A green home has pretty much become the norm today. Sustainable remodelling shows that you care about the environment, it gives you a comfortable living space and it can also help you reduce some types of expenditure.

Singapore interior design professionals should have enough knowledge and experience in the field to help you carry out the project you have in mind. When it comes to bathroom remodelling for your HDB apartment, there are several simple tips you can follow in order to get the most sustainable and practical outcome.

Fixtures, Toilets and Water Control Accessories

The first and the most obvious thing to do is to change all fixtures with new pieces that help for the conservation of water.

Did you know that the toilet is the one piece that contributes to approximately 27 per cent of the water consumption in your home? Because of this fact, the selection of the right toilet can make a huge difference.

Low-flow models are becoming quite popular because they deliver a powerful flush while using a smaller amount of water. It’s even better if the low-flow toilet has a dual flusher for the purpose of giving you additional control over the amount of water being used.

Low-flow shower heads, motion sensor faucets and getting rid of the bathtub can also help you conserve water. The interior design company in Singapore you are working with will recommend the right fixtures and accessories on the basis of the bathroom concept you have in mind. There’s no reason to worry – environment-friendly faucets and fixtures come in many shapes and sizes to fit inside every home interior design concept you may have in mind.

Choose the Right Tiles

Residential interior design projects do focus a lot on flooring. In terms of bathroom design, the right floor and wall material will deliver both aesthetic and practical benefits (ease of maintenance and cleaning, waterproof characteristics to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mould, etc.).

An environmentally-conscious bathroom should best feature ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tiles are very long lived. They cannot be damaged by the moisture, they will not fade or crack. As a result, you will postpone the next bathroom remodelling by a couple of years. Needless to say, fewer renovations create less waste.

Some ceramic tile factories do rely on green practices for the purpose of reducing the environmental effect of manufacturing. Experienced interior design service providers in Singapore can recommend such brands if sustainability is one of your biggest priorities.

Environment-Friendly Lights for the Bathroom

Good home interior design aims to minimise electricity consumption. Lights form a large portion of the utility bill, especially if an old-school possibility is used instead of an environment-friendly one.

Bathroom lights can be chosen for the purpose of sustainability. One of the easiest things to do is to opt for energy-efficient light bulbs.

LED lights are a great choice for the bathroom of your apartment. The colour choices have improved over the past few years and today, LEDs are available in warm tones (if this is your option of preference). What’s even more important – LED light bulbs consume approximately 80 per cent less electricity than some old lightbulb varieties.

If you are going for a more extensive remodelling project, you may want to consider ways that will bring more natural light into the bathroom.

The use of lights contributes to approximately 40 per cent of the electricity bill in an average household. The addition of windows, skylights and sun tunnels to the bathroom could give you natural light, rendering the use of lightbulbs during the day obsolete.

Natural Materials for the Win

Clients looking for a sustainable design will opt for the services of Singapore interior design companies that choose natural materials and items that can eventually be recycled.

A stainless steel bathtub is one example of a bathroom item made of a sustainable material. These tubs are incredibly resilient and long-lived. Some manufacturers of stainless steel products for the bathroom give their clients a 30-year warranty due to the hardiness and the longevity.

Acrylic and fiberglass accessories that are damaged and thrown away will typically end up in the landfill. Stainless steel and other natural materials can easily be recycled or repurposed. If you want to include long-term considerations in your bathroom remodelling plan, you should definitely pay attention to the materials being used.

Don’t Forget to Use Environment-Friendly Products

Having an eco bathroom isn’t just about the right remodelling. The manner in which you use this room will also be determining for its environmental impact.

Once you get your new, trendy and sustainable bathroom, you’ll have to choose the products that you’re going to use on a daily basis. Be smart about the selection.

Bath towels, detergents, soaps, shower gels, shampoos, toothbrushes – all of these bathroom staples could be chosen for the purpose of protecting nature. Here’s a simple example – you don’t need a plastic toothbrush that will be discarded in a few months. Instead, opt for a toothbrush made from bamboo and natural fibres.

Choose the Right Interior Design Team for Your Project

If you believe in nature preservation, you should definitely look for an interior design team that shares similar ethical considerations. This is the best way to make sure that your home remodelling project will be carried out to meet all of your requirements.

Take some time to explore different possibilities and compare them side by side.

Home Guide’s team has been around for decades and we have extensive experience in the execution of a vast array of projects. We believe that extensive communication with clients is of paramount importance for ensuring satisfaction with the outcome. We will listen and we will work hard to bring every single vision to reality.

Are you ready to begin working on your green, functional and comfortable bathroom? Don’t hesitate to contact us today or take a look at our portfolio to get a better idea about our style and the types of work that we do.

Getting started with a home interior design project is really exciting but you have to be careful to refrain from breaking the rules. The Singapore Housing and Development Board has certain requirements as far as apartment remodelling goes. Certified and licensed Singapore interior design professionals are aware of these legislative requirements and they can shed more light on the terms and conditions.

HDB Renovation and Remodelling Rules: An Overview

The most important prerequisite to keep in mind is that you need to hire a HDB Registered Renovation Contractor for all of the remodelling work you plan to do on the apartment. Your interior design company in Singapore can give you recommendations about contractors that can do a good job.

As far as a few specialised remodelling projects go, you may also have to look for licensed and certified experts. Some of these include:

• A plumber licensed by the Singapore water department if the project will involve change or substation of pipes
• For sanitary work, you will have to hire plumbers registered with the Singapore Plumbing Society
• Window replacement contractors should also be HDB-licensed
• The Energy Market Authority is the one that licenses and certifies electrical installation professionals

Apart from opting for contractors that are certified by the right authority, you may also have to acquire a permit for the remodelling of your HDB apartment. The HDB Guidelines for Building and Sanitary Work provide additional information about the instances in which a permit has to be sought.

Even if a HDB permit is not required to commence the execution, you will still have to adhere to the HDB guidelines for interior design changes and property renovations. Otherwise, work will be counted as unauthorised. Unauthorised projects have to be discontinued and the changes will need to be reverted.

If you carry out unauthorised work or you don’t obtain a permit in cases when such is essential, it’s also possible to face an administrative fine. The sanction will be in the range from 100 to 600 dollars and it will depend both on the nature and the scope of the work.

Types of Work Requiring an HDB Permit

Working with a licensed HDB interior design Singapore professional will be imperative to make sure you’re adhering to all administrative requirements. Your interior designer will take a deeper look at the scope of work you plan to have done. Based on your idea, the designer will let you know whether you will need to apply for a HDB permit.

There are several kinds of interior design and remodelling work necessitating the permission of the Housing and Development Board. Here’s a breakdown:

• Flooring: the flooring projects that cannot be carried out without HDB approval include taking out the existing flooring and installing new and slightly increasing the height of the floors in the kitchen and the bathroom. There are also guidelines applying to projects that don’t require the HDB permission. The total thickness of the floor finish, for example, cannot exceed 50 millimetres.
• Changing door locations: you cannot change the position of a door in the apartment without coordinating such remodelling projects with the HDB first. This is essential to ensure the right placement (for example, you cannot tear down a structural pillar for the purpose of changing the position of a door).
• Archway creation: just like changing the placement of a door, you can’t tear down a wall to create an archway without the approval of the Housing and Development Board. There are also guidelines for the work. The demolition of walls has to begin from the ceiling and the workers should move down afterwards.
• Railing replacement: to get rid of outdated railing and add something a bit more contemporary to the apartment, you will need to get an HDB permit and you’ll also need the approval of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
• The replacement and installation of windows: the need for a permit applies to all windows in the apartment, except for the internal ones. Apart from needing a permit, you’ll also have to follow replacement guidelines. These refer to the size, the tint and the colour of the glass. The sliding should also be chosen to resemble that of the original window in the HDB apartment.
• Bathroom expansion: if your bathroom is tiny and you’d like to maximise the area, you will need to get a permit for the expansion.
• Bathroom walls and floors: if you are moving in a brand new HDB apartment, you do not have the right to change the bathroom finishes in the first three years. New HDB apartments feature some waterproofing in the bathroom. This is the main reason why requests for changing the flooring and the wall tiles will typically be turned down.

How to Comply with HDB Requirements and Carry Out Successful Apartment Remodelling

The restrictions mentioned above are not the only ones imposed by the HDB. In fact, you can easily get lost in the renovation guidelines and requirements. There are standards for every single change that you may want to do. As a result, be prepared to deal with the administrative processes before moving on to the actual work.

It is very important to hire HDB-licensed interior design professionals. These interior designers know the guidelines and the restrictions by heart. They’ll consult you about what’s possible and how certain aspects of the project should be modified for the purpose of ensuring HDB compliance.

The Home Guide team consists of HDB-certified interior designers who have extensive experience in apartment remodelling and upgrades. We know what it takes to meet all requirements and give you a dream home without breaking the rules.

If you have questions about the HDB standards and about freshening up your apartment, contact us right now. We will do our best to answer all of your questions and provide relevant information to enable the initiation of renovation work as soon as possible.

New technology is making it possible for property owners to get the ultimate multimedia experience at home. If you are a cinema fan, you certainly want to experience big screen quality in your Singapore apartment. The providers of professional interior design services can help you accomplish the goal.

A cinema room can certainly have a positive impact on home interior design. A few essentials will have to be met to increase comfort and ensure the viewing pleasure of occupants.

Choose the Right Room and Materials

The interior design process will begin with the selection of the right room. Both the size and the shape of the space will impact the quality of the audio and the video. Your choice of home cinema equipment will also be dependent on the specifics of the room.

For best results, you will need to set up the home cinema in a square room. Rectangular rooms have been known to distort audio quality. A true audiophile will be bugged by the distortion, so don’t hesitate to allocate a rectangular room for the purpose.

Rooms that don’t have many windows are also a good choice. Windows allow light in, plus the sound will reflect off the hard surfaces. If there are windows in the cinema room, these should definitely be covered with thick curtains.

The wall material is the final essential to examine. Concrete poses problems. Drywall is a much better alternative. There is really no need to invest in special panels created for home cinemas but if you want an impeccable experience, you can certainly do that.

Colour and Light

Now that a room is chosen for the upcoming interior design project, it’s time to focus on light and colour.

Since windows are either a few or non-existent, your Singapore interior design company is not going to be bothered with natural light. Bold colour choices will create an atmospheric place in the house that will make it easier for you to be taken to another world each time you watch a movie or listen to a concert.

Dark colours are a good choice. Not only will they affect the ambiance, they will maximise contrast to enhance the viewing experience. Blacks, purples and dark reds are all excellent choices for a home cinema.

Some interior designers will suggest picking wallpaper rather than just painting the rooms. This is a good approach because it will keep the sound from reflecting off the hard surfaces.

As far as light is concerned, you have several choices. Lights are not going to be needed while you are watching the film. If you plan to spend more time in the cinema room before or after viewing a movie, however, you will need lights that will enhance the mood.

Recessed lighting that is custom-made for your project tends to be the best choice.

There will be no large fixtures to stand in the way. In addition, recessed lights allow for dozens of configurations. Recessed lights can be used on the walls, the ceiling and even the floor. The arrangement is limited solely by your imagination.

Place the Screen Correctly

One another essential you will have to deal with is the placement of the screen, the audio equipment and the furniture in your Singapore HDB apartment cinema room.

Cinema rooms typically feature a huge screen that replicates the cinema experience. It should, however, be appropriate for the respective space. If the screen is way too big and you are sitting close to it, you will find it impossible to take the big picture in.

There are many guides you can use for the purpose of choosing the right screen size on the basis of the available space. Once you make that choice, you will have to determine where exactly the TV is going to be located.

A general rule of thumb is to make the screen height approximately a third of the distance from the TV to the seats. The optimal vertical viewing angle is considered to be in the range from 15 to 20 degrees. The wall on which a TV screen is mounted should not get any direct light.

If you plan to use a projector, another approach may be getting a matte white wall and using that as a screen. Ask your interior designer whether the apartment’s walls allow for the execution of such a project. This is as authentic as a home cinema can get.

Sound Considerations

Finally, you will have to determine the sound consideration. It will depend on the placement of the speakers, their size and power and even the type of flooring.

Carpets are best for cinema rooms. Once again, they prevent the reflection of sound from hard surfaces – a problem that leads to audio distortion.

As far as placement goes, the standard arrangement is for three speakers and a woofer have to be positioned in the front part of the room. Two more speakers will either be located to the sides or behind the viewers. Such an arrangement creates the best possible surround sound.

All that will be left in the end is doing the right speaker configuration.

Interior Design Experience Matters for the Perfect Cinema Room

Cinema rooms pose many challenges. The interior design has to be functional and there is a lot of technology in the picture.

Interior designers that have enough experience and at least some understanding of audio and video equipment will help you create the ultimate cinema space in your home.

Do not underestimate the importance of the right Singapore interior design company. Take your time, do some research and ask questions. The role of the interior designer is even bigger for people who haven’t set up a multimedia room in the past.

The Home Guide Interior design team is here to help you and address all of your concerns. Contact us today and let us know what you’re looking for. We will do our best to come up with a custom solution that meets all of your requirements.

The home office is gaining more and more prominence. Standard employment practices are being revolutionized. The nine to five routine no longer works for many businesses, which is why telecommuting and freelancing opportunities are on the rise.

Interior design in Singapore is becoming increasingly concerned with these new trends. Transforming at least one room in an HDB apartment into a home office turns up as a request to interior design professionals more and more frequently. A good home office is based on a couple of interior design principles. Its primary purpose is to be a functional space that makes it easy to control distractions and to engage in professional activities for a large portion of the day.

Designing the perfect home office is obviously dependent on individual preferences but a few general tips will apply every single time.

A Lot of Natural Light

Multiple studies suggest that exposure to natural light will boost workplace productivity.

The best room for a home office as far as residential HDB interior design in Singapore is concerned happens to be light and it should feature multiple windows. A white or light-coloured interior will maximise brightness. The largest surfaces in the room like the walls and the ceiling should feature light tones and neutrals like white, beige, cream and even light blue.

Contrast can be achieved through the use of dark-tone furniture. A darker wooden desk will stand out in the bright room, creating some visual interest without taking away from the functionality of the light walls.

Choose the Right Furniture

Many home owners who want to design a beautiful office commit a key mistake – they opt for furniture that is trendy rather than functional.

A home office is a place where a person will spend a lot of time. Sitting in front of the computer can be physically challenging, especially if a chair and a desk are not picked for the purpose of functionality and ergonomics.

The right height of the desk is the key to maintaining an optimal head and neck position. The right chair should provide enough back support. Going for pieces that look good and please the eye is obviously important. Support, functionality and an ergonomic design, however, happen to be even more crucial.

The same rule should be applied to the selection of shelves, document cabinets, storage units and chairs. Needless to say, a home office can have a beautiful and comfy sofa for relaxation purposes. It can also be equipped with decorative and artistic pieces that give it soul and spirit. This isn’t the typical workplace cubicle and it can be a bit more relaxed in terms of execution. Still, functionality should be guiding and it should be dealt with before you turn to the more creative side of things.

Privacy is Another Main Concern

Residential interior design typically creates a wonderful shared space that the family will spend wonderful moments in. When a home office is being created, however, privacy should be a primary concern.

The home office should enable a person to distance themselves from family, kids, pets and the typical household distractions. The choice of the right location in the home is one of the biggest essentials when it comes to creating a space that’s conductive of productivity.

A divider wall that doubles as a bookcase and screens placed strategically can be utilised to boost privacy in an apartment that features open spaces. When necessary, an interior designer may also suggest the placement of a door that will isolate the space and shut it off from the rest of the house.

Will Meetings Be Taking Place at the Home Office?

A home interior design professional will also want to know whether professional meetings are going to be taking place in the home office.

A home office that doubles as a conference room will need to be roomier. It will also have to feature furniture like a larger table, comfortable chairs and even a screen or a whiteboard for the purpose of carrying out presentations.

Most self-employed individuals and telecommuters do not have such needs as meetings occur in the office itself. Small business owners and entrepreneurs, however, will definitely have to explore this possibility.

Finishing Touches

Now that the essentials are taken care of, it is time to give the Singapore home office a bit of personality.

The goal can be accomplished in many ways.

The use of art is one of the simplest options when it comes to making a home office brighter and more appealing. Favourite paintings, pictures, posters and prints are all great picks. The same applies to plants that will give the space a bit of a homey feel.

If there is a relaxation corner, it can benefit from a few throw rugs or colourful pillows.

Family photos are another obvious. They can either be organised on the desk or they can be turned into a giant wallpaper that will serve as a source of inspiration.

Your Home Office Could Be Determining for Business Success

You should not leave the design of your home office to chance. Being serious about your workspace is one of the prerequisites for successful engagement in professional activities and business development.

Choosing the right Singapore interior design company for the job is one of the best ways to ensure the quality of the outcome. For this purpose, you will need to look for professionals having a lot of experience who get your idea and who will bring it to reality.

Home Guide has an enthusiastic, knowledgeable team that has worked on dozens of residential and commercial projects throughout Singapore. We know what it takes to make a home office functional while also maintaining the cosy feel of this space. Please do not hesitate to contact us today and let us know what type of project execution you’re looking forward to.

Improving the interior of a small HDB flat without making it look cramped is going to pose certain challenges. This is especially true for individuals who have multiple belongings and who need a significant amount of storage space.

Smart interior design in Singapore is about functionality and overcoming such typical challenges. The right HDB interior design Singapore company will have suggestions that will lead to the effective creation of additional storage space without producing clutter.

Multi-Purpose Furniture

This one is a no-brainer – multi-purpose furniture is an excellent choice for a small HDB flat.

The market features numerous beds that come with a storage drawer underneath, sofas that have the same features and cabinets that double as tables and even beds. Choosing the right smart furniture is entirely dependent on the amount of space.

Under-bed storage can actually provide as much space as a small closet. At the same time, the number of furniture pieces in the bedroom will be reduced to make it appear roomier.

There are even loft beds that transform into walk-in closets. Sky is the limit when it comes to transformative furniture pieces. If you can’t find a certain idea on the market, you can easily have it custom-made. Set the budget in advance and let your interior designer know. This right interior design professional has an extensive knowledge of the furniture market. Based on this information, you’ll get multiple suitable suggestions to pick among.

Making Use of Places That Cannot Be Utilised in Any Other Way

Certain spots in the HDB flat cannot be utilised in any way. If you have a staircase, for example, you can turn the space under it into a storage area – that is if you lucky enough to own a HDB executive maisonette. The same applies to the spaces above doors, the corners, the space underneath the bathroom sink.

Spots that typically remain empty can carry shelves and cabinets. These may have to be custom-made but you will get extra storage space without taking away from the roominess of the interior.

For best results, you may want to opt for minimalist bare shelves. While these give you a chance to store certain items, they aren’t as bulky as cabinets. Such simple and minimalist shelves/storage solutions are becoming increasingly trendy.

Vertical Rather Than Horizontal Storage

This is another important interior design principle for small apartments. When rooms are relatively tiny, you should look for vertical rather than horizontal storage solutions.

Stacking shelves on top of each other is the simplest example of this approach. Floor space is limited but the wall can be used from top to bottom. Shelves can span the entire height, especially if the wall is not utilised in any other way.

The same applies to cabinets and other storage solutions. You can fill those with items but you can also make use of the space on top of them. Storing something on top of a cabinet or a closet is an easy task (just go for items that you will not need too often because the retrieval may be challenging). Alternatively, a shelf or a cabinet can be put on top of the closet to make use of the full height of the storage area.

A Two in One Closet/Room Divider

Interior design professionals know that the use of separators can create more intimate spaces. They can also be utilised to isolate a certain part of the flat from another. If such dividers are to be used, they can double as storage spaces.

A stand-alone closet can be put in the middle of the bedroom to create some privacy, especially if there are multiple occupants. Such custom-made pieces act as movable screens. They can be moved around to an area where they are required and they also have some storage space inside.

In a sense, such pieces are similar to multi-purpose furniture. Instead of having two functions, however, they have one function and they also act as a part of the interior design.

Clever room dividers can be painted in beautiful colours to create visual appeal and they do not have to be intimidatingly large in order to accomplish both goals. Talk to your Singapore interior design company about it and the two of you will determine whether the particular solution is a good one.

Using the Ceiling for Storage – Is That Even Possible?

There isn’t enough storage space on the floor of your HDB apartment? In such instances, you may want to turn your attention to the ceiling.

Ceiling storage is a real thing. Various companies already manufacture ceiling storage units and these can also be custom-created on order.

Bikes can be ceiling mounted to take up less space. The same applies to floating shelves for document archives and family memorabilia you don’t need to take out too often. Additional bedroom supplies like pillows, sheets and blankets can also be ceiling stored.

Functional Small Apartment Design Has to Be Smart

Working with the right Singapore interior design company on the creation of additional storage space for your small apartment will yield the result you are hoping for.

An interior design professional will take a look at the flat, the number of rooms and the area. The specifics of the interior space will also be taken in consideration to determine which storage solution will produce the best outcome.

In addition, an interior designer can use several approaches alongside each other for the creation of the most additional storage space. These are just some of the reasons why partnering up with an experienced team on the execution of the task makes so much sense.

The Home Guide team understands the specific characteristics of small HDB flats. We have worked on multiple such projects in the past and we’re confident in our ability to transform your living space. Just take a look at our portfolio to find out more about our work and style.

If you are ready to transform your HDB flat, you should get in touch with us today! We’ll be more than happy to get to know you better and to suggest the interior design improvements that will help you meet your goals.

Utility bills can easily add up to a large sum. One of the best ways to control the expenditure is to do smart and sustainable home changes. The right interior design company in Singapore will take this goal in consideration and develop a project that will produce a serious reduction in your energy bill.

Accomplishing the goal is possible in a couple of key ways. Here are a few of them.

The Selection of the Right Colours

Something as simple as changing a few colours in your overall interior design colour scheme can lead to serious improvements as far as electricity consumption is concerned.

The colour of the walls and other large surfaces is most important.

Light colours like white, beige and cream reflect light. This way, they make it easier to maintain a cool interior throughout the summer. The need for using air conditioning or another cooling system will be reduced, which will help for a lower utility bill.

Dark colours have the exact opposite property. They absorb heat. If a certain room happens to be colder than the rest of the apartment (for example, it has exterior walls or it’s facing north and there isn’t a lot of light entering), the selection of darker tones may be a good option to reduce heating needs.

Choosing the Right Flooring

As already mentioned, the largest surfaces in the home will have the biggest impact on electricity consumption. Once your home interior design team deals with the walls, the right flooring option will have to be considered.

Certain materials used for flooring can help for the minimisation of electricity consumption in the apartment.

Marble and tiles are great materials when it comes to keeping the place cool.

Areas that will benefit from being warmer could use a few rugs or a fluffy carpet. These materials trap heat inside and they also prevent heat from escaping the apartment through the floor. In addition, rugs and carpets can turn into excellent accent pieces that create a bit of visual appeal.

Throw rugs would be best because these could be moved around on the basis of individual needs. These are ideal for placement on hardwood, tile, stone or concrete floors and they will contribute to an almost immediate change in the heat balance of the room.

Energy-Efficient and Smart Lights

The use of lights contributes significantly to your monthly energy bill. Switching from standard bulbs to a smarter, more sustainable solution will have a highly pronounced impact on electricity consumption.

One of the biggest questions we need to address here is whether you can really save a lot by making the switch to energy-efficient lights.

Statistics show that US families that replace regular bulbs with Energy Star-certified bulbs save 75 US dollars (~98 Singaporean dollars) on their electricity bill. About five per cent of the electricity bill of a regular household is the result of using lights. Reducing this amount can produce a nice little saving on an annual basis.

There are various energy-efficient light options out there and your interior designer will recommend the solution that will give you the most comfort and the biggest saving.

LED lights are an excellent choice. Keep in mind that these will necessitate an initial investment that will eventually pay itself off in the form of electricity saving. Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) lights and halogen bulbs are other options to consider.

Apart from choosing the right bulbs, your designer could also recommend smart features for reducing the unnecessary use of light. Motion sensors, for example, will switch lights on when you’re passing by. The light will go off on its own shortly after if no additional motion is detected.

Kitchen Appliances Also Matter

If you’re carrying out a complete home renovation or you’re furnishing the property for the very first time, consider the choice of efficient appliances for the kitchen.

The fridge, oven, coffee machine, microwave, dishwasher and other appliances used in the kitchen play a serious role in shaping up the electricity bill. Your interior design company in Singapore will recommend brands and models that correspond to your lifestyle without consuming an excessive amount of electricity.

Modern appliances are much more sustainable than older items. While they do cost more, such appliances provide a high return on investment in the form of utility bill reductions.

The energy rating of every single item will have to be examined before a purchase is made. Consult your interior designer because a professional knows the differences between kitchen appliances manufactured by some of the most popular companies out there. Your designer will keep kitchen functionality in mind while also helping you reduce your energy bill through appropriate

Choosing the Right Furniture and Placing it Accordingly

One final thing you can do to control electricity expenditure is choose the right furniture and have it placed strategically.

Heavier pieces of furniture that feature high backs and long skirts can reduce draft within the home. As a result, such pieces are ideal for the rooms that should be kept warmer. Skinny, minimalistic items are better for homes that are to be maintained cooler.

The way in which the furniture is arranged is also important. Circulation should be kept in mind whenever spots are chosen for every single item.

The main pieces of furniture should be kept away from HVAC vents and ducts. There should be some distance between furniture and a radiator, as well. Interior design professionals know these rules and they will recommend a good placement for every single room.

Even the interior design choices that seem to be insignificant at first will matter when it comes to energy efficiency. Don’t leave interior design decisions to chance. If you invest in professional assistance who are also HDB licensed and well-versed in regulations, you will benefit from an energy efficient and easy to maintain home.

Interior design teams like Home Guide can help you accomplish all of your interior design goals. Please don’t hesitate taking a look at our portfolio to get a better idea about what we do. Alternatively, browse through our blog to get a range of practical interior design suggestions.

Through the years, several types of interior design fraud have become well-established in Singapore. Unfortunately, many people still fall victim to such schemes. There have been families cheated out of large sums by fraudsters. These sums can exceed 40,000 dollars, which is why the choice of the right professionals should never be taken lightly.

If you’re about to enter a new home or you want to renovate your HDB apartment, you’ll need to dedicate some time to identifying the right interior design company in Singapore. Careful research, getting references and asking the right questions will be essential.

In addition, you will need to gain some awareness about the popular interior design fraud schemes. This way, you will notice the red flags and avoid some of the most common scams in Singapore.

Be Careful about Massive Upfront Deposits

Are you being asked to pay a large sum in advance, before the work has even started? Be careful about companies that adopt such an approach! Very often, scammers will take the deposit that clients provide and they’ll disappear.

A good deposit when it comes to interior design work ranges between 20 and 30 per cent of the total sum. You should be cautious about companies or contractors asking you to pay more than that.

The large deposit is a classic fraud scheme that has been utilised multiple times by Singapore scammers. A family that wanted to have its three-bedroom apartment in Telok Kurau renovated in the spring of 2016 paid 63,000 dollars in advance, news media report. The sum was 90 per cent of the overall cost of renovation. When the interior design company disappeared, large chunks of the work were still to be done.

Things should seem even more questionable when a full payment is demanded in advance. As a client, you have the right to refuse such “offers.”

A Deal That’s Too Good to be True

Another scam that many home owners fall for is easily executed because it provides potential clients with an incredibly attractive offer.

Singapore interior design scammers who want an easy victim will create quote that’s much lower than what reputable interior design companies will charge. In their attempt to save some money, homeowners will frequently fall in such traps.

In 2015, a man hired a so-called interior design company to renovate his home. The quote featured a total price of 17,000 dollars for getting the job done. Needless to say, the sum is much lower than what professionals in the field charge.

The man was asked to pay 10,000 dollars in advance – a second warning sign that he ignored.

After the deposit was paid, the scam company started delaying the work and coming up with an array of excuses for its inability to meet the agreed-upon deadlines. Eventually, the delay became so serious that the client asked for a refund. By the time, it was already impossible to get a hold of the so-called interior designers. The scammers had vanished.

An offer that appears too good to be true will either come with hidden charges or it will prove to be scam. To get a better idea about the market for residential interior design, ask for several residential interior design quotes. Based on these offers, you will get a better idea about what Singapore interior design companies charge. Whenever someone is offering a much less expensive renovation project, you should be cautious and sceptical.

Companies that Have No Registration or Licensing

To be on the safe side, always look for interior design professionals that are HDB-licensed. The Singapore Housing and Development Board has strict criteria for the licensing of interior designers and home renovation contractors.

The license of a certain company can easily be checked via the HDB official website. Don’t hesitate to inquire about licensing, certification and the background of the professionals that the respective company employs.

Going for HDB-licensed designers will produce additional benefits on top of protecting you from scams. These professionals understand the HDB norms and regulations as far as property renovations are concerned. Thus, you can rest assured that designers will adhere to the strictest standards in the field, giving you the best possible outcome of the renovation.

Physical Location and Ongoing Work Check

As a potential client, you have the right to inspect other work a specific interior design company is doing.

Before signing an agreement and making a payment, you will need to visit the company’s office or registration address at least once. This way, you will avoid some of the scams that are readily available at renovation fairs. Often, fraudsters will offer potential clients special packages at such events. Because of the attractive offers, homeowners will forget about doing additional investigative work before paying the deposit.

A company that has an office and customer service reps is definitely a good option. You will get peace of mind by knowing that you can contact the people working on your apartment effortlessly.

As a potential client, you also have the right to inquire about the current work an interior design company is doing.

Beautiful catalogues that feature 3D rendering can be created by everyone. These aren’t indicative of a proven track record of project completion.

Evidence of ongoing design work and a number of satisfied customers can help you rest assured that you’re dealing with reputable professionals. Scammers often lack an office and they can’t provide potential clients with proof that they’ve been doing the job for a certain period of time.

The fate of your home is dependent on the selection of the right interior design team. Don’t underestimate the risk of getting scammed – there are various fraud schemes out there. Take your time and do your research.

HDB-licensed and certified interior design companies like Home Guide are the safest choice and the best idea when it comes to building the perfect home. Our team has decades of experience and we adhere to the best industry practices, whether we’re doing residential or commercial work. Please do not hesitate to contact us today to find out more about Home Guide or visit our Facebook page and read about the experiences of our clients.

Experienced Singapore interior design professionals spend a lot of time on the kitchen because it happens to be the most functional part of the apartment. Every single design element should be chosen carefully and it should ensure the practical appeal of the space.

A modern and functional kitchen has to follow the requirements of the property owner. At the same time, there are certain rules and guidelines that have to be followed in order to optimise the kitchen design.

Use Light in Both Practical and Aesthetic Ways

One of the cleverest things interior designers do to create a modern kitchen is introduce different types of light.

Recessed lights are ideal for kitchens. They are perfect for placement under cabinets and over countertops. In addition, recessed lights positioned strategically can have some of the light bouncing off the glossy surfaces in the kitchen.

Lights should be placed over the areas where work is to be done. In addition, they can also point the attention towards the interesting details in the kitchen. A beautiful chandelier over the kitchen island or a kitchen table will also create a bit of comfort and result in a space that the entire family can gather in to share pleasant moments.

Some designers will take it even a step further and opt for mood lighting. If you plan to have romantic encounters and special moments in the kitchen, such lights will be the perfect choice for setting the right ambiance.

Wood or Metal?

Kitchen design for HDB apartments will usually go towards one of the following – warm and natural or clean and minimalist.

You will discuss the option that you’re drawn more to before the project execution begins. Make sure that your interior designer is acquainted with the vision. The more information you provide in advance, the closer the project is going to be to what you’re looking for.

Warmth in the kitchen is usually accomplished through the right colour selection and the use of natural wood. Cabinet doors, cupboards, the kitchen table and the island can all be made of wood or they could feature decorative wooden panels. A coat of varnish on top will provide sufficient protection for the natural material.

Alternatively, you can opt for stainless steel appliances and white cabinets. Minimalist and clean kitchens have a modern, trendy appeal. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that white items and furniture will need a bit more upkeep than natural wood.

Storage Space Planning is of Utmost Importance

This claim is particularly true for a small HDB kitchen. In order to make it functional, you will have to do some careful consideration about storage unit placement.

Kitchen cabinets, a built-in pantry and even the kitchen island could be used for storage purposes.

Cabinets offer a lot of versatility when it comes to size, shape and placement. Your designer will take a look at the kitchen to let you know how you can organise the cabinets effectively. Corners and spaces that can’t be used for the placement of anything else are ideal for storage.

The same applies to the kitchen counter.

If possible, have a deeper countertop. This way, you will be provided with enough room for the placement of smaller appliances like coffee machines, blenders, toasters, etc.

Finally, talk to your designer about the selection of the right appliances. There are many minimalist options on the market that don’t occupy a lot of space. Such appliances will create the illusion of additional space even in a tiny HDB kitchen.

A Vintage Kitchen is Also a Great Idea

Vintage inspiration can give you a beautiful, distinctive kitchen. Because of the charm and the cosy appeal of such design, vintage is becoming more popular throughout Singapore.

Choosing the right fixtures, cabinets and accessories will give you a beautiful, charming, old-school kitchen. The same applies to a backsplash made of the right material and tiles that feature a polka dot pattern, for example.

There are both vintage items you can incorporate in the design and modern products that are crafted to replicate genuine vintage pieces. Going for one option or the other depends on the authenticity that you want to accomplish and the renovation budget.

Add a Bit of Personality with the Backsplash

The backsplash is one of the most exciting kitchen elements in design terms. It provides a lot of creative freedom and can easily turn into an accent piece.

If you’ve done a bit of online research, you’ve probably seen the dozens of colourful and exciting backsplashes out there.

Classic appeal is one of the options. Tiles, stone and granite are all traditional and practical options for the kitchen backsplash. Alternatively, you can do something a bit more eccentric. Mirrored tiles, mosaics, brick, cork, stainless steel and even beautiful pebbles can be utilised to set the theme and tie the entire kitchen design together.

The options are numerous and you can easily get lost in the diversity. Still, take some time to conceptualise the ideal kitchen. Try making a sketch or create a scrapbook on the basis of your internet research. Showing these ideas to your residential interior design service provider will save a lot of time and give you the outcome you’re hoping for.

If you don’t know what direction is right, you shouldn’t worry. An experienced design professional will come up with an overall concept for your Singapore apartment and the kitchen will fit nicely in the chosen theme.

Do you need some assistance with redesigning or creating the perfect kitchen? The Home Guide team is here to help. We’re HDB-licensed and highly experienced professionals who specialise in the areas of both residential interior design and commercial interior design. Kitchen renovations are one of our fortes so don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know a bit more about the work you intend to do in your apartment.

Are you dreaming about renovating your HDB apartment? If so, you have to choose between a DIY project and hiring professionals to carry out the renovation for you. Many people, however, still worry about getting interior design assistance due to cost considerations.

Is it expensive to hire a professional interior designer in Singapore? The answer depends on several things.

Factors that Affect the Cost of the Interior Design Work

Singapore interior design work does not come with a fixed cost. Rather, a professional will come to do a preliminary HDB apartment residential interior design assessment and talk to you. Through this first meeting, the interior designer will get a better idea about the characteristics of the property and the scope of the work that you want to have done.

Several factors will play a role in the final calculation. The size of the apartment is the first one. A bigger apartment will obviously necessitate a lot more work, especially if you’re planning to redesign or renovate the entire living space.

Several other factors will also play a role as far as the cost of interior design services is concerned:

• Whether it’s a new or an old building: new buildings don’t need to have that much work done on them. If you live in an older building and you want the entire apartment to be upgraded and modernised, you will have to spend more on the work.
• The materials and items you are looking for: tiles, carpets, paints, furniture and accessories don’t come at a fixed price. Your taste and preferences will have a determining role for the amount you will have to spend on the acquisition of all these supplies for the execution of the project.
• The interior designer’s pricing policy: while most professionals in the field would like to maintain their competitiveness, there will be some variations as far as charging structures go. Some have an hourly rate; others calculate a cost on the basis of the apartment’s surface area. Some may have a combination rate. Always ask about the manner in which the interior design modification rate is going to be calculated. This way, you will not be subjected to surprises once the work begins.

Based on this information, you can now determine how much the HDB apartment renovation is going to cost you. According to some estimates, the cost of renovating a four-room HDB is about $55,000. This doesn’t mean you can’t get the job done for $15,000 to $20,000. You may want to give professionals that you’re interested in working with an idea about the budget in advance. When interior design service providers know what the limit is, they will suggest renovations and improvements that give you the outcome you want without going overboard.

Finding the Best Quote Necessitates a Proactive Approach

Going for professional interior design makes a lot of sense for your HDB home. For a start, interior designers are professionally trained to increase the comfort and the functionality of the available space. A tiny HDB apartment can look so much bigger through the selection of the right furniture, colour schemes and accessories.

In addition, professional work will result in the quick completion of the project, a comprehensive approach towards the renovations and the choice of the best materials for the execution of the particular remodelling. When doing a DIY project, you will often have to adopt a trial and error approach due to the lack of knowledge and experience. Such an approach may end up costing you more in the long term, plus you could be dissatisfied with the final outcome of the renovation.

The benefits of professional interior design services are easy to understand but you may still be worried about the cost.

A proactive approach on your behalf can help you save some money and still choose a home interior design Singapore service provider that has an excellent reputation.

The number one thing to do is talk to several service providers. Get quotes from all of them. If you haven’t done an HDB renovation in the past or if it’s been a long time since the last project completion, you will certainly lack information about charges and fees.

When you get the offers, compare them side by side. A good quote should come with a price breakdown. All charges should be listed and announced upfront. If the quote appears to be vague, chances are that additional charges will be revealed once work begins. Don’t leave things to chance and ask questions. Go for the interior design professional that communicates effectively with you and that’s willing to offer a bit of flexibility.

A Few Additional Considerations

Interior design professionals in Singapore can offer a range of services. The specialisation and the nature of assistance could have an impact on the cost of the project. If the interior design company is also taking care of renovations, it is essential to make sure they are HDB licensed and are well-versed in HDB renovation guidelines!

Does the respective company specialise in luxury interior designs, interior design project management or functional projects? Will they oversee solely the interior design work or every aspect of the renovation (like new wiring or plumbing)? The more comprehensive and exclusive service you’ll be getting, the more expensive it’s going to be.

It may be a good idea to opt for a company that does planning work, interior design project management and execution. While you may have to spend a bit more on such assistance, you will be free from having to get involved with contractors. The interior designer will handle the project from scratch to finish.

If you are looking for reputable and experienced interior designers, you should definitely get in touch with the Home Guide Interior Design team. We have been in business since 1992 and over the years, we have worked with numerous satisfied clients. Home Guide team has managed to maintain an excellent reputation because of our personalised approach, the effective communication with customers and a policy of honesty from start to finish.

A ‘focal point’ is an essential part of any interior design. It helps ground the entire aesthetic without compromising the holistic value of the design. This basically means that when you have a nice, attractive focal point, all the rest of your design simply falls into place. This focal point becomes the literal ‘focus’ of your space, which helps keep the mind grounded while helping you to embrace all the different parts of the design. Today, we will be sharing 5 mainstream focal points that can make your home interior design seem like a total knock-out.

Light Fixtures

When you’ve got the right centrepiece, you’ll definitely feel a cohesive quality in your home interior designs. An attractive light fixture can make a great focal point. From chandeliers to a group of pendent lights and even an avant-garde fixture in a category of its own, an attractive light fixture can definitely make your space seem grander and better.

Flower Arrangements/Decoration

Did you know that flower chandeliers are going to be all the rage in 2018? It’s the start of a new year for interior design in Singapore, and what better way to style your home better than to invest in one of the edgiest ideas. Even if your arrangement or decoration is completely artificial, rest assured that it can make a great focal point that is both visually soothing as well as attractive at the same time.

Pedestal Floor

Pedestal floors are basically a step-up that individualizes a single zone of an open floor plan. So if your living room is located on the pedestal floor, it becomes the focal point of your interior design. This particular technique is basically introducing the idea of ‘focal objects’ on a slightly larger scale. Instead of a single item, you’re using an entire area of your home interior design to make your space look more grounded.

Area Rugs

Area rugs of various hues and textures can make for the most interesting focal points. The best part is that since they’re not eye-level with the users angle of sight, you can be as bold as you want to be with the colours, textures and even patterns. For example, a hot pink wall will seem off-putting, but a hot pink area rug will seem charming and effectively contrasting.

Indoor Screens

Another contemporary take on the focal point is the indoor screens. They can either be mild steel grills or you can opt for laser cut screens. Both have their own pros, but both can also offer some pretty amazing, customized designs that have potential to be amazing focal points. You can use these as partition walls while retaining a sense of privacy in your home interior designs.

At Home Guide, we take a lot of pride in delivering only the best to our clients. We’re well aware of the changing trends, the latest greatest, and how to manage trendiness within context of our client’s vision for their space.