Qanvast - Renovation Platform

Geometric shapes and forms, especially curves, are a really popular interior design feature/element everywhere these days. Appearing not just in newly renovated homes, they’re also showing up in HDB flats, private condos – and surprisingly, even bubble tea shops and beauty salons!

Interior Firm: Happe Atelier (top) and Fineline Design (bottom)

On top of serving as a striking accent, curved archways also eliminates the need to construct a false ceiling (which reduces the height of your rooms – an important concern for HDB homes) just to conceal an ugly overhead column.

Interior Firm: The Local INN.terior

Apart from the structural changes, homeowners are also adding furniture with a geometric profile to convey visual interest.

Interior Firm: 19EightyThree

Renovate with less risks, more rewards!

See how these beautiful homes made use of geometric shapes to create elegant spaces at home! 

With Qanvast, you can find more than just home inspiration. Get matched with 5 reliable interior firms for your renovation, by filling up this short form!

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As homes get smaller, so do kitchens. If you're struggling to find more space in your kitchen, why not look to your service yard? Combining the two areas will create a larger workspace for both your cooking and laundry needs.

Check out these 7 must-see examples below!

1. Demarcate the space with full-height cabinetry

Maximise every square inch of your kitchen/yard with cabinetry that spans across the entire space. For more walking room, keep bulky items (e.g. cabinets and washing machines) flushed against the wall.

Interior Firm: The Local INN.terior 新家室

2. Adopt an L-shaped layout

Whoever said you can't make your 2-room HDB kitchen feel bigger than it is? Try building an L-shaped counter layout across your kitchen/yard. Tuck the washer into the shorter end of the room so there's no dead space.

Interior Firm: The Roomakers

3. Keep cooking fumes out with glass doors

There are plenty of reasons to keep your kitchen and yard separate. If you cook often, then keeping oily fumes out of your clothes is a major concern.

An easy fix? Glass doors! They keep the space visually seamless so you can have a 'bigger' space, while ensuring your fresh linen stays clean.

Interior Firm: Arche Interior

4. Build a double-duty countertop space

When you're lacking in space, multipurpose features are a godsend. Try building a countertop space in your service yard that can function as (1) kitchen prep space or (2) for folding clothes. This dark, gritty home shows us how it’s done.

Interior Firm: KDOT

Renovate with less risks, more rewards!

Read the rest of the article here for 3 more smart ways to combine your kitchen and service yard.

Beauty on a budget.

Whoever said you can’t have a gorgeous home renovation while sticking to your budget? These 10 home renovations in Singapore are proof that you can have the best of both worlds!

Interior Firm: Free Space Intent

1. A $26,000 contemporary home with a colourful kitchen!

This BTO in Punggol Bayview shows us how it’s done. By keeping to a white-and-wood background, Couple Abode adds a touch of fun and luxe with a plush velvet sofa, teal kitchen cabinets and matte gold fittings.

Interior Firm: Couple Abode

2. A sleek and functional home for $28,000

When it comes to renovating your home, functionality is key. After all, you’ll be spending most of your time in this space! If you don’t cook often, this open-concept kitchen is perfect for hosting guests.

Interior Firm: Space Concepts Design

3. A bright and airy makeover for $27,000

Keeping to a white colour palette is the easiest way to create the illusion of a bigger home. If you lack square footage to begin with, go one step further by creating custom built-ins (like this cabinet in the entryway) for more space to keep your knick knacks.

Interior Firm: Carpenters 匠

4. A $22,300 MUJI-esque crib

There’s something about the MUJI aesthetic that we can’t get enough of. This resale flat in Tampines emulates the look perfectly with light wood tones and clever storage solutions (peek that seat-cum-cabinet in the entryway!).

Interior Firm: Renologist

5. A simple yet cosy home for $20,000

Pro-tip: instead of custom-made built-ins which can quickly add up, opt for loose furniture instead. Plus, you get to switch up the look once in a while when you get bored!

Interior Firm: E+e Design & Build

Read the rest of the article here for 5 more beautiful homes in Singapore that were renovated for less than $30,000.

With Qanvast, you can find more than home inspiration. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

Having a pretty workspace will not only boost productivity levels, it’ll also make you feel happier!

Since most of us are working from home now, get inspired to create a more conducive workspace with these home office ideas! Read on to check them out.

1. A glass-encased workspace for private conference calls

If your work entails having to conduct a lot of conference calls, try opting for a glass wall. It helps to keep the area bright and airy, while minimising external noise.

Interior Firm: 19 Eighty Three

2. An open-plan workspace

Whoever said home offices have to be enclosed? This open-plan home office comes with a view, so you can rest your strained eyes by looking out the window once in a while. Keep things neat and tidy with plenty of storage shelves at the back!

Interior Firm: Zenith Arc

3. Use pegboards to pin important memos

Keep on top of your daily to-dos and make your workspace stylish at the same time with a pegboard. You can shift the pegs around to pin notes, or even hang your keys. Talk about versatility!

Image Credit: Inizio Atelier

4. Keep it clean and uncluttered

To minimise distractions, keep your home office uncluttered. The easiest way to do so is to stick to lighter hues and make sure there’s enough storage solutions to keep unused clutter out of site. Bonus: place your desk near the window so there’s plenty of natural light filtering in!

Interior Firm: Dyel Design

5. Save space with a drop-down table

If you have a small home, every little bit of space counts. Here’s a space-efficient solution: a wall-mounted, drop-down desk! Super neat.

Interior Firm: Fuse Concept

Read the rest of the article here for 5 more beautiful home office ideas you have to see.

With Qanvast, you can find more than just home office inspiration. Simply fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

Have a small home but love the look of a walk-in wardrobe? Opt for a capsule wardrobe instead. 

It’s no secret that flats in Singapore are getting smaller. With limited square footage, you’d have to work harder to maximise every square inch, which is why capsule wardrobes are perfect for smaller homes. Not only do they look good, they take up minimal space. Plus, you get to showcase your favourite clothing pieces on rotation! 

Image Credit: Ethereall

1. It’s affordable, and makes mornings a little easier

Walk-in wardrobes typically cost more as they require custom carpentry works. On the other hand, you can easily get racks for capsule wardrobes off e-commerce stores like Shopee, Lazada, EZBuy or Taobao!

Here’s a minimal wooden one at $30.

Not only that, since your clothes are displayed in the open, it’s also easier for you to choose and pick an outfit — a lifesaver when you’re in a morning rush.

Image Credit: Butler Interior

2. It maximises vertical space

In small homes, every inch counts. Walk-in wardrobes take up a lot of space, including floor space. By mounting your capsule wardrobe on a wall, you get more floor space to build storage fixtures, like a raised platform to keep your knick knacks out of sight!

Image Credit: Third Avenue Studio

3. Use baskets to keep dust bunnies away

Perhaps one of the biggest concerns against capsule wardrobes is the need to constantly dust them. This HDB along Cantonment Road came up with an easy fix — baskets! Tip: Keep clothes that are longer or have to be ironed out on the racks, but smaller pieces, like shorts and t-shirts, can be folded neatly into the baskets to ensure that they remain dust-free.

Image Credit: Space Factor

4 more reasons why capsule wardrobes are better than walk-in wardrobes for compact homes.

Read the rest of the article here for more tips and inspiration on how to incorporate a capsule wardrobe into your new home!

With Qanvast, you can find more than just cleaning tips. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

Is there really a need for a dry AND wet kitchen? For people who cook often, dry kitchens are a godsend. Apart from additional prep space, you can use the area to do some light cooking or as a breakfast nook to have your morning coffee.

Check out these dry kitchens that’ll inspire your renovation!

Image Credit: DISTINCTidENTITY

1. Less is more in this Nordic-inspired home

Having a dry kitchen near your dining area means that it can act as an additional space to place your food when you have guests over. This home also opted for a different flooring in the dining area versus the dry kitchen, which helps to demarcate the two spaces visually.

Image Credit: The Design Practice

2. The perfect solution for organised people

Due to the space-constraint in most dry kitchens, you’d need to turn to storage solutions to keep your items neat and tidy. Take a page out of this dry kitchen’s book by installing cabinets on the walls to hide appliances that you use less often.

Image Credit: Couple Abode

3. A small, cosy kitchen space

If you’re only using your dry kitchen space for ‘light’ cooking, such as microwaving food or boiling water, then you won’t actually need much space to do so. This example utilises only one-wall, which is a great alternative for smaller homes.

Image Credit: ARK-hitecture

4. A dry kitchen… or a home bar?

Why not both? If you have guests over often, your dry kitchen space can also be converted into a home bar. Coupled with a kitchen island and a built-in wine cooler, this set-up is sure to be a crowd favourite during your next house party.

Image Credit: Hall Interiors

Check out 6 more dry kitchen examples that you have to see!

Read the rest of the article here for more tips and inspiration on how to incorporate a dry kitchen into your home.

With Qanvast, you can find more than just inspiration. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

News flash, you’re supposed to flip your mattress every 6 months.

According to a study in 2019, Singapore ranks second in the list of hardest-working cities in the world, clocking in an average of 45 hours of work per day. That’s why it’s impossible for us to keep our homes spick and span, right? Wrong.

Image Credit: Lemonfridge Studio

The trick is to pace yourself. If you do a little bit every week, every month, every year, your home will be neat all year round! Read on to find out how.

1. Weekly tasks

Here’s what you should do every week: (1) wash your bathrooms and (2) give your floors a good vacuuming. These are high-traffic areas in our homes that we use daily, so naturally, they tend to build up dirt more quickly too.

Image Credit: Luova Project Services

If you’re too lazy to vacuum the floor, getting a robot vacuum will be a BIG help. You just need to turn it on and it’ll do the rest.

2. Fortnightly tasks

Admit it - how often do you actually change your bedsheets? If your answer is anything longer than 2 weeks, time to rethink that cleaning routine! Due to Singapore’s humid weather, our beds are more susceptible to dust mites.

Did you know that you actually do need to clean your drain pipes under your sinks to prevent build-up? One important thing to note is to NOT USE HOT WATER as these PVC pipes can and will become damaged. Instead, buy a drain cleaner solution.

Image Credit: Design 4 Space

3. Monthly tasks

According to a study conducted in 2017,

the kitchen sponge is actually dirtier than your toilet

. Gross, but truth hurts. This is why it’s incredibly important to change out your sponges every month, instead of waiting for it to smell funky or turn a weird colour.

Don’t forget to show some TLC to your home appliances too! Remember to clean out your microwaves and ovens, and washing machines. You can purchase washing machine cleaners from supermarkets or make your own hot vinegar-and-baking soda combo.

Image Credit: Butler Interior

Find out what else you need to clean at home every 3, 6 and 12 months.

Read the rest of the article here for the full cleaning schedule!

With Qanvast, you can find more than just cleaning tips. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

A safe home is a happy home! 

If you have young children, you’d know how easy it is for them to get into all sorts of mischief whenever you’re not looking. While parents can’t keep a watchful eye on their kids 24/7, you can help to create a safe space for them to run around in!

Here’s our mini guide on how to child-proof your home!

Image Credit: Carpenters 匠 

1. Change your flooring

For a child-safe, slip-proof option, particularly for toddlers who are taking their first steps, try Bamco’s bamboo charcoal flooring, which is not only FULLY recyclable, and can even help to purify their air at home! Plus, it’s also easy to maintain, especially if your toddler accidentally spills food on the floor often.

Image Credit: Bamco

Adding a rug is an easy way to soften your children’s falls. Try putting these in places where your kids love to roam around at, such as the living room or their bedrooms. Not only that, the right rug can add an aesthetic appeal to your space instantly. From bold, colourful ones to a more minimalist look, HipVan or IKEA offer a wide range of rugs and carpets for you to choose from.

Get it at $99 | Image Credit: HipVan

2. Don’t forget the paint on your walls

Some paints release emissions known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a source of indoor air pollutants that can negatively impact your children’s health, which can cause nausea and irritation. 

Get it from $89 | Image Credit: Gush

Consider Gush, a Singaporean company that offers environmentally-paint that’s safe for your young ones. Gush’s range of paints are made without VOCs, has no smell, and can even help to purify the air in your home!

3. Keep things neat with storage solutions

To keep your children’s toys neat and tidy, and to minimise the risk of them tripping over haphazardly strewn clutter, all you need is a good storage rack and cultivating in them a good habit of keeping their own toys.

Get it at $116 | Image Credit: IKEA

Opt for something that your children are able to reach easily, so that they can stow away their toys by themselves.

Get it from $239 | Image Credit: IKEA

Apart from storing toys, cabinets and drawers can also store your toddler’s clothes. This one from IKEA is easily customisable with colourful stickers!

Get more tips on how to childproof your home!

Read the rest of the article here for more ways you can create a safe home of your own for your precious little ones!

With Qanvast, you can find more than just energy-saving tips. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

We don’t have to reiterate how important playing our part to save the Earth is. But, how exactly can we do so at home? It’s easier than you think.

Opting for greener appliances and adopting these habits will not only help you save some coin, it’ll also help to save the environment! Read on to discover how.

Image Credit: IN-EXPAT

1. Raise the temperature on your A/C

Image Credit: 19 Eighty Three

Of course, the best way to save on your energy bills is to not turn on the air conditioner. But, with Singapore’s tropical climate, the heat can get unbearable. 

If you have to turn on the A/C, make sure all the doors and windows are closed so that the cold air will not seep out.

Plus, you can save about $15 annually for every degree you raise on your air conditioner. A good temperature to set your air conditioner to is 25⁰C. 

Finally, clean your filters monthly so your aircon can work at tip-top condition.

2. Use your fan instead

Image Credit: Inizio Atelier

Did you know? On average, a fan uses 20 times less energy per hour than an aircon. Therefore, using an aircon can quickly rack up your energy bills. 

Go one step further by choosing fans with energy-saving motors.

3. Match your pans to your stove rings

Image Credit: Charlotte's Carpentry

By choosing pans that match the size of the cooking rings on your stove, it’ll help to save energy as none of the heat produced will go wasted! Not only that, you can also save time as you can cook your food more quickly too.

Get 4 more tips on how to save energy at home, from your service yard to your wall sockets!

Read the rest of the article here for more ways you can save on electricity and money at home.

With Qanvast, you can find more than just energy-saving tips. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

We get it ⁠— it’s super exciting to move into your first property and transform it into your home. If you’re one of the lucky ones who snagged a unit in the first-ever “smart” BTO in Singapore, congratulations!

To make your whole renovation process a little easier, we’ve got some beautiful mock-ups so you can start envisioning how your dream home is gonna look like! From 2-room to 5-units, we’ve got them all.

Check them out below!

1. For a 2-room unit:

Image Credit: The Local INN.terior

The sleek, monochromatic look will always be in style, and this stylish mock-up for a 2-room flat in Punggol Northshore is proof.

Proposed Floor Plan: The Local INN.terior

The key to nailing the monochromatic look (and to prevent it from looking too drab) is to play with a combination of textures in similar hues — see the white-and-grey marbled wall, dark grey slats, and a cloudy cement screed ceiling. Looks somewhat like a fancy hotel room, don’t you think?

✨✨✨ Connect with The Local INN.terior here. ✨✨✨

2. For a 4-room unit:

Image Credit: Fifth Avenue Interior

Want plenty of light in your home? With a light-colour palette and full-length glass panels, this 4-room mock-up by Fifth Avenue Interior certainly checks all the right boxes.

Proposed Floor Plan: Fifth Avenue Interior

Another great way to keep your home looking light and airy is to use plenty of glass features. For example, these trendy glass doors with black trimmings are perfect for your kitchen. Plus, that window along the bar counter makes your home look like a stylish, modern cafe!

To keep in line with the overall theme, Fifth Avenue Interior leverages on the same white-and-black colour palette for the bedroom.

✨✨✨ Connect with Fifth Avenue Interior here. ✨✨✨

Need more ideas for your Punggol Northshore BTO? Check out the 5-room HDB mock-up here!

Read the rest of the article here to view more realistic sketches of your smart BTO home in Punggol Northshore Residences, based on your floor plan. 

With Qanvast, you can find more than just tips. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

“Why do IDs mark up their prices?” 🤔 We got local interior designers from 19EightyThree and The Local.INNterior to answer this controversial question, and more!

>> Watch the video on our Facebook page! 

If you didn’t already know, it’s generally more expensive and time-consuming to renovate a resale home than a brand new one, due to wear and tear. Plus, with a 3-room flat, you don’t have the luxury of space either. BUT, with these clever space-planning tips, you can make any small apartment feel and look bigger.

Read on to find out how!

Image Credit: Carpenters 匠

1. Adopt an Open-Concept Layout

3-room resale homes tend to have a narrower layout compared to their current BTO counterparts. To fully maximise this layout, try hacking the walls between rooms so that there’s more walking room.

Image Credit: Artmuse Interior

2. Keep Your Cabinetry Close to The Walls

Flushing the shelves and cabinets against the walls creates plenty of walking space. Another great tip is to avoid placing furniture or other bulky objects along this walkway, so as not disrupt the flow.

Image Credit: Happe Design Atelier

3. Go Light

One of the easiest ways to achieve the illusion of space is to go with a lighter, neutral colour palette. Using white wall paint and light-coloured furnishing pieces makes the whole space appear bigger as it enables more light to ‘reflect’ throughout the room.

Image Credit: Carpenters 匠

Just got your keys to a 3-room resale flat? We have 5 more tips for you!

Read the rest of the article here for smart space-planning tips that’ll help you fully utilise every inch of your floor plan.

With Qanvast, you can find more than just tips. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

Let's get physical, physical!

Instead of forking out hundreds on a monthly gym membership and failing to show up for classes because you were too tired (or lazy), why not set aside a fitness area at home instead? Plus, now you can work out, whenever you want.

1. A rock-climbing wall

Whoever said you can’t do certain sports at home? This rock-climbing wall is proof that you can. Plus, it’s not just for adults; it’s also perfect for your children to have fun and get a good sweat at the same time.

Image Credit: The Orange Cube

2. A (Pole-)Dance Studio

Whether you’re a dancer or a pole dancer, having a studio at home with full-length mirrors is a great way to practise those moves. Simply transform the extra space (the study room perhaps?) into your personal dance studio! You can also use the room for other activities like yoga, or install an additional bar for barre classes.

Image Credit: Fifth Avenue Interior

3. Weight-lifting

For those who’re more into weights, here’s an idea for you! Full-length mirrors can 1) make the overall space look bigger, and 2) allow you to ensure that you have proper form when exercising, so you won’t hurt yourself in the process.

Image Credit: Zenith Arc

Love these ideas? We have 4 more great home gym inspo.

Read the rest of the article here for more indoor fitness ideas that will have you sweating in no time.

With Qanvast, you can find more than just gym inspo. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

We bet you’ve heard all about how lighter colours work best if you have a small home (especially in Singapore) as they help to create the “illusion of space”. But, is that really the case? We think not. In fact, darker hues, such as navy, browns and greys, can make these spaces look cosier instead!

Image Credit: Voila

1. Black isn’t the only dark colour you can use

Try branching out to different dark hues, not just various shades of black. Deep colours, such as navy, moss green or dark browns, help to add variety to your home without making it look too dull. Brighten up the space with carefully curated elements, such as this golden lighting fixture and white marbled coffee table.

Image Credit: Voila

2. Play around with different textures

If you’re utilising the same colour palette, one neat tip is to layer different textures in the same shade. For instance, add visual appeal by mixing different materials, such as concrete, wood, and terrazzo, in black-and-white monochrome.

Image Credit: The Local INN.terior

3. You don’t have to fully go dark

If you’re wary about committing to an all-dark home, take a page out of this condominium’s book by only using black for certain elements in your home instead. Try using darker hues closer to the ceiling and walls, and opt for a white-marble floor to create a stunning juxtaposition.

Image Credit: The Scientist

4. Use houseplants for an enchanting, mystical vibe

Is it just us, or do houseplants make any space instantly look better? This unique teal shade adds a bit of oomph into this HDB apartment in Anchorvale Road.

Image Credit: Carpenters 匠

6 more beautiful dark homes that you must check out!

Read the rest of the article here for more dark, cosy interiors that will have you bidding goodbye to bright, white homes!

From charming rustic styles to minimalist interiors, here are 19 Singapore home renovations that you can’t help but pin to your renovation moodboards!

1. A cosy, charming Japanese-inspired HDB

Image credit: D5 Studio Image

Tatami platforms? Yes, please! We love how the abundance of warm, wooden tones and traditional Japanese elements exude an overall Zen vibe to this home.

2. This really cool maisonette transformation

Image Credit: Fifth Avenue Interior

Can you believe this stylish maisonette is about 20 years old? It comes equipped with a double-sized bedroom, an open bathroom and even a pole-dancing studio!

3. A dark, gritty makeover for a condo in Newton

Image Credit: Hall Interiors

Steering clear of dark colours for your home? This condo renovation is proof that there’s nothing to be afraid of! The bold use of black and emerald hues makes us wish we were snuggled up at home right now.

4. Go bold or go home

Image Credit: The Scientist

Want to inject some fun and personality into your home? Try injecting these vibrant primary colours to spice things up!

5. Keep it simple

Image Credit: Authors • Interior & Styling

Not a fan of colour? Keep things simple and elegant with these wooden slatted panels that not only look sleek, but are also a great way to disguise your (unsightly) household shelter.

View 14 more homes for your 2020 renovation inspo!

Read the rest of the article herefor more gorgeous Singapore home inspiration.

With Qanvast, you can find more than just home inspiration. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

Great for people who love their own private spaces.

Image Credit: Zenith Arc

Whoever said a feature wall can’t also be a doorway? These camouflaged doors are perfect for keeping unwanted guests from venturing into your bed rooms or going through your personal things.

1. Slatted feature walls that are also doors!

Image Credit: Zenith Arc

The vertical lines from these wooden panels help to blend the doors seamlessly into the walls! Plus, they look really stylish too.

2. The Narnia wardrobe of our dreams 

Can you guess where the hidden wardrobe is? If you can’t tell, behind these wooden panels (on the left) actually lies a walk-in wardrobe!

Image Credit: Space Atelier

3. A secret bedroom?

This revolving door cum feature wall actually conceals a bedroom in plain sight! As the wall is also mounted with a TV screen, you can now watch Netflix from either room without buying two separate consoles. Score!

Image Credit: Artmuse Interior

4. A hidden reading nook

Bookworms, this one’s for you! Sometimes, we just want some peace and quiet while snuggled up with our favourite book. Build a secret reading corner behind your bookcase so you can read without any disturbances for hours on end. Bonus: you can display your reads there too!

Image Credit: IN-EXPAT

Need more ideas? Check out 7 more hidden storage tips!

Read the rest of the article here for more cleverly designed facades in Singapore!

With Qanvast, you can find more than just hidden storage ideas. Just fill up your requirements here and we will match you with 5 reliable firms that are handpicked for you, based on your needs. 

Renovating just got a whole lot better! When you enquire with interior firms on Qanvast, receive a unique promo code to get a HUGE 40% discount on Philips home appliances.

Whether you’re eyeing that Philips’ air-fryer, which lets you fry a tasty meal without any oil and mess, or the Philips Avent range of bottles for your newborn baby, we’ve got you covered.

This promo is only available till 31 March 2020. So don’t miss it!