Adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls is one of the most common DIY projects that homeowners choose to execute on their own.

As simple as changing the colour of the paint may seem, however, there are professional secrets few amateurs are aware of.

If you want an absolutely flawless finish and perfect coverage, calling the pros would be the best way to go. Colour selection has to be part of a whole home interior design strategy, including selecting colours that positively affects mood.  Employing the help of professional painters will also take less time to complete the job and you may even get to benefit from some warranty.

In some instances where getting a professional to paint may not be a possibility, here are a few expert tips that will allow for a much better DIY result.

Always Check the Condition of Your Walls Before Starting

A proper painting technique isn’t the only thing required to achieve perfection.

The current state of your walls is probably one of the most important prerequisites for the successful completion of the project.

Obviously, a new HDB BTO flat will be very easy to paint because the walls feature very few (if any) cracks and chips. Such issues, however, will need to be addressed in an older apartment.

Crumbling plaster will be an issue. Large dents will also need to be filled out. In some instances, the situation can be so dire that the old paint will have to be removed and some spackling will be required before painting can commence. If that’s the case in your home, some professional assistance will be needed to prep the walls and achieve the smoothest finish possible.

Paint Products Aren’t Created Equal

The quality of the paint you’ll be using on those walls is equally important.

Making a compromise with paint quality could affect coverage and the evenness of the end result. You don’t want splotchy and patchy applications, which is why you shouldn’t settle for the most affordable option out there.

High quality paints are easy to work with, they’re very economical and they guarantee stellar coverage. The results will last a long time and there may be added benefits like washability to remove stains and spills with water and soap.

Needless to say, you also need good brushes to apply even layers of paint. Bristles falling off in the middle of the painting job are a complication that you definitely don’t want to deal with.

Opt for Tinted Primer

Here’s another supply we need to discuss in order to ensure a professional outcome.

Primer is especially important for older walls that have been spackled and filled out with a new product. These procedures make the walls smooth but they can produce patches that are bound to look different from the rest of the wall (even when the paint is applied).

In these instances, the use of primer is a must.

White primer is a common choice but this one can fail covering the patches. Tinted primer underneath the paint will usually deliver much better results.

By using a tinted primer, you also increase the likelihood of getting a more saturated colour even if you apply fewer layers of paint. This little professional secret will save you time and money while also making the paint job pop.

The Secret to Avoiding Lap Marks

Lap marks are a very annoying problem that will often show up in DIY projects. These unsightly straps appear whenever the paint layers are uneven and overlapping to produce buildup in some spots.

You are very likely to get lap marks if you paint over a layer that is already partially dry.

To avoid lap marks, you need to maintain a wet edge. In other words, the overlap between layers has to occur before the paint has gotten a chance to dry. Start at the edge and move the roller up and down from floor to ceiling. Long strokes are essential and if possible, cover the full length of the wall in one or a few smooth moves. Move over slightly with each stroke. The goal here is to do the entire wall in one go, preventing a dry gap from occurring while you’re taking a break.

Do Some Sanding Between Coats

Here’s one final professional tip that works like a charm every single time.

Even if you’re very careful with avoiding lap marks and applying paint evenly, some bubbling can still occur when a layer dries.

Ridges and bubbles can be targeted for added smoothness. For the purpose, wait for the applied coat to dry and engage in some sanding before moving on to the next layer.

Hand sanding is a simply but very effective procedure that will give you a smooth surface to continue from. If you are going to be doing hand sanding, you’ll need to cover the entire wall or the element that you’ve already applied a coat of paint to.

Sanding sponges (non-clogging) are the best choice for a gentle outcome that will still be visible. Make sure the surface is smooth but don’t overdo it. Wipe down the dust and vacuum the area to get it perfectly clean before moving on with the painting.

These are a few things professionals do to make paint jobs flawless. You can apply these hacks or contact Home Guide in order to have a professional home renovation contractor managing and executing the entirety of your home renovation. We guarantee stellar outcomes and competitive prices that most Singaporean households can count on.

Colour psychology is a real thing – different tones have the power to affect your mood either positively or negatively.

This is one of the reasons why home guide interior designers dedicate a lot of time to selecting the right colour scheme for each home.

If you want to feel uplifted, energised and peaceful, you should be careful about the selection of wall paint and accessories in your home. Certain colours are known to impact mood negatively and should either be avoided altogether or used sparingly.

1. Dark Brown

How many people can honestly say that they love the colour brown? It’s a depressing tone that many consider ugly. Dark brown is even more gloomy than the lighter members of its family.

Brown likes the finesse and elegance linked to a sleek black. All it does is make a space look darker and more closed in. obviously, dark brown can be used sparingly as an accent (especially if you’ve chosen a natural or an earthly colour scheme). This tone, however, has the ability to quickly become overpowering in the most unpleasant of ways.

If you’re looking for natural and warm tones that you can use, pick beiges and yellows over brown. They give you some lightness and warmth that will make you feel cheered and happy even in the darkest of days.

2. Bright Red

There is nothing wrong with a beautiful red but this tone is considered quite aggressive. Bright red is an especially difficult choice to work with. Even in small quantities, it has the ability to scream at you and dominate a space.

In fact, several studies suggest that red is the most stressful colour because of its intensity.

Red is the colour that reminds us of danger and of anger. These are two things you don’t want to associate with your home – the space where you should be feeling the safest. Researchers have found out that red can reduce emotions and physical responses that are common for people currently undergoing a dangerous or stressful situation.

Using red as an accent colour is a completely different ball game, especially if it’s paired with a lighter tone. When the right shade of red is chosen, it can come to symbolise love and life. An earthy red tone is also a good pick because it lacks the aggressiveness of its brighter counterpart. Temper it down a little bit and you’ll immediately sense a change in the manner you’re responding to the colour.

3. Intense Yellow

While yellow pastels are soothing and reminiscent of the sunshine we all enjoy, intense yellow can be as overwhelming as red.

In others words, too much of a good thing can easily become a bad thing.

Studies suggest that the colour, especially if you’re staring at it for long periods of time, can affect the functioning of the nervous system. As a result, people start feeling irritated and even angry for no apparent reason.

A gentle yellow in combination with neutrals or other warm tones can work and make your home feel cosy. In order to make the most of such a challenging tone, however, you should probably consider partnering up with interior design company in Singapore.

4. Grey

Sometimes, dark grey can look really stylish and sophisticated. Generally, however, grey is considered a depressing colour that sucks the life and the light out of a room.

Monotonous and colourless, grey is deprived of joy. While it may seem sleek, you’ll have a difficult time smiling at an interior design concept executed mainly in grey hues.

Grey is a distant, aloof and emotionless colour. It’s just there – a transitional tone between black and white. But this tone has one major strength. It can work really well with just about any other tone, regardless of whether it’s warm or cold.

Pairing something brighter and more exciting with grey will ground the interior design and give it some depth. A peach or a pink tone, for example, will work so tremendously well with grey. These warm tones will “humanise” the impersonal colour and completely transform the way it’s being perceived.

5. Black

This one is a no-brainer when it comes to depressing colours.

Black is the colour of nothingness. It’s a gloomy tone. How are people who mostly dress in black perceived? They’re could be seen as joyless and gloom. Too much black will have the very same effect on your home.

Black accents or pieces of furniture or dark wood that’s almost black in colour will add a touch of elegance to your home. The key here is to keep black from being the dominant tone in the overall colour scheme you’ve chosen. It can tie the concept together or serve as a beautiful and unexpected accent. But don’t overdo it! Apart from being depressing, too much black on surfaces can be incredibly difficult to clean from spots and dirt.

These are just guidelines and obviously, each colour carries it’s own beauty and appeal.

If you want to work with one of the tones mentioned above, you can definitely do so. But getting a professional involved will be the best way to achieve balance. Contact Home Guide if you’re clueless about colour scheme selection.

Do you feel like no matter what you do, the storage space in your home is insufficient? Are you always trying to organise belongings just to have them in piles on top of tables and drawers? If that’s the case, you’re probably making a couple of key storage mistakes.

Finding enough room for everything in a small flat can be a challenge. Still, you can employ strategic reorganisation to make things happen. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t have the knowledge and vision professional interior designers possess. As a result, they end up making mistakes that result in chaos.

1. Clinging to Things

Before moving on to discussing reasons why your storage space doesn’t make sense, let’s talk about the mother of all problems.

Very often, the availability of space isn’t the biggest issue. Keeping things you don’t need is.

We are sentimental creatures and as such, we often hang on to lots of stuff. Old books, mementos, souvenirs, clothes, dishes, home décor items can easily lead to clutter. You’ll probably classify some of these items as potential treasures you’ll make use of in the future. You know in your heart, however, that the time for them to shine is never going to come.

Take some time to go through the things that are collecting dust and awaiting better days. If you aren’t needing these items right now, chances are you wouldn’t turn to them in the future.

Anything that has “potential” and could be useful one day should be gotten rid of. Life is too short to stuff your environment with needless possessions. Instead, focus on the items that you truly love and enjoy. These are the ones to prioritise in your home décor.

2. Stacking Storage Bins on Top of Each Other

Storage bins, whether they’re made of plastic or another readily available material, provide a simple and convenient option. They create extra storage space. You can buy them in all shapes and sizes and these can be placed inconspicuously to make use of under-utilised nooks and crannies.

The problem arises from having too many storage bins and stacking them on top of each other.

First of all, this storage solution will look ugly and it will take away from the charm of your home.

Also, stacking storage bins makes it very difficult to get to the things that you need. Eventually, you will use the bins for items you don’t need and use often. Eventually, you will forget about these belongings and the bins will become a part of the clutter you’re trying to control.

Instead of stacking, use shelves to separate bins and make their contents accessible. Open front storage bins give you another convenient choice, plus they’re a lot more aesthetically pleasing that the traditional plastic bin with a lid.

3. Not Using Overhead and Narrow Spaces

Clutter usually results from horizontal interior design choices.

Most furniture pieces and storage units take up horizontal space. That can be a problem in a smaller HDB flat.

Neglecting overhead and narrow spaces deprives you of amazing opportunities to place additional storage units without making the room appear too crowded.

Narrow storage solutions are especially great for small rooms. While such shelves or a narrow cabinet will need to be custom-made, you’ll get an excellent return on investment and a ton of usability.

The area above eye level is another great choice for the placement of shelves. These shouldn’t be too high up because you’ll find them difficult to reach. Still, look above the traditional placement to discover little areas you can populate with shelves and make good use of.

4. Lacking Storage Sub-Divisions

A large storage bin is very much useless unless you choose some form of internal organisation.

If you have a very big bin, you’ll only be capable of accessing the items that are on top of everything else. This fact negates the very use of such units. While they are big, only a small fraction of your belongings will be easy to reach.

Using internal organisers and smaller storage units for easier accessibility makes a lot of sense. And with so many inexpensive solutions on the market, there’s no excuse to just throw stuff inside a box and call it a day.

The same applies to closets and cabinets. Bins, baskets, boxes and clothes organisers all exist for a purpose. Give them a try and you’ll soon find out what works best for you.

5. Lacking Furniture with Built-in Storage

Multi-purpose furniture is lifesaving, especially if you have a space-starved flat.

The best thing is that you don’t need custom pieces to enjoy additional storage space. Many mass-manufactured items give you such possibilities.

Various bed models have built-in storage units underneath. The same applies to coffee tables, sofas and even ottomans.

These items give you convenience because you can tuck away certain kinds of items. The storage underneath the bed is ideal for the placement of linens and blankets. A coffee table can hold board games, books and the items needed to enjoy your favourite hobby.

Good storage starts with careful space planning and understanding of your lifestyle needs. Contact Home Guide if you want a professional home interior design company to take a look at your current situation and optimise your home for space.

Modern wall hangings come in all shapes and sizes. Tapestries are a cool choice and they can be used in more than one creative way.

Whether you have some beautiful family heirlooms or you enjoy modern vibes, tapestries can really transform the overall statement your home’s interior makes.

Use a Statement Piece to Cover an Entire Wall

Playing with size and scale is one of the best options you have when it comes to creating something impressive.

An oversized tapestry hung to cover an entire wall brings the drama in interior design. Such a piece will never go unnoticed, both because of its size and the visual that the tapestry represents.

While such a dramatic approach to home décor can work incredibly well, you have to be extra careful about placement.

Choose a room that features a clean, even minimalist design for the creation of the oversized artistic installation. It needs to be the one focal point. Having other pieces of art or home décor fighting for attention will create visual clutter.

Hang a Tapestry from the Ceiling

If wall placement is way too traditional, choose something unorthodox like hanging a tapestry from the ceiling.

On first thought, that may seem like a weird idea. Hanging from the ceiling, however, draws attention to the vertical and makes the room appear bigger. You will also be making use of space that is often neglected when home décor concepts get put together.

Whether you hang it from a rod, make sure it is tight or let it drape loosely, the tapestry will look great at a central position above all other pieces in the room. Experiment with different hanging methods to determine what works well (and which idea also makes the tapestry easy to take down and clean upon necessity).

Frame It

Putting a tapestry in a frame and covering it with protective glass produces several important transformations.

For a start, you immediately begin associating the tapestry with art simply because of the placement.

Putting a tapestry behind a glass also takes away some of its texture. You end up with a sleek and smooth colourful piece that can fit a modern home really well.

Smaller tapestries are best to put behind a glass. Using a shadowbox is another great idea, especially if you want to display the tapestry in an elegant way while also protecting it from adverse influences.

Drape Tapestries Over Pieces of Furniture

We’re now moving on to the realm of functional rather than purely decorative use.

Tapestries, especially ones made of softer and fuzzier fabrics, can be draped over furniture pieces to add some comfort and warmth.

The easiest thing you can do is drape a tapestry over the sofa. Covering the couch will protect the upholstery underneath and also provide a unique opportunity to add a creative element. It’s up to you to decide whether you’re going to tuck the tapestry neatly or let it hang from the edge of the couch. Both approaches have their merits worth considering.

Tapestries also make wonderful seat covers for chairs.

And if you’d like to use the power of tapestries in the bedroom, turn them in bedspreads. A comforter isn’t the only option, especially if you feel these pieces are a bit boring. It’s a good idea to have several bedspread tapestries that you pair with the sheets for the most perfectly balanced colour combination.

Make Tapestries a Part of Functional Home Décor

Finally, you can use tapestries as separators that will help you create distinctive zones in an open space.

A hanging tapestry is the perfect choice for the creation of a meditation corner, a reading nook or a creative space used to practice your hobby.

Using curtain rods allows you to draw the tapestry whenever in need of some privacy and pull it away when you’d like to enjoy more space.

In this instance, the tapestry serves as a perfect replacement for a movable partition or a wall. It’s lightweight, easy to work with and still capable of giving you some separation.

Tapestries are fun, colourful and versatile. Contact Home Guide if you’d like to get some additional ideas on their use or other suggestions in terms of making your home more colourful and better personalised.

You are unique and the same applies to your home. The best kind of interior design uniqueness is the one that reflects your personality. A home décor that’s based on your character feels comfortable, exciting and cosy.

But how do you take the impersonal products and materials available on the market today, using them to create something distinctive and uniquely yours?

Good personalisation isn’t bold or loud. In fact, it often hides in the little details that make it clear exactly whose home it is.

Pro Tip for Beginners: Start with Art

Using materials and textures to bring your vision to reality is a bit trickier than employing some more straightforward approaches to home interior design.

So, if you don’t know where to get started, explore the power of art in home interior design.

A massive and visually impactful piece of art instantaneously becomes a focal point in a room. You don’t need any other home décor to play an explanatory or supportive role. Art stands on its own and it sets the mood of the space.

Also, art is tremendously varied. Each person has their unique understanding and certain things they like. When looking for art, trust your gut instinct. You don’t need detailed understanding of art history to acquire the right pieces and make them work.

With art, you can add splashes of colour, stylishness with black and white sketches, modernity, traditionalism, industrial vibes and so much more. If you don’t know how to choose the right pieces of art for your home, take a look at the following guide.

Pay Attention to the Little Details

Larger items like furniture pieces and appliances should be picked for comfort and convenience. Obviously, there are variations you can explore in order to create a cohesive interior design concept. But these aren’t the pieces to research intricately if you are trying to inject personality in your décor.

Rather, work on the little details and the fine elements that are a nod and a wink to who you are.

Flowerpots, vases, figurines, your favourite books, tapestries, carpets, pillows and sofa covers all have transformative powers. And these are just a few of the elements you can choose to give each room a bit of quirkiness and individuality.

Decide on a couple of accents and make sure they are the ones that stand out. If you are drawn to many different pieces, you risk creating visual clutter that isn’t going to deliver a message but rather make your home chaotic.

Display Personal Items and Mementos Proudly

Here is another very simple way to achieve personalisation without needing an interior design degree.

There are certain items and mementos that speak of who you are and what your life journey has been like so far. These are the items you need to display proudly. Not only will you be enjoying fond memories this way, you’ll also get to share these wonderful historical glimpses with visitors.

Pictures come to mind when thinking about personal mementos. An entire gallery wall can be dedicated to your family photographs. Get creative and choose fun frames for your most beloved pictures. Alternatively, keep them simple and just put them behind a protective glass cover. Both of these approaches can result in a lovely trip down memory lane.

Souvenirs you have collected from your trips, items linked to your hobby (pottery, mosaics, beaded wall art, knives with hand-carved handles are just a few examples of such pieces), art created by your kids or a personal collection (stamps, coins, comic books) are all great examples of keepsakes deserving of special placement in your home.

Change the Standard Script

If you believe that your home is going to feel right this way, dare to change the standard script.

Some of the best creations result from breaking the rules. Interior design isn’t an exception from that rule. You will enjoy the outcome, however, if breaking the rules is intentional and meaningful. Doing something different for the sake of being different can typically result in a shallow home décor that feels odd rather than satisfying.

Do you often eat outdoors? If so, you can get rid of the large dining table. Turn the dining room into a place for socialisation and hosting parties. Tall barstools and an island that can be used to make delicious beverages while socialising will be much more useful than a hefty dining table that requires so much space.

That’s just one example of breaking interior design rules but the options are limitless. This approach can be applied to each room, especially if you have a certain vision for the space and you know that your choice will add both functionality and visual excitement.

Don’t Be Afraid of Sharing Your Vision

Are you concerned that working with an interior design company in Singapore to create the concept for you is going to deprive the interior design from personality?

Don’t be afraid of communicating who you are and what your vision is during the very first meeting.

Contact Home Guide now and let us know exactly what you need. Feel free to be as specific and unique as possible. The more you share with the team, the easier we’ll find it to achieve personalisation and create an interior design that tells your story.

It’s time to renovate your home and you’re wondering what it would take to achieve results like those featured in interior design magazines.

The best way to get such outcomes obviously involves hiring an interior design professional like Home Guide.

But if that’s not possible right now or you’d simply like to test out your DIY skills, a couple of apps will come to the rescue. Here are a few of the best interior design applications and the things you’ll be able to achieve by employing each.

SketchUp

According to many, SketchUp can be considered the most comprehensive home design app that gives you access to various customisation opportunities.

This is a professional-level software that has a number of plans. There is a free version, ideal for hobby enthusiasts and individuals who will just need it every once in a while to carry out a renovation.

With SketchUp, you can visualise your upcoming home interior design in 3D. Using the app produces a really immersive experience of how your home might look like, making you feel as if you’re walking through the rooms of your brand new home. And since the app is cloud-based, you’ll have access to your projects from any location that has internet connectivity.

Floorplanner

Coming up with the perfect layout can be considered one of the most challenging home renovation aspects. Luckily, apps like Floorplanner can make the task a little bit simpler.

Like SketchUp, Floorplanner comes with a free version that’s great for the needs of amateurs.

You can start out in 2D to create a layout and determine what floor plan is going to suit your flat best. When you have the layout figured out, switch to the app’s 3D mode. It’s the one that makes decorating and experimenting with various interior design concepts so fun.

If you have an actual blueprint that you’d like to base your layout on, you can have that uploaded and used as the foundation of your home upgrades.

Floorplanner has an extensive library of over 150,000 items you can place in your rooms. The app’s room wizard gives you a step-by-step guide that allows you to make the most of the design opportunity.

HomeByMe

This app’s name is pretty self-explanatory. HomeByMe is a powerful tool that DIY enthusiasts can employ to customise and visualise just about every aspect of their upcoming home upgrade project.

There are a few really cool things that set HomeByMe apart from the other interior design apps in the list.

For a start, you can draw inspiration from the projects that others have uploaded. An extensive library of images gives you many fun ideas to explore and even bring inside your home. Also, you can ask the HomeByMe community for some feedback when you’ve created your visualisation.

With a free version for personal use, HomeByMe has a number of great functionalities worth testing out. A few of the most impressive features include 2D and 3D rendering, the ability to “furnish” your project with items made by actual brands on the market, HD imaging capabilities and cloud-based storage.

Planner 5D

Planner 5D is advertised as an advanced home design tool. You can use 2D and 3D visualisation features to come up with a layout and start exploring décor choices. Editing and customisation capabilities are virtually limitless because you’ll get access to a massive material, colour and texture library.

With the render feature, you can capture a realistic image of the project you’ve been working on. The shadowing and other accurate details paint a very clear picture and give you clarity about the suitability of the choices you’ve made for your space. Planner 5D also makes it very easy to share that rendered image with others and get some feedback.

You can start designing for free or upgrade to a more comprehensive paid plan. Because this app is especially created for the needs of amateurs, it comes with a shallow learning curve. Intuitive and well-organised, it’s a great choice for those who don’t know where to get started.

Roomstyler

It’s time to remodel and design your home with Roomstyler. More than just an app, Roomstyler is labelled an interior design community that you can join to find inspiration and some guidance.

A massive library of popular designs can be explored by anyone in need of some inspiration.

Roomstyler also gives you access to a 3D room planner, a chance to start from scratch or import your work file, an extensive materials library, as well as a chance to draw your own sketches and personalise most of the presets in the library.

You can access all of the Roomstyler functionalities for free and you don’t even have to sign up for an account in order to test it out.

Apps Are a Great Start. Let Home Guide Take You To The Finish Line!

These are some of the most extensive and powerful home décor apps available to amateurs for free right now. A few other honourable mentions include Housecraft, Houzz, SmartDraw and Roomie.

Obviously, you need a good eye for detail and some understanding of core renovation concepts in order to employ apps in the most extensive and adequate way.

If you’re clueless about what you’re looking for, chances are that you’ll just end up wasting your time.

Don’t feel discouraged and contact Home Guide now. We can work on the conceptualisation of your home upgrade together. The professional 3D visualisation tools we employ will give you full clarity and allow you to get comfortable with a renovation concept before the actual work commences.

Family heirlooms carry a lot of significance but hey, they can be difficult to integrate in a modern interior design concept. So, what do you do with such pieces and how do you turn them into a seamless part of your brand new home interior design?

Focus on the Contrast between Old and New

Let’s get one thing straight – there’s no way to marry modern pieces and family heirlooms in a manner that’s harmonious. Rather, you have to make the most of individual strengths. The juxtaposition between traditional and modern can work really well if you are strategic about making it happen.

Intentional contrast looks interesting. Attempts to “conceal” the conservative value of heirlooms are going to feel forced. That’s why you want an approach that emphasises differences in an effortless, fun way.

Don’t be afraid of displaying family heirlooms in a way that’s not traditional. For example, a set of fine china plates you inherited from your grandma can be displayed as art on the wall. Making these heirlooms a statement rather than a functional piece draws attention to them in an innovative way. You honour the heritage while also getting the modern china that you’d like to have as part of your kitchen interior design. It’s a win-win situation.

Don’t Be Afraid of Altering Heirlooms

Sometimes, a vintage piece of furniture or an accessory is not going to fit your home décor concept. No matter how hard you try, it will stick out like a sore thumb and make you question every decision in your brand new home.

In such instances, you shouldn’t worry about doing some changes to an heirloom piece.

Getting new upholstery or adding a fresh coat of paint will result in an immediate transformation. At the same time, you’re maintaining the framework that gives the piece its authenticity. A subtle modification pays homage to the original while also bringing it in the contemporary world. A slight alteration is a much better idea than discarding a piece altogether.

If you don’t know how to change an heirloom, get in touch with an experienced interior designer. Someone who has a good understanding of different styles and eras will know what changes will deliver subtle yet powerful modernisation effects.

When in Doubt – Repurpose

Who said you have to use an heirloom in the intended way?

Some of the coolest home decors twist traditional concepts and literally turn heirlooms on their head. If you think you can get creative with the function of a home décor item, do it. The end result is going to be unique and perfectly suited to your style.

An old cabinet your auntie left you could easily be transformed in a bedroom vanity. A traditional chest or a vintage trunk will become such a fun coffee table.

Let your imagination do the work and trust your instinct. A simple, solid traditional bench can be very difficult to use at home if you prefer more streamlined furniture. With a bit of work, however, it can be turned into a crib or a shoe cabinet with some built-in seating. Sometimes, you will need to carry out more thorough design changes and that’s ok. As long as you manage to preserve the spirit of the heirloom, you’ll still be enjoying its originality and the traditional craftsmanship that made it special in the first place.

Create a Special Place for Your Heirlooms

Instead of trying to scatter heirlooms throughout the home and making them work with the rest of the décor, consider dedicating a special corner to these valuable pieces.

A walk down memory lane is always a good idea, especially if you have the space to make it happen.

You don’t need an entire room for the presentation of your traditional heritage. A corner in the living room may be enough to feature some of the most valuable and sentimental items.

The way in which you display those pieces is going to be most important. Framing small objects like photos, scarves, clothing items, crochet bags, tapestries will instantly lift them and give them the status of art rather than clutter. Fragile pieces can also be displayed in glass boxes –a cool protective option that also fits modern interior design perfectly.

Here’s one final thing to remember – using family heirlooms is about quality rather than quantity. If you’ve inherited lots of pieces, you may want to consider putting those on storage and going through everything before attempting to do home décor integration. Some family heirlooms are valuable and timeless while others will simply have to be discarded.

As a person who isn’t a professional, you may find it impossible to differentiate between the treasures and the mundane pieces.

If that’s the case, we’d be glad to help you out. Contact Home Guide and let our interior design company know what you’ve inherited and how you’d like to work with these objects. We’ll come up with a thorough concept that’s tailored to your needs. Once we receive your approval, the Home Guide home renovation contractor team will also work on the execution of the home renovation to make sure it matches every project specification.

While it is beautiful, durable and versatile, glass often remains under-used in interior design and home renovation projects. That’s because many homeowners don’t know how to make the most of it (apart from exploring obvious possibilities).

Glass can be both decorative and functional, giving you many directions to go in to. And if you need a bit of additional inspiration, the following guide will present some fun and trendy glass projects worth considering.

Choose the Right Glass Finish

If you want some originality, choose a glass finish that’s different from the standard clear one.

Alternatives give glass elements more visual appeal and uniqueness. You’ll easily find a range of possibilities on the market. Some of those alternative finishes include frosted glass, coloured glass, stained glass and even textured glass (ideal for statement pieces and artistic installations).

Making a simple change from clear to frosted glass will produce various benefits. It can be used to deliver some privacy or to highlight the cool matte finish that’s so different from the one of clear glass. Frosted glass can be used for so many interior design elements – table tops, banisters, separators and partitions, cabinet doors and bathroom elements.

Introduce a Glass Statement Piece

Interior design elements don’t need to have a functional role in other to add outstanding appeal to the space.

A glass statement piece gives you the wow factor. It can look super cool because of the material’s ability to sparkle and interact with light. It’s also futuristic and a lot more modern than various alternative kinds of light.

Your glass statement piece could come in the form of a massive chandelier, a stained glass window, a glass sculpture or an entire hanging installation. Look online for pieces that you like and you can commission the creation of your own custom glass masterpiece. Various local artists can work with the material and produce something unique to display proudly in your home.

Have Fun with Glass Furniture

Incorporated into furniture, glass gives you clarity, minimalism and ease of maintenance. It adds a degree of lightness to pieces that may otherwise appear chunky.

There are lots of options worth checking out.

Table tops, shelves, closet doors, cabinets featuring glass elements, storage units and even glass chairs are available. Most of these look really cool and modern. When picking, however, don’t just feel drawn to visuals. Make sure that the design will also guarantee functionality and comfort. Some pieces look outstanding but they’re simply too fragile for intense everyday use. That’s why you may want to prioritise glass furniture that’s further reinforced with metal and wood.

Glass Ceilings or Flooring

Glass can’t be the most traditional ceiling or flooring material. That’s why it can produce impressive results when used on these large surfaces.

Adding glass pieces or a large glass panel to the ceiling (be it cleared, frosted or stained) will usually result in a really interesting effect. You can even conceptualise an entire visual illusion (having ceiling and floor elements working together to reflect and refract light in a distinctive manner).

Having a portion of the floor covered in glass or glass tiles will create a fun accent. You can have a traditional hardwood floor with a portion cut out for the installation of a glass panel. Looking like a window or a pool of clear water, it’s instantly going to break up the monotony of having a single kind of flooring material covering the entire area.

Glass Walls

A glass wall acts as a partition and it gives you full control over the amount of privacy the respective functional zone is going to have.

You can use a glass wall to separate the living room from the dining area. That’s a cool concept because you still get a sense of privacy while the two parts of an open floor layout are actually visually distinguished from each other.

The type of glass and whether you go for a single panel or numerous pieces of glass will also have to be determined on the basis of the desired effect. Mix different kinds of glass for the most fun and exciting outcome.

Add a Glass Backsplash to the Kitchen

Because it covers a relatively big area, the kitchen backsplash does make a visual statement. It also needs to be very functional – the material is positioned behind the sink and the countertop, protecting the wall from splashes and staining.

Glass tiles are an excellent material to consider for your backsplash and they look a lot more innovative than classic options like marble and mosaics.

You’ll find all kinds of glass tiles on the market – translucent, coloured, large, small…. You can feature one kind or mix a few together for the creation of a fun custom pattern.

The best aspect of having a glass backsplash is that it’s so incredibly easy to clean while also being tremendously durable.

As you can see, glass is an incredible material you can use conventionally or in completely unorthodox ways. Contact Home Guide to conceptualise the best home renovation for your space and to also have it carried out in a professional, reliable way.

Available space is probably your home’s most important asset. Having too many belongings, a big family or a poor organisation/decluttering system can all play a role. Unfortunately, it’s often something lacking in a Singaporean HDB flats but with smart home space planning that focuses on space-creating strategies, this can be overcome.

If you don’t know how to approach such a project, here are a couple of ideas that are bound to have a profoundly positive effect on a flat’s spaciousness.

Go Vertical

This is the number one strategy professional interior designers employ when faced with the task of upgrading a small flat.

Most of our belongings and furniture pieces take up horizontal space. When this happens, you start feeling overwhelmed by all of the clutter. In order to free space up, start thinking vertical instead of horizontal.

There are many creative ideas to help you make the most of vertical space.

A pegboard is a cool example of a vertical organiser that is also highly customisable. Wall-mounted bars give you a similar option and they’re a great pick for just about every room (the kitchen and the bathroom included).

To fully utilise vertical space, you can also mount several levels of shelving, use modular units for storage and organisation or even plant a vertical garden. By doing so, you’ll be making excellent use of space that will otherwise be neglected.

Make the Most of Glass and Reflective Materials

Having enough natural light entering your rooms will instantly bring on a more cheerful, brighter ambiance. To achieve the goal, employ the power of glass and reflective materials.

Mirrors and metallic tiles, for example, reflect light and they can also be created strategically to amplify a visual illusion.

Partial glass walls or glass elements on the doors can also work really well.

In that case, the glass partitions create some separation without being solid and making the respective room feel confined. If you need a bit of privacy, you can count on frosted glass and still achieve the space enlargement effect.

Through the use of glass, you can connect adjacent spaces and visually expand their size. Adding reflective surfaces to the mix increases the effect of the approach even further. Just make sure these elements are placed in a way that employs their properties to your advantage. Having a mirror placed across a window and angled towards a room, for example, is the best way to have light directed towards a space where its missing.

Conceal the Things That Create Visual Chaos

Do you have cables running through your living room? Can you see exposed pipes, HVAC elements and other essential pieces that contribute to the clutter?

Making your space more organised involves eliminating those visible pieces. They add nothing to the interior design while increasing the overall chaotic sensation you get with a small, cluttered apartment.

There are many clever ways to hide utilities without interfering with their function.

Internet cables, television cords and others can all be hidden behind cord covers. Something as simple as hooking cords to the back of furniture will also work.

Other excellent approaches involve running wires inside a wall (whenever you intend to do a more extensive home renovation), investing in cable management boxes and even having a custom box designed for small kitchen appliances that clutter countertops and have their cords hanging everywhere.

Be Careful with Colour Palette Selection

A home décor can be overwhelming, even when a space is sufficiently big. Using the wrong colour palette will easily contribute to the sense of a room being crowded and missing air.

Too many colours or tones fighting for attention can easily start looking chaotic in a smaller flat.

As a general rule of thumb, stick to a neutral colour palette and have one brighter colour that stands out and makes a statement. The accent colour could contrast the main tones or it can be in the same family (just a bolder and more noticeable version of its subdued counterparts).

Scale is Important

If your space appears tiny, you may want to re-evaluate your furniture selection.

Good interior design is all about scale.

In other words, an overstuffed and bulky sofa isn’t going to look right in a tiny living room.

Picking more streamlined and ergonomic furniture pieces will easily free up a lot of space.

Choose a smaller dining table, sofa and entertainment centre – furniture pieces that are usually quite big.

If possible, opt for foldable, wall-mounted or multi-purpose furniture pieces. By choosing such items for your home, you get to enjoy a lot of comfort and convenience without needing lots of space for the placement of all essentials.

Use Art

A large gallery wall may be your dream but if you lack the space, you’ll need to get somewhat creative with the addition of artistic flare to your home.

Every bit of the flat can be used as canvas. Be unconventional and bold when choosing such pieces and picking places for those.

You can have a print or a photograph applied to your fridge or even the kitchen counters. We’re not kidding when we say that any surface can become a canvas when your home is tiny.

There are so many other fun ideas to explore when it comes to the placement of art. A small patch of wall above a furniture piece (like the shoe cabinet) can host a piece of art, as long as the size and the scale are right. Even the open shelving in the kitchen can host some colourful pieces that lighten up the mood.

A small home doesn’t have to limit your creativity or lifestyle choices. Contact Home Guide if you’re struggling with organising and designing your flat. Our home interior design experts have extensive experience in renovating small HDB properties to fully unlock their potential.

Florals have been a part of home interior design since forever. But it’s 2023 and you’re probably asking yourself if these patterns are still a good idea.

The answer depends on a number of things. The most important thing to understand is that the floral style consists of so many options. That’s the reason why it’s easy to upgrade but it can also look very dated when you make the wrong choice.

If you’re asking yourself about florals, you probably like the appearance of these patterns. So, what does it take to make them the shining style in your flat?

Are Florals Going Out of Style?

Let’s answer this question first. Currently, there are no indications that floral patterns are going out of style.

Florals can be used to accomplish lots of things. Some designs look delicate and feminine, adding a touch of softness to the space. Others can be bold and prominent, giving the respective room a lot of drama. Essentially, you can get any effect if you feature the right kind of floral pattern to match the rest of the space.

There could be one more reason why florals are still here and according to some, they’re even becoming more popular.

We live in a hi-tech world that’s digitalized and minimalistic. Florals add some beautiful details, a splash of colour and a touch of nature to the urban landscape.

How to Make Floral Designs Work in Your Home

When using florals, you’ll be walking a fine line between elegant and kitschy. What does it take not to cross into the territory of tasteless?

For a start, consider partnering up with an interior design company in Singapore. An interior designer will assess the space and the changes you’d like to make. They’ll come up with a comprehensive and cohesive concept that introduces the right kind of floral pattern.

Next, think about size and scale.

Large flowers add drama but they’re definitely going to dominate the room. If the floral pattern is the star of the show, the rest of the décor will have to play supporting role.

Small patterns can be a lot more intricate but there’s a tendency for them to look busy.  To be on the safe side, choose something simpler and in line with the overall colour scheme that you’ve picked for your home.

Speaking of colours, you have two choices.

If you pick neutral colours, you can feature a more ornate and dramatic kind of floral design. Otherwise, make a statement with a striking tone. Bold, bright or even neons – there are so many choices. Don’t worry about those being too overpowering. You can benefit from lots of flexibility. For example, if the floral you pick for one of the walls adds too much drama, you can keep the rest of the walls neutral. You’ll get a balanced design and an accent that will instantly draw the eye and break up the monotony.

There is one more easy way to incorporate florals in your home and make them look good. Textiles can feature such prints to look a bit more distinctive than solid colour options. Don’t just think of throw pillows in terms of textiles. You can have floral curtains, rugs, carpets, linens and towels.

Naturally, you wouldn’t want to have every single piece of fabric in the home displaying a floral design. Moderation is once again key. For most people, subtlety will work best. Some would want to be bold but the rule of making things balanced will once again apply.

Florals aren’t everybody’s cup of tea and that’s ok. You don’t have to embrace this trend or make it a part of your home.

If you do like floral elements, however, you can have some fun with them. Generally speaking, there are no rules. Interior designers today have updated many trends and styles, making them striking and super innovative during the process.

Contact Home Guide if you’re seeking a home renovation partner with a good understanding of various interior design styles. We’ll easily conceptualise the one that works best for you and your space.