In the past year and a half, the home office has proven to be invaluable. It has allowed many businesses to continue operating and individuals – to keep earning an income in the middle of a global pandemic.

Many people are still considering the addition of a home office to their flat and haven’t executed the project yet. If you’re one of these people, you’re probably wondering about the best design choices for the space.

A home office needs to be functional, distraction-free and comfortable. This being said, many home owners commit interior design mistakes when attempting to put together the perfect professional space in a residential area.

Some mistakes are much more serious than others. Here are a few of the biggest offenses and the reasons why these could ruin your office interior design completely.

1. No Separation and Soundproofing

You can’t just put a desk in the living room and call it a day.

A home office is a separate functional area. Depending on the specifics of your job, you’ll have to engage in tasks that require concentration, logical thinking and timely communication with colleagues. Hence, you need thorough separation of the home office from the rest of the flat.

Even if you have to put the office in another room like the bedroom or the living room, there are still ways to achieve some seclusion.

Movable panels and a bit of soundproofing can do wonders for the creation of a completely separate area. Even if you don’t succumb to distractions easily, creating such a quiet zone will definitely benefit your productivity. The good news is that both separators and soundproofing products are readily available on the Singaporean market. And if you work with an interior design company, you’ll get proposals that are best suited to your individual needs and budget.

2. Corporate-Like Office at Home

Many people who are trying to put together a home office will simply try to recreate the corporate aesthetic.

This is a major problem. The way you work at home and in a corporate space isn’t the same. This is why bringing the office to your home is not going to work.

Traditional offices (think of the old-school cubicle) are very generic and sterile in appearance. There has been a major move away from such designs, even when it comes to corporate spaces.

Being at home allows you to enjoy some flexibility and comforts that aren’t available in the typical office. Make use of those to make your home office cosy and enjoyable. A soft couch, a few plants and a beautiful vintage desk will work much better than the bland office furniture you can buy from just about any store.

It’s also a good idea to feature some art and colour in the space. Even if your job isn’t linked to creative processes, a bit of beautiful art will help you get inspired to tackle the day ahead and have an excellent time.

3. No Ergonomic Furniture

This mistake is at the exact opposite end of the spectrum.

While some people go too corporate, others embrace too much of the home comfort. As a result, working in a home office all day long becomes linked to issues like neck stiffness and back aches.

A regular table and a chair aren’t going to cut it. These are not designed for prolonged use. If you sit on such a chair for far too long, you’ll be putting strain on all of the wrong spots. You’ll end up very sore and in time, the problem will intensify.

Seek ergonomic furniture, especially when it comes to your chair. It should provide sufficient lumbar support and enhance your posture. A high quality home office chair is especially important if you’re going to be spending more than a few hours per day in front of the computer. While such pieces of furniture tend to be somewhat costly, an investment like this is going to be worth it.

4. Working in Low Light

Very often, a home office will be put in a corner or a little area that isn’t being used for anything else.

The problem with such home spaces is that they’re often poorly lit and away from windows. And anyone who has ever spent more than a few hours in an office knows just how important natural light is. Light creates a positive mood and it’s also been found to have an important effect on productivity.

Even if you can’t put the home office by the window, there are ways to ensure proper illumination.

Layered lights are an excellent choice. An overhead lamp, a standing lamp and a task lamp on the desk itself will allow you to customise the illumination to meet your specific needs.

It’s also a good idea to use mirrors and reflective services in the office space. When positioned cleverly, these can bring some natural light from other parts of the flat to the office.

Your home office should never be an afterthought. It requires careful planning and some investment in furnishing to be functional. Even if you’re in a hurry to put a home office together, you should still focus on all the essentials to get a space you’re going to enjoy for years to come.

If you’re clueless about putting a home office together, contact Home Guide. We have a lot of experience in home renovations that include a home office as part of the home interior design. and we’d be more than happy to boost the functional appeal of your flat.

The master bedroom is one of the most important places in the house. This is where you escape from your hectic, busy existence. It’s also the place where you spend quality time with a significant other. Hence, the design of a master bedroom should be peaceful and harmonious.

There are many design directions to explore as far as bedroom design goes. Choosing the right one is all about your personality and preferences. Some people like serene environments that are minimalist and clean. Others would opt for a more ornate, bohemian style.

Regardless of the aesthetic direction that you favour over others, there are a number of rules to follow when designing a master bedroom so that it can become your ultimate retreat. These will result in a balanced concept and a room décor that you’d want to enjoy time and time again.

The Bed – Your Primary Focus

This one is a no brainer – the bed should be the focal point of the master bedroom.

Once you choose the right bed, you can base many other décor elements on its style.

You have many choices here – solid and large or streamlined and modern in appearance. A bed can have a large bedhead that will act as a design element or it can have beautiful, carved bedposts. One is more massive and it makes a very visible statement. The second option gives you a subtler design element that will still be impressive enough if you focus on craftsmanship and uniqueness.

Don’t just settle for a generic bed because that’s the one you find in the nearby furniture store.

A bed can be custom-made for you, especially if you have a particular idea or a concept you’d like to execute. It can also be designed with storage compartments underneath or a foldable frame to help you optimise the available space. Your home interior design company will usually be capable of recommending a knowledgeable carpenter who will give you a beautiful piece of furniture that’s unique and reasonably priced at the same time.

Play with Textiles

Instead of adding bold patterns on the walls (these can be difficult to change), play with the textiles in the master bedroom to explore various design concepts.

The best aspect of this approach is that you can easily change the décor when you grow tired of the current appearance of your master bedroom.

A bedroom employs many kinds of textiles, each one giving you a chance to experiment – bedsheets, duvets, spreads, carpets, curtains, pillows, etc.

You don’t have to choose one main pattern or colour and go with it for all of the textiles in the master bedroom. Such an approach will give you an interior design that’s too matchy-matchy. Instead, try mixing things up. Two different patterns can work really well together if they belong to the same family (for example – different geometric shapes). You can also go for a couple of distinctive colours that either work well together or that provide a bit of contrast.

Textiles give you one more opportunity to add dimension to the master bedroom interior design. There are textures to explore – silk, velvet, wool, felt, fur, etc. This tactile element can also increase the visual appeal of the décor or enforce a specific concept.

Always Plan for Plenty of Storage

Whether you live alone or with a partner, the master bedroom should provide ample storage space.

This is where you keep all of your clothes, valuables, sheets, extra blankets, towels, shoes and personal belongings. Even if you don’t have lots of stuff right now, you should definitely plan for the future.

Having enough storage space will keep items out of sight and prevent clutter from accumulating. A closet and a drawer chest are obvious choices for the bedroom. Storage space, however, can be created in a few additional ways.

A trunk at the foot of the bed is an excellent choice for the easy creation of some more storage. In addition, such a trunk can double as seating. Built-in shelves with sliding panels are another very clean and functional choice to put books, cosmetics and personal belongings away (while keeping them within easy reach).

Custom-designed organisation systems are the best choice, especially if you’re dealing with a fairly small flat. And while custom-made pieces tend to be a bit more expensive than mass-manufactured items in furniture stores, they will definitely add a lot of value to your flat.

Lighting is Important

While you’ll be doing quite a lot of sleeping in the master bedroom, it’s still a good idea to choose the right lighting. Proper illumination isn’t just needed to see what’s going on inside the room. It also sets the mood and enhances the décor.

A master bedroom should have several lighting options.

Ambient lighting is the one that sets the mood in the entire space. A standing lamp or spotlights can be used to highlight certain parts of the bedroom (like your favourite armchair where you like to do a lot of reading).

Finally, you can have a few accent lights that will provide soft illumination and even a bit of colour to certain parts of the master bedroom.

These are the most important elements to focus on when choosing master bedroom décor. By making the right choices, you’ll be elevating the design and giving yourself a space worth spending hours in.

To make your master bedroom the a beautiful space to retreat to at the end of the day, it has to be an important part of your home renovation. Contact Home Guide if you’d like to run your idea by the professionals or if you’d like us to come up with a comprehensive interior design concept from scratch.

Facts are facts – we’ve been spending more time at home over the past year and a half than ever before. As the world is changing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so is one’s personal space. A flat is becoming a lot more than a living space. It’s also a space for wellness, work, relaxation, studying and even exercise.

A home gym is a great addition to any apartment, especially in times like this. Unfortunately, many Singaporeans aren’t considering such projects because of worries about the associated costs.

Adding a home gym to your property doesn’t have to be costly. Also, you don’t need a humongous flat to dedicate some space to exercise. Proper planning and understanding your unique workout needs will give you some idea about what could be accomplished.

Find the Right Space

Let’s start with the basics first. A home gym could be somewhat noisy. It’s also a space where you may want a bit of privacy. This is why you need to dedicate enough time to the selection of the right spot for this home improvement.

A basement is usually a great choice for a home gym because of the above-quoted reasons if you live in a landed home. Even if you don’t have access to one, you can still set up a gym in the apartment itself.

Sectioning a portion of the living room and creating a functional zone there could work really well. The way you execute the project will allow for some seclusion and privacy. The same applies to the addition of a gym zone in your bedroom.

The size of the space required for a home gym will depend on the types of activities you enjoy. If you’re into dance cardio and aerobics, you’ll need a sufficiently big area. Traditional fitness equipment can fit into a smaller space, especially if you purchase a machine that allows you to do multiple exercises.

If possible, pick a room with lots of windows for your workouts. Having natural light entering the exercise area will uplift you and give you the positive mood required to enjoy exercise and have a bit of fun while sweating.

Paint, Flooring and Accessories

The best home gyms are distraction-free. They allow you to focus on the activity you’re doing. This is why many interior designers recommend staying away from rooms that feature lots of shelving, busy designs and clutter.

To add clean and easy to maintain sophistication to your home gym, choose neutral colours for the walls. White, beige, light blue and even light yellow are all good choices that will give you a crisp canvas.

Next, focus on flooring. It should be very durable and non-slippery. Sturdy and wear-resistant materials like cork and concrete are excellent choices. The good news is that they’re also sustainable, fairly affordable and almost entirely maintenance free.

Rubber is another excellent choice for home gym flooring. It’s durable and it will also give you a bit of cushioning during high impact activities.

Finally, think about functional accessories that will give you the ultimate home gym experience. If you plan to do dance routines, Zumba or aerobics, you’ll need mirrors along one of the walls. Barre bars could also be mounted for better stretching and certain types of exercises. If you’re going to be using weights, stands for the placement of your dumbbells and bars will also be required.

Home Gym Layout Ideas

Now that you have the basics covered, it’s time to think of all the cool equipment you’ll add to your home gym. Apart from selecting the right pieces, you’ll also need a layout that’s functional and that allows you to move around easily.

The best layout for your home gym will depend on the size of the space.

If you’re working with a small space, create one focus area large enough for the type of exercise you enjoy the most. In the event of having some additional space, you can create complimentary areas for additional activities.

Also, understand the fact that empty space is your friend. You don’t need to fill every corner of the home gym with equipment. Most activities require sufficient room to be done. You shouldn’t be bumping into baskets filled with fitness gear when trying to do your workout.

You can find many free of charge home gym floor plans online that will give you a good idea about possible layouts. Keep in mind, however, these should be used solely as a source of inspiration. Going with a generic layout will keep you from making the most of your available space.

Having a professional interior designer checking out your flat is the best idea. This way, you’ll get personalised interior design consultation with recommendations and a custom layout that’s been conceptualised especially for your project.

Home Guide can provide home interior design services and execute a home renovation project for your flat that features the setting up of a gym. We have the experience, knowledge and understanding of HDB regulations to give you the best outcome that your apartment permits. Contact Home Guide today to get started with an amazing flat transformation.

We live in the age of information. Internet is such a massive resource that doing research on just about any topic has turned into the simplest task on the face of the planet. This is why you probably want to do your homework before getting started with a home interior design project.

With so many sources and possible inspirations, however, things can become confusing, especially when getting quotations from the many interior design company websites.. How do you narrow a concept down, keeping ideas relevant and in line with your main vision? Here’s how to accomplish the goal.

Check Visual Ideas

This is the easiest way to get started, especially if you’re not a professional interior designer.

Very often, home owners will have some vision of the renovation they’d want to accomplish. Unfortunately, putting that idea into words may be very difficult.

Start by looking at visual boards. Pinterest and Instagram offer great entry points into the world of interior design. Look for visuals that look similar to what you’ve imagined. Printing those and showing the pictures to an interior designer can be tremendously helpful. These images will clarify what you’re looking for and help an interior design professional accomplish exactly what you have in mind.

Even if you don’t have a particular interior design style that you’d like to explore, do some visual research. Checking out pictures of different projects can help you get inspired and pinpoint the theme that appeals to you the most.

Research Prices and Services

The next part of the process isn’t as creative but it’s equally important.

Once you have at least some concept of what you’re trying to do, start researching services and prices. This way, you can determine a realistic budget and plan the financial aspects of the renovation.

Many Singaporean interior design companies feature price lists on their websites. Professionals like the Home Guide team can also have some promotional offers that will give you a discount and an accurate calculation at the same time.

When doing such research, make sure you know exactly what’s included in a price. if you have to, send an email asking for some clarification. Getting detailed quotes from a few interior design companies can also be beneficial. This way, you’ll get to compare services side by side and pinpoint the one that makes the most sense both financially and quality-wise.

You can also count on guides like this one to understand the costs of renovation in Singapore today. Keeping these numbers as a reference point, you’ll know if a service provider is asking for way too much.

Materials, Furniture and Decorations

Usually, an interior design company in Singapore will take care of these essential aspects of the project but doing some research in advance will still be beneficial.

Take some time to find out what materials, furniture types and decorations are available on the market right now. Examining prices will also put things in perspective. Looking for such data will help you plan important aspects of the renovation. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in furniture and home improvement stores, you may have to seek out a bespoke solution. In that case, you’ll need to get in touch with additional professionals who can handle the execution.

The Singaporean home improvement market is very rich and diversified. You can do a bit of research online or visit a store to check out the different tiles, types of flooring, bathroom fixtures, lights, paint colours, etc.

Don’t shy away from dreaming big and planning a massive transformation. Very often, you will come across budget-friendly choices that will help you carry out a complete home overhaul that isn’t going to cost you a fortune.

Look for Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Here’s one final very important thing you may want to look for online.

Today, internet has given customers the power to build the reputation of service providers or destroy it altogether.

Once you pinpoint a few renovation teams that you’d like to work with in the future, seek out reviews and testimonials written by former clients.

Such information can often be found on social media or via the website of the respective service provider. Asking for direct referrals is another good idea.

If you’re reading online reviews, make sure they sound credible (regardless of whether the testimonial is negative or positive). Sometimes, online reviews can be drafted for marketing purposes by the service provider themselves or by the competition. In that case, the information is going to be unrealistically positive or negative.

Coming across multiple client reviews that make similar claims can help you rest assured that the information is trustworthy.

You should also pay attention to the way in which an interior design company handles negative reviews. Criticism handled in a productive way can easily turn into the best form of marketing for the respective company.

If you’re looking forward to designing the home of your dreams, take some time to brainstorm and imagine the possibilities. Once you have this information, contact Home Guide. No matter how extensive and challenging the project is, as a full service home renovation contractor, we’ll do our best to realise your vision in the most cost-effective and precise way.

More and more Singaporeans are starting to see sustainability as a top factor when choosing products and materials for their home renovation. The benefits of making sustainable choices are numerous – they’re cost-efficient, energy-efficient, stylish, durable and capable of contributing to a healthier lifestyle.

When it comes to flooring, numerous sustainable materials are available on the market. Here are some of the top choices and the reasons why they’ll be a great addition to your renovation project.

Cork

Few other flooring choices can compete with cork when it comes to both sustainability and durability. It’s also a cost-efficient choice you can select for a budget-friendly renovation.

Most people recognise cork as the material that wine corks are made of. Recently, however, it’s made a stellar entry into the world of flooring.

Cork is actually a tree that originated in the Mediterranean region. To harvest the material, cork growers don’t have to cut down the tree. Instead, sections of the bark are being stripped. Every few years, the bark grows back and allows for additional re-harvests.

Flooring made from cork has a number of excellent qualities that go beyond sustainability. For a start, the material is an excellent insulator that maintains an optimal temperature at home regardless of the season. There’s also evidence that cork has some antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. Finally, the material repels mould and mites. If you’re looking for ways to create a healthy living environment, cork would be an excellent choice.

Bamboo

Just like cork, bamboo is highly sustainable because of the characteristics of the plant that the material is harvested from.

Bamboo is not a tree but a member of the grass family. Because of this fact, it’s known for very fast growth. Most bamboo species reach complete maturity in as little as three to five years. In comparison, the trees utilised to make hardwood flooring often require decades to grow.

Apart from being green, bamboo looks exceptionally attractive and it resembles most kinds of hardwood flooring.

Bamboo shares a few other characteristics in common with hardwood floors. It’s very durable and easy to clean. Flooring made from bamboo is also easy to install because of the material’s lightness. And last but not least, bamboo comes in many hues and colour patterns. No matter what interior design concept you’re trying to execute, bamboo will probably be an excellent match.

Linoleum

Many people don’t know the fact that linoleum flooring is crafted from natural materials. Its composition features linseed oil, tree resin, cork dust, wood flour and pigments. As a result, it’s very different from vinyl – a completely synthetic material that features petrochemicals.

Linoleum is a very renewable material, which ranks it among the greenest flooring choices. The production process itself doesn’t have a massive environmental footprint. Finally, linoleum flooring will last at least two decades, even longer with proper care. Not only does this fact increase the cost appeal of the material, it also contributes to additional sustainability.

Currently, the linoleum production method is being perfected to reduce the environmental footprint even further. And it’s also interesting to find out that linoleum can be composted once the material is no longer needed.

Natural Stone

The timeless appeal of stone makes it a great choice for the execution of classic interior design projects. The fact that the material is environmentally-friendly comes as an added bonus.

Natural stone is so incredibly versatile and diversified that you’ll easily discover at least one variety that’s matched perfectly to your interior design concept. Colours, textures and patterns vary. The same applies to prices and product varieties, depending on the type of stone that flooring’s made of.

Stone is a material that’s constantly being “remade” through tectonic processes. Hence, it’s very sustainable. The incredible longevity of the material adds to its greenness even further.

As a bonus, natural stone doesn’t produce any harmful emissions and it can contribute to temperature regulation in your home. The one thing you should keep in mind is that the material is quite heavy and there could be some transportation expenses to account for.

Concrete

If you’re looking for a choice that’s green, very durable and incredibly affordable, concrete would be it.

Concrete is made of clay, sand, rocks and a couple of additional natural components. It’s easy to source, it doesn’t have a massive environmental footprint and it can also be recycled. On top of that, it’s super durable and you wouldn’t need new flooring for many years after the installation.

On top of that, concrete flooring is very versatile. Depending on how it’s styled and installed, it can resemble many other materials, including wood. It’s very easy to polish and tint concrete, two processes that will instantly transform its appearance. Concrete is also durable and scratch-resistant – two characteristics that simplify maintenance tremendously.

These are just a few of the sustainable flooring choices you can pick for your renovation. Recycled hardwood floors, glass tiles, carpeting, rubber and even leather are other options worth exploring.

If you don’t know what flooring material is right for you, consider calling the professionals.

Home Guide is an interior design company in Singapore that will conceptualise a home interior design concept based on your lifestyle and needs. We’ll do a comprehensive job, coming up with the overall idea and the execution specifics (including the selection of the right products and materials). We are also a home renovation contractor that is HDB licensed , so just leave everything to us, from start to finish. Contact Home Guide today to get started

A guest room is an absolute real estate asset to have in your home. Not only does it increase the value of a flat, it also allows you to host friends and loved ones. A perfect guest room isn’t the same as a regular bedroom. It needs to have a couple of additional amenities that make visitors feel right at home.

If you’re thinking about turning a space into a guest room or upgrading an existing one, you’ll have to consider several essentials before starting your home renovation. The perfect makeover is dependent on several key choices and here are a few of the things you can focus on.

A Great Bed Is Important (but It’s Not the Only Essential)

There are certain design and décor elements you should splurge on if you have that opportunity.

A great bed is an absolute essential for a guest room. Choose a solid, comfortable and well-made bed that will ensure quality sleep and relaxation. When they’re away from home, most people feel uncomfortable (even if they’re spending the night at the place of someone they love).  This is why quality matters when a bed, mattress and pillow are being chosen.

Amazing guest bedroom design, however, does extend beyond the bed.

You should focus on several other elements to give visitors the perfect experience. The mattress and pillow have already been mentioned. The same applies to quality bedsheets, a fluffy duvet and a blanket.

Several other key elements you should introduce in the guest bedroom include a small desk and a chair (especially important if guests are going to be staying at your place for a longer period of time), a nightstand equipped with a reading lamp, a few drawers or a closet for the placement of clothes. Having a couple of hooks on the wall will also be beneficial for the hanging of a bathrobe, a cardigan or some towels. And yes, such little touches do matter as far as creating comfort!

Cosiness Through Textiles

The number one thing a guest bedroom should be is cosy.

Cosiness is fairly easy to achieve, especially through the addition of the right textile elements.

A sufficient number of throw pillows is a great choice. These add comfort to the bed and they can also be used for back support whenever someone’s sitting on a chair or a sofa.

Rugs and carpets are also very important. They create some shabby chic and work really well with all kinds of flooring – from natural wood to tiles and stone. Carpets and rugs don’t have to be expensive and handmade to give that home comfort. The right colour selection and warm, fluffy materials can easily transform the most sterile space into a welcoming home.

Finally, do focus on quality bath towels. Making sure your guests have enough of those will encourage them to relax and make the most of the stay (whether they need to have a quick facial cleanse in the morning or a spa-like shower experience in the evening).

Little Things Have a Big Impact (No Need to Spend a Ton on the Transformation)

You may think that designing a guest room is going to cost you a fortune but usually, this isn’t the case.

Experienced Singaporean interior design professionals will tell you that an upgrade isn’t about the extensiveness and cost of the renovation. It’s all about the strategic execution of little changes that have a big impact.

We already mentioned the fact that home-like comfort is achieved through the little finishing touches in the guest room. These are the elements to pay attention to if you want people to feel completely welcomed at your space.

A beautiful vase with fresh flowers on the nightstand will instantly uplift the atmosphere in the guest room. It’s a tiny thing but it has a profound effect on room design.

The same applies to scents – don’t underestimate their power. Scented candles and essential oils can promote a certain mood. Cinnamon is associated with home cooking, baking and comfort. Lavender is a relaxing scent that most people enjoy. The same applies to the scent of coffee or citrus fruits. Using aromatics as a part of interior design will add yet another dimension to the décor.

Turn It into a Multi-Purpose Space

Let’s face it – unless you have a very, very active social life, you probably don’t use the guest room all of the time.

This fact makes it the perfect space for the execution of a multi-purpose concept.

A guest room can easily double as a home office whenever you don’t have someone staying over. It can also be a hobby or an art area – the colours and creative pieces will only add to the beauty and the warmth of the design.

If you’re going to be putting together a multi-purpose space, try your best not to make the guest room a dumping ground for unnecessary stuff. The right storage solutions will be vital to help you put stuff away and welcome visitors in a tidy and properly organised room.

Your guest room design upgrade allows for many great concepts to be executed. For an optimal outcome, pick one idea and stick though with it. This way, you’ll have focus and a clear vision when renovating.

If such a vision is still missing, contact Home Guide now. We are a home interior design company that can conceptualise an home interior design project on your behalf from scratch or take a vague idea you have and create a solid concept from it.

You want to give your child the best living conditions and that’s beyond understandable. You’re probably thinking about safety, having a peaceful home environment and interior design that encourages both cognitive development and creativity.

Choosing the perfect room design for a boy or a girl isn’t just about making a room pretty. Every element – from the colour scheme to the toy storage bins – will play a functional role. This is why you shouldn’t leave interior design choices to chance.

Designing a room for your boy or girl will very much depend on what they like. Still, you can follow a couple of general rules to make sure the space is optimal in functionality and exciting in appearance.

Forget about the Stereotypes

There are so many gendered clichés you may want to avoid when designing a kid’s room for your child.

Blue’s for boys, pink is for girls, right? But why should you limit yourself in such a banal way when you have so many other choices to explore?

Yellow, orange, green and purple are also amazing colours to use in your child’s bedroom. They’re fresh, bright and exciting. If your child’s a bit older, ask for their input as far as colour selection goes. You may be surprised by the little one’s preferences.

The same applies to decorative elements. A fairy tale princess wallpaper for a girl’s room does border on the cliché. The same applies to cars or dinosaurs for a boy’s room. You can go with many other themes as far as decorations go. Choose elements from your child’s favourite fairy tale or story book. You can also go for many other types of decorations – science, space, robotics-based, floral, animals and plants and so many others.

Do unleash your imagination when coming up with the theme and the colour pattern. By doing so, you’ll be making sure that your child is living in a fantasy world that gets their creativity going.

Go Neutral and Pick a Print That Stands Out

Most parents will choose colourful wallpaper or stencils to create a very distinctive design in a child’s room. If you’re looking for something a bit different, however, keep the background neutral and pick decorations that have bold and standout patterns.

Beige, black, white and grey aren’t colours you should shy away from in a child’s room. You may think they’re too serious but such tones will give you a neutral background and a canvas for the introduction of playful decorations.

The use of neutral tones comes with the added benefit of easy child room makeovers. As your kid grows older, you can change the furniture and the décor to completely transform the space without having to repaint.

Bold patterns can be introduced through the textiles, the furniture, toys and decorative items used in the room.

It’s ok to have several different patterns and prints. These aren’t necessarily going to clash with each other. Interior design rules for a child’s room are a bit more frivolous than for the rest of the living space. Hence, a design that may appear busy elsewhere is going to be perfect for your child’s room.

As far as the specifics of the pattern go, the choice is once again dependent on what your child likes. There are bedsheets, duvets, pillows and curtains featuring favourite characters from TV series and stories. You can actually go shopping for such items with your child and turn the experience into a wonderful bonding opportunity.

Make Your Child’s Favourite Activity Central

Little boys and girls already have preferences, hobbies and favourite activities. When designing for such a child, make sure that the space is conductive of such activities and highly interactive.

Let’s say your daughter loves to draw. Create a functional zone inside the room that’s dedicated to the activity. A large desk or a painting easel can be the focus of the space. Colourful wallpaper will be a nice added touch. Alternatively, you can paint the walls together, giving your child a chance to participate in the project.

Make sure your child has all of the supplies required for their hobby. These should be organised neatly in storage bins that children can easily reach into. Don’t underestimate the importance of having child-friendly furniture in the space. While your kid is going to outgrow such pieces in the future, they’re essential for increasing the usability of the room now. If you want a practical choice that will save you some money, choose transformative furniture that will grow as your child does.

Learning Should Be Easy

Whether you have a boy or a girl, whether your child likes reading or has a more scientific mind, interior design should encourage learning.

A built-in library in a child’s room is a perfect choice for both boys and girls. Not only can it host books, it will also be the perfect storage solution for art supplies and school essentials. Open shelving is usually a good idea and it can feature a few decorative items, as well. Just make sure that the storage is completely safe, especially if a younger child is going to be reaching for their storybooks or crayons.

If you have the space and the budget, you can add so many other functional areas in a child’s room. A little science lab, a math corner, a construction zone or even a blackboard wall can all be excellent choices.

Finally, don’t forget to feature functional lights in the learning area. Proper lighting is very important, especially if your child’s going to be doing a lot of reading and writing.

Today, you can take a child room’s design in any direction you deem appropriate. Don’t be afraid of bold and even unusual choices. If you need a home interior design company to help you execute such ideas, contact Home Guide now. We’ll be honoured to participate in the execution of such a project from design consultation, space planning to the actual home renovation itself.

A chandelier is one of the most versatile and beautiful statement pieces you can ever add to your home. Most people imagine large crystal chandeliers when this kind of decoration is being brought up but classic isn’t the only way to go.

Chandeliers come in so many shapes and sizes – some are minimalist, some are modern and a couple of products even feature futuristic and abstract designs. Choosing a chandelier that’s just right for your home is all about trusting your instinct and knowing what you’re drawn to.

Still, you could be uncertain about this addition to your home interior design that makes the most sense for your Singaporean home. In that case, we have a couple of pointers that will guide you through the selection and installation of a chandelier that’s a perfect match for your living space.

Know Where You’re Going to Place the Chandelier

Before looking for an actual product, you’ll have to decide where in your home the chandelier’s going to be installed. This is probably the most important choice you’ll have to make and it’s going to impact everything else pertaining to the selection.

Chandeliers are statement pieces. They’re best suited for placement in larger rooms and areas where people tend to come together. Hence, the living or the dining room are two of the most common choices for chandelier installation.

The chandelier is a three-dimensional piece (unlike a painting, for example). Thus, it should be visible from all sides for the biggest impact. When the placement is central and open, even a smaller chandelier can make a “wow” statement – the effect you’re probably going for.

Size and Scale Considerations

Now that you know where the chandelier’s going to go, you have to pick the right size.

A massive chandelier in a small room will make the space appear even more cramped and tiny. On the other hand, a tiny chandelier in a large open space will look misplaced and inappropriate. In the world of interior design, scale and proper sizing happen to be incredibly important. A great piece of home décor should be just right for the particular room and its dimensions.

So, is the chandelier going to be the star of the show in the specific room? In that case, go for a large and bold piece. If it’s just going to be playing a “supporting” role, more discrete and less massive would be a better pick.

Obviously, there isn’t a concrete formula when it comes to choosing chandelier size. Do, however, try to imagine what the impact of such a piece is going to be. Having a clear idea about it may be difficult before you install a fixture. If you don’t try to come up with some concept, however, you could end up with a product that’s wrong in all ways.

If you don’t know how to make scale and perspective choices, an experienced home interior design company like Home Guide could help. Partnering up with such a professional will keep you from spending a ton on money on something that you’ll eventually end up hating in the future.

What Style is Right for You?

Now we’re getting to the real fun part of chandelier shopping.

With so many styles and choices, you’ll probably feel like a kid in a candy store when shopping for light fixtures.

Should you go for a traditional and highly ornate crystal chandelier or something a bit more space-age? What material is right? Do you need an artistic statement piece that falls within the baroque or rococo stylistic range?

Look for a bit of guidance in the overall interior design concept you’ve picked for your home.

If you’re going for clean and minimalist, abstract and futuristic is going to be best. On the other hand, a cosier home design will call for a traditional chandelier that adds both light and a bit of ornate essence to the décor.

There are many in-between choices, as well. Chrome finishes, for example, are linked to modern light fixtures. Copper is more traditional. Bronze finishes are considered traditional and they often bring together modern and traditional elements for a more balanced look.

You can also go for eclectic interior design that brings modern and retro together. Executing such a concept, however, isn’t easy. If you don’t know what you’re going for, you’ll end up with a fragmented hodgepodge of items that don’t really go together. Eclectic is difficult to pull out so do plan in advance and consult an interior designer to elevate the original idea.

Expensive Isn’t Always Best!

Many people commit the serious mistake of thinking that spending more on home décor will guarantee them a more stylish outcome.

This isn’t always the case.

Many incredibly expensive items are kitschy and in poor taste. Hence, spending a ton of money on a really expensive chandelier isn’t necessarily the best way to go.

Style and aesthetics are based on being true to yourself and recognising pieces that ring true to your understanding of beauty. The price tag isn’t determining. You don’t need the most expensive chandelier to get beautiful light and some decorative appeal at home. In fact, vintage and minimalist items can often give you the outcome that many try to accomplish through the purchase of designer pieces.

It’s best to have a general idea for all the light fixtures at home and how they’re going to fit within the interior design. If you don’t have such a concept, contact Home Guide now for an interior design consultation. We’ll guide you through décor selection and we’ll plan a comprehensive home renovation project that will meet all your requirements.

Nostalgia is a powerful thing. Most of us remember days gone by and think fondly of those moments. The past is almost always portrayed in romantic shades in more than one movie and sitcom.

Bringing the classic eras to one’s home is possible and fairly easy through the execution of a retro home interior design project.

One thing you need to understand about the style is that retro and dated are two very different things. Retro interior design is chic and timeless. It will be prominent in one year and it will maintain its appeal in five decades.

Achieving such timelessness and being true to a past era necessitates some preliminary planning. So, if you’re looking forward to a retro interior design project, you will need to keep a number of important essentials in mind.

1. Understand What Retro Means

Retro is a general term and it could mean very different things to different people. Some find the style of the 70s retro. Some would go back to the 50s. For others, the 1990s could be quite a distant time, which would take these years to the retro realm.

Getting that nostalgic vibe is all about choosing a past era you like and feel a connection to. Mixing different retro elements from various periods could also work but you’d have to be careful. Such eclectic executions can easily become too busy and overpowering.

When you have a certain era that you want to bring to your home, start considering the home interior design and home décor elements that were most prominent at the time. The selection of the right colours, textures, patterns, materials and textiles (as well as art pieces) will quickly transform your home and take you back in time.

2. Choose Vintage Furniture

While there are brand new furniture pieces meant to replicate a certain style, it’s always best to go genuine.

Vintage furniture is your safest bet if you want to go retro.

Luckily, you can find such items in numerous Singaporean vintage shops and thrift markets.

Even if you upgrade vintage pieces a bit to bring them up to today’s comfort standards, you’ll still have a genuine element that belongs to a time period you’re interested in. Not only that, vintage furniture often comes with a sense of distinctiveness that’s missing from today’s mass-manufactured items.

When it comes to vintage furniture and decorations, quality is much more important than quantity. Choosing one outstanding statement piece will give you a much better result than shopping like crazy and scattering lots of stuff throughout your home. You need a focal point that you’re going to base the design of a certain room upon.

3. The Right Colour Palette

A lot rides on the selection of appropriate colours and patterns.

Choosing the right palette is one of the easiest ways to bring a retro interior design to life.

A combination of black and white tiles in the kitchen, for example, will give you a checkered look that’s very indicative of the 1970s. The same applies to a shag rug in colours like green or blue. Kitschy wallpaper is a mid-century interior design staple that you can find easily to bring the right tones and graphics to your wall.

If you’re looking forward to 1950s decorations, choose pastel colours like pale yellow, blue, turquoise and pink. All of these shades were very popular and they’re instantly recognisable. Alternatively, adopt the so-called Scandinavian interior design colour scheme. It was also popular during the 1950s and it’s heavily inspired by natural tones and shades.

4. Play with Fabrics

As already mentioned, fabrics and textiles give you another very easy opportunity to make your home as retro as you want it to be.

The best fabrics for the purpose are the ones that come with bold and bright patterns and designs.

In the 1950s, for example, fabrics often featured stripes, stars and polka dots. Floral and fruit-based patterns were also very common (especially for kitchen textiles). These trends changed quickly and in the 1960s, pop art dominates both painting and textiles. Stylised florals were also abundant in interior design and in fashion.

If you’re clueless about the right textiles to use, a little bit of online research will come in handy. There are lots of galleries you can browse through to find the right patterns and colours. These are especially prominent on Pinterest and you’ll discover entire boards dedicated to a certain past period that you can use for retro interior design inspiration.

5. Be Bold and True to Yourself!

Looking at your home as a canvas will give you an opportunity to transform the space and give it a ton of personality.

For the purpose, you have to be true to yourself and your aesthetical sense.

Don’t be afraid of coming up with an interior design project visualisation, even if you’re not a professional. Drawing a sketch, using magazine cutouts or creating an entire vision board will be very beneficial down the line.

You can use that information to acquaint a professional home interior design company with your concept. That’s how you’ll make sure that your idea is brought to reality in the best way.

Contact Home Guide now if you want a genuine retro interior design in your home. We understand past eras and we work hard to personalise every single project that we’re tasked with. Rest assured that your concept will be understood and the home renovation will be executed exactly the way you envisioned it.

You can easily read a book or a magazine in your living room but having a dedicated reading space at home is going to be so much fun! The idea makes sense for literature lovers and people in possession of a large book collection. In such cases, designing a reading room will turn into an absolute pleasure.

Even if your home is fairly small and you cannot dedicate an entire room to the activity, having a reading nook will make a lot of sense.

Such a functional space can be designed in just about every kind of flat, so let your home interior design company know that you need a reading space carved out, even if it is a 2-room BTO renovation. If you don’t know how to get started with the project, check out the following tips and ideas.

Keep Style Elements Down to a Minimum

Having an entire library in your flat is probably not feasible due to space constraints. That’s why keeping design minimal when creating a reading nook is usually a good approach.

The bookshelves are the highlight of your reading room. The same applies to beautiful books arranged in a way that you enjoy. These two elements should be the stars of the show and you don’t need anything else to create an enjoyable décor.

Open, minimalist shelves are perfect for a reading area in a smaller flat. Even if you have a big space, you can still opt for clean shelving and just the books being displayed on it. There’s no need for glass doors or bulkier cabinets. A beautiful collection on display doesn’t need any kind of highlight in order to shine.

The only other element you’ll need for an enjoyable reading experience is comfortable seating. A fluffy armchair, a loveseat or a sofa will complete the arrangement. If you’re an avid reader, chances are that you’ll spend a lot of time in this space. That’s why investing in comfortable, high quality furniture will quickly pay off.

Replicate the Style of an Actual Library

Have you ever been to a public library? If so, you know it has a very distinctive vibe that bookworms most definitely enjoy.

Bringing the library to your home is possible through the power of interior design, even if you’re going to be creating just a reading niche.

Floor to ceiling wall bookcases are an obvious choice for such a design. These make sense for people who have large book collections in need of being displayed. Custom-made furniture will usually be the best choice because it will accommodate for the size of the collection and the dimensions of the reading space.

Having a study desk and a chair in this area can also be amazing. If you choose such furniture, you’ll have a reading room and a home office in one. Whether you need to do a bit of research or you’re looking for some quiet time, the library design will match your needs perfectly. It’s up to you to decide whether the space will feature a computer and other gadgets or if it’s going to be entirely technology-free.

Pay Attention to Lights

There’s one more element we haven’t discussed but that’s essential to the reading experience.

Good lighting is vital to enjoy a book or a magazine without straining your eyes.

You will need a functional light positioned right above the reading chair. An old-school standing lamp may be a good choice, depending on the interior design style you’ve chosen for the space. Alternatively, functional lights and spotlights can be built into the ceiling as part of home renovation and turned on or off at the flick of a switch.

Also, you should be getting enough natural light in the reading space. That’s why you need to position the area strategically. Having a nearby window is optimal. If that’s not possible, bring light into the area through the use of mirrors and other reflective surfaces.

Have a Creative Space and a Reading Room in One

Your reading room could also be a space where you unleash your creativity.

Do you enjoy writing, painting, photography or another creative activity? If you do, your reading room could also give you the zone where you’ll practice that hobby.

A few pops of colour, stencilled wall art a large table in the middle of the space and even your own creations displayed boldly (on the walls or on stands) can give the reading room vibrancy and character. You don’t have to go neutral or serious in order to make your reading room perfect. Sometimes, a lighter and a bit more modern approach would be optimal.

You can also feature some of your artistic supplies and hobby items alongside the books on the shelves. That would add even more fun to your reading room, giving you inspiration to get creative whenever you have the urge to do so.

Finally, do understand the fact that a very small area can be transformed in a peaceful reading corner. Movable partitions and the bookcases themselves will easily designate the reading nook and create some visual separation from the rest of the home.

If you’re interested in designing a reading room that you’d enjoy your favourite activity in, you should consider contacting Home Guide. We understand functional home areas and we can execute those to perfection. Check out our residential portfolio for a better idea about the Home Guide home interior design and space planning expertise and the range of projects we’ve worked on in the past as a renovation contractor.