How To Use Mirrors To Open Up Smaller Spaces

Mirrors are great for creating an illusion of space and are an affordable and easy way to open up a room or hallway.

• Place mirrors on the sides in narrow hallways to make them less claustrophobic.


• If you have a wall just in front of the entrance then placing a mirror here opens this up.


• A mirror can be a great feature as well so consider investing in a really classy mirror and frame that stands out and complements the rest of the home décor.


• Use mirrors in bathrooms, you can be liberal here especially if the room is small.


• Make sure you place mirrors in usable heights. It can be quite frustrating and cumbersome if you are forced to bend or jump just to use a mirror
  
  How by: InsiderPropertySecrets

Top Design Tips for Your Dream Kitchen

The focal point of most households, the kitchen – not the bedroom – is where all the action happens. From preparing meals to family bonding, a good kitchen should be equally as conducive to group gatherings as it is well laid-out and easily navigable. Creating this haven of domesticity can be a tricky task, so we at iProperty.com bring you our guide to creating the perfect kitchen environment.

Before you decide
Getting an expert kitchen designer takes a lot of the hassle and problems associated with any renovation job, but have an idea of the mood and design that you would like to create. The more input you give the designer, the happier you will be with the finished product, not to mention that it will avoid time-consuming and expensive delays if you work closely with the designer to create an end product.

Kitchen suppliers normally have their own designers who can make recommendations and their advice usually come for free. Be aware though that they will steer you towards their products and contractors. It makes sense, both financially and design-wise, to shop around.
Remember, while we all love all things stylish, kitchens are functional areas, which means that they have to be practical and make efficient usage of layout and space.

Step one: Planning spaces
The amount of space that your kitchen has determines its shape. Many kitchens are rectangular or L-shaped, which are suitable for HDB units or flats where space is at a premium. Condominiums may use gallery-shape ones, while ‘island’ concept or G-shape kitchens – where the entrance is in one corner and every wall is utilised – are popular in properties, such as landed or bungalows, with a larger floor space. Consider the layout of your kitchen first in the design stages.

Form and Function
The next step is to work out the function areas of a kitchen. Generally, every kitchen is divided into four areas:
The cleaning area: including the sink and faucet
The cooking area: where the stove, oven, hood and hobs are
The preparation area: for food preparation
The storage area: including cupboards and fridge.

A good kitchen design practice is to have the cleaning, wet storage and cooking area within a distance no further than a metre away from one another. This “work triangle” cuts down on unnecessary movement by centralising your working space.

Step two: Choosing a concept
Functional as it is, you want your kitchen to look the way you imagine it to be. You will need to determine the kind of kitchen concept you want, right down to the flooring and wall colour.
A well-designed kitchen not only looks nice but is fully functional too.
In general, there are four popular kitchen concepts:

1. Modern Classic

Uses modern materials and concepts, such as glossy door panels, reflective glass and funky lighting.

2. Urban Concept

Plays around with the proportion of the cabinets. They are usually out of the normal standard size of kitchen cabinets.

3. Classical

Uses solid wood such as pine or oak with decorative glass and wood and handcrafted pieces. 4. BasicCheaper and simple in design by using melamine board with wood texture design.

Step three: Functionality
The devil’s is in the details. Now that you are closer to getting your dream kitchen, do remember the small but important things.
Get practical accessories and appliances for your kitchen such as soft closing drawer runners, soft-close lift-up mechanisms, dish holders, railing baskets and the likes to make working in the kitchen a better experience.

Article by IProperty.com

5 Easy Steps to a New Look Bedroom

A few easy changes can transform the appearance of your bedroom. Best of all, you can do most of the work yourself, save some money, and end up with a bedroom that has been given a new look. Try these ideas:

1. Clean up the clutter

This is the time to evaluate your needs and wants. Carefully assess the items in the room and remove anything except those items you wish to keep for the new room layout. Be discerning! You’ll be amazed at how much better the bedroom looks with just this one step.

2. Redress your bed

The bed is the most prominent object in the room so you can transform the room simply by changing the bedding set. Choose something that matches your personality and and use it to set the mood and theme for the room.

3. Don’t forget the floors!

An area rug is a great way to change the look of the room without a complete overhaul. Remember, darker floors will make the room appear smaller, while lighter colors will do the opposite.

4. Throw in some pillows and add some shams

Accent pieces, shams and euro shams that coordinate with your bedding provide an easy way to carry the design scheme around the room. Many companies offer entire lines of accent pieces designed to coordinate and complement the bedding sets they offer.

5. Treat your windows to a new look

Choosing longer drapes that reach to the floor will elongate the walls and give the room a grander ceiling. For a traditional look, contrast the window treatments to the color of the walls to allow them to shine as a distinct element in the room. Matching the drapes to the wall gives a softer, more contemporary feel. Alternatively, try some valances or blinds.

Article by Alan Riley

www.beautifulbeddingsets.com : A site devoted to helping people find the perfect bedding for their needs.

Ideas For Using Your Space Effectively

Feel like you're running out of space for all your stuff?

Here are simple ideas for using your space more effectively.

INSUFFICIENT OR INEFFECTIVE

Do you have insufficient storage space or ineffective storage space?

There's a big different. Insufficient storage space means you don't have enough space for your things. Ineffective space means you have enough space for your things, but you're not making the best use of that space. Most closets and cabinets have the volume to hold twice as much as they are usually constructed for. And you probably have quite a few nooks and crannies for storage that you haven't even thought of. Of course, it's important to make sure you don't have things you don't like, are outdated, etc., but it is also important to have effective storage space for the things you do like and enjoy.

ADD-A-ROD

Looking for extra storage space in your closet. If you have the type of closet with two+ walls for hanging clothes, on one wall hang a rod at head height for long clothing (dresses, pants, etc.). On the other wall, hang two rods--one above the other--for shorter clothing (shirts, skirts, blazers, etc.) In other words, you're not restricted to only one clothing rod.

INSTALL SHELVES

Most shelves can be moved up-a-notch or down-a-notch. If you have three inches of space above your linens, you may consider adjusting the shelf so the shelf below it has more space. Or, perhaps you can add another shelf in between. Plastic, multiple level shelves are wonderful for kitchen cabinets. And corner shelves are great for picture frames, knick knacks and other small treasures.

USE STORAGE UNITS

Storage units, which can be picked up from housewares or hardware stores, are great space savers. Your spices can be removed from drawers and placed on a spice rack. There are racks for canned goods that, when a can is taken from it, the next can in line rolls forward. Some of these hold over 40 cans! Ice cube trays are inexpensive storage containers for smaller items such as earrings. There are coffee tables on the market with storage space hidden inside. Under bed containers are perfect for storing quilts and linens. Be creative and make use of these great tools!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT WALL SPACE

Look around and you're sure to find quite a bit of empty wall space. There are many uses for this new-found space. Pots and pans can be taken out of cabinets and hung on walls. Tools can be placed on pegboards. Shelves can be installed for picture frames and knick knacks. Many stores now carry corner shelves that can be installed in a snap.

PUT FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS WITHIN ARMS REACH

Whenever possible, store regularly used items where you use them most. Recently, my husband created a toilet paper holder on the back of our bathroom cabinet door, with a small dowel, 2 nails and 2 loops of rope. It holds three rolls of toilet paper, and it's right near the area it's needed most. You shouldn't have to walk from one room to another to retrieve items you use every day. Store linens in the bedroom. Store videos near the television. If you use the scissors in the office area and in the sewing room, have two pairs of scissors, one in each room.

ADD-A-DRAWER OR SLIDING SHELF

Many hardware and housewares stores carry drawers that can be installed underneath a cabinet. These are great if you have a home with limited drawer space. In addition, you can also install shelves under cabinets that slide out when you need them, and slide back in when you're finished with them.

KEEP YOUR DESK CLEAR

A clear desk is directly related to your productivity. You will get more done, if you're not constantly under a pile of papers and files. A sturdy, full-suspension filing cabinet is a must for any home or office. Portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders also come in handy. There are plenty of storage choices for CD-roms and diskettes. Desk supplies belong in an on-the-desk caddy or in trays inside your desk.

REARRANGE

Everyone is different, and has different needs. Make your home or office work for you. One woman I know told me she never uses her dining room, not even when she has company over. And she had no intention of ever using it since her kitchen was big and elegant enough. She also said she hated her dark basement office. So, I suggested she rearrange a bit, and turn her dining room into her office. And that is exactly what she did. So think about your surroundings and make them work for you, even if they seem a little out of the ordinary.

ROTATE

You may have many items you love in your home or office, but not enough space. Rotate them. In other words, keep some things in storage for a month or two and display some of your things. Then, once that time is up, make the switch. The items on display go into storage; the items in storage go on display. What a neat idea!

by Maria Gracia

http://www.getorganizednow.com

What items do I need to furnish My First Apartment or Home

Photo: Guocoland.com.my

Stocking your first living space can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be.

Use this 5 "S" Space Strategy to help you organize the items you will need to furnish your new living environment.

Before making any purchases, create a list of what furnishings you will need for the below 5 action areas:

Where you Sleep

Where you Sit / Socialize (leisure time)

Where you Snack

Where you Study (work or hobby area)

How you will Sanitize

Let's break these down even further into a general suggested item list of what can fit in these areas. (This list may not included everything for your specific needs, so add or subtract as needed)

Sleep - Bedroom

Bed (frame, mattresses)

Pillow & Bedding (blankets, comforter, sheets)

Dresser or Storage for Clothing

Hangers

Night Stand

Table Lamp

Alarm Clock

Telephone

Chair

Mirror

Socializing / Sitting - Living Room

Comfortable Sofa or Chairs

Side Tables

Table Lamps

Entertainment Center or Stand

Bookcases / Shelving

Coffee Table

Coasters

Snack / Eating - Dining Room or Kitchen

Table (to sit and eat)

Chairs (for table or bar)

Utensils (for eating or cooking)

Plates, bowls, glassware.

Cooking Equipment ( pots & pans, spatulas, coffee makers, can openers, blender,etc., this can be lengthy and is left to personal choice)

Study

Desk (with flat surface for writing & the computer)

ChairComputerOffice Tools (stapler, pens & pencil storage)

Shelving for books

File cabinet

Desk lamp

Sanitizing (Cleaning & Bathroom Supplies)

Sponges

Duster / Dusting cloths

Cleaning Chemicals

Plunger

Mop

Broom

Vacuum Cleaner

Towels & Wash Clothes

This list should give you a good start at setting up house and on your way to making that house/apartment your home.

Article : http://www.rentaldecorating.com/

How to make the Most of a Small Apartment

Picture: Flickr.com

Question:

I HAVE four kids aged 13, 11, seven and five, and we live in an apartment with only two bedrooms and no storeroom. We have many things, including books, CDs, photos, shoes, stationery and toys, which we had gathered over the years and my husband and I are still buying new items for our children on a regular basis.

We kept all the old toys as it is such a waste to throw them away - they are good-quality toys and still in good condition. It is the same case with books. My daughter loves buying books and we do not want to kill her interest in reading by asking her to stop spending on books.
How to maximise a small space?

Then there's also the textbooks, assessment books, lesson notes, examination papers, all of which we are keeping to hand down to our younger kids. We are running out of cupboard space for all these items, so much so that I have to keep some of the toys in the children's wardrobe, along with their clothes; under their study table; and even on the steps on their double-decker bed.

Shoes are another headache.
My children have at least three pairs each, not counting the ones that the older ones cannot wear anymore (which we are keeping for the younger ones). Then there are the shoes belonging to my husband and me.
I hope the professionals can suggest ways we can organise all our things and, if possible, tuck them away neatly.

Ms Angela Lee

Answer:

Your two-room apartment is indeed small for a family of six but, with some planning, you would be able to maximise the space and find your things easily as well.
Cluttered living spaces are difficult to maintain, so let's aim to keep the apartment as spacious as possible but, at the same time, have all the most frequently needed items within easy reach.

You should first consider what you really want to keep. If you are unlikely to ever use something again, it should be disposed of, to free up space. Next, designate storage zones and prioritise them according to accessibility within your apartment.
For each storage zone, you need suitable storage equipment, for example, hangers, plastic bins and shelves.

You will also have to consider whether to store items on a higher level to maximise the space up there. Naturally, higher storage areas are not as accessible as those that are within reach, so they are best used for items that are seldom used.
When it comes to storage equipment, it is most practical to use something that is strong and durable. But you should also consider getting something that would improve the aesthetics of your home. Therefore, you may want to invest in good-looking furniture for the more visible areas.

The next step is to decide what you want to keep but do not use regularly. These items should go into the storage areas that are less accessible - they could be outside your home.
Things that you need to use more regularly should be stored in the apartment within the designated storage zones.

Organising your things can take quite a bit of time, but it will save you time searching for them later had they not been stored in an organised manner. Do label your boxes clearly so that it will be easier for you to find your things later.
For items that have sentimental value which you cannot bear to junk and yet do not want to keep in the apartment (as they take up too much premium space), you may want to consider self-storage service.

Self-storage can help by allowing you to keep these items in a purpose-built location.
You should select a storage facility in a location that is most convenient for you - either near your workplace or near your home - so that should you need to retrieve your things, you don't have to travel too far to get them.

EXTRA SPACE SINGAPORE HOLDINGS

Courtesy of my paper

Three Elements of Successful Room Design

Courtesy of Sheffield School of Interior Design

At Sheffield we teach our students a simple Three-Step Method for designing every room they create:
A successful room is functional.
A successful room expresses a mood.
A successful room exhibits a sense of harmony.

This simple Three-Step Method is the secret of every interior ever designed. We teach our students to consider these three steps every time they look at a room.

When our students mail in their design project for analysis by their instructor, the instructor starts by commenting on these three Guidelines. Of course, the instructor analyzes other elements of the project too - decor, layout, furniture, style etc.
But the key to every good room - and the essential element of every great interior design - is adherence to these three Guidelines.

How do they work? How can you apply them?
It's beyond the scope of this Web site to teach you every nuance, but you will get an inkling from the Room-of-the-Month Analysis that follows.

The Living Room
Some living rooms are little more than a coffee table where the mail gets tossed and a sofa where you collapse each evening. Others are too stilted and formal to be of any real use, and because they go unused their occasional visitors feel uncomfortable, as if, like the glass candy bowls and potted plants, they too are on display.

And then there are the living rooms that combine the best of both worlds, and allow for both relaxation and entertaining.This living room really knows how to live. Here is a room designed for comfort, yet gracious and formal enough for hosting even the most important parties.

Looking at it through Sheffield's Three Principles of Interior Design, we see first that the function of this room is to welcome guests and make them feel comfortable and at home. The room is built for relaxed conversation: the two easy chairs angled toward one another, the two straight-back chairs facing one another across a small table, and the white ottoman allow for conversation among a group. And, there are enough tables so that guests can have a place for their drinks or snacks. As the Sheffield Course creator, Bill Turner often remarked, "A table for every chair!"

But another function of this room is simply for relaxing alone or with a companion. Those easy chairs are so inviting that you can easily imagine pulling the ottoman over, putting your feet up, and tucking into a new novel on a winter's afternoon.The mood of this room is clearly one of relaxation. It's formal enough for entertaining because it's so well-designed, but the feeling is one of luxurious relaxation. The casual aspect of the mood is enhanced by the slightly messy fronds in the vases, which bring in an air of the wild outdoors and prevent the room from feeling stuffy or overdone. The open curtains, which are barely noticeable at first glance, add to this airy feeling, letting in loads of natural light.

Finally, everything in this room works in harmony. The deep egg yellow of the ceiling and upper wall matches the yellow background of the fabric. The chairs are upholstered in the same fabric used on the table and for the curtains, and the plain off-white rug prevents the floral pattern from becoming overwhelming. The flowers in the vase add a nice counterpoint to the printed flowers on the fabric.
All in all, this is a room that would give its visitors the relaxed feeling of an early summer's afternoon, at any time of the year.

-Sarah Van Arsdale