In this new series we help you define the different types of professionals you will come across as a new homeowner: whether that’s an interior designer or stylist, or a renovation...

There are a number of reasons why a sofa may not be workable in your living room. You may just be short on space and not able to fit in a sofa, or there may be particular pieces of furniture you hope to incorporate that serve the same purpose, such as a built-in banquette. Here are a number of...

Many young couples these days are turning one spare bedroom in their flat into a walk-in wardrobe (sometimes one that has a little study...

Despite having a similar layout for the kitchen and living/dining areas, each of these three HDB BTO (Build-to-Order) flats shines with its own personality. Designed and customised to suit the lifestyle of its owners...

In this series, we help you define the different types of professionals you will come across as a new homeowner, whether that’s an architect, interior stylist, or a renovation...

Never a pretty sight, exposed piping is as awkward-looking (and -sounding) as it gets. Don’t settle for ugly and bulky just yet; there are several solutions to deal with this eyesore. Boxing these chunky pipes up is one. According to HDB regulations, you do need to factor in a removable access opening...

When you’re revamping your home, you might find it tricky to work out some of those fundamental elements, for example knowing when the proportions of something are right or deciding on the best-size lampshade. Here are a handy collection of rules – some general, others more specific – to get you started....

Whether you are moving into an existing kitchen, renovating the one you have or building a new one, understanding a few key building measurements and organisational guidelines...

In this series we help you define the different types of professionals you will come across as a new homeowner, whether that’s an interior designer, architect...

Bathrooms come in second to kitchens as places where considerable attention is given to layouts and finishes, and size doesn’t limit the quality of their design. Learning a few key...

When you’re preparing to work with a pro on a home project, whether it’s an architect, landscape designer,...

According to the Housing & Development Board (HDB), a 3-room flat is a compact space that caters well to living needs. It has two bedrooms (the third...

When it comes to kitchen planning, designers frequently face the same complaints from homeowners about what’s ‘wrong’ or frustrating within their existing kitchens. Most of these recurring problems – and their resulting complaints – stem from a kitchen not having been designed with the owners’ needs...

Whether you’re designing a new bathroom or updating an existing space, it’s important to think carefully about where you’re going to keep everything. Before you choose cabinets, drawers or shelves, take time out to...

Renovating is a big financial and emotional investment. It can also be a big investment of your time if you want to be closely involved in the decision-making. Knowing what to expect before the project gets started will help you better prepare for the process. Here are 10 questions you should...

Whether you have a loft, an upper floor, or are considering building a mezzanine to give your apartment a bit more square footage, have a go at these ideas. Some are truly tiny...

I have over 10 years experience working with homeowners on their renovations, but I’ve also spent the past 20 years renovating my own properties. Having stood on both sides of this always-stressful process, I’ve learned quite a bit about what to do – and what not to do. These are my top 10 tips and suggestions...

Your interior designer has handed over your keys, and cleared all the items on your punch list....

You need a comfortable bed, but in a small apartment, you also need somewhere to store your things. This is why platform beds have become so popular – they have space-saving capabilities, offer plenty of storage and give a streamlined look to your bedroom.
Don’t forget

...

In most countries, a bay window is a lovely design feature that the homeowner chose to have – whether they bought a house that has it, or had their home built with it.
In Singapore, however, a bay window is, more often

...

As more and more homeowners discover the joy of cooking while entertaining, or appreciate the versatility of an open-plan space with a nice kitchen, it’s becoming common to hack down the cookie-cutter internal walls during HDB flat renovations. But what if you can’t hack walls, or don’t have the budget...

Designing a lighting scheme that’s practical, beautiful and eco-friendly needs careful planning, especially if you also want it to be as future-proof as possible. Here, three Houzz professionals share their expert advice to help you fit the perfect lighting for your home, whether you’re retrofitting...

Bathroom flooring has to work extra hard. It needs to handle moisture, be kind to bare feet and be easy to clean, all while looking effortlessly gorgeous. So which material should you choose?
Start by considering who will be using the bathroom, and therefore how robust the flooring needs to be.

...

The homeowners were both very involved in the aesthetics of the design as both work in the creative field. “They did their research for ideas and inspiration on Houzz,” Mesh Werk Studio interior designer Yenny Lee says. Asking for a cosy and breezy...

Kitchen renos require deep pockets, but if your budget is smaller than your dreams, don’t give up hope. With some savvy planning and sacrifices (unnecessary finishes and features for example), you can still achieve the kitchen of your dreams. Mark Yong, creative director of Piu...

A balcony can be a wonderful place to sit, entertain friends and soak up some sunshine and cool off in the breeze. It can even be a lovely spot to exercise your green fingers, if you know the suitable plants to fit it...