Top Tips for a Smooth Reno

Renovating your home can be extremely stressful as you give up your territory and home conveniences for weeks - even months. Use these tips on organising and planning to keep the project on track and minimise disruption to your work and family life.

1. Create a separate folder for each contractor so there's no need to hunt around for the relevant documents at each discussion.

2. If you're doing painting work, ask for leftover paint for future touch-ups. Remember to label the tin with the room the paint is used in and date. Add a lick of paint to the lid so you can identify the colour without having to prise open the can, which dries out the contents.

3. Electrical trunking should be run before painting or wallpapering so you can blend it in with the wall colour. It should be wide enough to house at least four cables so your brand new decor isn't spoilt by unsightly wires crisscrossing the walls.

4. Factor in more electrical plugs than you think you'd need. With most household appliances requiring electricity or charging, you don't want trailing extension leads should you add a new massage chair or lamp.

5. Time and budget are huge considerations in any upgrading. If you want to save time, use off-the-shelf dimensions for features such as doors and storage systems instead of custom-building them.

6. We spend 60 per cent of our time in the kitchen around the sink, so plan its placement first. As a guide, stand with your arms straight down by your side and turn your hands up at right angles. This is where the bottom of your kitchen sink should be. Add the depth of the sink, and this marks the ideal working height for counters.

7. If you're home during the renovation period, carve out an oasis for yourself. Use a room that will remain relatively untouched by the chaos and put in whatever you need (your laptop, kettle, yoga mat, earplugs etc.) to keep yourself sane during that time. Keep all your renovation files, valuables and chargers in this spot, too.

8. Be prepared and make your renovation choices beforehand. Try to buy everything in advance. If that's not possible, schedule a time each day to make outstanding decisions with your spouse/family to keep within your schedule.

9. Be nice and tell the neighbours. They'll be more accommodating about the extra vehicles in the parking lots and the inevitable noise and dust.

Information provided by Georgina Wong
Find out more at http://www.asianprofessionalorganisers.com/

5 Quick Ways To Upgrade Your Bathroom

Everyone wants a stylish and trendy home without having to spend too much. More often than not, most renovation budgets allow for only a portion of your home to be refurbished and the bathroom is usually the last on the list of priorities.

For those who are tired of the state of their bathrooms and wish to upgrade its design without the extra hassle and cost of a full-force renovation, below are five easy-to-follow steps for any household.

With these tips, you can have a small sanctuary with little touches that reflect your personality and style. Whether you're a minimalist who likes clean and sleek designs or if you prefer bright quirky designs and unique shapes, there are options for everyone.

1. Accessorise and make your shower experience more enjoyable
Add a touch of colour or quirky utensils to add more spice to your bathroom.
Accessories make a noticeable and significant difference to any home space. If you fancy fresh and vibrant spaces, add a little splash of colour with some eye-catching hand soap dispensers, toothbrush holders or soap trays.

Those who prefer modern concepts can look out for accessories in monochrome tones and sleek finishings.
You can choose from a variety of easy-to-install fittings including colourful showerheads, bold and decorative screens or shower curtains that stylishly separate your bath area from the toilet. There are also fantastic options of quirky accessories like toilet roll dispensers and towel hooks in animated shapes and functional designs.

If you are in the mood, exercise some creativity by stenciling a pattern onto a plain bathroom cabinet or wall tiles to give your bathroom an instantly chic update. Mix up your textiles with some luxurious bath mats to break up the monotony of floor tiles or display personalised images and artwork for an intimate feel. Last but not least, all intimate spaces need to smell good, so opt for some good quality pot pouri or scented candles for that final touch.

2. Sleek and eco-friendly faucets for a modern washing experience
High quality, stylish faucets are in high demand lately and can add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom. We recommend picking out sleek, wall-mounted designs with a smooth and versatile chrome finish — perfect for saving space with a touch of modernity.

You can also opt to do your bit to conserve water with energy efficient faucets. There are now several ways to do so with trendy new designs. For example, single-lever mixers feature integrated water-saving technologies that restrict the rate of water flow allowing you to reduce water consumption without sacrificing on performance.

Tips for conserving water:

- You can reduce water consumption of your basin mixer by up to 40 percent by replacing the aerator of your basin mixer with an energy-saving alternative.

- Consider purchasing a toilet with dual flush technology, which gives you the option to use about four litres on the low flush and six on the full flush.

3. Light up your life with your bathroom
There are various lighting options to open up the space or exude a nice ambience in your bathroom.
Lighting serves to brighten and decorate any room and remains a simple and effective way of setting the ambience and opening up a space.

There are endless options of functional and decorative lighting available, including spotlights, ceiling lights, mirror lights and incandescent strip lights, all designed to serve a different function.
New forms of lighting include LED or halogen lighting which can be activated by a soft off/on button for gradual illumination.

For themed spaces, playful vanity globes can be used on mirrors, as seen in celebrity dressing rooms, and are ideal for those who frequently doll up. You can use diffused lights, which cut down on shadows and provide maximum light to your face.

A popular choice for ceiling illumination lately is recessed lighting consisting of simple, circular lamps installed into a hollow opening in the ceiling, creating the look of having light shining from a narrow spotlight.

4. Mirrors
Mirrors and lighting go hand-in-hand and if used well, can act as a focal point for your entire bathroom space. As we know, mirrors come in all shapes and sizes. We recommend always choosing a style with the theme of your space in mind.

For example, if you like traditional and elegant designs, opt for intricately framed, oval-shaped mirrors. Modern and classic spaces on the other hand, look best with unframed, circular or beveled (custom) mirrors. Mirrors can also be used to reflect a favourite object in the room or the outdoors when placed facing a window.

While in the shower, mirrors frequently get fogged with steam. For those who find this annoying, try installing an electric bathroom mirror defogger. These defoggers consume very little electricity yet are incredibly effective.

Some useful tips when choosing a mirror:
- The mirror should never extend beyond the counter top over which it is hung.

- If a vanity has two sinks, either hang two mirrors with side lights or hang a single wall-to-wall mirror (perfect for a clean, contemporary look).

- A popular trend for lighting is to hang a sconce (lights that are directly attached to flat surfaces) onto a mirror which offers an easy way to double the amount of light in the room.

5. Go green with plants
You can go green, literally! Plants add a welcoming touch to any bathroom. You can explore multiple types of plant arrangements such as displaying small clusters of potted plants in a basket or on a shelf and covering them with pebbles to create a chic look.

For those who prefer a maintenance-free option, consider buying or making a Terrarium, which are small, indoor plants placed within exquisite candy jars (acting as an enclosed vacuum) with the ability to survive without any need for water or sunlight.

There are many options to spruce up any space in simple and cost effective steps. Be it with plants, paintings or colourful accessories, all aspects of your bathroom should reflect your personality. We hope these tips have helped you in your plans to refurbish your bathroom and equipped you with some useful renovation ideas which can be applied to any room in your home.

Source: Interior Affairs, Singapore's largest one-stop venue for European bathroom and kitchen fittings

Dealing with Contractors

We live in a world where one needs the help of others to get many things done.
There may be a need to repair or renovate the house one stays in, or to fix certain items in the house. Given the manner in which society has evolved, life in the bigger towns can get very impersonal. The parties involved in a transaction are unlikely to know each other. Hence they may approach each other with caution.
Should money be paid first or the work done first?

The employer may be apprehensive that the contractor may take the money and not do the job or do it in an unsatisfactory manner.
On the other hand, the contractor may feel that after he has wrapped up work, he may not get paid. This gives rise to the need for the employer to inquire about and assess the contractor and vice versa.

However, the contractor may be anxious to secure the contract first and think about payment later. Once both parties have reached an agreement, the question is: who starts by trusting the other first?

In most cases of home renovation, the employer is likely to be the owner of the property. This creates a situation where the contractor can start work as soon as possible. However, the contractor needs to be paid because he has to buy materials needed for the renovation and pay his workers on a daily or weekly basis.
Of course, there are cases where the contractor actually shoulders all the payments until the work is completed and handed over.

However, this is only done where the contractor has the requisite financial resources and the employer is known to have the ability to pay.

A more practical approach would be to make progress payments as and when work is done. The work can generally be divided into three or four stages; once each stage is reached, a proportionate amount is paid to cover the work done.
In doing so, it must be remembered that breaking up work into parts may not by itself correspond to the payment percentage because certain stages of work may involve higher cost.

Thus the stages have to be carefully structured to correspond with the amount to be paid. It is also unwise for the employer to pay the entire remaining balance after work is completed. This is because after a few days, certain shortcomings may become apparent. Once this happens and unless a contractor is an honourable person, he may not be interested in coming back to do any rectification.
This is because at such times, he is unlikely to get paid for further work done.
Therefore it is advisable to retain part of the contract amount to cover such eventualities.

This sum is referred to as a "retention sum".
In this way, the contractor would be obliged to make good the defects so that he can collect the retention sum. But what if the contractor does not agree to this arrangement?

In fact, the contractor may even go further and asks that he be paid 10% or 20% in advance before even starting work!
When faced with such a situation, it is for the employer to make his own assessment.
He needs to decide whether he is willing to take the risk of non-performance or unsatisfactory performance on the part of the contractor. Such requests will reflect on the mindset of the contractor.

The fact that he wants payment upfront could reflect on his financial capability. It could mean that he has no funds of his own to purchase the material or pay his workers for any period. Or that suppliers of materials are not prepared to allow him credit facilities.
His unwillingness to allow a retention sum to be held back could also indicate an unwillingness to acknowledge and be responsible for any shortcomings or defects in his work.

All these are possible but not necessarily an inevitable inference to be drawn.
The employer may then have to make a decision on whether to stand by his position or accede to the contractor's terms. Here a decision will have to be made in the context of who is in a stronger position to assert his terms and conditions or who needs the other more.

There is also the aspect that the contractor may have been approached on the basis of an advertisement in a newspaper or a magazine. If the contractor collects the initial down payment and deposit and absconds, is there any right to make a claim against the company that published the advertisement?

The answer is no.
This is because a newspaper or magazine is merely a conduit for facilitating communication. It does not, in accepting and publishing an advertisement of the goods or services advertised, give any warranty.

At the end of the day, it will have to be realised that there are always risks inherent in every transaction. Some risks are small, some are big. This cannot be avoided.
What one can do is to be aware and evaluate the risks, and be ready to deal with them should the need arise

Article by Bhag Singh

Know the Basics of Feng Shui

It may be thousands of years old, but the Chinese art of feng shui is showing no signs of becoming outdated. On the contrary, it's more popular around the world than ever. Feng shui, which literally means "wind water" in Chinese, aims to incorporate natural elements and create harmony to actively encourage good fortune and dispel bad luck in a home.

Feng shui is not merely mysticism, it can add a touch of aesthetics to your home as well.
There are many principles of feng shui, but one of its main tenets is polarity or balance. The yin yang symbol is an excellent representation of equilibrium to bear in mind. In practical terms, this means having both relaxing, calm and passive (yin) and active, strong and vibrant (yang) elements. Ideas for yin features include a tranquil photo or painting and soft music, whereas bright colours and strong lights can add yang energy.

Whether or not you believe in the mystic benefits of feng shui, this art form can still breathe life into the layout, design and general feel of your home. Its basic tenets, which advocate placing five natural elements (wood, fire, metal, earth and water) into your home, can create a soothing atmosphere thanks to fountains with running water and potted plants.

In any residence, the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen form the vital backbone of a house. Feng shui is no different, and it recognises the importance of these three fundamental rooms. You will want your sleeping and washing areas to be filled with calm energy, and your eating area to be energised for hearty cooking and dinner parties.

In general, the way you decorate these rooms should be dictated by common sense. Trust your senses — if your kitchen is a hectic sensory overload of colours and sounds, your bedroom needs to be even more restful; a haven of tranquility to which you can retreat from noise and stress. Ideally, when considering your house room by room as well as in totality, it should seem like a stable, well-composed unit, with no room hogging the limelight.

Another tenet of feng shui is the flow of qi or energy. Again, while there are elements of mysticism here there is a grounding of common sense. "Blocking" the energy of your house can lead to a palpable sense of claustrophobia or oppression. Consider the entrance of your home, for example. Is that where you dump all your shoes and damp umbrellas? If so, your home forms a weak impression before you've even stepped through your door. A house with good feng shui will have a strong, clear flow of energy at the entrance.

And it's not just small homes that stand by this blend of aesthetics and mysticism. Massive and influential international companies such as HSBC, and even Marina Bay Sands here in Singapore, do consult feng shui masters when designing new office headquarters or buildings.
Whichever way you look at it, feng shui has something to offer to any home owner. Yet there is obviously a lot more to learn about this simple yet intricate art.

By Daniel Seifert


To hear more, you can head to the iProperty.com EXPO for a talk by Joey Yap, founder of Joey Yap Consulting Group. On October 29 at Marina Bay Sands Singapore he will be discussing practical feng shui for property buyers. Visit www.iproperty.com/expo/ for more details.

DIY - Creating the ideal home office

Working from home has over the years seen a paradigm shift from being an option to a chosen few employees to today being an alternative to many as the cost of commuting to work rises and as environmental consciousness and the willingness of employers to save on cost and retain valued employers become more important.

The great thing about making your home your place of work besides the fact that you don’t have to rush to get to work on time, is that you are able to work at your own pace, have your own schedule and most importantly, there’s no need to wear a shirt and tie all day long!

But working from home does present its own challenges too. For example, an office has all the necessary technology and supplies to help you do your duties, but your home does not.

Don’t worry, because here are some basic requirements that will set you on the road to a functional home office. They include:

◦Deciding on a budget.

◦Purchasing the necessary equipment that will help you in your work, and deciding where to set them up.

◦A computer, such as a desktop or laptop. This is a MUST HAVE!

◦A printer is a good investment. You might want to consider printers that double-up as scanners and photocopiers. You will save on money and space.

◦Setting up phone and electrical lines. You will have to make sure that you have sufficient electrical outlets to plug your computer, printer, etc.

◦Good lighting which is essential for you to work well. Purchase a small desktop lamp if you need to work into the night.

◦Is the room air-conditioned? If not, you might want to buy one. You can get an inexpensive portable air-conditioner these days which works well.

◦Designing your home office in such a way that your work time remains separate from what other family members are doing so that you do not get distracted and lose productivity. Noises coming from the television or the cooking that’s being done in the kitchen are some examples of distractions that can affect your work.

◦Using indoor plants to soften up the look of your home office. They will also help boost your general health by filtering air and increasing oxygen levels.

◦Investing in cabinets to help keep important files and documents.

Feng Shui For Your Home Office
If you are keen to make your stint working from home a success, why not try Feng Shui. According to Feng Shui practitioners, it can bring benefits to your work and lifestyle. Here are some tips you can try.

◦Have your home office as far away from the bedroom as possible. This will ensure that your work life remains separate from other activities in your private life.

◦Position your desk in such a way that your back is not facing the door. Also make sure you are not facing a wall whilst you are sitting at your desk.

◦Do not keep a lot of things in your work place. It is believed that clutter drains your energy.

It’s becoming easier to work from home
The huge advancements in technology have made it easier for people to work from home. You can converse with your colleagues or bosses over the phone and conduct meetings through the internet by using webcam technology and Skype. The conveniences of such technology are making home offices a viable option for more and more people.
Maybe it’s something you might want to consider for yourself?

Article courtesy of - http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/

Worst Decorating Mistakes

There are no decorating rules that are set in stone since everyone's tastes are different. There are, however, standards of decorating that most people agree on. See the list below for the most common decorating mistakes that go against common decorating standards.

Decorating Mistake #1 - Clutter
There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. Clutter can make even the best designed homes look bad. Clutter can also add stress, burden, and anxiety to your life, so get rid of it. Go through your decor at least once a year to purge and put away items that you no longer love. Instead of multiple smaller items, use one larger item in your decor. Kids have many things, so attempt to keep them in order. Try to Display Children's Art in a More Organized and Sophisticated Manner.


Decorating Mistake #2 - No Color
Most new homes are constructed with beige, cream, and white as the color scheme in order to appeal to as many people as possible. Paint your walls a color instead of light beige. If you are afraid of color, use a darker beige. Don't forget about painting your ceilings.

Decorating Mistake #3 - Protective Plastic Covering
Furniture and accessories often come in a protective plastic covering so they are not damaged or get dirty in shipping. The plastic covering should be removed immediately after you receive your item. Discard any plastic covering on your lamp shades, dining room chairs, sofa, or any other item. If you have children and are afraid of them getting your fabric dirty, consider getting a removable cover that should only be used when the child is using the furniture. You can also reupholster the furniture in a stain resistant fabric, such as a leather looking vinyl.

Decorating Mistake #4 - Cheap Artificial Flowers and Plants

Just admit it, you rarely clean your fake flowers and plants, especially the ones on top of your kitchen cabinets. Discard any faux flowers, plastic ivy, and dried flowers. Leave your upper cabinets bare except for maybe some uplighting. If you must have fake flowers or plants, spend extra money and get good quality ones, but make sure you dust them at least once a month.

Decorating Mistake #5 - Decorating with Generic Items to Fill the Space
Your home should be a reflection of your style, not a showroom for the popular accessories store down the street. Decorate your home with your own personal treasures, not generic items that happen to be the right size and color. Use decor from your travels, flea markets, antique stores, and other places that have one of a kind items instead of mass produced decor that your neighbors probably also have in their home.

Article courtesy of: http://www.interiordesigninfo.com/

DIY - Maximizing Small Spaces

Picture: http://www.smootree.sg/

Many newly constructed apartments in Singapore are notorious for having small rooms. This can make it tricky for you when you are designing your room. However, living in a small space doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on style or comfort. You can still have the home of your dreams despite the cramped space with these great tips to help you.

Choose the right furniture
Furniture always takes up a lot of space and if you have a small room, then it doesn’t make sense to buy big bulky items such as that king-sized bed or ottoman for your bedroom. Get furniture which is compact so that you maximize space and your room won’t have to look cluttered. Another room where you can maximize space is your dining room. For example, a foldable dining table will help create more space when you are not using it. Another option would be to buy those dining tables that come with chairs which you can place under the table when not in use.

Custom made in-built cabinets will also help you save lots of space and it is an idea which works well in any room be it the bedroom, dining room, kitchen or guest room.
Another design tip to note is just to buy the essential furniture. Don’t go overboard and buy lots of items because it will clutter your room and make it look smaller and you’ll realize that you don’t have enough space.

Apart from buying the right furniture, there are another 6 tips you can use to help you design your small room.

◦Ask yourself if the room really needs a door. Doors are great for rooms like the bedroom because they allow for privacy, but what about the dining room or living area? Ask yourself whether you need a door for those rooms. A door would just make such an area look smaller and they would cut out the light and air flow which would make you feel even more claustrophobic. If you really feel that you need a door, get a sliding door so that you can play with different options.

◦Low ceilings create the effect of a smaller room. If you stay in a landed property, it’s possible to create higher ceilings for your rooms. High ceilings will give the effect of more space to the room.

◦Remove as much clutter as possible from your rooms. Invest in good closet space so that you can keep all your personal belongings in an organized manner which will free up space at the same time.

◦Walls can also create the effect of a smaller space. Apart from those walls which are necessary for structural support, do away with those other walls which are making your room look smaller.

◦Mirrors are a great piece of furniture to have because they help add character to a room and also reflect light enhancing a feeling of space.

◦When decorating your room, keep it simple. Avoid buying too many items to beautify the room because it will end up making it smaller.

◦When painting your room, avoid using dark colours because it will make the room look smaller. Go for lighter colours such as white or beige to create the effect of a bigger space.

◦Lighting is important. Bright lights will help to accentuate the space in your room while dim lights will make it look smaller.

Article courtesy of http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/