Latest Interior Design & Renovation Articles
Kickstart your renovation journey with these our most informative reads. Our editorial content helps homeowners get up to speed with the latest renovation insights and experience.
Illuminate Your Space: 6 Genius LED Strip Lighting Ideas
What does LED strip lighting do for your home? Loads.
This doesn’t just serve a functional purpose – it’s also great for adding atmosphere and mood.
Should You Sign Up For HDB Optional Component Scheme (OCS)?
Deciding whether to sign up for the Housing & Development Board (HDB) Optional Component Scheme (OCS) is an important consideration for many new homeowners in Singapore.
Avoid These Newbie Mistakes That Will Make Or Break Your Renovation
Renovating your home can be an exciting yet daunting task.
In Singapore, where space is often limited and costs can quickly escalate, it’s crucial to approach renovations with careful planning and realistic expectations.
Perfecting Your Space: 6 Roller Blinds Ideas For Every Aesthetic
Roller blinds and roman blinds weren’t a popular option, say, a decade ago…
But they’ve been growing in popularity in the last few years.
If you’re a fan of roller blinds or roman blinds, you’re in the right place.
New to BTO? Here Are the Top 5 Questions Answered
If you’re new to the concept of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, you might feel overwhelmed by the process and the decisions you need to make.
BTO flats are a popular housing option for first-time homebuyers in Singapore, offering affordability and modern amenities.
All You Need To Know About The New HDB BTO White Flats
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) in Singapore has introduced a new type of public housing – the BTO White Flats.
This exciting development promises to offer prospective homeowners a fresh, modern living experience with innovative features and amenities.
Transform Your Bedroom Dresser: 6 Ideas To Keep In Mind
A bedroom dresser is just a bedroom dresser… right?
Well, not quite.
From the placement to the type of dresser that you use, there are many ways to switch it up and create a new look for your space.
5 Maisonettes That Are Giving Landed Living Vibes
Maisonette flats, also known as executive flats, are in a class of their own.
They give you all the space of a landed property, but at significantly lower cost.
Sweat in Style: 6 Ideas for the Perfect Home Gym Setup
If you’re a gym junkie, it might just be worth investing in your very own gym.
Yes, you’ll have to pay for the cost of the equipment, but you’ll never have to wait to use the rowing machine again.
Plus, you get to save on that much more time when you gym from the comforts of your own home.
Maximize Your Space: 5 Clever Carpentry Ideas for Your Home
Living in Singapore often means dealing with limited space, making it essential to find creative solutions to maximise every square meter.
Clever carpentry can transform small and awkward spaces into functional and stylish areas, enhancing both the aesthetics and practicality of your home.
Break Free from Boring: 5 Unique Wardrobe Design Ideas
Looking for some wardrobe ideas? You’re in the right place.
Wardrobes come in many shapes and sizes – and you don’t necessarily need to get something that’s standard or cookie cutter.
Renovate Right: Crucial Components to Renovate in a Resale Flat
Renovating a resale flat is a unique challenge compared to renovating a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat.
While BTO flats offer a blank slate with minimal hacking or removal needed, resale flats require a more nuanced approach.
Small Space, Big Style: Interior Design Magic For Compact Homes
If you’re looking at inspirational pictures on Pinterest, chances are, you’ll be looking at larger-than-life homes with expansive kitchens and luxuriously large bedrooms.
These are 3-room HDB flats that we’re looking at, with a modest size of 60 to 68 square metres – but they’re still big on style!
Post-Renovation Checklist: These Are The Things You Shouldn’t Miss
Renovating your apartment in Singapore can be an exhilarating experience. Whether it’s a simple refresh or a complete overhaul, the end result often brings a sense of satisfaction and relief.
However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of thorough post-renovation checks.
Rustic Elegance: 6 Venetian Blind Designs To Enchant Your Space
If you’re looking for blinds for your home, there are many types to choose from, including venetian blinds, honeycomb blinds, roller blinds… the list continues.
Out of these, venetian blinds are hugely popular, because of their appealing aesthetic.
8 Essential Home Appliances For Your Newly Renovated Home
Congratulations on your newly renovated home! As you settle into your fresh space, it’s essential to equip it with appliances that enhance functionality and comfort.
From the heart of the kitchen to the depths of the laundry room, these essential appliances will streamline your daily routines and elevate your living experience.
Parquet Perfection: 6 Stylish Spaces Showcasing the Beauty of Parquet Flooring
If you’re looking for something that will never go out of style, the answer is parquet.
Parquet is timeless. It’s classic. And it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.
6 Platform Bed Ideas To Help You Carve Out More Space In Your Bedroom (Part 2)
There’s always more ways to squeeze out storage in a home, and platform beds are one way in which you can do just that!
6 Ways You Can Use Rugs To Achieve That Hyggae-Style Home (Part Two)
Want to instantly make your space more cozy?
Simple – add a rug.
In this article, we showcase 6 more homes that have used rugs to make their space look more warm and inviting. (Read part one of our article here!)
Renovating for Rent: Tips for Maximizing Rental Appeal
In Singapore’s bustling rental market, property owners are constantly seeking ways to enhance their properties to attract tenants and maximize rental yields.
Renovating a property with the aim of renting it out requires careful planning and strategic decisions.
Entrancing Entryways: 6 Stunning Entryways To Wow Your Guests
Your entryway serves as the threshold between the outside world and your home – and it’s where you welcome your guests who are visiting for the first time.
How Much Do Singapore Condos Cost To Renovate In 2024?
When considering a renovation project for your condo, one of the first questions that come to mind is, “How much is this going to cost?”
Understanding these variables is key to setting a realistic budget for your renovation project.
Should You Go To A Renovation Event To Find An ID?
Renovation events are often seen as convenient hubs for individuals seeking to revamp their living spaces.
With numerous booths offering design solutions and renovation services, these events appear to be promising platforms for finding the perfect interior designer.
But are they truly the most effective approach?
6 Industrial-Style Homes That Are Rugged Yet Chic (Part 2)
Industrial-style homes first became a thing several years ago, and they’re still popular today.
Always dreamt of having an industrial-style home?
How Much Do 3, 4, 5-Room HDB Flats Cost To Renovate In 2024?
Planning to renovate your HDB flat soon? You’ll definitely want to understand the costs associated with renovating, so that you can plan and allocate your budget accordingly.
Luxurious Living: 6 Residences Elevating Their Spaces With Marble Flooring
10 years ago, marble floors were chic.
10 years later, they’ll still be chic.
If you want to elevate your space and add a touch of elegance to your home, marble flooring is a great option.
HDB Housing Grants and Schemes Every First-Time Homeowner Should Know
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) plays a pivotal role in Singapore’s residential landscape, not only by providing affordable housing but also by offering various grants and schemes designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-timers.
The Ultimate Guide To The Quiet Luxury Trend
In a world where ostentatious displays of wealth often dominate, there’s a rising trend that champions a more refined and understated approach to luxury.
Enter Quiet Luxury—a movement that seeks to elevate the home environment without resorting to flashy or overtly opulent displays.
6 Best Instagram Home Accounts To Follow
In the ever-evolving world of social media, Instagram has become a treasure trove of inspiration for everything from fashion to food – and of course, home decor.
For those seeking fresh ideas to spruce up their living spaces, Singaporean Instagram home accounts offer a wealth of creativity and inspiration.
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Kitchen Appliances For Your Home
Kitchen appliances play a vital role in our daily lives, making cooking and meal preparation more efficient and enjoyable.
However, with a plethora of options available in the market, selecting the right appliances for your home can be a daunting task.
6 Homes That Embody The Quiet Luxury Trend
Quiet Luxury is essentially a refined, pared back approach to traditional luxury.
Instead of gold chandeliers dripping with gemstones, think minimalist side tables with gold accents.
Instead of ornate, heavily upholstered sofas, think sleek sofas in good quality fabrics.
6 Dopamine Decor-Inspired Homes Where More Is More
Have you heard of the Dopamine Decor trend that’s taking over TikTok?
With Dopamine Decor, the goal is to design your home in a way that boosts your mood.
Think bright colours, playful patterns, and funky motifs.
6 Country-style Homes For Those Who Love The Farmhouse Look (Part 2)
If you’re into home design, you’ll know that the modern farmhouse aesthetic is huge these days.
This aesthetic is less rustic, more sophisticated, blending clean lines with cozy textures and natural materials.
How To Make Your Home Uniquely Singaporean
In the vibrant city-state of Singapore, where cultures converge and traditions intertwine, the design of one’s home serves as a canvas for expressing personal identity and cultural roots.
With its rich cultural diversity and architectural heritage, Singapore offers a unique blend of traditions and modernity that can be seamlessly integrated into interior spaces.
Designing Your Bedroom: Tips For Creating The Perfect Bedroom
Your bedroom is more than just a place to sleep; it’s your personal sanctuary, a haven where you can unwind, recharge, and express your unique style.
Designing the perfect bedroom involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure it reflects your lifestyle, preferences, and promotes relaxation.
6 Ways You Can Use Wallpaper To Make Your Home More Unique (Part 2)
If you’ve got a relatively neutral or basic living room, why not jazz it up with a feature wall?
This is a great way of making a statement, and adding that “wow factor” to your home.
How To Plan And Coordinate Colours For A Home Renovation
Embarking on a home renovation journey is an exciting endeavor, and one of the most impactful aspects is the choice of colours.
The colours you select can transform a space, influencing the mood and atmosphere of each room.
Housewarming Gifts That Will Make You Your Friend’s Favourite Guest
If you’ve been invited to a housewarming, you’ll naturally want to bring a gift!
Bringing a thoughtful gift to a housewarming party is a wonderful gesture to celebrate the occasion and show your appreciation for the invite.
6 Feature Wall Ideas For Your Living Room (Part 2)
If you’ve got a relatively neutral or basic living room, why not jazz it up with a feature wall?
This is a great way of making a statement, and adding that “wow factor” to your home.
How Often Should You Clean At Home?
If you’re a new homeowner, you might not know how often you need to clean or perform each chore at home.
For example: how often do you need to clean your sofa? How often do you need to clean your rugs?
Kitchen Design Through The Years: The Evolution Of Kitchen Design Trends
From humble outdoor spaces focused solely on functionality to modern hubs blending style with efficiency, kitchens have undergone a fascinating evolution in design.
Each era brought its own unique trends, reflecting the societal, technological, and cultural shifts of the time.
Renovating With Purpose: Incorporating Mindfulness Into Interior Design
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the impact our surroundings have on our well-being.
Our homes, where we spend a significant portion of our time, should be spaces that promote mindfulness, tranquility, and a sense of connection.
Renovation Etiquette: How Interior Designers Can Navigate Client-Designer Relationships With Grace
In the world of interior design, it’s not just about having an eye for aesthetics or a knack for turning spaces into works of art.
While these skills are undoubtedly crucial, there’s another aspect that often goes overlooked but is equally, if not more, important – soft skills.
How IDs Can Value-Add To Their Clients And Go Above And Beyond
In the world of interior design, the role of an interior designer or ID extends far beyond simply transforming spaces.
As an ID, your purpose goes beyond creating aesthetically pleasing homes.
Should You Splurge On A 6-Figure Renovation?
These days, we often come across home tour videos showcasing beautifully renovated spaces that seem straight out of a design magazine.
These renovations aren’t cheap – it’s not uncommon to see home reno tours on YouTube with pricetags of $100,000 and beyond.
Renovation Insights: A Comprehensive Guide For Homeowners In Singapore
Embarking on a home renovation project can be both exciting and overwhelming.
A home renovation is also something that’s worth putting in the time and effort to get it right.
To help you navigate the renovation process effectively, we’ve curated a collection of insightful articles specifically tailored for homeowners in Singapore.
How To Use Customer Reviews To Build Your Online Reputation
For ID firms, building a positive online reputation can be a powerful tool for attracting new clients and retaining existing ones.
One of the most effective ways to enhance your online reputation? Customer reviews!
Have A Negative Review For Your ID Firm? Here’s What You Should Do.
So, here’s the million dollar question – if you own an ID firm or you’re an ID designer, and you get a bad review, what should you do?
Do you ignore it?
Do you post a response so that you can defend yourself?
Do you contact the person privately and ask them to take it down?
The Painful Lessons We’ve Learnt From Reading Renovation Reviews
If you’re thinking of sprucing up your home, hiring an interior designer can be a great option. However, it’s important to do your due diligence before engaging anyone.
One of the best ways to evaluate an interior designer is? By looking at their reviews.
A Guide To Building Your Online Reputation For Interior Design Companies
Interior design companies can benefit greatly from a strong online presence and a well-defined branding strategy.
If you’re working in an ID firm, it’s important to leverage the power of the internet in order to build your reputation, and attract new clients.
How To Minimise The Risk Of Renovation Delays
For some reason, it seems like renovation delays happen more often than not.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some common causes of renovation delays, and teach you how to minimize the risk of delays.
How A Couple Transformed Their Spacious 5-Room Flat Into A Space Perfect For Hosting
After spending 4 months renovating their apartment, with their renovations costing $67,000 in total, we get an inside look into how Arif and Zee transformed their spacious 5-room flat in Tampines into a space perfect for hosting.
How To Manage Rising Renovation Costs In Times Of Inflation
With rising mortgage rates, high property costs and inflation, it’s more expensive than ever to own property in Singapore.
In this article, we’ll share a few tips for homeowners on a budget to keep in mind.
How To Find The Most Suitable Interior Designer For You
So it’s your first time renovating, and you’re trying to decide which interior designer you want to hire.
What should you look out for when evaluating an ID? How do you know if an ID is reliable?
Should You Install A False Ceiling In Your Home?
Some homeowners are big fans of the false ceiling, and others not so much.
In this article, we break down the pros and cons of a false ceiling, so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your home.
Balconies Are A Waste Of Space… Or Are They?
Some folks regard balconies as an integral part of their home, some think that these are a waste of space.
In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of having a balcony at home. Read on to find out more!
Automated Laundry Racks vs Dryers: What Works Better?
Should you get a dryer, or one of those automated laundry racks that are all the rage these days?
In this article, we break down the pros and cons of each option. Read on to find out more!
Showers vs Bathtubs: Should You Buy A Bathtub?
Showers are the default – and more practical – choice, but bathtubs definitely give you an *upgraded*, more luxurious experience.
Should you go for a shower, or a bathtub? Read on to find out more!
Dining Table vs Dining Banquette: Which Is Better For Your Home?
Dining nooks, booths, or banquettes are all the rage these days.
Are these the right choice for your dining room? Or should you stick with a traditional dining table? Read on to find out more!
Dark vs Light Colour Scheme: Which Is Better For Your Home?
Light colour schemes have always been the default choice for homeowners in Singapore. But for those who don’t want to go the cookie-cutter route, dark colour schemes might be more up your alley.
Read on to learn about the key considerations between a dark vs light colour scheme, so that you can decide which is more suitable for your home!
Vinyl vs Ceramic Tiles vs Porcelain Tiles: What’s The Best Flooring Option?
When it comes to planning a renovation, one of the big decisions you’ll have to make is with regards to your flooring. Should you go with vinyl or tiles? Are ceramic tiles better, or porcelain ones?
In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of each option, so you can decide which to use in your home.
Cove Lights vs Recessed Lights vs Track Lights: Which Is Perfect For You?
When it comes to lighting, you have many options. There are cove lights, recessed lights, track lights, and many more.
In this guide, we walk you through the different types of lighting, and point out what to keep in mind for each option. Read on to find out more!
Wallpaper vs Paint: Which Is Better?
Updating your wall colour can make a huge impact on your space – but which should you opt for, wallpaper or paint? In this article, we share the pros and cons of both.
Quartz Vs Laminate vs Stone: Which Is Better For Your Kitchen Counter?
Renovating your kitchen? One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make will be the type of material you use for your kitchen countertops.
In this article, we break down the difference between quartz, laminate, stone, and other countertop materials, and help you figure out which is the best fit for you!
Open-concept Kitchen vs Closed-off Kitchen: Which Is Better?
Open concept kitchens are highly popular these days, as homeowners prefer to have fluid spaces that are conducive to interacting. But what are the cons of having an open concept kitchen? Could a closed kitchen be more suitable for you? In this article, we discuss all these, and more!
Blinds vs Curtains: Which Is Better?
Small details and finishings, such as your window treatment, can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of the home. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of curtains vs blinds, and give you all the information you need to make a choice for your home.
Built-in Carpentry vs Loose Furniture: Which Is Better?
So you’ve got the keys to your place, and you’re excited to get in there and start renovating. But before you do, there’s one important decision you’ll have to make… do you want to opt for built-in carpentry, or loose furniture?
In this article, we walk you through the factors to consider, so you can decide which options work best for you.
Professional Inspector Tan Wee Kwang on How Homeowners Should Deal With Renovation Defects
Hometrust met with Absolute Inspection’s director Tan Wee Kwang to discuss the topic of renovation defects. As a veteran in the building industry, Wee Kwang is no stranger when it comes to construction defects. From inspecting newly-released BTO flats to creaky old houses, he has the undoubted expertise and practical experience when it comes to managing home renovation defects.
