January 29, 2020

We all love the idea of stepping into a luxe bathroom at the end of the day for some pampering me-time. Make this a reality by giving your bathroom the design upgrade it deserves. Here are some bathroom designs that stand out as modern retreats and a private sanctuary for sought-after bubble baths.

Natural stones stand out as the feature here. This gorgeous bathroom is beautifully laid with natural stones on floor and walls, converging black and dark grey slabs, complete with contrasting white veins, adding dimension and character. The product reads high-end and gratifying. A free-standing bathtub emerges as a centerpiece, lending sculptural beauty to the decor. The designer gives this space a side table – and why not?

This bathroom does not read excessive, but possesses an understated sophistry. A reigning white is infused with textured wood in the shower area, giving the space an inviting feel. Black is echoed on bathroom fittings, vanity top and mirrors to provide continuity and flow. A glass-enclosed walk-in shower door gives this space a transparent quality, making the bathroom appear larger.

Mix things up a little. Here, patterned flooring in the space commands instant attention, with the chic black-and-white assemble lending graphical appeal, while geometrical tiles on one wall further accenting this composition. Here, the deliberate setup of unfinished concrete walls, a wood vanity top and a modish gold pendant light catapults this space into a stylish haven with a hint of modern rusticity.

Go for a zen-inspired bathroom when you bring in traditional influences into your space. Here, beautiful Japanese sliding doors open up to a spacious bathroom that does away without modern frills to reveal a minimal, yet restful perimeter that offers the Japanese onsen experience. A generous view of the outside adds to the luxe factor of this bathroom.

Wood is undoubtedly a well-loved material in homes. This modern staple lends a visually-warming effect, immediately infusing a space with an inviting vibe. Whether you have a penchant for dark or light wood, distressed or glossy, here are some ways you can effortlessly incorporate wood to create your nature-inspired, beautiful abode.

Wall panelling

Bring attention to the walls with beautiful wood paneling. Given how versatile wood can be in a space, panelling can be designed to complete the decor of your modern classic or Scandinavian home.

Ceilings

Ceilings are often neglected. But using elements like wood on your ceiling can dramatically lift the interior. It immediately creates a focal point that draws one’s attention upward, providing the optical illusion of a taller ceiling. Applying wood on a ceiling can also help to visually separate a space.

Decorative accents

Apply wood creatively to your interior to accent your space. Use wood decorative accents to pick up wood used elsewhere for continuity, or add character to a room. In this dining area, for instance, wood is used to frame a wall and ceiling with a striking lattice design. Another way to introduce wood as a decorative accent – and a more inexpensive one – is using wooden frames for artwork or photos to dress a wall.

Wall Tiles

Usher wood into your bathroom with wall tiles bearing a wood effect. Easy to maintain, water-resistant and durable, wood effect wall tiles are a great way to enliven an otherwise unassuming bathroom and inject character. Lay the tiles in a herringbone pattern to claim a classic look always in style.

Cabinetry and furniture

Wood is such a go-to material for cabinetry, with many modern homes counting on wood to warm up an otherwise sterile space. With expanses of wooden cabinetry in the home, you have a solution that is both beautiful and practical. With an array of veneers in wood tones, you can opt for easy-to-care finishing to seek out distressed, sleek or rustic appeals, depending on the chosen on the wood’s tone and grains.

Flooring

Wooden flooring like parquet or vinyl is a popular and affordable flooring solution among homeowners. Wood grains on floors soften a space, fit into any design theme and give the interior a calming vibe. Engineered wood flooring is great for homeowners with pets who are after durable, scratch-resistant flooring, yet not letting up on a wooden appeal.

Fancy starting your day to meet the world in a designer-approved walk-in wardrobe? We’ve put together a walk-in wardrobe wish list to guide you in creating your stylish space for dressing up.

Glass doors

Instead of opting for opaque doors, keep your doors visually open by choosing transparent glass ones. They allows you to easily scan your clothes in the morning. After all, out of sight, out of mind. Having your clothes in plain sight means you are more likely to don them. It will also probably keep you motivated to keep your closet space tidy.

Open shelves

This is in line with the notion of keeping things open and in plain sight. Open shelves are great for displaying your handbags. They will create the optical illusion of a larger space, perfect for solidifying a stylish walk-in wardrobe. Opt for adjustable wardrobe systems with racks and shelves that can be easily tweaked to for allow the flexibility of changing from time to time to suit your storage needs.

Display island

Your beautiful and functional walk-in wardrobe deserves a display island for your collection of fashion accessories. It also serves as a visual anchor that brings everything together. And if you have a long, narrow, space flanked with wardrobes on both lengths of the room, consider adding an ottoman and rug in the middle to give it a boutique look and feel.

Under-cabinet lights

Proper organisation would mean nothing without proper lighting to help you pick out what you want. Functional and also stylish, under-cabinet lights are task lights you’ll need. To elevate your space further, hang a statement pendant light or chandelier to add character and a luxurious mien.

Accessorise

Give your walk-in wardrobe the same decorative treatments as you would other rooms in your house by hanging artwork or introducing nature. This would instantly add to the appeal of the space and even awake your senses in the morning.

Dresser

Complete your walk-in wardrobe with a dressing table for dolling up. Considering this is one of few pieces in the space, bring in an ornate stool or bench to accent your interior – a character-filled space brimming with elegance and allure.

Finally, don’t be disheartened if you do not have a room to convert into a walk-in wardrobe. Visually demarcate a walk-in wardrobe space with shelves or a wall to divide your bedroom space and accommodate your dressing needs.

This abode exudes industrial chic from every conceivable angle. Visually-warming wood is juxtaposed against expanses of black to create a modern style that is both raw and edgy. In doing so, the designer succeeds in conjuring a modish charm that resonates with young, urban homeowners.

Throughout, an industrial charm permeates the air – relying on elements such as wood, metal, concrete screed and leather, and the convergence of vintage and new. Walls are dressed to exhibit an industrial tone, complete with exposed bricks and even a centrepiece bicycle affixed to a wall in the living room. This look is further reinforced with bespoke furniture and an industrial-styled light pendant.

There is no doubt that nothing reads boring in this home, where style-appropriate elements and trendy accessorising are so cleverly put together to seal a tailored look befitting a city lifestyle.

Captivating artwork lifts the mood and adds character. Here, contrast is created by converging a wood-black palette with bold, vibrant colours and patterns to create multiple interest points that give the eye plenty to take in without overwhelming. Meanwhile, cold, seemingly unfinished concrete screed flooring is combined with rich textiles and metallic accents to create a varied look.

Even the doors emerge as points of interest, with barnyard doors for the bathroom and beautiful black-frame glass-panel partitions in the room. In the bathroom, using tiles that are white with grey grout is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. This way, not only will dirt not show up easily, it also brings out an industrial feel.

Are you a coffee enthusiast who simply love being immersed in a relaxed cafe or bistro environment? Do you relish the aroma of coffee and the laidback charm of cafes?

There must be something about cafes that make many want to hang out in one all day. Given how cosy most cafes are styled, it’s no wonder many Singaporeans can’t resist the thought of returning to a home that is a reminder of their favourite coffee haunt. Here, we outline the broad strokes to help you achieve this look effortlessly.

Infuse wood

Wood instantly adds warmth to any interior. If you’re after a casual charm, opt for distressed wood to give your space an aged appeal and character. Apply black generously to provide contrast. This combination can read industrial or rustic, or even both, depending on how you accessorise further. Essentially, it’s all in the details.

Incorporate counter seats

Introduce a counter, along with bar stools, to mimic what it’s like sitting in a cafe and watch a barista make your brew. This is also where you and your partner can enjoy a late-night cuppa.

Use ambient lighting

Do not underestimate the effects of the right lighting to create the chillax ambience you so enjoy. Apart from having functional lights to allow you to perform your day-to-day tasks at home, incorporate ambient lightings to envelop the room with a nuanced, cosy look glow. To complete the industrial, cafe-inspired look, opt for tungsten lights and track lights.

Be bold

Some cafes are really attractive because of their bold decor. Maybe it’s their collection of in-the-face art or an interesting play of patterns. Or the way bright colours are put together to invigorate rather than overwhelm. Or, it could be interesting pieces and an even refresher layout that lends new perspective.

Exposed brick wall

Such walls give the space a textured, layered look that contributes to a laidback atmosphere. Reinforce this look with exposed light bulbs, industrial-style exposed piping shelves and concrete walls.

Introduce handwritten fonts

Dress a bare wall with a chalkboard bearing handwritten font to summon the beloved café look. Alternatively, clad your wall with off-the-shelf handwritten wall art to conjure the same appeal.