magazines. Some can display a spice and herb collection. It’s even possible to carve out small display niches that will house some works of art. The possibilities are so many and each one will change the appearance of the island completely.

To give the display some added glamour, the niches can be illuminated from the inside.

Straying from Classic Shapes

Apart from choosing a curvy kitchen island to make things different, you can also opt for unorthodox shape that’s completely atypical for the room.

A triangular kitchen island is one such example. The same applies to a circular space. A triangular kitchen island, for example, can create a lot more space and it can also fit in an oddly shaped kitchen. The circular one will be a striking spot for socialising that will allow more people to surround the countertop and make use of it.

The shape itself doesn’t have to be regular at all. Working with the right designer, you can come up with a personalised solution that’s perfectly matched to your needs.

The Home Guide team will be honoured to work on such an atypical execution in your Singapore home. Share what your dream kitchen looks like with us and our home renovation team will bring the vision to reality.

Contact Home Guide today if you want to explore the possibility of a kitchen island and an overall home interior design concept that will completely change the appearance of your kitchen

When it comes to parts of the home that provide amazing opportunities for the execution of home interior design projects, the ceiling is often overlooked. A couple of standard executions get employed, giving the ceiling a pristine but boring appearance.

There’s one amazing way to make things more exciting and unique. That opportunity is called a sculptural ceiling. Many sculptural ceilings are bold and dramatic, which could make homeowners wonder whether they’re the right choice for a flat. Let’s check out the specifics of a sculptural ceiling and the situations in which such a design element makes sense.

What Is a Sculptural Ceiling?

If you do some online research and check out a few Pinterest boards, you’ll find out exactly what a sculptural ceiling is.

As the name suggests, this kind of ceiling is made to resemble a work of art. Innovative materials and contemporary design elements come together to turn the rather plain part of the room into something quite ornate.

The sculptural elements can be very subtle or quite pronounced. Waves, geometric shapes, stainless steel installations and colourful panelling can all be used to add sculptural, three-dimensional appeal to a traditional ceiling.

Wood, glass, paper and fiberglass panels can be used on top of traditional materials to add texture to the ceiling and turn all eyes upwards. Sometimes, the material itself is enough to make the top of the room really noticeable. In other instances, interior designers will also use colour and specific patterns to increase the visual appeal even further.

Isn’t a Sculptural Ceiling Too Over the Top?

Traditionally, sculptural ceilings have been reserved for commercial and retail venues. They add attractiveness to large, open spaces and contribute to the overall aesthetic.

Sculptural ceiling elements aren’t introduced that often in residential design because the rooms are smaller. Also, designers tend to choose another focal point for the room – furniture, art, a beautiful carpet. If a sculptural ceiling is added on top of these elements, there will be way too many intriguing visuals fighting for attention.

Larger flats and cleaner residential designs, however, can benefit from a sculptural ceiling.

To add such an element successfully, the rest of the interior design will need to be kept clean and minimalist. The ceiling will be the highlight of the room and all of the other décor choices will play a supportive role.

Alternatively, the sculptural element can be less pronounced and a bit more subdued. A few waves executed in white (or whichever colour is chosen for the rest of the room) will enhance the textural integrity of the room without overpowering everything.

Ways to Introduce a Sculptural Ceiling

Let’s start out with a basic, common-sense recommendation – ask for assistance from an interior design professional. Experienced Singaporean interior designers know what it takes to strike balance. They’ll work hard to keep one element from dominating the design and sticking out like a sore thumb. It’s up to you to let a designer know you’d like to have a sculptural ceiling. When a home interior design company gets such a requirement from a client, they’ll work hard to introduce the ceiling organically and make it work well within the interior design style that you’ve chosen and execute the home renovation.

Once you’ve decided to feature a sculptural ceiling, you’ll need to decide on the material and the design itself.

As far as materials go, there are numerous choices. Glass, fiberglass, metallic sheets, wooden sticks, stainless steel tubing – these are just some of the possibilities. You should let the interior design style guide you when selecting. Metal, for example, is going to work really well with industrial design. If you choose a boho-style execution, you can choose colourful glass or maybe even crystal beading hanging from the top of the room.

Next, think about colour.

If the pattern itself is very ornamental or the material contrasts the rest of the room beautifully, you wouldn’t need the addition of a separate colour to make the sculptural ceiling stand out. White designs can be really cool and the same applies to other neutral tones that let the “sculpture” itself stand out. Colour is great if you want a vibrant, powerful and eccentric design. But don’t make it a goal in itself. Introduce additional colour(s) only if such a choice makes sense and enhances the overall concept.

You have many choices – from simple geometric shapes to actual sculptural figures. It’s really up to you to decide how far you’re going to take it. There aren’t actual rules when it comes to sculptural ceilings. And since they’re not that common in the world of residential design, you’ll be a pioneer who will be pushing into a new territory.

A final thing to keep in mind (and it’s an important one!) is structural integrity.

A sculptural ceiling, depending on the material that it’s made of, can add quite a lot of weight to the top of the room. Make sure that the actual ceiling can support such an installation without contributing to any potential safety risks.

Happiness is such an elusive thing! Everyone goes about achieving it in a specific way – some people spend quality time with loved ones, others exercise or dedicate themselves to a favourite hobby. Uplifting oneself isn’t always an easy task, especially if surroundings aren’t conducive of happiness.

It’s easy to understand how the ambiance at home can impact mood. Everything – from colour selection to furniture comfort – can have an effect on one’s state of mind. This is the main reason why home interior design is a lot more than pure aesthetics. It can have a profound effect on life quality, especially when conceptualised carefully and executed professionally.

Colour Selection and Psychology

We have written about colour psychology before and it deserves to be mentioned again because of the huge role it plays in mood establishment.

There’s a reason why colours are associated with moods and certain states of mind – envy is green, sadness is blue and love is red or pink. Our language provides a clear indication of how important they are to the human psyche.

Choosing the right colour for each room is one of the simplest ways to get in the perfect mood for some kind of activity.

Orange and yellow, for example, are linked to youth and creativity. They’re great choices for a nursery or an art studio/living room. Red is an energetic, robust colour. If you have a home gym red would be the perfect tone to get yourself in the mood for working out. Green and blue, especially if they’re pastel tones, promote relaxation and peacefulness. And you’ve probably guessed already that they’re ideal colour choices for the bedroom or a chillout area.

Enough Space Makes You Feel Free

It’s no secret that clutter can make you feel depressed. In fact, its impact is so significant that people working in cluttered offices experience a noticeable drop in productivity.

To feel good, you need to have enough space in your home.

Piles of items will get you feeling like you’re suffocating and make you feel anxious. This is why space planning is one of the most important aspects of interior design project conceptualisation.

Luckily, clutter is fairly easy to control. Built-in storage units and smart furniture provide ideal opportunities for small living spaces. When choosing decorative accents, it’s a good idea to go with one prominent and high quality piece instead of numerous knickknacks. These will only collect dust and make you feel annoyed in the end of the day.

Interior Design and Your Energy Level

It’s also true that interior design can make you feel energetic or lethargic, depending on the elements introduced in your living space.

Colour selection has already been mentioned as one of the ways to energise yourself. But there are other possibilities, as well.

The right kind of light is very, very important. Having enough natural light entering your living space will make you feel uplifted and ready to tackle the day. This is why you need to have big windows in a home office or other functional parts of the flat like the living room or the kitchen.

Adding plants to the interior design is also a great idea that has an energising effect. Studies suggest that décor mimicking wild nature enhances one’s mood and increases energy levels.

Textures, Shapes and Emotional Responses

Elements like light, colour and greenery are very easy to understand as far as mood is concerned. There are, however, subtler aspects of interior design that could also be very impactful.

Textures and shapes rank among these elements.

A thick, shaggy rug, for example, makes you feel comfortable and safe. There’s something exceptionally cosy about it that creates the sense of “home” we all crave in our living spaces. Velvet and other similar tactile, rich fabrics create a similar experience.

Wooden elements add warmth to the design and stone is linked to strength. All of these textures and materials can interact with each other to create a home interior that promotes various possible positive emotions.

Feeling Calm and Focused

Finally, your home environment can make you feel calm and focused, no matter what you’re trying to accomplish.

Whether you’re an artist, a writer or someone who needs to work from home often, a sense of peace is essential to tackle tasks in the most effective manner.

Art incorporation in interior design is one of the easiest ways to provoke a sense of calmness and peacefulness. The same applies to water elements like a decorative cascade or an aquarium. There are actual studies on the benefits of having an aquarium in an office and they show it brings down stress levels and helps people concentrate.

These are just a few examples of how interior design can impact just about every aspect of human mood. It’s up to you to control your home environment and tweak it in a way that matches your lifestyle.

If you don’t know how to accomplish the task, do seek professional assistance. Home Guide’s designers know what it takes to put together a functional, uplifting interior design concept and then execute it to perfection with our home renovation contractor services. Contact us now to commence your home’s transformation.

Are you considering ways to save some money on your home renovation? If so, you may be thinking about DIY home improvements. Handling some of the key processes on your own is one of the best ways to execute a budget-friendly renovation, isn’t it?

Unfortunately, the DIY approach can be risky. Unless you’re an interior design professional, there’s a big chance of committing a mistake that will ruin the outcome. Some errors are fairly common but the good news is that they can be overcome.

Trying to Cut Corners

When you’re in charge of the renovation, you’ll probably feel tempted to cut corners. Saving on materials, reducing the quantities required to complete a certain job or going for a cheaper alternative may seem like a good way to spend less on home improvements.

Cutting corners, however, will often lead to serious problems down the line.

There are standards in the fields of construction and renovation and these standards aren’t arbitrary. The quantity and characteristics of the materials you’re going to use need to match the task at hand. Otherwise, you could compromise the structural integrity of the flat or get a result that will show signs of damage in a very short time period. We did an article about the high-low approach to home interior design and home renovation, check it out.

If you don’t know which processes and materials are best, consult Singaporean interior design professionals. Working with experts will help you reduce unnecessary expenditure while following industry standards in the areas that require such an approach.

Sacrificing Function for Form

This is another fairly common issue that stems from the lack of knowledge.

Many home owners choose interior design improvements on the basis of their research. They check out Pinterest and interior design magazines. They take a look at home décor store displays. Hence, these homeowners are likely to choose trendy solutions that aren’t always optimal.

The truth is that good-looking interior design choices aren’t always functional.

It’s very important to think about your lifestyle and how you’re actually going to be using a space. When you keep these considerations in mind, you’ll find it much easier to pick the solutions that will enhance your home instead of just making it pretty.

This is where a very experienced home interior design company like Home Guide is a good choice, we have enough experience on how to have the best of both worlds.

Updating Things That Don’t Need Improvement

Renovating for the sake of renovating can lead to waste and mediocre result. This mistake usually involves cosmetic upgrades that don’t add a lot of value to the home.

Adding extra storage units to a room, for example, is a great improvement that you should definitely consider. Installing expensive wall treatments, on the other hand, isn’t going to always yield the result you’re hoping for (especially if you don’t back such a change by additional upgrades like replacing old flooring).

Rushing Through the Project

Certain aspects of home renovation necessitate a precise amount of time to be completed. Concrete, for example, takes about 28 days to fully cure (regardless of the fact that it will be dry enough to walk on within 24 to 48 hours).

People who don’t understand such technical characteristics and the qualities of materials can rush through a home improvement, compromising the final quality.

Experience, deep knowledge of technical guidelines and sticking to established procedures will contribute to better results down the line.

If you’re carrying out the renovation on your own, make sure you know how much effort and cost each step actually takes. Even if you’re pressed for time, don’t try to rush through essentials. If you do, you’ll probably have to carry out time-consuming and very costly fixes later on.

Being Sloppy with Measurements

When it comes to measurements, you can’t just wing it.

This applies to measuring out materials, coming up with design plans (for tiling or hardwood flooring calculations) and even for the selection of the right furniture for your new home.

Sloppy measurements or just trying to eye things can lead to disaster just like the other mistakes mentioned in the guide so far.

Once again – there are standards when it comes to mixing construction materials, tiling or determining how much hardwood flooring you’re going to need. Anything less than the gold standard will compromise the quality of the renovation.

Impulse Buying

Here’s one final error that non-professionals are often guilty of.

Interior designers and renovation contractors usually follow careful plans when buying materials and supplies. They stick to the preliminary concept and only acquire the stuff that’s necessary to bring the concept to reality.

Homeowners who work on DIY renovations will often be tempted to buy items that aren’t a part of the original plan. This way, they’ll be spending way too much and potentially getting items that don’t match the overall renovation concept.

If you’re working on a DIY renovation, come up with a careful shopping list that features materials, supplies and requires quantities. Stick to the list when shopping in order to avoid impulse purchases along the way.

Here’s one final thing to keep in mind – a DIY renovation isn’t always more budget-friendly. Hiring professionals can give you an exceptional outcome at a fraction of the DIY cost if you don’t feel like this is the case, contact Home Guide now. We will create a personalized project concept that’s in line with both your vision and your budget.

When 3D printing came to the scene, it was seen as a revolutionary technology. And it definitely is capable of reshaping many fields, including the world of interior design.

Today, 3D printing is more accessible and affordable than ever before. These facts have enabled broader experiments and the execution of various projects. Because 3D printing allows for custom creations to be made, it’s ideal for niche and specialised projects. All of this means that the technology is definitely capable of transforming the world of interior design.

The Benefits of 3D Printing

The use of 3D printing in interior design makes a lot of sense. There are specific benefits that other techniques can’t deliver, which is why the adoption of such technology enables the easier execution of certain project varieties.

3D printing enables design flexibility. Shapes and constructions that were previously considered impossible to build individually (or way too expensive) are now fairly easy to put together. This is especially great for commercial and industrial interior design – fields that happen to be a lot more complex and challenging to handle than the vast majority of residential executions.

Not only that, 3D printing simplifies the manufacturing of such elements and components. Interior designers and renovation professionals know too well how costly and difficult to put together custom creations can be. With 3D printing, a single professional can be in charge from start to finish. The procedure is always the same, no matter how intricate or complex an element is going to be.

By using 3D printing, designers can also come up with multiple options for their clients. That’s perfect whenever the new décor after home renovation consists of various elements that have to work together.

Breaking the Boundaries

It’s true that 3D printing cannot impact every aspect of interior design. The very nature of the process, however, enables versatility like never before. 3D printing allows interior designers a lot more flexibility and a chance to explore uncharted territories with their clients.

Granted, some kinds of executions are still going to be quite expensive. The 3D printer itself is a costly piece of equipment but depending on the way it’s being put to use, the return on investment can be quite high.

Let’s check out a few specific ways in which 3D printing is enabling new things interior design-wise.

If you find it difficult to imagine how this technology can be employed, you should definitely check out examples of 3D printed interior designs. In fact, some professionals have managed to create entire rooms by solely counting on the printer and nothing else.

Furniture, artwork, home décor vessels and even structural elements like columns or kitchen islands can be printed and incorporated into an interior design project. The same applies to suspended ceilings, light fixtures and shelving.

In many situations, the use of the technology wouldn’t make sense because a ready-made item is going to match the project perfectly well. Whenever a client is seeking something quite specific that’s difficult to find on the ready-made market or too expensive to custom-build, 3D printing could an avenue to explore.

A Sustainable Solution for a Green Home

There’s one more aspect of 3D printed interior design that deserves special attention.

The number of Singaporean homeowners looking for a sustainable home solution is growing. Not only are these people interested in reducing their utility bill, they’re also mindful of a renovation’s carbon footprint and a home’s energy efficiency.

Unlike many other processes and materials, 3D printing happens to be fairly sustainable.

The only resources required for 3D printed items to be created include electricity and the material that an item would be crafted from. There are no chemicals or harsh pollutants required to treat the object being made. As a result, the environmental impact of the printing process itself is minimal in comparison to standard manufacturing.

Innovators in the world of 3D printing are constantly researching innovative materials that will make the process even greener.

Finally, 3D printed items are quite resilient and long-lived. The fact that you wouldn’t need a replacement in the near future will reduce the waste your household produces, helping you contribute to environmental conservation.

Printing Your New Home One Item at a Time

3D printing is winning its positions in the world of interior design. As the technology becomes more familiar, its cost will continue going down. That’s when 3D printing would potentially become a mass utilised technique.

Experts are already suggesting that this technology (in combination with various innovative imaging solutions) is changing the game both in the world of interior design and architecture. As a result, very complex projects can be completed fairly quickly. If the need for change midway arises, it can be carried out without massive losses or delays.

Now, there are some caveats to note.

3D printing relies on a limited range of materials, there are restrictions in terms of the size of elements being built and there could be some design inaccuracies. The structural integrity of more complex pieces could also be compromised, especially if the designer isn’t too experienced with this process.

At the time being, however, this kind of printing shows a lot of promise and a chance to grow in the future. Needless to say, we’d be curious to find out how interior design is going to embrace 3D printing and whether it would become a standard option offered to commercial and residential clients.

Right now, if you’re interested in innovative imaging and the utilisation of hi-tech concepts in your interior design projects, contact Home Guide. We’re constantly working on enhancing the range of solutions being offered to our clients, giving them versatility and cost-efficiency.