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/

Buying Guide for Kitchen Cabinets & Countertops

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the biggest and most exciting projects a homeowner can undertake. The choices and decisions may seem endless, but the possibilities and the payoff are immense. Your family will love cooking and eating together in a brand new space. And best of all, kitchen remodeling offers one of the highest return-on-investment results of any home improvement project. Start your kitchen renovation planning with these buying guides to get an idea of what choices await you.

Kitchen Cabinets
The starting point for every kitchen — the bone structure of the room — is its cabinetry. Kitchen cabinets can be arranged to meet specific needs, whether you’re a wine collector, a pastry chef or a family of nine. A wide variety of specialty cabinets and accessories are available to fit your specific situation.
The first decision to make about cabinetry is which type will work best for you. Kitchen cabinets are available in three levels of specialization and price:

Stock cabinets come in standard sizes and shapes, and are usually available to take home from the store the same day or just a few days later. Size and style options are limited with stock cabinetry, but the price is right for remodelers on a budget.

Semi-custom cabinets are built after your order is placed, so you can choose from among certain options of size and style. That flexibility makes it easier to design a kitchen that fits your particular requirements. Semi-custom cabinetry usually requires a longer lead-time for delivery than stock. Because they offer more choices, they are more expensive than stock cabinets.

Custom cabinets are made by hand to fit almost any standard you require. An odd-sized or irregular-shaped space in your kitchen might not accommodate a stock or semi-custom piece, but a custom cabinetmaker starting from scratch can build nearly anything you need. Custom cabinets are the most expensive of the three types; the exact price varies widely according to size, materials and options. The time it takes to receive a custom cabinet order depends on the cabinetmaker’s schedule.

Cabinet Accessories
Once you’ve decided on a set of cabinets, it’s time to think about accessories. As expected, custom cabinets offer the greatest range of accessories and personalization. But even stock cabinetry can be made much more efficient and useful with the addition of special racks, trays and drawer inserts.

Cabinet Hardware
A little black dress is a classic wardrobe choice, but imagine how much livelier it is when worn with a colourful necklace. Cabinet hardware provides a visual punch to dress up the look of the kitchen, and it also serves an important purpose. After all, what good are cabinets if you can’t open them up to reach inside?
Some cabinet hardware pieces are made specifically to work with the principles of Universal Design, which aims to make living and working spaces more accessible to people with limited physical abilities.

Kitchen Countertops
Once all the cabinetry decisions have been made, select a countertop to make the kitchen complete. Countertops are available in a variety of materials and price ranges, and the best configuration for your kitchen may actually involve more than one type of countertop material.

Article courtesy of Lowe's Home Improvement warehouse
http://www.lowes.ca/

Rules For Decorating Your Room

It doesn’t matter which room it is, there are some things that are always worth bearing in mind when decorating or re-decorating your living space.

Rule 1: Size Matters
While the room is completely unfurnished, amble around it. Stand in various corners, wave your arms around, swing cats (not really) -– just make sure you have a realistic sense of how much stuff your room can fit. Because you’ll look mighty silly when you stick a two-ton sofa or imperial-sized dining table into an area that can’t accommodate it. Conversely, make sure you don’t underestimate the capacity of a room and buy decorations that are too small. Undersized shelves, chairs, tables etc will make it look like you’re living in a doll’s house.


Rule 2: Pick Patterns Prudently
Curtains, tablecloths, carpets, wallpapers and more all blaze out their own colours and patterns, and you want to make sure that they work cohesively. You wouldn’t wear plaid pants and bright white running shoes, so why put your faux zebra skin sofa beneath the polka-dotted blinds? The answer is, you wouldn’t. Think about how your decorations can work best side-by-side. It helps if you squint at your furnished room –- with objects blurred, you’ll be able to spot pieces that are glaringly mismatched.


Rule 3: Let there be (the Right Amount of) LightRule 3: Let there be (the Again, balance is the idea here. You don’t want to give off a hermit-like vibe by installing heavy velvet curtains that give off a cave-like atmosphere, nor is it advisable to install 100-watt light bulbs every two paces. Either extreme end of the spectrum is liable to make guests feel like they’re about to be harshly interrogated. You’ll ideally want to make use of natural light wherever possible, and spread lamps around the room so that there are no incongruous dark zones. Above all, don’t mix fluorescent with normal bulbs; it’s a recipe for a headache.


Rule 4: Comfort First
While it might seem to run counter to the points above, comfort should supersede all other rules. If you’ve found a recliner that makes you feel like the king (or queen) of your castle, a recliner so comfortable that you dream about it even when you’re in your bed, a recliner so soothing that it could broker peace in the Middle East –- then by all means, that should take precedence over its Mr. Men motif or garish but ergonomic pillows. After all, this is your home, not a showroom. (Plus you can always reupholster!)


For more property news, real estate reports and celebrity home features, head to www.iproperty.com.sg/resources

Choosing The Right Tiles For Your Home

   








Picture: Topps Tiles

People forget how important it is to choose the right floor tiles for their home. While floors are not the first thing you notice upon entering a home, it is also the most basic structure of the house. Have you ever stepped into a home with uneven flooring, or had broken tiles? It doesn't create a good first impression at all.


In the past, tiles were used as artistic accents on the walls or floors of homes, but since they are easier to maintain than carpeting and hardwood floors, many people now choose tiles to line their floor.
There are many varieties of floor tiles available in the market today. Depending on the look and color that you want, you will be spoilt for choice. To help you narrow down your choices, here are a few tips to help you.


Style Star
The type of floor tiles that you choose for your home will depend on the style you are going for. If you are attracted to modern and industrial looking designs, then regular machine manufactured tiles should work well. But getting them all in the same size is important to maintain regularity.


If you are looking for a more rustic design, then you can opt for hand-made tiles. These tiles have uneven edges and are usually used for patios or driveways. Your contractor would need to cut the tiles to fit the space accordingly.
If mosaic tiles are more to your liking, then consult a decorator to give you design ideas on how to lay the tiles out in an attractive manner. The last thing you want is to have your contractor lay the tiles with no design in mind, which would be messy.


Size It Up
Before you can start shopping, you have to determine how much ground to cover. Exact measurements are imperative, as that would dictate how many tiles should be purchased. Tiles are usually 1x1 foot in size, so an accurate measurement of the floor space in square feet should be done.
If you're unsure about the size of your room, consult the blue-prints. Remember that any inaccurate measurements of your floor space could be a problem. You don't want to end up with too many tiles, which is a waste of money.

Hard Or Soft?
If you're looking to buy tiles for the floor, choose a harder variety. Determine how much walking is going to be done in the room. The more walking involved, the harder the tile should be. Other than that, you can choose softer tiles. Bathrooms don't need hard tiles as they aren't used as much as the living room. Determine how much walking is going to be done in the room and buy the right tile.


Budgeting
Tiles are sold per piece, so buying them for a large space could be an expensive proposition. Choose good quality tiles that are being sold at a lesser price. And if you're only re-tiling a small room, why not spend a little bit more on something luxurious. It so happens that Italians make the most expensive and beautiful hand-made tiles, often used for fountains and frescoes. So have a think about your budget before-hand.


If you're on a tight budget, then ceramic tiles are a good choice. They are the most affordable tiles on the market and are relatively easy to care for. A few quick swivels with a soapy mop will take care of most messes. And should an accident happen resulting in a few broken tiles, they can be easily replaced.

Article: Courtesy of Propertyguru.com

Turn Your House Into A Home

Think of home and comfort is the first thing that comes to mind, a place that exudes beauty and cosiness. However, in our attempt to make our abode beautiful, we sometimes go over the top, giving it an over-decorated museum-type, almost garish look. This year, create your own intimate space that is homey and cosy while being stylish and elegant. Here are some quick tips to give your home that extra character by using different colours, themes and decorations.

Life on the coast

In this tropical island nation, the ideal way to decorate is to follow a theme where you always feel close to the coast. Use colours inspired by the sun, sand and water, and replace tile floors with wood or stone. Create the mood with cane couches upholstered with soft fabrics, and place bamboo or palm trees on either side. For the wall, buy paintings inspired by nature to create a serene environment. Put dried flowers or potpourri in a glass bowl and place it on the coffee table. Light up the house at night with incense candles.

Country style

Think Jane Austen and the first thing that comes to mind is mansions, dark Oakwood furniture, four-poster beds, skirted table covers, handmade rugs, embroidered curtains, all oozing class and grandeur. Who wouldn’t want to decorate their home the old fashioned English way? For starters, do up your walls with wallpaper in subtle but rosy colours. Buy couches with flowery patterns and dark wood armchairs for the living room. A grandfather’s clock will help enhance the décor. Old chests and wall bookcases with brass and iron knobs can add that extra class. Fresh flowers and silver or wrought candle stands would be a good way to decorate the dining table.

Freshen up

Blend the past and the future to create a brand new level of freshness in the decor. Make your home a fantasy land, filled with a surreal ambience where you can shut out the troubles of the world. Decorate with drapes, cushions, bed covers and other knick-knacks in shades of Pearlescent White, Sea Coral Blue, Icy Mist, Lavender Secret, Pink, Violet and Gold. Escape from reality when you enter your very own vibrant fairytale land.

Small is Big

It’s all about the small touches, the little things that add character. Give your living room wall a personal touch by hanging tiny wooden frames with pictures of family and friends. You could even buy a brand new vase for the floor or the dining table and fill it up with artificial or dried flowers. Tiny decorative artifacts can do a lot to brighten up and give a new flavour to your living space, but ensure that you don’t over-do it. Too many knick-knacks can clutter and take the charm out of the decoration.

Teen theme

Plan a colourful theme for your children’s room. Buy bright printed or striped curtains and bed spreads. Decorate their study table with flowers and pictures and place colourful bean bags on the floor. Put pictures of their favourite sportsman or rock band on the wall. You could even hang an electric guitar or a baseball bat on the wall, depending on their interests.

Laid back

While fancy couches can make your home look chic and elegant, a comfortable lifestyle theme ensures that you get your quota of peace, quiet and relaxation at home. Decorate your living room with reclining chairs with printed upholstery in bright cheerful colours. You could even put hammocks by the windows to lie back, relax and take in the breeze. Bead curtains and carpets in shades of Rosy Blush, Bronze Metallic and Dark Burgundy, can do much to accentuate the theme.

De-clutter

Too much furniture can make the room look cramped and small. If space is of the essence, you can replace bulky couches with floor cushions and place them on a rug. Cushions in lively colours can light up your room while making it look spacious and super comfy. Keeping your home tidy and free of clutter can also give it a spacious and bright look.

Stainless steel

While all our energies are usually directed towards revamping and decorating our living area, the kitchen is often forgotten. From drab and dreary tiles to modular kitchens, today, stainless steel makes the statement. Get stainless steel cabinets combined with vinyl flooring and make your kitchen look fresh and trendy.

The ageless antique

The colours of the past, charcoal gray, coffee, champagne, beige and a spicy red can give your home a very retro look. Classics can be styled to look trendy, while they continue to emanate an elegance of the past. You could hang an antique door from India as artwork, or add a fresh coat of paint to antique cupboards and cabinets. Style them with drapes and upholstery in vibrant colours. So whether its classical art or war-era furniture, let these vintage pieces from the past be an inspiration for the future,

Lighting

Lighting can make or break the way a house looks and feels. While ceiling lights give the home a cold feel, lamps exude warmth and coziness. Buy stylish table and floor lamps and place them in your living room and bedroom. Complement the lamps with soft textures on your furniture and drapes. You could even buy small and delicate chandeliers with soft lights, which can create the perfect ambience for a party. Big bay windows will ensure plenty of sunlight during the day making your home bright and cheerful.

By Sunaina Anand (Courtesy of ProperyGuru)

A Bigger Bathroom Through Lighting Techniques

As is the case when selecting lighting for any room in your home, an important thing to consider is the design and layout of that space. The illumination of a room affects our perception of space proportions as light reflects from various surfaces including the walls, floor, and ceiling. Most often for bathrooms, we want to make the space seem larger or wider.

To create the illusion of a larger bathroom using lighting, select décor and furnishings with reflective surfaces. Keep in mind that a substantially lighter color on the ceiling (compared to the walls) visually lifts the room, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling. Dark floors create the illusion of a dropped floor, instantly lengthening the room. By directing lighting upward and keeping light saturation on the walls, you can visually expand your bathroom.

When choosing lighting for your bathroom it’s important to remember that optimal lighting has 3 layers: general/ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Layering light creates a tranquil atmosphere while having a function and purpose.

The first layer is general light. This layer of light illuminates a wide or general area. Ceiling lighting or overhead lighting is typically used to create this first layer. With ceiling lighting, keep in mind that the farther away light is, the larger the surface area that’s illuminated. For recessed lighting, consider a spotlight bulb as opposed to a floodlight bulb for a more even distribution of light. If ceiling height is not an issue, consider creating a chic or luxurious feel in your bathroom by adding a chandelier over the tub. The width of the chandelier should be twice the width of the room, but in inches rather than feet (a 12 foot wide room should have a chandelier no wider than 24 inches in diameter).

Task lighting is the second layer of light to consider for your bathroom. It illuminates specific areas as opposed to the general area. The most popular type of task lighting for the bathroom is vanity lights. When selecting bulbs for your vanity, keep in mind that the amount of light released into the bathroom is directly proportional to the clarity of the bulb. Frosted bulbs will cast less light than clear bulbs (depending on the paint job in your bathroom that might not be such a bad thing).

The final layer of bathroom lighting is accent lighting. This layer sets the mood of a room and can be used to draw focus toward its pleasant features while making the room seem larger. As an example, indirect or accent lighting could be used to highlight crown molding on the ceiling.

By choosing a light ceiling color and directing light upwards, you can instantly add length to your space. Layering light is multifunctional as it helps create a soothing environment while providing task specific illumination. Be mindful of small and large details of your bathroom’s décor, as this can affect our perception of space proportions.

Article by Bellacor : A one-stop showroom that promises a new way to shop the entire lighting and home furnishings industry from the comfort of your home by providing superior personal service and access to the largest collection of lighting and home furnishings on the web. Bellacor offers access to over 500,000 products from 700 manufacturers.

Top 10 Home Decor Trends in 2011

When it comes to decorating a home, everyone wants a stylish, trendy and functional look without burning a hole in one’s pocket. Whether it’s a new home or refurbishing an existing one, style it a la mode. Here are the top trends for 2011.

Go Green
With climate change weighing down on our planet, becoming eco- friendly is the mantra for the coming year. Furniture made from re-used wood is in vogue; it could come from a discarded shipping boat or simply an old door. The colours and ‘imperfections’ in the furniture reflect the previous life of the wood before it was made into a dining table, shelf or lamp, giving it a distinct character of its own.

Say it with Plants
You can go green literally too. Leafy friends add that x-factor to your décor. Go for big indoor plants like palms, ferns or smaller trees. Or clump small potted plants together in a basket and cover them with pebbles to create a chic look. Cactus or plants with colourful foliage look great indoors. Also with Chinese New Year just around the corner, bring bamboos into your home, and enjoy the luck, serenity and positive energy they bring.

Mix and Mash styles
Classic antique ornate pieces work very well against modern clean cut furniture pieces, creating depth with contrasting elements. Play with artefacts’ – a classic pot can be enhanced by metallic handles or a traditional chandelier can be coloured unexpectedly. Eclectic styling, seen particularly in the revival of colonial furniture in Singapore and a mixing of periods, allows for a home to convey the personality of the owner. Hang an antique door as artwork in your otherwise contemporarily styled room to give it an edge. Furniture and accessories, which incorporate metal, ceramics, wood, iron and brass will be in vogue in the coming year as will furniture with a raw look.

Just pure Vintage
If mix-n-match is not your style, you can go pure vintage. It’s timeless and always in vogue. Nostalgia and old world designs from both the east and the west will be the rage in 2011. Antique furniture pieces can be given a new lease of life with modern re-upholstery. So whether it is antique cabinets or armchairs, go splurge.

Space Savers
Spacious bungalows are passé, and with property prices rising year on year, studio apartments have come to be in vogue. Space is of the essence, and the furniture in your home can reflect that. Go in for that sofa-cum bed, or a sofa-cum-massage chair, a coffee table with in-built cabinets, a bar which doubles as a dining area, or an L-shaped cabinet for the corners which will help maximise your living space while being stylish at the same time.

Metallica
Furniture with an industrial look made its mark in 2010, and is here to stay. This furniture fits in with most room schemes, whether its minimalist, modern, traditional or luxuriously detailed settings. Wrought iron furniture is most popular in this category. It’s fancy, cost effective, and can give character to your drawing room as well as your terrace garden. Whether it’s a gold coloured coffee table, an ornate bed, or a chandelier with leaf motifs, these wrought iron products can add that class your living room was missing. You can even style your outdoors with wire garden chairs, tables or gazebos.

Invest in Art
Gone are the days when one cluttered the walls with tiny paintings and artefacts. Today a huge, stand-alone painting can be the mainstay of your living room. It’s time to invest in an expensive piece of art, even if you don’t understand it. Not only will it adorn your wall for decades to come, it will also appreciate in value and can be a nice gift to pass on to your kids.

A Splash of Colour
Just repainting your house can give it a new dimension. Mix colours in a room or contrast the wall colour with the furniture. A light, airy, citrus yellow will be in vogue in 2011. Vintage wine is also a good option when paired with leather couches or wood finishes. Or try a deep brown base with a hint of smoky violet to make your home look magnificent.

Go Wicker
Woven wicker furniture gained immense popularity earlier this year and promises to be a hit in 2011 as well. Couches and coffee tables made out of woven wicker are low maintenance and UV- Resistant. They look stylish indoors and are practical for the outdoors as well.

Rugs
An intricately hand woven or Persian carpet, can do wonders to your room. Put it in your living room to add vibrancy to those couches or use it to sit on in your study. Cotton or sheep skin rugs come in different sizes and are perfect to lounge on, and you can mount some colourful cushions on it to add some character.



By Sunaina Anand (Courtesy of PropertyGuru)