Fancy a brick modular refrigerator that adopts to your needs?

Image from Behance 

Korean industrial designer Jangho Kim came up with such a Brick modular refrigerator which can adjusted according to individual household needs and preference. 

The Brick refrigeration system have various modules of different sizes and types which perform varying functions. Aside from refrigeration, additional functions like water purifier or microwave oven can also be combined with the system - resulting in s seamless look!

My Take?

This is on top of my wish list; instead of buying a new refrigerator, you can just add on. Just like Lego bricks - stack and extend as much as you like! I hope it will soon hit the market but I figured it would be pricey though.....

Read More

Scandinavian Inspired Home Design

Scandinavian interiors are very popular right now. For those who are unfamiliar with this design, IKEA playbook will give you a glimpse of  Scandinavian styled interiors.

What makes an interior design "Scandinavian"? I did a research and found out that the the following design guidelines.  Before I start, I will have to provide a brief background of how the design came about. The design is deeply influenced by the the geography constraints and the climate. Hence the  design is to address the harsh environmental conditions (read: long days of winter with shorter daylight) and restrained the natural resources.

Bright and Airy

Having a light color scheme and light window curtains are meant to make up the lack of sunlight experience during the severe weather.Light curtains with translucent fabric are meant to let in as much natural light as possible. Interiors are kept bright and decked out in bright palette such as white walls is to amplify the light as might as possible. Emphasis is placed on lighting so that the places sufficiently bathed in light even in the night.

Form and Function

 Limited availability of natural resources meant that furnishings such as furniture is no frills yet functional. Limited resources meant that the Scandinavian have to maximize the use of natural materials such as wood in their furnishing. Hence, you can see plenty of wood and  upholstery made from materials such as cotton and linen.  

Greenery

Due to the climate, most designs try to inject  ornamental plants and flowers to make up the lack of greeny at home.  

Colorful Accents 

I noticed that most designs will have colorful accents so as to personalise the look.  

My Take?

Such theme is very suitable for space challenged homes. Due to the bright airy interiors...and the liberal use of wood makes the whole place very cozy and livable. And to adapt such a look is very easy, MUJI and IKEA is the more affordable place to get the furnishing.

Here are my favorite picks from my Pinterest board:

Read More

Xiaxue's House Tour Part 2

Xiaxue, the infamous local Singaporean blogger, has finally given us a glimpse of the rest of her newly renovated place. For the benefit of the uninitiated, I have actually covered Part I in my last post.

Xiaxue is really extremely fortunate to have sponsors' help to maker her dream home come true. While I was doing up place place years ago, Mr Diva and myself have to scope down our renovation tremendously due to our budget constraints. 7 years on, except for a mountain bike rack and Ximula storage cabinets, our place still looks pretty much the same. :(
Our attempts to kick start another renovation mini journey to enhance our place fell flat on our faces. The nonchalant attitudes of the renovation professionals means that they either "forgot" or took too long to followup. Furthermore, our hectic working schedules are also part of the reasons why my 101 renovation enhancement plan still lay languish in our drawers. 

Okay lar, enough of my rumblings. On to Xiaxue's ...or perhaps every gal's dream house. :)

Part 1 (recap)

Part 2

Part 3

Read More

Space Saving Ideas: Bathroom Accessories

If you have a mere 4 sqm of bathroom space? What would you do?

The condominium designs of these days are shrinking like crazy. This can't be helped since the  developers have purchased the land at a high price and at the same time, our dear Nanny of the State  (NoS) has restricted the ability of homeowners to borrow greatly.
I could go on and on about how NoS could have and SHOULD have stepped in earlier - and yet they have let the property prices raced ahead. They are 101 things they shouldn't have done and should have done..lack of foresight is really glaring indeed! But I will blog about these some other time lah!

Anyway, here are some of really neat space saving finds for your bathroom. I figured these should be used for normal size bathroom if you wish to maximize every inch of your space.

Here they are....:

Retractable Bamboo Laundry Hamper

Retractable Bamboo Laundry Hamper. Due to its size, aside from bathroom, it can be placed in utility place, kitchen bed room, patio, balcony and so on. I don't really fancy the legs but I guess the legs can be sawed off and wall mounted.  Grab one at westelm.com which ships internationally (Read: a bit expensive  when you consider the shipping costs) or you can get cheaper alternatives at amazon.

Smart Shower Partition

I seriously don't know what to call this. Simply put, it is a cleverly designed retractable shower partition that makes use of mirror to enlarge the bathroom. This product is a brainchild of duravit. Since shower enclosure eats up precious space in the bathroom, why don't we maximize the space by doing away the enclosure? The product works like this:

A frame in brilliant chrome provides the contours on the wall. Two large self-locking glass doors are fitted in the frame, in a translucent design or with a mirror on one side. After showering, these doors can simply be folded against the wall. This avoids a rail protruding into the room, the tap fittings and shower hose are concealed and the bathroom appears much larger, particularly with mirrored glass. 

My take? I really adore such well-thought and an idea that looks pretty. Practical application will be for common bath which is not so frequently utilized. We can reclaim the enclosed space and use the area for other purposes. Moreover, this solution is a good alternative since taking away the shower screen permanently will mean messy and wet bathroom when it is used.

Nonetheless, I can't find this in Singapore...yet. Maybe its products are only found in atas high-end retailers? In the meantime, I guess we can show this idea to our ah-beng contractors and hopefully, they can replica one so that budget conscious homeowners like me can afford. :(

Smart Stowable Shower Screen

This ingenious idea is mooted by the creative homeowners from rumbleinstyle. Inspired by the  duravit retractable shower screen, they have designed a one-sided shower screen which can be nicely stowed away when not in use and it doubles up as a large glass cabinet once they installed the shelves behind the shower screen. If we replace the glass screen with a mirrored on, it will look very similar to the  duravit retractable shower screen! Brilliant idea!

Thanks all for today. If you have any more ideas to share...do contact me. :)

Read More

Home Renovation Inspiration Sites for Homeowners Series - Qanvast - Make It Home.

Image from Qanvast

Homeowners have one more reason to rejoice; there is one more resource for you to browse through hundreds and thousands of of mouth-watering droolicious inspiring home interior designs from home renovation professionals. 

Furthermore, you can also gather all your favorites designs in your very own mood board. And you are able to engage the home renovation professionals who have done the particular project which you have favorited a thousand times in your mood board easily.

What's more you get to read reviews of the work done by home professionals and be connected with the rest of the homeowners in the virtual community!

Hence *drumroll* let me introduce Qanvast, a virtual platform for homeowners and trusted home professionals to connect and collaborate in the cyberspace! 

For me, it is my next obsession apart from Pinterest. In fact, ever since the day I stumbled upon the site, I have been browsing it for hours for design inspiration. It is so addictive that I really have to blog about it! :P

One thing that this site stands out from the others is its clean cut minimal design, with large clear photos to boot. Its fluid design means that its site is responsive to different mobile devices; from my tinny winne obselete Samsung smartphone, to the slightly bigger Sony Ultra phablet and my all time favorite iPad!

+ Clean cut minimal design
+ Large clear photos to boot
+ Responsive to different mobile devices
+ Easy to read and to the point
+ Estimated cost of the renovation is provided!

In addition, there is no lengthy paragraph to read through; in fact the descriptions are succinct and to the point. Nonetheless, the best part is that Qanvast is one of the very few sites that completely nailed it! Yes! It attaches an estimated cost of the renovation along with its featured projects! 

However, the analytic brain of mine would also love to know ...

+ What does the cost of the renovation entail?
+ Does the scope of the renovation cost cover little bits like the furnishing and lighting points?
+ What is the man-month effort for the renovation?

The above points would help me immensely in determining the scope and duration of the showcased project and these inputs will be useful while I plan for my renovation. Qanvast...are you listening? :P

Nonetheless, it is still a very useful site lar. As my mum always say....mai hiam lar. 

Anyway, if you have other Home Renovation Inspiration Sites to share, do drop me a mail too! :)

Read More

Ceiling Design Inspirations

Ceiling is often the most neglected area when it comes to home renovation. This is because most homeowners are very clueless what to do with it; aside from cladding it with false ceiling, clove lighting...or hanging sparkling chandeliers or even giving it a pop of colorful neon paint...

Well, fret not! Here are some ideas which you can adopt too!

Image from haybert

Installing the same fabric which you have used for your furnishing on the ceilings too..hey why didn't I think of that?!

Image from houzz 

Adding planking in between beams helps to achieve additional depth and visual interest.

Image from remals

Installing draping fabrics. It is actually commonly seen at the Malay weddings, very stunning effect!

Image from  tapja.com 

Colorful rainbow ceilings...wow!

Image from ceiling-design

Install stretch tray ceiling with falling crystal chandelier adds a subtle luxurious touch!

Image from Homedit

The walls and ceiling were covered with old doors . Pretty intriguing ...really brings another meaning to recycling of old stuffs!

Paint your ceiling black...and install lots of cool LED design lighting! Looking awesome doesn't it?!

Image from Homedit

Over 2000 woooden sticks line the walls and ceiling of the shop, creating fluidity throughout BUT a nightmare to clean!

Image from iondecoration

Ceiling made of wooden traditional herringbone pattern, packs drama in this otherwise ordinary room.

Image from iondecoration

“Plain” whitewashed wood planks and crystal Chandigarh complements in this French country design perfectly!

Image from suckerpunchdaily

Humm...I think this effect would be even more awesome if we replace the material used with many crystals woven together.

Image from 2014interiordesignarticle.com

Light installed with fabric drapes...covers up the ceiling entirely!

Image fromhometrendesign

Posters, art pieces need not be hang only on the 4 walls. You can make full use of your vertical space by hanging erm' on the ceilings too! 

Food for thought: Doesn't this make the ceiling a 5th wall then? 

Read More

Ikea Remixed!

Do you love Ikea products? Well, I do! Their products are affordable and most importantly, their unique modular design makes it fun for the creative enthusiasts to customize new designs on their own!

Every product can be dissected into its rawest most simplest form...reassembled into another completely new animal! ;)

Not convinced? Here are some of my favorite remix !

Ikea LACK side table by Abby Clawson Low, NYC designer.

woodworking.wonderhowto.com>

 

Ikea Salad Bowl Speakers, BIANDA MATT here.

woodworking.wonderhowto>

Tall planters by bradybunchremodel

Indoor herb garden from curbly.com

Laptop stand from smatch

Read More

5 Hacks That'll Improve Your Life

Oh...why didn't I think of THAT?!

Little things which can help improve our lives tremendously! :D 

Read More

Victorian Furniture

Victorian Furniture

I have this fetish for Victorian Furniture since young.

They have somehow crept into my subconsciousness when I started to read fashion magazines.

Somehow, I associate them with class and romance. Really, just look at those those intricate curves...the fabric, material, and oh my...the colors!

But Mr Diva never liked them. :(

Perhaps, presence of such furniture emasculate a man. :)

Nonetheless this has not stopped me from scouting for these furniture in Singapore.

If you are hunting for Victorian Furniture, look no further!
Here are some stores which you can find in Singapore. Click on the header to access their website!

Paris Home

The home page says it all: Singapore 1st fully online furniture store which carries a wide variety of French, Victorian, Modern, Baroque and so on furniture. Do note that they are formally know as Couture Furniture.

What I love:
They have a huge collection of photos! What makes online shopping a breeze! They offer customization and prices are listed down for easy comparison.

What could be better:
I am not sure if the photos are from various magazines or they are the actual products which the company carry. However, they do have a past creation corner. In addition, the description could be better and include the materials used and more dimensions.

Address:
Showroom

(Public holidays, please call for appointment)
Opens daily 12.30pm - 8pm
Close on Mondays & Thursdays

14 Frankel Terrace
Singapore 458019

Tel: +65 6748 8740
Mobile: +65 9722 7857
Email: ask@parishomeonline.com

De Style Victorien

What I love:
Nice clean layout of the site, with ample photos. Wide category of furniture to choose from too.

What could be better:
I am not sure if customization is allowed. No prices are stated.

Address:

Victorian Style Pte Ltd

22 Mar Thoma Rd #01-03, Singapore 328702
+65 92398958

kitty@destylevictorien.com

Manhattan Collection

What I love:
They carry home furnishings like mirrors and lamps too. You can opt for 0% interest free payment when you use UOB credit card.

What could be better:
The product catalog seem pretty limited and no prices are stated. I guess we have to go to the actual store to take a look at what they offer.

Address:
16 Lavender Street #01-01 Pek Chuan Building Singapore 338730
Opening Hours: 11am to 8pm Daily
Tel: 68363738
sms: 9139970

Lee and Lee Lifestyle Living

What I love:
They carry an extensive range of products and have their own online catalog.

What could be better:
  No price list! We have to go to the actual store to take a look at what they offer.

Address:
47 Kallang Pudding Road #08-12 Crescent@Kallang
Singapore 349318
Tel/Fax: 6604 6533

Noble Creation

What I love:
Humm...I am not sure.

What could be better:
A product catalog with prices will definitely helpful . I guess we have to go to the actual store to take a look at what they offer.

Address:
62923215

info@noblecreation.com.sg

48 mactaggart road #08-04
MAE Industrial Building

Read More

Paradigm of a "livable" Home

 

 Image from dornob

"When it comes to interior furniture furnishing, it is no longer just about color and aesthetics. It is about creating a personal intimate space which enhances our quality of life. 

It is about a Home which ultimately brings out the best in us.

It is about moving away from whatever perceived norms or space constraints which were placed upon us."

As I noticed the growing popularity of small size apartment which has steadily taking hold in Singapore recently, this thought suddenly came to mind. 

The steady downward march of the home sizes is fueled by the pressure on the developers to keep the quantum of the property purchase affordable. This is so far the most effective means of coping with rising home prices.

However, a smaller unit size certainly certainly poses a big challenge for homeowners like us. Many of us might have veered clear of smaller units due to the misconception that smaller units are simply "not-livable"

Nonetheless, I realized that all we need is a subtle shift in our paradigm of a "livable" home.

Just take a look at this video.


Are you amazed at how one can really maximize the use of very limited space?

In order to utilize our space effectively, we have to start to think in terms of multi-dimensional space; a space can function for different purposes at approporate juncture.

Apart from this, we have to think of muli-functional furniture pieces too; furniture which pulls double or triple duty to suit the homeowner's needs and purposes.

Image from designrulz. Multiplo modular furniture can be a bed, table, sitting room and much more.

Image from bharatdreamhome. The bed can be tucked away when not in use.

Interestingly, there was an initiative from a developer, to showcase that size doesn't matter when a home has been correctly furnished. The pilot involves a family of 3 and the family would feedback to the developer during the trial stay.

Free concept condo trial showcases small space

I would love to findout the outcome of the trial but so far, I am unable to find any more news on this. 

Read More

Xiaxue's House Tour - Part 1

Xiaxue, a famous local Singaporean blogger, has finally given a sneak preview of her newly renovated place.

Well, I must say that her place is really nicely done up with the help of her sponsors and of course, her creativity. Nonetheless, here are some of the things I really adore:

"Vintage" Beach Theme

Actually, I feel it is more of a rustic beach theme instead, since no antique was featured in her place...anyway, I like how she pieced every thing together.

Devil in the Details:

Xiaxue really took pains in those tiny details during her renovation: she wrapped the speakers up with rattan ropes, used sand colored carpet, purchased starfish lights and I especially love the cute foam buoy on top of the TV.  She kept the messy cables at the minimum by using the Eubiq power track. However, do take note that aside from Eubiq...

Easycon also carries similar product too. Oh gosh I wish I have one of these installed too! I really hate how those darn tangled-up bunch of cables mess up the look of my home! :(

Recycle:

Xiaxue used the rattan swing from the Salvation army and it only costed her $20! Yes, I agree that the swing adds a perfect touch to her personal idyllic corner.

Cheap Alternative:

Xiaxue brought her matching blue-green chandelier Taobao at only $90. Yup you heard me right, for only $90. I guess it is also time for me to check out Taobao too. :)

Retro Fridges:

SMEG range of retro fridges caught my attention when I changed upon them at Jalan Kayu. Although I adore the design and color (comes in an amazing array of delicious colors!), it is kinda small and thus not recommended for a big household...

U-shaped and Corner Drawers:

Blum's U-shaped drawers that fit under sinks and corner drawers is nothing new actually. You can get your carpenters to do up one for you too at a fraction of price.

Kitchen Filter Tap 

Grohe Blue Kitchen filter tap allows for water to go through the filtering process so that you get to have drinkable water directly from the tap.

Insect Screens

This is really a must have for all HDB flats! Insect Screen can block lizards, spiders, mosquitoes and flying bugs...and best of all, they seem really easy to install too. After installation, you can leave your windows open without having to worry those creepy crawly creatures invading your place. I am seriously considering to install one for my place. However, I wonder if they are hard to clean when the insets accidentally smashed themselves against the screens - which frequently happens to my windows. :(  

Nonetheless, here is a video post. Enjoy! :)

Read More

Simple Tips for Designing a Dream Walk-in Wardrobe

Image from fashionbloglove

Simple Tips for Designing a Dream Walk-in Wardrobe

It is every girl's dream to own a walk-in wardrobe. If you are lucky enough to have budget and space for one, here are some pointers you should keep in mind when designing your dream walk-in wardrobe!

1. Space
Make full use of your available space! Maximize the vertical space by having a floor to ceiling wardrobe. Tailor the dimensions of the shelves and cabinets to your needs to save precious space. 

2. Flexibility
Shelves and hanging rods should be adjustable in case you need to vary the height in future. They should be made detachable and removable too.

3. Compartmentalize
Categorize and plan zones for your wardrobe. Each shelf should set aside for a category (i.e. bags, shoes etc) so that you can find your stuffs easily.

4. Lighting
Ensure ample and efficient lightning by installing under shelves lighting such as Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting strips.

5. Full-length Mirror
Full-length mirror should be mounted on a door or wall and at a location convenient to be used.

6. Have Fun!
Decorate your walk-in wardrobe! Include a sofa, wallpaper, paintings or even a cozy rug to create a cosy and intimate space!

Do share with us your dream walk-in wardrobe too! :)

Read More

FREEBIES! Printable Holiday Gift Tags

Image  credits to Eat, Drink, Chic

Printable Holiday Gift Tags

Read More