Baking soda’s chemical formula is NaHCO3. It is a water-soluble weak alkali and can be purchased in most supermarkets. You might be surprised how useful this common chemical compound is outside the kitchen.

Uses

1. Cockroach repellent
Mix a pinch of sugar with baking soda to make a poison bait for cockroaches. Place the bait where cockroaches often roam. They should disappear in a few days. Note that this only helps if you have a minor cockroach problem. For an infestation, it’s best to get pest control.

2. Grease removal
Dissolve baking soda in 70 – 80°C water in a 1:1 ratio and soak a scouring cloth in the solution to scrub off stubborn grease in the kitchen.

3. Glass stain removal
Make a scrub with lemon juice and baking soda to rub off the stain on glass surfaces like your shower screen.

4. Deodorant
Add one teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of lemon juice to a litre of water. Wipe surfaces with the liquid to both cleanse and remove odour. The scent of lemon is especially effective in masking fishy smells.

5. Tea and coffee stain removal
Fill your stained porcelain container and dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in the water. If this does not remove the stains completely, sprinkle dry baking soda in the cup and scrub with a firm hand. For especially stubborn stains, boil water with baking soda and pour the liquid into the porcelain ware. Leave the liquid to sit for a while. Empty the liquid after it has cooled down and then scrub off the stains.

6. Mould removal
Make a baking soda paste with water, and apply onto mouldy surfaces. The mould should come off after a few scrubs. For extra vigour, consider adding vinegar to the mix.

Materials never to use baking soda on

Aluminium
Upon contact with baking soda, aluminium will tarnish and a black layer will be formed on the surface due to oxidation.

Hardwood
Baking soda solution would leave water stains on the hardwood when rubbed into the material.

Animal protein
Wool and silk are animal protein fibres. Baking soda tenderises meat by changing the chemistry of the meat. Likewise, when wool or silk fabric is soaked in baking soda, its texture will change and discolouration will occur.

Lacquered surfaces
Baking soda might leave water stains on the lacquered surface.

Time to ditch your toxic cleaners and give this highly effective, nontoxic wonder a try!

HKDecoman, now going global as Deco-Man, is a Hong Kong-based renovation platform which provides professional consultancy services and pioneers in the development of A.I. homeowner-engineer matching. We aim at educating the public about the art of home renovation and have our eyes on transforming the traditional renovation industry, bringing standardisation, transparency, convenience and automation to the business.

Original post 6 Ways Baking Soda Can Make Your Life Easier appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

Moving house can be a hugely stressful affair. It would seem you have a million things to do, from finding a reliable (and preferably reasonably priced) mover to trying to stay sane while packing your lifetime’s worth of possessions into boxes. To help ease your transition, we put together a guide of “what to dos” before, during and after your move so you can always stay on top of things.

Before Moving

1. Do your measurements
Measure out any your existing furniture that you are planning to move with, then look at the dimensions of your new home. Can they fit in with the space? If not, you might have to sell or give them away. Check to see if your furniture pieces can fit into the lifts. If they don’t, your movers might have to take the stairs and depending on the floor you are staying on, that can add significantly to your moving expenses.

2. Declutter
Take stock of what you have. Before you start packing away your things, it’s best to do a declutter session to throw, sell or donate things that you don’t need or want. Decluttering takes time, so give yourself a couple of weekends and don’t rush the process. Start with general items that you have the least attachment to and then go on from there. A good place to start? Your closet.

Design: DB Studio

3. Find a mover
Once you have a good gauge of what you are planning to bring along to your new place, it’s time to source for a professional mover. Some tips:

• Take recommendations from friends and family or read the online reviews.
• Get quotations from at least a couple of service providers before deciding. Sounds too good to be true? It probably is.
• Have them come down to your home to do an on-site evaluation and measurement and get your quotes in black-and-white.
• If you have pets or items that require special care when moving, such as fish aquariums, fine art pieces or pianos, ask if they have experience dealing with them and if there any additional costs involved.
• Ask your mover if there are any other hidden costs to be aware of. This can include additional costs for using the stairs instead of the lifts, for extra packing materials like cling wrap, extra labour hours that may be incurred due to unforeseen circumstances or for disposal of unwanted furniture.
• Try to negotiate the number of trips you will have to make to and from your new home so as to minimise costs.
• Inform your movers at least 2-3 weeks in advance to increase the chances of you securing the date and time you want.

If you are just looking to move a couple of boxes or smaller pieces of furniture, you might want to handle the moving process yourself. In this case, consider hiring a van or a lorry just to transport your things over to your new place rather than a full-fledged mover.

4. Start packing
Most movers will provide packing materials such as cardboard boxes and bubble wrap. Some will provide unlimited quantities, while others charge for extras so make sure you ask. Once you’ve consolidated your packing materials, it’s time to sort out your possessions.

Image: Skeeze from Pixabay

Start with items that you haven’t used for a while now and save everyday items for the last. You will want to keep your everyday items in separate boxes so that they can be unpacked quickly.

As you draw nearer to moving day, make sure your laundry is laundered and ready to be packed. You will also want to cut down on purchasing perishables to minimise things you have to move.

Design: Tab Gallery

Separate delicate, breakable items from ones that can be thrown around. And label the boxes clearly so your movers will know what needs to be handled with care. Colour code your boxes and your furniture based on the room it goes into to make things easier for the movers and yourself when it comes to unpacking your items in your new home. This also helps to make things more efficient during moving day.

Image: Fantastic Removals

Consider also moving valuables yourself. While most movers do provide insurance, the coverage might not be adequate to sufficiently cover the cost of your valued items if they get misplaced or broken in transit.

Save a couple of spare boxes in case there is any last-minute packing. Make a final inventory of all the items that you are planning to bring along (triple count the number of boxes!) and share this list with your movers during moving day.

5. Miscellaneous tasks to do

• Do a thorough cleaning of your new home, including the insides of cabinets, so that you can store your items upon arrival. If your home is newly renovated, consider engaging a professional cleaning service for a deeper clean.
• If you are currently renting, make sure to give enough notice to your landlord as per your rental contract.
• Condo dwellers: You will likely need to submit an application (and pay a deposit) to notify the building management if you are moving into a condominium apartment or moving out of one. Most condos also don’t allow you to move in or out during a weekend to minimise disruptions to the rest of the residents, although some will permit moving activity up till 1pm on a Saturday. Do check with the individual condo management for more details.
• You should have already activated your utilities prior to your renovation. If not, do so before moving in so that you don’t run the risk of not having electricity, water or gas.
• If you can’t live without WIFI, consider setting up the internet in your new home in advance so that you can be immediately connected when you move in.
• Update your home address with the essential people so that your mail gets to the right place. These can include your employer, mobile phone providers, financial institutions and credit card companies, insurance companies, organisations you’re involved in, and subscription services like the newspaper.
• Rope in (or bribe) friends and family to help with moving day.

Moving Day

The big day is finally here! Get up early, because there are lots to do.

Clear out the fridge: Place whatever that’s left in a portable cooler.

Furniture dismantling: When the movers are dismantling your furniture, ensure that any bits and bobs such as screws are properly attached to the larger furniture pieces so that they don’t get lost during the move.

Pets and plants: Best to leave them with a friend/family member or a boarding service prior to moving day to minimise disruptions and only bringing them into your new home once everything is settled. If that can’t be done, consider transporting pets and plants yourself, rather than having the movers do so.

Design: AD. I. Wrks

For pets, you will want to leave them in a separate room away from the movers while the moving is taking place. Have someone accompany them if you can. You don’t want them to be startled by all the strangers moving in and out of the house. Give them food and plenty of toys so that they can occupy themselves until you are ready to move them to your new home.

With plants, pack them securely in crate boxes that are preferably lined with waterproof sheets so that the vehicle you are transporting them with doesn’t get too messy from the soil and water. Spritz their leaves with water to ensure that they don’t get dehydrated during this transition period.

Design: Design Chapterz

Pack essentials: Pull out a luggage or a holdall to pack essentials that will get you through this day. Essentials include: toiletries, snacks, cleaning supplies, bedsheets, change of clothes, phone charges, baby essentials, toys or something to occupy your children if you have them, as well as stationery like penknives, tape and markers.

Design: Ethereall

At your new home: Station a trusted friend or a family member at your new home to make sure everything is placed in the right rooms.

Final check: Do a final check to make sure everything has been moved over to your new home. Don’t forget your valuables! Turn off the power and the main water supply so that you don’t accidentally chalk up extra utility bills.

Design: Lemonfridge Studio

After Moving In

You’ve had a long day. Unpack your luggage of essentials and the perishables. Everything else can wait. Get well rested and don’t start unpacking the boxes until after refuelling and recharging.

When unpacking, don’t rush into it and stress yourself. Unpack the boxes with the everyday essentials first and take your time with the rest.

Armed with your inventory list, go room by room. (Ideally, you would have colour coded your boxes based on the room they were supposed to go in.) You might want to start with the kitchen first as this is usually the most important space in the house. Don’t empty your boxes all at once, since it will only overwhelm you and clutter up your space.

Design: Jesigns Interior Design

Take your time to reassess your items again as you unpack. Ask yourself if you really do need them. Keep items you are unsure about in the boxes and come to them again after a couple of weeks in your new home. You might want to consider throwing them out or giving them away then.

Once you are all settled in, get started on organising your house warming party!

Original post A Stress-Free Guide to Moving House in Singapore appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

When it comes to designing your shower area in the bathroom, storage is usually the paramount concern. After all, you need a convenient location to store anything from shampoo bottles to shower gel containers, and you definitely don’t want to be just lining them on the floor of your shower, which can turn into a huge clutter fest. Turns out, there are plenty of options out there that will get your toiletries all sorted. Here are some of our favourites:

1. Shelves

Design: 19EightyThree

Shelves are a no brainer. You can get them for cheap off-the-rack, or get custom ones that fit in with your bathroom design. The great thing about shelves is that they are a lot less permanent than some of the storage solutions we will be looking at in the article. So you can change them out whenever. Consider curved edge shelves like the ones in the bathroom below if you have kids.

Design: Voila

2. Recessed Shelves

Design: 19EightyThree X Bowerman

If you prefer something less physically and visually obtrusive, recessed shelves are your solution. They are recessed into the wall, so there’s less chance you will knock into them while showering. Recessed shelves aren’t just the reserve of sleeker or more minimalist bathrooms. They can offer plenty of personality if you do contrasting shelves like these ones below.

Design: The Scientist

3. Recessed Niches

Design: The Scientist

Recessed niches are similar to recessed shelves. But rather than having individual shelves within the recessed part, niches are the shelves themselves. While recessed niches offer a more concealed look, which is great if you want something more seamless, there are a few ways to still make a visual impact with them. Consider cladding the niche in a different tile to the rest of the bathroom. Or build them exceptionally tall to lengthen the appearance of your shower area.

Design: Er Studio Design

4. Corner Solutions

Design: The Interior Lab

For tight shower stalls, corner shelves are a good way to minimise the area taken up since they just use a corner of the bathroom. They tend to be shallow, so depending on how many shampoo bottles and soaps you have, you might need to include more than a single corner shelf. Ones with rails are a good option if you have a lot of essentials to hold in place.

Design: Cozy Ideas

5. Ledge

Design: Third Avenue Studio

Ledges are like one long shelf, usually running the length of either the depth or the width of the shower zone for a more continuous design. They help to visually extend the space, which is a huge plus for small bathrooms. Also a good solution if you need lots of storage.

Design: Project Guru

Design: Fatema Design Studio

6. Recessed Ledge

Design: Charlotte’s Carpentry

Ledges also come with recessed designs to minimise the visual intrusion of your shower space. Like with recessed shelves, cladding them in a different tile will make them pop, doubling them as a design feature for your bathroom.

Design: The Local Inn.terior

7. Lower Ledge

Design: The Safe Haven

One of the main advantages to going with a lower ledge is that you will have more elbow room, making cramped shower stalls a thing of the past. But it’s not for everybody, especially if you have a bad knee or don’t like having to bend your back to pick up your shower essentials.

Design: Meter Square

Which shower storage solution will you be going for in the bathroom? Let us know in the comments!

Original post 7 Stylish Shower Storage Solutions for Toiletries appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

If you love the ever-popular bright, all-white interiors or you thrive on clean, minimalist looks, then Grandmillennial probably isn’t for you. A response to the somewhat boring and forgettable aesthetic that have become commonplace in our social feeds, Grandmillennial is an up-and-coming trend that pays homage to the past. It is at once comforting and familiar, yet by mixing in modern elements, it retains its relevance in today’s spaces. Read on to see if this new interior design trend is for you.

What is Grandmillennial?

The term was first coined by interior design magazine House Beautiful in late 2019, who used it to refer to a group of 20- to 30-somethings—today’s millennials—who “have an affinity for design trends considered by mainstream culture to be stuffy or outdated.” These millennials are seen to be “trend-averse”, rebelling against current trends that they have deemed too generic whilst embracing differences and individuality by looking to the past for inspiration.

Grandmillennial soon became a style in its own right, although if you look at the characteristics of it, it shares a lot of elements with existing themes like vintage, retro and even Chinoiserie. Others have described it like looking into your grandmother’s living room. Grandmillennial in essence takes on many traditional elements, incorporating them into modern settings so you have a style that feels updated rather than tacky.

5 Easy Ways to Incorporate Grandmillennial into Your Singapore Home

1. Mix old and new furniture

Design: D’ Initial Concept

Rather than use traditional style furniture exclusively, mix in modern furniture to avoid your home from looking overly kitschy or retro. Modern furnishings tend to be sleeker with cleaner lines, while traditional style furniture are usually more ornate with intricate carvings and lots of embellishments. With traditional furniture, consider cane furniture, heirlooms that were handed down to you like an antique singer sewing machine table or reupholstered or refurbished vintage pieces you bought off the store.

2. Go bold on colour

Design: Team Interior Design

Unlike current trends that take delight in neutrals, white spaces and anything monochrome, Grandmillennial embraces colours. From sweet pastels to invigorating, jewel tones, don’t be afraid to use colours if your are jumping on board this trend. For the less adventurous, stick to a neutral backdrop and feature colours as accents through small furnishings and décor items.

3. Prints and patterns are your best friends

Design: The Local Inn.terior

The Grandmillennial style uses plenty of classic prints and patterns. Popular ones for this style include chintz, which typically features a lot of small floral designs, and good old plaid. You can easily find soft furnishings with them, like your cushions, curtains, wallpaper, bed linens or your sofa covers. Or discover them on vases, pottery wares or even your bathroom sink!

4. Don’t shy away from trimmings and flourishes

Design: Living Icon

From tassels to fringes, the Grandmillennial style is all about embellishments. It could be something simple like having a throw with delicate tassels or elegant chandeliers that have an abstract fringe design. Or it could be an intricate detailing on a wooden dresser.

5. Go local

Design: The Local Inn.terior

For an air of familiarity in your Grandmillennial style, add local old-school elements. Doing up a feature with ventilation blocks—often seen in older buildings—is a good option. Or consider dividers made from old-fashioned metal grilles or flooring decked out in terrazzo. We also particularly like kitchen counters laid with square ceramic tiles, which make us feel like we’ve gone back in time to our grandmothers’ kitchens.

What do you think of the Grandmillennial trend? Will you be incorporating that into your home?

Original post How to incorporate the “Grandmillennial” Style into your Singapore Home? appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

After  acquiring his new home, the owner, who lives in Hong Kong, decided to make good use of his skillset as an interior designer by designing his own place. He fused the traditional Japanese style with a modern slant, resulting in an apartment design that could be regarded as a milestone in his career.

One of the main elements he took from traditional Japanese design was the idea of using sliding doors to demarcate spaces. The sliding doors helped divide the areas into different purposes, such as the living room, bedroom and the guest room. The flexible and versatile design was ideal for the small space. He also used tatami mats and natural wood to add a warm touch to space.

Against a clean and light Japanese atmosphere, he chose not to use the traditional rustic colours, but employed bold reds and blacks to create a strong visual impression. Together with the bright and colourful paintings decked around the home, the character of the design stands out remarkably.

A part of the communal space was decked out in wallpaper, which was a collaborative piece done by the homeowner himself together with a professional wallpaper expert in Taiwan.

In terms of furnishings, he did not seek them out with intention. Instead, preferring to come across pieces he loves before including them into his home. As such, many of the pieces were souvenirs from his trips to Japan, creating a personal story that is unique to his space.

When it comes to furniture, the homeowner sourced for quality Japanese handmade ones that offer a good balance between ergonomics and aesthetics.

One of his favourites is this low chair in the living room. With a short and wide seat, one can lay back comfortably and stretch out one’s legs. It’s even comfortable sitting cross-legged on it. The L-shaped chair feet can disperse stress points and avoid leaving indentations on the tatami mats. It also prevents the rest of the people sitting on the floor or on the sofa from feeling a sense of distance.

The living space in Hong Kong, like Singapore, is relatively small generally. Through good interior design, it can give you a more spacious living environment.

Source of images: Decomyplace

HKDecoman, now going global as Deco-Man, is a Hong Kong-based renovation platform which provides professional consultancy services and pioneers in the development of A.I. homeowner-engineer matching. We aim at educating the public about the art of home renovation and have our eyes on transforming the traditional renovation industry, bringing standardisation, transparency, convenience and automation to the business.

Original post Home Tour: A Stylish Modern Japanese Style Home appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

While the world’s obsessed with minimalism and all things decluttering, we are also seeing a growing interest in styles that are less stark and sterile. Enter interior design world’s new ‘it’ theme—modern Victorian, a reimagining of the ornate, opulent and overly done traditional Victorian interior.

Unlike its heavily decorated cousin, the modern Victorian is less overwhelming and a lot more stylish and suited for our modern sensibilities. Consider this theme as a mishmash of the old and new, the excess and the pared back. What you get is a lively mix that feels romantic as it is practical.

Looking to recreate this look yourself? Take a (gold) leaf out of these modern Victorian style homes in Singapore.

1. A Note on Subtlety

Design: D’ Initial Concept
Type of Home: HDB
Location: Telok Blangah

Much of the apartment is set in a neutral colour scheme, which is in itself a very modern take on the Victorian style. Save for the pastel blush or navy blue accents, the rest of the home is painted in lavish creams, greys and blacks.

A characteristic common in Victorian homes to showcase a room’s importance, wall moulding was used extensively in the living room’s and the bedroom’s walls. A polished marble floor lends a shimmer to the spaces. Velvet is also used frequently in the furnishings’ material choice for a more luxurious feel.

See more of this home

2. Entertaining Focus

Design: Neu Konceptz
Type of Home: HDB
Location: Dawson Road

As frequent hosts, the homeowners wanted an unconventional setting where the dining area functions as the focal point of the home, instead of the living room. The living room is relegated to the side, but it holds its own in the form of a gorgeous deep green chesterfield sofa.

The dining set takes up a big part of the original living area, with a custom high-back bench upholstered in a high-sheen velvet, paying tribute to the modern Victorian theme. This eating and entertaining area is set against a wallpaper backdrop, which features an elegant metallic sheen.

A subtler wallpaper is used for the private quarters, which is intended to be a restful sanctuary. But it is no less opulent, with the bedroom connected to a generous-sized walk-in wardrobe that was converted from an extra bedroom.

See more of this home

3. Modern Victorian in Monochrome

Design: Urban Habitat Design
Type of Home: Condo
Location: River Valley Road

Nothing is as classic as a monochrome number. But rather than go stark black and white, like contemporary style homes, this modern Victorian condominium includes a palette of very dark woods, creams and greys to soften the look and to create a cosier ambience.

Lots of patterns were used to make things visually more interesting. In the kitchen, a black-and-white checkerboard patterned flooring takes centre stage, while marble surfaces and an intricate monochrome floral motif steal the show in the bathroom.

See more of this home

4. Furious Blush

Design: The Scientist
Type of Home: Condo
Location: Tanjong Rhu

Subtlety holds no place in this beautiful apartment that is awash in a warm, almost milky pink. Matte black accents, seen throughout the home and most notably the ceiling cornice, help to temper this loud hue, while ensuring the looks remains modern rather than dated.

Notice the old and new juxtaposition in the open-plan living and dining area. The living room features a modern style sofa with clean, straight lines while the dining chairs take on a lusher, more opulent design. The dining table and coffee table are made in the same material to tie both spaces together.

The kitchen was kept mostly modern and practical, although the hardware was switched out to antique-looking ones to fit in with the theme. The bathrooms were likewise designed to the side of practical, with modern finishes and fittings. Instead, decor touches were employed to add to the glam factor.

See more of this home

5. Regal Reign

Design: Couple Abode
Type of Home: HDB
Location: Punggol

One of the first things that catches your eye in this apartment is the very regal-looking tufted sofa in the living room. Paired with a smaller, but equally lavish, love seat, the communal space feels like it was made for the royals. Look closer and you will see other elements common in Victorian style houses, such as the elaborate ceiling and wall moulding as well as the ceiling rose (used to conceal the point in which the ceiling light attaches to the ceiling).

The ornate furnishings continue into the dining area and the bedroom. The brushed and brassy finish on the pieces provide a more muted elegance, which alludes to modern sensibilities. This, coupled with a very trendy moody colour scheme, illustrates the juxtaposition of the modern Victorian style perfectly.

See more of this home

6. Pure Fancy

Design: Fifth Avenue Interior
Type of Home: HDB
Location: Yung Kuang Road

In this apartment, the crisp, all-white interior lends a sense of modernity amidst the more traditional and ornate furnishings. We also see this old and new contrast in the kitchen, where traditional shaker style cabinets are paired with classic subway tiles, the latter the essence of modernity.

The white spaces are paired with gilded touches, from the cabinet knobs to the edges of the furniture pieces, offering opulence and luxury amidst the sense of calm and serenity.

See more of this home

7. Pinnacle of Sophistication

Design: Cozyspace
Type of Home: HDB
Location: Sumang Lane

Keeping to understated, neutral hues was in a bid to keep the design of the apartment as timeless as possible. Furnishings, while ornate, weren’t overly so, lending an elegant and sophisticated vibe that wasn’t the least bit garish.

The introduction of patterns throughout the flat helps to keep things interesting. Repeated, rather than unconventional, motifs were chosen to retain the timelessness of the space.

See more of this home

8. Closet of Your Dreams

Design: I-Chapter
Type of Home: HDB
Location: Dawson Road

One of the highlights of this home is the walk-in wardrobe, the entry to which is through a set of glass double doors from the master bedroom. Inside the closet, a faux fur covered bench, an accessory island, gilded hardware and an intricate chandelier evoke luxurious vibes. Wardrobe fronts with grey trimming allude to the accents used throughout the home.

This modern Victorian home is also big on functionality and maximising space. Take for instance the multipurpose communal zone that houses a living and dining area as well as an L-shaped bar counter that doubles as a standing study desk and a divider between the TV and eating zones. In another instance, a low shoe cabinet serves also as a demarcation for the foyer area and a display unit.

See more of this home

Original post 8 Majestic Modern Victorian Homes in Singapore for that ‘Atas’ Appeal appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

When it comes to designing your built-in wardrobe, ergonomics, key measurements and the pros and cons of hanging space versus drawers are really important. But the carpentry design and how your wardrobe looks like is just as important too since it defines the style of your space as well as your personality.

Whether you are a minimalist with a preference for the unassuming or someone with more opulent sensibilities, there’s a wardrobe design for you. Get inspired by these ones in real-life Singapore homes.

1. For Scandinavian flair

The Scandinavian style is ubiquitous for a reason. It’s easy on the eyes, soothing on the senses and can definitely stand the test of time, just like this wardrobe where classic chevron patterns and the light wood tone are a nod to the popular Nordic style.

Design: Cozyspace Interior

2. For a sense of quirkiness

When conventional just doesn’t cut it for you, think quirky. Wardrobe handles are a good way to inject some personality. Here, cross-shaped cut-outs were used in place of standard knobs or pulls in this sliding dual-tone wardrobe.

Design: Ju Design Studio

3. For those with regal sensibilities

For a closet design that is just a bit more ornate, consider shaker style fronts rather than standard flat fronts. We love this for the modern Victorian look, but it’s also a great option for country style homes. Pair them with brassy handles for a regal finish.

Design: The Local Inn.terior

4. For the minimalist

This all-white, understated wardrobe features an unobtrusive design, seemingly blending into the white-washed walls of this bedroom. The only thing that draws the eye are the slim cut outs that function as the closet handles.

Design: Kuro+

5. For the rodeo rancher

Go down the country road with barn door inspired wardrobe fronts. Cover them with rustic style laminates to complete the look.

Design: The 80’s Studio

6. For the sleek and sophistication

Glass always feels luxurious, which make them a wonderful choice for wardrobe fronts if you are after the classy vibe. Have your glass wardrobe doors tinted in black to elevate the chic factor. Doing so is also a great way to conceal the clutter and mess in your closet.

Design: Rooot Studio

7. For fans of geometry

Want your wardrobe to take centre stage in your bedroom? Carve out geometric lines and shapes to make a stylish statement. Emphasise the motifs with a different coloured laminate to make them really pop.

Design: I-Chapter

8. For all things industrial

If you like the rustic, grungy vibes of the industrial style, this wardrobe design is for you. Evoking the utilitarian style are chunky blocks of wood that function as wardrobe pulls as well as the wire mesh glass insets.

Design: Versaform

9. For modern simplicity

The fluted/slatted wood design is one of the trending styles this year. Consider recreating this look in your wardrobe carpentry. The simplicity in its design, yet strong graphic statement it creates mean it can work as a gorgeous wall feature too.

Design: Escapade Studios

10. For a soothing Zen vibe

There’s nothing complicated about this Japanese style built-in wardrobe, which features simple clean lines, a handle-less design and a soothing neutral palette of cream and medium-toned wood, conjuring up a Zen-like vibe in this bedroom.

Design: Linear Space Concepts

Original post 10 Bespoke Wardrobe Carpentry Design to Suit Every Style appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

By all accounts, Canberra Vista, the BTO launched in February 2020, is very well located, which explains why the bigger flats in this Sembawang estate were 10 times oversubscribed compared to just 7 times for the similar sized flats at the Toa Payoh BTOs.

In this article, we look at what’s around the area and see what are the best units to pick if you are thinking of getting a flat here.

What makes Canberra Vista so great?

	Canberra Vista
Location	Along Canberra Drive
Total units	1,467
No. of blocks	15
Highest floor	10
Type of units	2-room Flexi, 3-, 4-, 5-room, and 3Gen flats
Scheduled completion	2Q2024 to 3Q2024
Nearest MRT	Canberra MRT (just next to the estate)
Amenities	Canberra Plaza neighbourhood centre (right across the road from BTO), Sembawang Shopping Centre (approx 15-20 min walk), Northpoint City (approx 20 min walk)

One of the main reasons why this BTO was so popular during the Feb 2020 Sales Launch was because it’s located just next to the recently completed Canberra MRT station along the North-South Line.

Site for Canberra Vista, as of Feb 2020.

The BTO is flanked by condominiums and surrounded by other BTOs. During our site visit, the area wasn’t overly bustling, although we expect it to be more vibrant once the surrounding amenities are up and running.

Traffic along Canberra Link was sizeable as it’s a major road linking both Sembawang Road to the Yishun neighbourhood, while Canberra Lane and Canberra Drive were a lot quieter. This might change when the other high-rise developments in the area come up though, so do take note.

Quiet road along Canberra Drive.

Amenities-wise, it is a short walking distance to the soon-to-be-opened 3-storey neighbourhood centre, Canberra Plaza, and a 15 to 20-min walk to Sembawang Shopping Centre located along Sembawang Road as well as Northpoint City in Yishun. The road also houses a number of eateries, mostly popular with the late-night crowd.

Canberra Link. To the left is the location for the upcoming Canberra Plaza. To the right is Canberra Vista.

It’s also a 20-min walk to recently revamped Sembawang Hot Spring Park, as well as Bukit Canberra, which is an upcoming 12-hectare sport and community hub that will comprise facilities such as the largest ActiveSG gym with indoor and outdoor pools, a polyclinic, a senior care centre and a hawker centre. The development is set to open progressive this year and is expected to be completed in late 2021.

As you can see, there are lots to expect. Canberra Vista will only be ready around 2023, which is in time for the all the surrounding amenities to be completed.

What to look for when picking a unit at Canberra Vista?

Avoid stacks that are close to the MRT tracks

As Canberra MRT station is along the North-South Line, which is an overhead MRT line, you’ll want to avoid stacks that are too close to the train tracks as you will be disturbed by the constant noise.

We highlighted in red the stacks that will likely be impacted from the noise. Stacks in the periphery like stack 337, 335, 111 and 113 might seem relatively far away from the tracks, but because they don’t have another structure in front of them to block the noise, they will likely also be affected.

Canberra Vista MRT noise

Pick stacks closest to the MRT exits for convenience

Whilst being close to the MRT station will mean constant subjection to the noise from the tracks, it will also mean you will reach the station a lot faster than the rest of your neighbours in the estate.

These blocks are closest to the two MRT exits nearest to Canberra Vista (exit A and exit E): 376B, 376C, 377B, 377C and 379

Canberra Vista MRT exits

Want a cooler flat? Choose stacks not facing the hot afternoon sun

In Singapore, the hot afternoon sun comes in two different directions: north-west and south-west, depending on the time of the year. Stacks with common-used areas like the living room and bedrooms facing these two directions will mean you feel the heat the most when you come back home in the evenings, so you’ll want to avoid those.

Do note also that stacks not in the periphery will likely have other structures and neighbouring blocks to help provide some shade, mitigating the effects of the western sun.

These stacks will likely be cooler than the rest of the stacks in Canberra Vista.

376A: 101, 115, 117
376B: 119, 121, 133
376C: All units except 141
377A: 155, 171, 173, 175, 177
377B: 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 197
377C: 207, 209, 211, 213, 223, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235
378A: 255
378B: 271
378C: 289
379A: 293, 299, 301, 303, 305, 307
379B: 325, 327, 329, 331, 333, 335
379C: 343, 345, 347, 349, 351, 353, 355, 357, 359, 361, 363, 365
380A: 375, 377, 379, 391, 393
380B: All units except 397 and 399
380C: 415, 421, 423, 425, 427, 429

Canberra Vista hot west sun

Keep your privacy with these corner units

For more privacy, go with corner units that don’t have neighbours passing through, and are also away from the elevators and rubbish chute areas. These are the ones to pick:

376A: 101, 115, 117
376B: 123
376C: 141, 143, 151
377A: 157, 169
377B: 179, 181, 193, 195
377C: 219, 221, 235, 237
378A: 241, 243, 251, 253
378B: 259, 261, 269, 271
378C: 277, 279, 287, 289
379A: 307
379B: 319, 321, 335, 337
379C: 353, 367, 369
380A: 379, 389
380B: 409
380C: 429

Canberra Vista Privacy

What else to take note?

• Stacks 105 and 103 are good choices if you want to face some green. Views at these stacks will likely also be relatively unblocked if you go with a unit on a higher floor, since the area behind the park are low-rise private homes.
• Stacks facing the Sungei Simpang Kiri will also be relatively unblocked since they are facing a huge canal. These stacks are: 353, 355, 335, 337, 305, 307, 427, 429, 407, 409, 377, 379.

Sungei Simpang Kiri. To the left is the site for Canberra Vista, as of Feb 2020.

All site maps are courtesy of HDB.

Original post [Feb 2020 BTO] Unit Analysis for Canberra Vista at Sembawang appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

Three BTO developments were launched during the last BTO Sales Exercise back in February 2020. Two of which are located in Toa Payoh—Toa Payoh Ridge and Kim Keat Ripples. Besides a general overview of these two developments and their surroundings, we’ll also be looking at the best units to pick if you managed to snag a queue number for them.

Overview

	Toa Payoh Ridge	Kim Keat Ripples
Location	Along Lor 1 Toa Payoh and Toa Payoh Rise	Along Toa Payoh East and Kim Keat Ave
Total Units	920	708
Highest Storey	25 to 40	16 to 31
No. of Blocks	4	3
Flat Types	2-room Flexi, 3-, and 4-room	2-room Flexi and 4-room
Distance to nearest MRT	Approx 6-min walk to Braddell MRT and Caldecott MRT stations	Approx. 20-min walk to Toa Payoh MRT and Potong Pasir MRT stations
Estimated Completion	1Q2025	2Q2024

In Toa Payoh Ridge’s immediate vicinity are mostly HDB flats, as well as Braddell View, a former HUDC that has been in the news recently for its failed en-bloc attempts. The site to its west is reserved for a school.

The BTO’s main draws are its close proximity to MRT stations (and three different MRT lines once the Thomson-East Coast Line is up and running) as well as being surrounded by a number of popular schools. In terms of amenities, Toa Payoh Ridge is located within a short walking distance from neighbourhood centre Toa Payoh West as well as the line of shops and F&B options (a food court and McDonald’s) along Lorong 1 Toa Payoh.

Site for Toa Payoh Ridge, as of Feb 2020

Kim Keat Ripples is surrounded by a mix of older housing estates and newer BTO developments. The estate is also bounded by Toa Payoh Industrial Park, a site mainly for clean and light general industrial trades.

Site for Kim Keat Ripples, as of Feb 2020.

Amenities wise, Kim Keat Ripples is located within a short walking distance to the neighbourhood centre in BTO Kim Keat Palm. The Toa Payoh Polyclinic and the Toa Payoh South Community Centre are located just across the road. Unlike Toa Payoh Ridge, Kim Keat Ripples is not located near to its nearest MRT stations. However, most stacks in this development are north-south facing which is a huge plus if you want a windier home.

Unit Analysis for Toa Payoh Ridge and Kim Keat Ripples

Privacy

When choosing a unit for its privacy, you’ll want to pick a corner flat that won’t have neighbours passing by and looking in. Also, opt for units that are away from the lifts and rubbish chutes.

These are the units to pick for Toa Payoh Ridge:

402A: 600, 606, 610
402B: 614, 620
403A: 628, 634
403B: 640, 648, 650

These are the units to pick for Kim Keat Ripples:

268A: 400, 402, 404, 416, 418
269A: 420, 422, 434, 436, 438
270A: 442, 444, 452

Facing away from the western sun

In Singapore, the hot afternoon comes in two directions: north-west and south-west, depending on the time of the year. So you’ll want to avoid stacks that have the important rooms in the home (living room, bedrooms) facing these two areas.

For a second-best option: “Inner” stacks might also get shade from neighbouring blocks, so that’s something else to consider when picking your unit.

These are the units to pick for Toa Payoh Ridge:

402A: 600, 608, 610
402B: 616, 618, 62
403A: 630, 632, 634
403B: 640, 650, 652

These are the units to pick for Kim Keat Ripples:

268A: 400, 402

Unblocked views

Units with unblocked views are often windier and you will get to enjoy a greater sense of openness. The caveat is that if your unit is facing the west directions, you are likely to feel the full brunt of the afternoon sun. That said, unblocked views are still a huge plus.

These are the units to pick for Toa Payoh Ridge:

600, 608 and 610 at 402A: These stacks are facing short buildings such as the 7-storey car park and the 3-storey social community facilities building. If you are picking a unit in those stacks, go for a unit that is higher than these buildings. For an even clearer view, go for a unit that is above the 25th storey, which is how tall the stacks at 403B are. These stacks are in the sight of view for those stacks at 402A.

612, 622 and 624 at 402B: There is a great distance between these stacks and the next obstruction, so you will likely enjoy decent unblocked views here.

618 and 620 at 402B: Go for a unit above the 36th storey.

616 at 402B: Go for a unit above the 25th storey.

636 and 638 at 403A: There is a great distance between these stacks and the next obstruction, so you will likely enjoy decent unblocked views here.

630, 632 and 634 at 403A: There is a great distance between these stacks and the next obstruction, so you will likely enjoy decent unblocked views here.

646 and 648 at 403B: These stacks are facing short buildings such as the 7-storey car park and the 3-storey social community facilities building. If you are picking a unit in those stacks, go for a unit that is higher than these buildings.

640, 650 and 652 at 403B: There is a great distance between these stacks and the next obstruction, so you will likely enjoy decent unblocked views here.

These are the units to pick for Kim Keat Ripples:

As blocks 268A and 269A are staggered with stacks reaching up to different heights, we’ll base the analysis on the highest floor available at 31 storeys.

410, 412, and 414 at 268A: Get a unit above the 13th floor to enjoy decent views.

406 and 408 at 268A: Get a unit above the 25th floor to enjoy decent views.

420, 422, 434, 436 and 438 at 269A: These stacks face the 7-storey car park. Get a unit above the 7th floor to enjoy decent views.

424, 426 and 428 at 269A: These stacks face the single storey childcare centre so all the units here will likely get decent views.

440, 442 and 454 at 270A: There is a great distance between these stacks and the next obstruction, so you will likely enjoy unblocked views here. Also, these stacks are facing the commercial buildings, which aren’t very tall, across the road.

What else to consider?

For Toa Payoh Ridge:

Toa Payoh Lorong 1 is a pretty busy road.

• Toa Payoh Lorong 1 is a major road, which can get quite busy. Avoid stacks that face this road if you wish to minimise traffic noise.
• For stacks facing Braddell Rise, you will likely be impacted by traffic noise during drop-off and pick-up times as this road leads into the current Raffles Girls’ Secondary School as well as a future school site. Otherwise, we found this road to be a lot less busy compared to Toa Payoh Lorong 1.
• For a quieter home, you may want to avoid stacks that are close to block 401A, which is a 3-storey building housing social community facilities. It will likely host a number of community events in the future.

For Kim Keat Ripples:

Toa Payoh East leads into the industrial park.

• For peace and quiet, avoid stacks 416 and 418 at block 268A that face the pavilion.
• Toa Payoh East is a road that leads into the industrial park areas. We noticed during our site visit quite a number of trucks and vans passing through so it can get quite noisy if you are choosing a unit at a stack (440 or 442) that faces that particular road.
• Toa Payoh East and Kim Keat Ave may also face high traffic during special festivals or events hosted by the nearby Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery.

All maps are courtesy of HDB

Getting a unit at Canberra Vista at Sembawang instead? Check our analysis here.

Original post [Feb 2020 BTO] Unit Analysis for Toa Payoh Ridge and Kim Keat Ripples appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

Solid wood pieces are often pricey, but they are a worthwhile investment as they tend to last a really, really long time. Well-made ones can even be refurbished so that they are as good as new again. To help answer some of your questions about buying and caring for solid wood furniture, we seek out furniture experts from Grey and Sanders, Journey East, Mountain Living and Soul & Tables.

Q: What is solid wood furniture?

Design: The Interior Lab

“Solid wood furniture generally refers to furniture made from sawn lumber,” explains Grey and Sanders. “It is homogenous throughout, allowing the user to sand the surface and have it refurbished for years down the road.”

Journey East elaborates: “This is as opposed to furniture made from engineered wood, which is typically made with wood particles (e.g. by-products of woodworking such as flakes, sawdust) bounded together using a binding agent, heat and compression.”

Q: Why should I go for solid wood furniture?

Durability. Solid wood furniture can last for a very long time, and most can be refurbished to be made new again.

Q: How do I know if what I’m buying is authentic solid wood?

Design: Ethereall

The easiest way is to check the weight of the furniture, says the folks at Soul and Tables, as natural wood is very dense and heavy. Following that, feel along its entire surface—you should be able to feel the grains throughout in an authentic solid wood piece.

As a further check, examine the cross section of the wood, suggests Mountain Living. The grains on the cross section should be perpendicular to the one on the surface of the wood.

Q: What is the difference between furniture made from hardwood compared to those made from softwood?

Our experts all agree that hardwood is a better option. Most solid wood furniture are made from hardwood, although softwood is sometimes used as an economical option, says Grey and Sanders. Hardwood is typically more expensive as they grow slower. They are also denser, more scratch resistant and feature more intricate grain patterns.

Q. What are the different wood finishings out there? How do they affect my furniture?

Design: Design 4 Space

Wood finishing is done to protect the raw wood to make them easier to maintain in the long run. In general, wood finishes can be divided into water-based ones and oil-based ones. Water-based finishes look more natural, whereas a wood furniture with an oil-based coating offer a glossy look and can look sometimes make the furniture look thicker.

“Solid woods with an oil-based finishing are usually more stain resistant. However, it is typically more difficult to repair a wood furniture with an oil-based coating compared to those with a water-based coating,” says Mountain Living.

Q. How do I protect my wood furniture from termites?

Design: The Local Inn.terior

Choose the right furniture: Hardwood furniture are typically more resistant to termites compared to softwood furniture. Teak especially, thanks to its anthelmintic property.

Keep moisture away: Soul and Tables recommends ventilating your home at least once a day to prevent humidity from building up, which can provide an ideal condition for a termite infestation.

In the case that there is a termite infestation, seek professional help to completely eradicate the problem.

Q. How do I maintain my wood furniture?

Here are some key tips:

• Make it a habit to wipe away water or spills immediately.
• Prevention is better than cure: use coasters underneath drinking glasses and cups if you don’t want water rings to form.
• Keep furniture as moisture free as possible. For day-to-day cleaning, a duster or a dry microfibre cloth will do.
• Always wipe in the direction of the woodgrain.
• Don’t put your furniture outside if it’s not treated for outdoor conditions. Avoid placing it directly under the sun as well as the wood can fade or warp.
• Avoid exposing furniture to drastic temperature changes as this will cause the wood to crack.

Where to go for quality wood furniture in Singapore

Grey and Sanders

If you are a looking to get a one-of-a-kind solid wood piece, Grey and Sanders are your people. The wood slab retailer sources from all over the world for unique and durable wood like American black walnut, ash wood, Indonesian teak, French oak and American/European sycamore. These are then cut to the size of your choice, making it the perfect fit for your home.

Find them: Tan Boon Liat, 315 Outram Road, #06-02 or Millennia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd, #02-42

https://greyandsanders.com

Journey East

Every item that is carried in Journey East has a story to tell, so whatever you’re getting there will definitely be a conversation starter in your home. The furniture retailer looks for items with interesting provenance, good design, quality craftsmanship and environmental sustainability, and that includes their solid wood pieces. Wood types they offer are teak, oak, mahogany and ash. They also have a Vintage collection, with some of the pieces estimated to be up to a hundred years old!

Find them: Tan Boon Liat, 315 Outram Road, #03-02

https://journeyeast.com

Mountain Living

For folks who like the natural look, pay a visit to Mountain Living. The furniture retailer carries a select range of wood types, including teak, oak and walnut. Their solid wood pieces feature a stylish, contemporary design, and are all coated with only water-based coating for a beautiful, natural finish.

Find them: Tan Boon Liat, 315 Outram Road, #07-02

http://www.mountainteak.com/mountain-living

Soul & Tables

Soul & Tables carries solid wood pieces by Ethnicraft, a Belgian furniture brand that has two distinct wood types: Indonesian teak and French oak, both of which are sourced from sustainably-managed forests. The teak offers up a warm, brown tone with a raw finish, while the oak features a light, blond tone and is coated with a transparent varnish. The solid wood pieces at Soul & Tables are covered by a lifetime warranty and there’s a 30-day return policy if the furniture doesn’t meet your expectations. Talk about flexibility and peace of mind!

Find them: Tan Boon Liat, 315 Outram Road, #02-01 & #02-03

https://www.soulandtables.com.sg

Got a burning question about solid wood furniture? Hit us in the comments below and we’ll get the experts to help.

Original post Ask the Experts: A Guide to Buying and Caring for Solid Wood Furniture in Singapore appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

Ever got back from a holiday only to want to go back to that luxurious hotel suite you stayed in during that time? Here’s a solution: Recreate that exact same feel in your master bedroom and you’ll never need to experience luxury just occasionally. We have the tips.

Embrace symmetry

Design: Icon Interior Design

Most hotel suites tend to have a symmetrical layout. The reason being that symmetrical spaces are often more pleasing to the eye. They also help create a sense of calm and balance, which is great for areas like the bedroom where you want to feel restful.

To create symmetry in your master bedroom, centralise your bed—the biggest and weightiest furniture in the space—and then ensure that you have two of everything on either side of it, secondary furniture like nightstands and lighting.

You don’t have to be a complete stickler for symmetry though. Consider adding personal touches by your bedside table so your bedroom feels less sterile and more like a home.

Design: Space Atelier

Be brave and go with an open concept bathroom

Design: The Association

Removing traditional boundaries with their no-obstruction glass walls or freestanding bathtubs in the middle of the bedroom, open concept bathrooms are the epitome of chic boutique hotel suites.

While this helps to create a sense of spaciousness, recreating this look in your own master bedroom is reserved for the brave and only for those who wish to obliterate all sense of privacy forever.

There are ways around this if you want to maintain some semblance of modesty. Add blinds/curtains that can be drawn whenever you need, or consider frosted glass rather than clear glass, the former to leave more room for the imagination.

Design: Three-D Conceptwerke

Keep things looking seamless with concealed designs

Getting your master bedroom to look as seamless and clutter free as an hotel suite seems like an impossible task, especially when you need to accommodate the clutter of real life. But the key is to go with concealed designs that can hide the mess without taking up extra visual space.

Design: 13th Design Studio

We particularly like this design idea by 13th Design Studio (see above), which used an extra panel flush to the wardrobe design to hide the toilet, lending an uninterrupted visual flow in the bedroom. Below, a dressing table—which can look messy with a cluster of makeup products and skincare—is hidden behind a set of closet doors.

Design: Absolook ID

Create a sense of luxury with a neutral palette

Neutrals are often the palette of choice in 5-star establishments. Hotels chose them for their inoffensiveness, but they also offer a sense of calm, which make them great for the bedroom. To create an environment suited for rest and restoration, choose darker shades or go with warmer undertones if you are opting for lighter hues.

Design: Neu Konceptz

Rather than just focus on the paint colours of your walls, consider your colour palette as a whole. Think also about your furnishing choices and your bedroom accessories. Doing up a mood board with the colours of your choice will help you to see if everything works together.

Vibrant hues should be used with restraint, or in smaller doses such as through accessories. Good accent choices for a hotel-like bedroom include metallics, dark wood tones or matte black, which are very classic choices and will elevate any neutral-hued space.

Design: Couple Abode

Don’t skimp on the mattress

Perhaps the most important factor of a luxurious hotel suite is a proper bed, so make sure you don’t skimp on the mattress. When it comes to shopping for one, go thick for that extra support. Most hotel beds feature a pillow top for that cushioning and plush feel, so you might want to consider investing in a mattress that comes with one.

Design: Earth Interior Design

Should you go latex or memory foam when choosing a mattress type? Compared with memory foam, latex mattresses are firmer and will be suited for the back sleeper as it can help to support the natural alignment of the spine. If you don’t sleep with air-conditioning, opt for latex as it offers better air circulation and will retain less heat.

Design: Jubilee Interior

Memory foam mattresses would be a better choice for side sleepers since they tend to have more pressure points. A softer mattress like memory foam will therefore help to alleviate the pressure and provide better support. Memory foam mattresses are also great at absorbing movement, which makes them an excellent option if you have a restless sleeping partner.

Invest in your bedding

Design: The Scientist

Bedding choice is just as important in creating a luxurious sleeping experience. While thread count can determine whether you are getting a high quality bedding, it is not the be-all and end-all.

Some bedding manufacturers tend to inaccurately quote a too high thread count for their bed linens, either because of false advertising or erroneous counting. In a warm and humid environment like Singapore, you don’t want to have bed linens with too high a thread count either since it will feel too warm to sleep in.

Design: Van Hus

In our climate, opt for 100% long-staple cotton sheets with a 300 thread count. This material offers maximum comfort and breathability for the best sleeping experience. Also consider the weave type of your bed linens. Percale and sateen are the most common, with percale lending a crisp feel and the latter offering a softer, silkier touch.

To truly feel like you are sleeping on luxury, use natural linen spray on freshly laundered sheets. Choose light and delicate scents like lavender, which is known to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Window treatments play a part too

Luxury hotels put up day and night curtains, which come with a sheer layer that affords privacy while still allowing light to filter in, as well as a blackout layer for maximum darkness to promote sleep.

Design: Fuse Concept

Consider going for this option in your master bedroom to give you more versatility in your room. Hang them all the way to your ceiling—near the meeting point between the wall and the ceiling—for a sense of grandeur. But avoid the fabric pooling on the floors, which can give your space a very dated look. Choose plain fabrics or faintly printed ones to keep things looking chic and elegant.

While curtains can give your space a softer touch, there is no rule that says you can’t go with shades or blinds. Likewise, go with neutral-hued ones and opt for those that give you the flexibility to decide how much privacy and sunlight you want.

Design: Ethereall

Set the mood with lighting

Design: Design NEU

Hotels know how much lighting can add to the ambience of a space, and high-end ones will always go for a layered lighting scheme. Recall how you always fiddle around with the lighting controls in your hotel room? There are usually various types of lighting within the suite, each serving a different purpose. Similarly, this is how you should plan the lighting in your master bedroom.

In smaller bedrooms, a single flush-mount ceiling light or a small grid of down lights can serve as the primary light source—the ambient light. Include a dimmer control that lets you adjust the colour temperature to create different moods. Reading lamps can be set up on your nightstands or wall-mounted against your headboard as task lighting. To enhance the mood further, include accent lights in the form of soft, warm-hued cove lights either on your ceiling, under your bed or behind your headboard.

Design: MMJ Design

Do up a small seating area if you have the space

Design: Lemonfridge Studio

If you have the luxury of space, incorporate a cosy reading chair and a small table in your bedroom for that 5-star quality. It feels indulgent, but it can also be a really practical addition to your bedroom, turning it from just a sleeping area to a place for unwinding and relaxing.

Don’t have the square footage to spare? Don’t despair. Consider unlikely places like in front of your standing mirror, beside your nightstand or go with a long bench by the foot of your bed that you can double as additional storage.

Design: The Monocot Studio

Don’t forget to elevate the en-suite

Design: DSOD Interior

So you have an incredible sleeping space, but what about that en-suite bathroom? For a complete boutique hotel experience, you will want to make sure your bathroom is just as luxurious.

Invest in proper closed storage to keep clutter—the bathroom will contain a lot of it—out of sight. You will also want to select nature-inspired hues for a calming atmosphere. Marble-like tiles are also an excellent way to create a sophisticated space. Get textured floor tiles to improve grip while adding a textural interest to the space. Plants (spider plants work really well in a warm and humid environment like the bathroom), artworks or small sculptural pieces will all enhance the mood of your en suite.

Think spa-like atmosphere accessories with a reed diffuser containing your favourite scent, plush towels, a rain shower (get it only if you have a decent water pressure), a soak-worthy tub, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker to play your favourite tunes while showering and a thick and fluffy bath rug for a soft underfoot.

Design: Aart Boxx Interior

Original post How to Turn Your Master Bedroom into a 5-star Boutique Hotel Suite appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

An authentic leather sofa is one of those mood-anchoring items that determine how the interior feels.

Elegant and dignified, the leather sofa is comfortable, sturdy, wear-resistant and has a long lifespan. Authentic leather features the natural pattern of pores and creases; it feels supple and flexible to the touch, and is quite easy to maintain compared to fabric.

But after a long period of time, even the most durable leather might peel. It is rather sad to see such a beautiful household item falling into decay.

How can you save a peeling leather sofa? Deco-Man is here to help.

Interior Design: Space Atelier

In ordinary circumstances, leather peeling has to do with inadequate upkeeping. Since the leather is not adequately moisturised, it’ll start to dry out and eventually crack and peel.

Surrounding humidity levels can also contribute to the peeling of the leather.

Mink oil

First, use a specialised cleaner to wipe down the sofa. Leave it to dry, and then dab the cracked or peeling area with mink oil.

Apply gentle pressure and make sure the oil can reach within the cracks. Repeat the process until the crack looks like it’s hardly even there.

Egg

Crack two eggs in a bowl; separate the yolks since you will only be using the whites. Mix oil paint into a colour closest to the cracked area of your sofa, and then mix the egg white with the paint.

Apply the mixture to the crack and leave it to dry. Do not touch or wash the painted area when it’s still wet.

Then apply leather polish on top. You would be impressed with the result.

Paraffin wax

Purchase paraffin wax from your local hardware store. Rub the wax block against the cracked areas to fill the gaps with wax.

Then with a plastic sheet, rub the waxy surface until a sheen can be observed.

Finally, wipe the area with a damp cloth. Any scratches should be unnoticeably faint by now.

Interior Design: Weiken

Authentic leather upkeeping 101

• Avoid direct sunlight and extremely humid environments.
• Good ventilation is the key.
• Children jumping on the leather sofa will cause the cushioning material to sag.
• Avoid contact with sharp objects, ball pen and in.
• Stains should be removed immediately with cleaners specialised for leather. Wipe down the leather afterwards and apply leather conditioner once dry.
• Avoid rubbing too vigorously; it might damage the leather fibre.

HKDecoman, now going global as Deco-Man, is a Hong Kong-based renovation platform which provides professional consultancy services and pioneers in the development of A.I. homeowner-engineer matching. We aim at educating the public about the art of home renovation and have our eyes on transforming the traditional renovation industry, bringing standardisation, transparency, convenience and automation to the business.

Original post How to Save a Peeling Leather Sofa appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

Finding a proper storage solution for oddly shaped bulky items is a challenge, especially if they come with wheels! Last weekend, we are presented with a difficult task of finding storage space for a typical shopping trolley with climbing wheels.

Image from Take care mobility

The main considerations which shaped our solution are as follows:
#1. the solution is to be weather-proof and;
#2. preferably be able to store other items as well;
#3. the shopping trolley has to be tightly secured when stored and;
#4. to be kept out of sight to keep the area look neat and tidy.

Image from IKEA

As great fans of IKEA, we decided to start our search there and our findings eventually led us to the open HYLLIS shelving, in/outdoor galvanised unit, which fits snugly in the small balcony. It is made of galvanized steel which has been coated with zinc to make them corrosion resistant. Furthermore, the open HYLLIS shelf also has a protective cover which transforms it into an enclosed storage solution!

Images from IKEA

This helps to protect the shopping trolley from water and dust! The semi-opaque cover will keep the stored items away from prying eyes. In addition, there is an opening at the top of the cover for air circulation. Lastly, as the open HYLLIS shelf comes with 3 shelves, the lower shelf can be used to store other items too. Lastly, the total package is very reasonably priced and costs below SGD $30.

Do you know?
Always remember to take the measurements before any DIY project.
In this case, the measurements of the balcony area and the shopping trolley should be taken first.

Nevertheless, the solution is not perfect. We realized that some simple modifications are needed before the HYLLIS shelf can be used to store the shopping trolley; the lower shelf has to be relocated further down to accommodate the 1m of clearance height set aside for the shopping trolley to be taken in and out of the shelf comfortably.

What are the tools needed?

The relocation of the galvanised steel shelf will need the following:
#1. Ruler
#2. Masking Tape
#3. Permanent Marker
#4. Plastic Bags
#5. Vacuum cleaner
6. IKEA electric screwdriver
#7. Black & Decker Reversible Electrical Hammer Hand Drill

Estimated time needed: 30 mins

Step 1: Assemble the HYLLIS shelf

Unpack and follow the instruction manual and assemble the Hyllis shelf.
Only install the top and the 2nd shelf shelf with the help of the IKEA electric screwdriver.
You can view the following video instructions to assemble the HYLLIS shelf.

Step 2: Indicate the position of the relocated shelf screw-holes

Measure the amount of offset needed for the 2nd shelf’s screw-holes with the ruler.

Do you know?
The shopping trolley will be placed on the 2nd shelf and the lower 3rd shelf will be used for storage of heavier household items. In this way, the Hyllis shelf will be more stable.

Tape the shelf-leg with masking tape, before marking the exact position of the relocated screw-hole with a cross, with the permanent marker. Repeat the same for the remaining 3 screw-holes.

Step 3: Drill the screw-holes for the relocated shelf

The most challenging part of this IKEA hack project is the drilling of the screw-holes. Before the drilling starts, remember to tape a plastic bag near the newly marked screw-holes. The purpose of the plastic bag is to collect the galvanized steel bits that fall out once the drilling starts.

Hold the vacuum hose near the newly marked screw-holes once the drilling begins.

Step 4: Install the relocated shelf

 Once the screw-holes have been successfully created, install the 2nd shelf with the help of the IKEA electric screwdriver.

We have decided to store the unused shelf on the 2nd shelf, before covering it with the protective cover. This step also marks the end of our simple IKEA hack project!

The final product; an outdoor Shopping Trolley Storage solution!

Here is how the Hyllis shelf looks like after having one of its shelves relocated.

A bungee cord is used to secure the shopping trolley to the shelf. In addition, there is still plenty of space left for storing of other household stuffs too!

You do not always have to rely on expensive off-the-shelf storage rack for your home; with a small hack and a tiny bit of work and patience, you can easily convert and tailor any ready-made solution to address your specific needs!

Original post An Unbelievably Simple IKEA Hack for Storing Bulky Items – DIY Your Shopping Trolley Storage in 4 Simple Steps appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

In your excitement in turning your first home into your dream chateau as a first-time homeowner, there are some things you might sacrifice or overlook when planning out your home’s layout, thinking it wouldn’t really be a problem.

But once you’ve started living in your home for some time, these things might come to be really annoying to live with. To rectify, might be costly. In worst cases, it might just be too late to correct these mistakes.

To save you the trouble down the road, we put together some of the layout mistakes you may be making as a first-time homeowner. Keep these in mind and try to avoid them when planning the layout of your home.

1. Underestimating the width needed for walkways

As much as you want to maximise your square footage, it’s important not to sacrifice walkway space in order to do that. For the main traffic areas in the home or in places where there is heavy footfall, you should set aside at least 90 cm of clear walkway space so that you can walk in and out without hindrance. Take that into account when planning carpentry and buying furniture.

Design: 9 Creation

In the bedroom, you can get away with a 60-cm walkway perimeter around the bed which allows you to get in and out of the bed comfortably. In the kitchen, aisle space should also be around 90 cm, although consider going up to 120 cm of walkway space if you often have two people working back to back in the kitchen.

2. Not taking into account swinging doors

Swinging doors need an allowance for swinging out. Clearance space should be about the width of the door, but accommodate a further 70 cm between the opened door and the next obstruction so your space won’t feel too cramped. This will also allow traffic flow around the door when it’s opened.

If you have cabinets, cupboards or wardrobes that have hinged doors, take note to accommodate enough space in front of the doors so that they can be opened fully. You will also want to add some space so you can stand in front of the opened door properly. This not only makes it easier to reach for things inside, it also allows any internal drawers to be extended without hindrance.

Design: Design Neu

You will also want to make sure that your refrigerator doors can be swung out properly. Some refrigerator storage boxes require the doors to be extended more than 90 degrees in order for them to be pulled out completely.

3. Placing your TV in front of a window or opposite it

The TV is often the focal point in a home and therefore one of the very first few things you think about when planning your layout. When locating your television, avoid placing it in front of the window, which can make for a really uncomfortable viewing experience during the day unless you opt for black-out curtains and shades. This is especially so if your windows are facing the west which has the sun at the hottest part of the day.

Design: Alpina Woody

Sunlight hitting your TV can also completely wash out the images on the screen, so you will also want to avoid placing your TV opposite your windows. To cut the amount glare, it’s best to place your TV perpendicular to your windows.

4. Forgetting to keep in mind existing structures

While a floor plan gives you the big picture for planning where everything should go, it’s still a two-dimensional picture of things. There are some things that are “invisible” in a floor plan, such as existing structural walls or piping that you may have failed to accommodate when planning your home layout.

Design: I-Chapter

Always align your plans with the actual site to get a more three-dimensional feel of your home before you decide to go ahead with any renovation work. You will want to avoid too many changes once renovation starts since that will often incur unnecessary costs.

5. Buying furniture and appliances before measuring things out

Sure, that huge chimney hood looks impressive in the showroom, but will it be overkill in your petite galley kitchen, making a tight space feel even more cramped? Or that adorable loveseat that would be perfect for the two of you but perhaps too small for your generous living space?

Often, first-time homeowners tend to buy furniture and appliances on a whim (or because of a discount), even before seeing their actual home. But it’s important to make the decision after measuring things out in the space, so you will know the sense of scale and whether that particular item is too big or too small for a space.

Design: In-Expat

A good way is to use masking tape and tape out the actual dimensions of the items you want to buy, whether on the floor or wall of your home. That way, you’ll get to visualise how they fit in inside your home without having to buy them first.

6. Not deciding where to place your air-conditioning units early

If you are getting air-conditioning for your home, plan out the location of your air-conditioning units early before the start of any renovation works. Make sure airflow from the unit can be maximised and dispersed throughout the room—rather than in just one direction—with no obstruction.

Design: Innerestic Interior

You will also want to get your air-conditioning installers to mark out where the piping will run, so you can make sure it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. In the event that it will be a huge eyesore, consider alternative routes or rope in your interior designer to ask for suggestions on how best to conceal them behind built-ins.

7. Keeping things too symmetrical

Many interior stylists employ the use of symmetry (where both sides of the room reflect one another) when decorating a space. It’s one of the easiest tricks in the book, can instantly add drama and pizzazz, and is great if you want a more formal tone to your home.

Design: Inizio Atelier

But you shouldn’t keep your space too symmetrical if you want your home to look less like a show flat and more like a home. A space that is too symmetrical lacks character and can look overly generic. A good tip is to use symmetry as a base, but then build on it by mixing things up and adding personal touches.

Which of these layout mistakes are you making in your home planning? What other layout tips should first-time homeowners look out for when planning for their first home?

Original post Are You Making Any of These 7 Layout Mistakes as a First-Time Homeowner? appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

Looking for your dream house can be challenging, especially when you have plenty of factors to consider before deciding on the right one. I suggest that you update or create a new checklist. Take these essential Feng Shui insights along with you when viewing houses. This will definitely help you decide on the perfect house!

1. Bodies Of Water

Water features near the property is important.

Water features near the property are the most vital factors in the external environment to consider when analysing a potential home’s Feng Shui. These features play a key role in influencing how good or bad the house’s Qi will be. For good wealth and prosperity, Water that is flowing or located on the left side of the property is desirable. Do note that Water located behind a property denotes bad Feng Shui, unless the distance between the house and Water is significant.

2. Mountains Or Hills

Lookout for mountains or hilly areas around the exterior of the property.

Mountains influence the quality of Qi flow that your property will experience. You should look for houses that have natural mountainous features surrounding or overlooking the location. Look around the house’s exterior for any mountainous or hilly areas and observe the Mountain’s outward traits. A green and lush Mountain ushers in positive Qi, while a Mountain that has bald spots can disrupt Qi flow.

3. Bright Hall

An open space like a park or playground infront of the property is good.

The Bright Hall is an open space located directly in front of the property that allows positive Qi to be collected and circulated before entering the home and the rooms. You can identify if the property as a suitable Bright Hall present such as garden which is a strong sign of good Feng Shui.

4. Kitchen Island Concept

Avoid having your stove located at the Kitchen Island.

Having this feature in modern houses is really not an issue. However, if the stove is located on the kitchen island, in Feng Shui terms, it is deemed unfavourable. A stove in the centre of the kitchen exposes it to Qi from all sides, which will have negative effects on the food you cook and your health. Ensure that your stove is positioned against a wall for stability.

5. The Bed’s Location

Ensure the bed is located against the Yin feature instead of Yang.

Sleep is considered a Yin (passive) activity and so, the bed should be located against a Yin feature, such as a wall. This will help foster better quality of sleep. If you were to position the bed’s headboard against a Yang (active) feature like the room’s window, you or the occupants sleeping on the bed could experience health problems. You could also face a dip in work performance due to disrupted sleep patterns.

Acquire more Feng Shui and Chinese Metaphysics knowledge to help your house-hunting endeavours by heading to this website: www.joeyyap.com/renonation

About Joey Yap

Joey Yap is the founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics – an educational institution for Feng Shui, BaZi, Qi Men Dun Jia, Mian Xiang, Yi Jing, Date Selection and Face Reading.

He is the best-selling author of over 182 book titles published in 7 different languages worldwide and engages with students in more than 37 countries. He has conducted professional consultations for a wide range of clientele from the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany and all of South East Asia.

For all things Joey Yap and more, connect with us on www.instagram.com/realjoeyyap. For further enquiries on one-on-one consultations, please email singapore@joeyyap.com.

Original post What To Look Out For When Finding The Perfect House appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

Besides making you feel really uncomfortable, high humidity levels can also make you sick and wreck damage to the things in your home. But don’t go buying too many thirsty hippos just yet—having too low humidity levels isn’t ideal either. In this guide, we tell you why, and show you some solutions to strike a balance in the humidity levels in your home.

Why too much or too little humidity isn’t great

Humidity, in essence, is the amount of moisture in the air at a given period of time. Here in Singapore, temperatures are often high, which is conducive for holding water in the air. This is why we are always experiencing high humidity levels.

In high humidity, our body is unable to cool off quickly when we sweat, as the high moisture in the air prevents the moisture on our body from evaporating. So this is the reason we feel hotter when humidity levels are high.

Design: Design 4 Space

Discomfort aside, high humidity levels also provide a conducive environment for breeding all sorts of allergens, such as mould, mildew and dust mites. These can lead to allergies and respiratory symptoms, and are harmful to our health, but they can also damage the things in our home.

While high humidity levels are bad, low humidity levels aren’t great either, although in Singapore, that is not often a pressing issue. In low humidity, viruses like the flu, for instance, often survive longer. The dry air can also cause other physical health problems including itchy and dry skin, dry throat and eyes, and dry nasal passages which can lead to a worsening of respiratory symptoms.

Design: Starry Homestead

Low humidity levels are also similarly harmful to furnishings and furniture at home, and can also lead to an increase in static electricity. Those little shocks you sometimes get on door knobs? Yep, low humidity.

Signs your home may be too humid or too dry

Things at home that are particularly sensitive to humidity levels

Design: Voila

Wine bottles: The best humidity levels to store wine is between 60 to 80 percent. Too high and your bottle labels get damaged. Too low and your corks dry out, letting the air in and leaving you with damaged wine. A wine chiller with humidity controls will take the guesswork out of storing your wine bottles.

Design: The Local Inn.terior

Leather bags: Best kept at around 50 to 55 percent humidity level. Keeping them in areas with too high a humidity will cause them to get damaged over time, while too low humidity will cause the leather to dry out and crack. Make sure you air your bags by taking them out of storage every few months.

Design: The 80’s Studio

Camera and lenses: In high humidity environments, problems with fungus can occur with camera and lenses that are not properly stored and left unused for a long time. You want to store them in humidity levels of between 45 to 50 percent. Consider investing in a dry cabinet to make storage more stress-free.

Design: Team Interior Design

Artwork: For precious artwork, you’ll want to maintain the humidity levels at around 60 percent. Display them in areas where humidity levels are general consistent with little fluctuations. Turning on your air-conditioning for a few hours a day will also help preserve your art pieces.

Design: Spire Id

Musical instruments: Wood instruments are particularly susceptible to humidity levels. Often, the wrong humidity levels can cause cracks, playability problems and tuning issues. Keep to humidity levels between 40 to 60 percent.

How to strike a balance in humidity levels at home?

1. First, determine the humidity level at home using a hygrometer: A hygrometer is an instrument you can buy to measure the amount of humidity in the air. It may sound like an industrial grade instrument, but places like Muji carries them. You’ll want to use it to measure humidity at different spots at home, because not all areas have the same level of humidity. A good healthy range hovers around 45 to 50 percent.

Design: 3D Innovations

2. Ventilation is key: If your home has excessive moisture, make sure you are constantly ventilating your home by opening your windows and doors as well as using fans. Areas like your bathroom and kitchen are also more prone to high levels of humidity so you might want to consider using an exhaust fan to help get rid of excess moisture fast.

Design: ROOOT Studio

3. Make use of plants: There are some plants that actually help in reducing humidity levels at home by absorbing moisture in the air. These include the peace lily, English ivy and Boston fern. If you don’t have green fingers, consider the Tillandsia (air plant) which is easy to care for.

4. What to do when humid levels are too low: In the event that there are areas in your home that have humidity levels that are too low—not very likely in humid Singapore—consider investing in a humidifier. This is also a good option for areas in the home that are constantly exposed to air-conditioning.

Design: Fineline Design

5. Get a dehumidifier for very damp spaces: In areas of the home where you can’t get rid of excess moisture through ventilation or turning the air-conditioning on, you might want to invest in a dehumidifier. There are various types out there, depending on your needs and space, with some doubling as a dryer and an air purifier. Thirsty hippos or chargeable and portable dehumidifiers are sufficient for smaller areas like your closet.

Original post How to Balance the Humidity in My Home? appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

A dedicated dressing table makes it easier to complete your morning and nightly rituals, and having it next to the wardrobe makes for greater convenience as you put on the finishing touches to your skincare and makeup. But combining your dressing table and wardrobe in a custom built also serves a design purpose: it will help things appear less cluttered and more put together. Here are some of our favourite combinations to get you inspired.

1. Go with a cut-out

For those who lack space, consider setting aside a part of your wardrobe as a standing dresser. We love that this vanity station, complete with mirror panelling, was set just beside the window—everyone knows that daylight is the best light for putting on makeup!

Design: Charlotte’s Carpentry

2. Flip open the mirror

Part of the vanity counter in this wardrobe and dressing table combination can be flipped open to reveal a mirror and storage space for beauty products. It’s a great way to hide the clutter, and the dressing table can double as a study or reading area when the mirror lid is closed.

Design: DistinctIdentity

3. Wardrobe extension

A counter-height table extends out from the built-in wardrobe to function as a standing dresser. Cubby shelves that reach the length of the ceiling provide additional storage. The extra cubby hole by the side of the dressing table is an ingenious touch, working as a bedside table so there isn’t a need for a separate nightstand.

Design: ARK-hitecture

4. Dressing table divider

Besides serving as a dresser, this floating vanity table in the bedroom also helps to divide between the sleeping zone and the wardrobe area. Not only does this make for greater privacy, it also helps to reduce disturbance if you have a partner that needs to get up earlier to get ready.

Design: Absolook ID

5. A compartment in the wardrobe

Here’s another dressing table that sits within the built-in wardrobe nicely. The concealed closet lighting and the flexible track lights provide ample illumination for getting ready. A recessed area below the counter also means the chair gets to be tucked in neatly after.

Design: In-Expat

6. Ceiling-hung mirror

The vanity mirror hangs down from the ceiling as a design statement, but it also provides a privacy screen between the wardrobe and the sleeping zone without sacrificing light and ventilation.

Design: ROOOT Studio

7. Contentment with the corner

Really short on space but don’t want to go without a dressing table? Steal this small-space idea! The vanity table takes up just a tiny corner by the side of the wardrobe so it won’t impede traffic flow, while the top of a slim built-in cabinet provides extra room for placing makeup and skincare essentials.

Design: The Association

8. Slide the mirror panel

So that you know we’ve got your back, small apartment dwellers, here’s another small-space dressing table idea. You don’t need a lot of space for a dedicated dressing table as shown in this instance. A full-length mirror panel was installed by the side of this built-in wardrobe, and can be slid open to reveal a column of narrow shelves for the vast collection of beauty and skincare products.

Design: Design Neu

9. Exuding elegance

An entire room was set aside as the walk-in wardrobe in this BTO flat. The dressing table and wardrobe combination feature a timeless and classic colour scheme. Mirror panels lend function and create the sense of a larger space, while the play of heights in the cabinetry provide visual interest.

Design: Icon Interior Design

10. A dressing table in the walk-in wardrobe

If you don’t have the luxury of setting aside an entire room for a walk-in wardrobe, consider squeezing one inside your bedroom. This small-space walk-in wardrobe also comprises a dressing table, featuring a mirror panel that was built all the way to the ceiling so as to visually lengthen the space as well as to bounce light throughout the area.

Design: Dots ‘n’ Tots Interior Design

11. Mirrored wardrobe

Going with an open concept wardrobe and mirrored closet panels were some of the ways the designers employed to ensure that the huge amount of carpentry in this small bedroom wouldn’t feel overwhelming. The mirrored panels also had the added benefit of serving as a vanity mirror to the dressing table, which was built perpendicular to the closet.

Design: Free Space Intent

12. Accessories vanity table

This open-plan wardrobe features an accessories counter that doubles as a dressing table. An octagon mirror hung from the ceiling is a gorgeous statement piece, lending a sense of class and luxury to the setting.

Design: Fuse Concept

13. Set apart in wood

Wood accents, such as the built-in dressing table, were incorporated in the bedroom to lend warmth in this whitewashed space. The natural woodgrains of the dresser stand in contrast to the all-white wardrobe, but the same finger pull design helps to draw a connection between the two entities.

Design: Uno Interior

Original post 13 Different Ways to Combine Your Dressing Table and Wardrobe appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

Designer: Chapter 3 Interior Design Pte Ltd

The verdict is out, the new coronavirus will linger on surfaces, and a couple of medical research publications published in the preprint database medRxiv , New England Journal of Medicine and The Journal of Hospital Infection have confirmed this.

The preliminary findings have established that the virus may exist as an aerosol for up to 3 hours (under very limited conditions), on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard up to 1 day and up to 3 days on plastic and stainless steel. However, studies have also found that the virus does not survive beyond 30 degrees Celsius and can be effectively eradicated with common household disinfectants.

Aside from keeping strict personal hygiene, practising everyday preventive actions in your home is a big step in helping to prevent the spread of this respiratory illness. In fact, CDC recommends we do both, even if nobody at home is sick. Here is how you can start in the following 6 ways:

1. Know the difference between cleaning and disinfecting

Cleaning is about removing dirt and grime from surfaces. However, cleaning alone will not kill germs and virus and cleaning is simply the first step in eradicating them. Removing dirt and grime will reduce the virus numbers and lower the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting is the next step in killing the germs and virus as it involves using chemicals to kill germs and virus that lives on the surfaces.

Do you know?
You should use disposable cloths or rags to clean and disinfect places such as toilet surfaces and frequently touched areas. Avoid using a spray disinfectant, as the jet-spray could the virus and germs to spread further. Hence, you can consider spraying the disinfectant into cloths or rags before wiping the surfaces.

Image from Canr.msu.edu

2. Target the most frequently touched surfaces and objects

The most frequently touched surfaces and objects at home include the doorknobs, light switches, cabinet handles, tables, kitchen countertops, sinks bathroom faucets and toilet seat covers. Electronics such as computer or laptop keyboard and mouse, digital tablets, phones, TV, air-con remote and buttons should also be cleaned and disinfected as well. All of them should be regularly cleaned at least once daily, with a household detergent and plenty of water prior disinfecting.

Do you know?
Based on the University of Arizona,  Your keyboard may be harboring 400 times more bacteria than your toilet seat! Not every household chemicals are suitable for cleaning your digital tablets and phones and it is generally safe to use disinfectant wipes (which contains 70% Isopropyl alcohol) to clean the screen. Don’t forget to take out and wash the tablet and phone covers too!

Design: EHKA Studio

3. Know the list of disinfectants to use for your home

You can refer to the National Environmental Agency (NEA) list of household products and active ingredients for the disinfection. Remember to check the product label and use the product according to the instructions and keep them away from children. This is because some of the products might be corrosive to metals, dangerous to use since they are flammable at high concentration at high temper. In addition, some might need to be diluted to be effective against germs and virus!

Do you know?
The active ingredients and the concentrations which are effective against the germs and viruses include:
1. Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (0.5%)
2. Benzalkonium chloride* (0.05%)
3. Chloroxylenol (0.12%)
4. Ethyl alcohol (70%)
5. Iodine in iodophor (50 ppm) 
6. Isopropanol (50%)
7. Povidone-iodine (1% iodine)
8. Sodium hypochlorite (0.05 – 0.5%)
9. Sodium chlorite (0.23%)

Design: Asialand

4.  Clothing, bags, bath towels, bed linens should be replaced and washed regularly too!

Remember to wash your clothes, bags, bath towels, bed linens regularly too! Where possible, launder them with warmest appropriate water temperature settings, and dry them completely before taking them out. If someone from your household has fallen sick, you should wash and keep the dirty laundry from the ill person separate from the rest of the family’s laundry.  Where possible, use disposable gloves to handle the laundry and these gloves should not be used for other household purposes. Where possible, use a washable or disposable laundry liner for your laundry bag.

Do you know?
Changing clothes the moment you reach home helps to keep to keep harmful microbes at bay. This is because your clothes have picked up a wide range of microbes from different people or surfaces when you are outside.

Design: Versaform

5. Practice good personal hygiene even when you are at home

Being at home may give a false sense of security, and hence homeowners might be more lax about personal hygiene. Such mentality is very dangerous and in fact, we should be vigilant at all times; you and your family members should continue to practice good toilet habits such as leaving the toilet seat cover down while flushing the toilets after use, washing hands before and after visiting the toilet or having a meal, or after carrying out cleaning, disinfecting and handling waste. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, toothpaste with other and sharing utensils and drinking glasses during meals should be stopped too.

Design: The Cott Interior

6. Keep your home well ventilated!

Another daily home preventive action includes keeping your home well ventilated by using fans and keeping the windows and doors open. Steer clear of air-conditioners which will create an ideal environment, which is cool and dry for viruses to thrive. “Studies have shown that viruses thrive better in cool, dry climates, and they do not persist well in hot, humid environments (over 30°C and 80 percent humidity level).”

Design: Czarl Architects

Original post Here Is How You Can Keep Your Family Safer at Home from the Coronavirus appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

As a connoisseur of wine, you might be able to discern good wine from the mediocre, but do you know how to store your wine bottles in order to keep them at their best? We don’t either. So to help you along, we roped in the experts at Wala Club, which offers monthly wine and sake subscriptions in Singapore, to shine some light on wine storage at home.

Best Temperature to Store Wine

Design: DSOD Interior

The ideal temperature is between 8 to 18 degrees Celsius, although this temperature range depends on your wine.

If you have white or sparkling wine, they can be stored at a lower temperature of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. For red wine, they can be stored at a higher temperature between 12 to 18 degrees Celsius.

For long-term storage, don’t store your wine bottles in areas that are more than 24 degrees Celsius, as this will cause your wine to oxidise, affecting the quality of it.

The Position of Your Bottles: Horizontal, Vertical or at an Angle?

Design: UNO Interior

How you store your wine bottles depends on the closure. For bottles with corks, it’s best to tilt them at an angle or place them horizontally to keep the corks moist, essential to prevent your wine from oxidising and turning bad. Keeping the bottles at an angle also helps to keep the deposits and sediments at the bottom of the bottle. On the other hand, screw top bottles can be kept upright.

Keep Away from Sunlight (and light in general)

Design: Fuse Concept

UV rays from direct sunlight can affect the flavours and aromas of your wine, so do keep the bottles away from daylight exposure. You should also avoid exposing your bottles to the light given off from light bulbs. While the damage isn’t as much as exposing them to direct sunlight, the quality of your wine will still be affected. Best to keep your bottles in dark areas and free from light in general.

Take into Account Humidity

Design: Inspire ID Group

The ideal humidity level to store wine is between 60 to 80 percent. Get a hygrometer to assess the humidity level of your wine storage area. In Singapore, with humidity levels more or less within this range, this is less of an issue. But best to check just to make sure.

Too low a humidity level and it can lead to drying out the cork, which causes it to shrink, letting air into the bottle and damaging your wine. Too high humidity level and it can cause damage to your wine labels.

Avoid Movement

Design: The Scientist

Keep your wine bottles away from areas with a lot of vibration, traffic and movement. This will disturb the sediments in the wine bottle, which are usually collected at the bottom of the bottle, mixing them up with the rest of the wine. Vibration can also lead to chemical changes in your wine, disrupting the ageing process.

Areas to avoid include the service yard where your washing machine is, home entertainment rooms with vibrating speakers and sound systems as well as exercise areas or your home gym.

Invest in Wine Chillers if You Do Long-Term Storage

Design: Free Space Intent

A wine chiller is the best way to store your wine bottles, since temperature, humidity, lighting and vibration can be controlled. Some wine chillers also come with options like air filters, which help to keep contaminants outs, helping to preserve the quality and taste of your wines. For small apartments, there are wine chillers in smaller sizes that hold around 12 to 24 bottles so they won’t take up too much space in the home.

» See more: Glamorous Home Bar Ideas for Small Spaces

That said, a wine chiller is only a must if you want to keep your bottles for the long term. If you are going to consume your wines within days or a couple of weeks, store them anywhere in the home that is away from direct light and vibration. A good place is a relatively vacant bomb shelter.

Storing Wine Bottles in Refrigerators

Design: Kuro+

A refrigerator is a good alternative only if your wines are for short-term storage. This is because it has a motor that is running constantly, which will cause vibrations that will affect the quality of your wine. Other foods stored in the refrigerator can also produce odours which will contaminate the flavours of your wine.

Opened Wine Bottles: What to Do with Them?

Design: Rockin Spaces

Stored correctly in a wine chiller, opened wine bottles can last 3 to 5 days and up to a week without the quality of wine degrading too much. The key to retaining the quality, taste and aroma of an opened wine bottle is to re-cork it promptly and tightly.

If the cork is damaged, use a rubber wine stopper to create a tight seal or a wine vacuum pump that will help you to remove the air out of an opened bottle to create a near airtight and vacuumed bottle.

Original post Ask the Experts: How Best to Store Wine at Home appeared first on Renonation.sg. Renonation.sg - It's where renovation begins.

Throwing up your hands in despair because you can never find anything in the kitchen? Struggling with a constantly messy bathroom? You’re not alone. Lots of people—well, probably with the exception of tidying guru Marie Kondo—grapple with these issues. It’s even worse if you’re also bequeathed with a small kitchen or a tiny bathroom, because then organising these small spaces takes on a whole other level.

The kitchen and bathroom are some of the most functional and hardworking spaces in the home. Naturally, we spend a lot of time in there and there are lots of things going on in these two areas. As such, organising and tidying up in the kitchen and bathroom can sometimes require more effort. Thankfully, there are solutions like Song-Cho’s wide range of 18/8 stainless steel household accessories that can help make this easier. This is done through:

Organising and conquering clutter in your kitchen and bathroom

When it comes to kitchen and bathroom organisation, the main issues are messy counters and cabinets, which aren’t just an eyesore but also make it difficult to look for things when we need them.

Song-Cho’s range of 18/8 stainless steel household accessories tackle the problems head-on, by coming up with very dedicated storage solutions for specific items. This means everything from your cooking and serving wares to your toiletries will have their place. Your countertops and cabinets will never look neater, and finding things in the kitchen and bathroom will never be easier.

The range includes plate racks, utensil holders, multipurpose racks for spices and oils, and knife holders for the kitchen. There’s even a dedicated holder for paper towels, which can be mounted on the wall to make it easier to use them. In the bathroom, shower racks, collapsible clothes hangers and towel rails will keep your sanctuary neat and tidy, sparking much joy.

Maximising space and contributing to greater convenience

The stainless steel accessories come in a variety of sizes and configurations, so they will definitely be able to fit in with whatever space you have thus making the most of the square footage in your kitchen and bathroom. If you are unsure of what to get, get in touch with the planners at Song-Cho, and they will be able to recommend the perfect setup for you.

These solutions also make things really convenient. Consider the stainless steel pull-out baskets for instance, which allow you to reach for things in deep drawers or cabinets easily. No more forgetting about things in the back! There’s also a storage solution just for the lids of your pots and pans—really useful for storing bulky cookware.

The accessories for the bathroom are great for ‘dead’ spaces. These are areas that are commonly overlooked for storage. But with the right solution, they can actually be really useful.

The multipurpose rack for shower accessories and towels for example, can be hung over the toilet, an area we often fail to notice in terms of usability, while the corner rack is great for storing bathroom extras in a corner of the bathroom that would otherwise have been left empty. Most of the racks can be mounted on the wall, which helps to use vertical space, freeing up your floor estate.

Ensuring that you don’t have to worry about issues of durability or rust

For storage solutions in wet areas like the kitchen and bathroom, you will want to make sure they are able to withstand the high moisture environment. Solutions made from stainless steel are a good bet, since the material in itself is incredibly sturdy and durable.

The one used by Song-Cho for their range of accessories is 304 grade, 18/8 stainless steel, which represents a high level of nickel content to enhance the material’s resistance to rust and corrosion. This will definitely give you peace of mind when incorporating them in your kitchen and bathroom.

Having a fuss-free, functional form

When it comes to keeping things organised and clutter-free in the kitchen and bathroom, you want storage solutions that are simple and functional rather than complicated to make the entire process of tidying up less of a chore. Song-Cho’s 18/8 stainless steel accessories all feature a visually unobtrusive design that is logical and easy to use. No more messing about with weird buttons or user-unfriendly mechanisms.

They are also designed to take up as little space as possible, all while maximising the amount of storage you can have. Clad in a beautiful silver-grey sheen, the stainless steel accessories are able to blend in with any kitchen setting.

A seamless solution with Song-Cho’s stainless steel cabinets

If you want to take things further in your quest for an organised and tidy home, consider getting Song-Cho’s stainless steel kitchen cabinets, called SONG-Kitchen. Made entirely from 304 grade, 18/8 stainless steel, it is completely wood-free so you won’t have to worry about termites, heat damage, corrosion or moisture.

SONG-Kitchen is also modular but they can be customisable, which means you get to either mix and match from modules like drawers, cupboards or standalone islands, or have the entire kitchen tailor fit to the configuration you need.

The retailer also carries stainless steel bathroom cabinets with similar properties if you are interested. Using a water-resistant and non-porous material like stainless steel is particularly important in the bathroom. The area is highly susceptible to the growth of mildew and mould, which is not only unhygienic but can also be really harmful to our health.

Learn more about Song-Cho’s stainless steel racks and accessories here. For more information on Song-Cho’s stainless steel kitchen and bathroom cabinets, check out this page.

This article was brought to you by Song-Cho.

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