Design Tips for a Small Apartment Bathroom

Editor

A small space can look picture-worthy if you can maximize what you already have. It is only a matter of picking the correct elements and making them work together. A small bathroom can be functional and still look awesome with these design tips.

Install a large mirror. The first thing you should look at is the mirror installed in your bathroom. A small mirror will only highlight the fact that it was made for a small space. Replace it with a large mirror. It helps distribute lighting better and adds the illusion that the space is bigger than it appears.

Glass shower doors. Instead of curtains, which are hard to clean, glass doors are better for a small bathroom. The material is good for reflecting light and it does not break up the space clearly like a curtain does.

Add more tiles. To make the space look bigger, make sure that the walls are tired from floor up to cornice (where the wall meets the ceiling). At least you do not have to repaint the walls anymore because it is waterproof.

Go monochrome. You might have to replace the fixtures and the tiles to change the entire atmosphere in the bathroom. A monochrome color scheme does not make the different pieces clash, plus it retains the minimalistic clean look that you would expect in a bathroom.

Rounded corners. If you are planning to replace the vanity or the sink in your bathroom, look for a wounded or curved design. Small corners will have a little more area to move around so you do not bang your hip against the sink every time.

Add niches. What if you do not have enough space even for a small cabinet? You can store your bathroom essentials in niches on the walls. Have these built-in when you have your bathroom renovated.

Go dark or go light. If you like dark colors, you need to go all the way with that color scheme. If you like light colors, you need to stick with that. The important thing to remember when picking a color palette for a small bathroom is that the elements should not clash. Picking just one or two colors that go well with each other will transform the bathroom.

Deep shelving. If you only have enough space for one cabinet or closet in the bathroom, make sure that there is enough shelving inside it so all the items can fit.

Add vertical shelving. Floating shelves save you space if you need more storage. But do not just install ready-made shelves. Look for styles that serve a dual purpose. For example, a large mirror can also serve as a storage cabinet.

Add wall décor. A bathroom is not something you would think of decorating but adding pictures or paintings for example can trick the eyes into making the space appear bigger.

Professional Painting Process

Editor

Is your apartment in need of an overhaul? Or are you moving into a new condo in Singapore, but you don’t like the interior house painting? Looking for a good painting contractor in Singapore can be a hassle especially if you have no idea whatsoever about the process and how long it will take until you can move back in to your home. Read on, because this guide will be able to help you find the best painting services company in country.

Painting Process
The first step in looking for a commercial painting contractor is understanding what goes through the process of completing an HDB painting service for small residential units. The contractor will explain to you how long the project will last based on the assessment of the apartment and the effect that you want to achieve. The best painter in Singapore will first take a tour of the interior of the house to note down what needs to be done first, such as touch up paint on cracked ceiling, before full condo painting can commence.

1. Protection. Depending in your arrangement with the commercial painting service crew, you and your family can still stay at home while the renovation is ongoing. If this is the case, the painters will have to make sure not to damage any furniture, appliance, and surface during the project. The painting will be done room by room or section by section. Preparation of the house includes covering surfaces that do not have to be painted.

If you have a lot of items at home, the HDB painting contractor might recommend renting a storage or warehouse to temporarily store them. Condo painting professionals use drop cloths and sturdy plastic to protect surfaces. Curtain rods and other wall accessories are also removed if they can be detached, but baseboards and window and door trims should be covered. This is also the right time to decide which type of paint you would like to determine the cost of paint and negotiate with the best condominium wall painter in Singapore for the labor and other painting services.

2. Preparation. The next step in condo painting is to “prep” or prepare the surfaces that will be painted. You cannot just paint the wall right away even if it looks even and smooth. When you hire a painter, he will also assess the condition of the walls and ceilings to determine if it needs to be patched up or replaced. The painter will work in one are of the house at a time to make the job more systematic without having to interfere with the daily activities of the occupants if you choose to stay during the renovation. First, they will patch up any holes or damage on the surface. You might be surprised to find out that even in well-maintained homes, there are problems that can be easily overlooked. Next, the walls or ceiling will be sanded to make the surface even. This will remove drips, bumps, and runs. Finally, caulking is done to make sure there are no holes, dings, and nicks left especially if it had been previously done by a cheap house painting service.

3. Painting. Once the surfaces are taped and sealed, the painter can finally start painting the walls and ceilings. In most jobs, priming is done first before the first coat of paint is applied. Usually, the painting services company will start on the ceiling first before painting on the trims and walls to minimize drips on the floor and walls. This will avoid the unsightly mixing of different paint colours where the wall and ceiling meet.

Issues in Bathroom Plumbing

Editor

Maintaining a clean and functioning bathroom is an important step to avoiding health problems in the family and avoiding embarrassment in case you have guests. This is why finding the best plumbing services in Singapore is critical to avoiding emergency fixes and possible renovation that will cost more.

Here is a list of common bathroom plumbing problems that you need to pay attention to.

• Clogged Drains. Even if you clean your bathroom regularly, it is still possible for soap and hair to clog the drains over time. Minimal clogs can be cleared with a plunger or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. However, to avoid damaging the drain, it would be better to call a 24 hours pipe contractor in Singapore to take care of your clogged drainage system. A professional plumber knows very well how to handle drain blockage and fix broken pipe in a fast and efficient manner.

• Water Temperature. If you have a water heater, it’s important to have it calibrated regularly by a PUB licensed plumber. They are equipped with the tools and know-how to fix almost any brand and type of water heater. This is especially important if the water heater is connected to a system in the apartment complex.

• Pipe Leaks. Silent leaks can be dangerous if ignored. Over time, the water can cause structural damage that will cost more than simple repairs. However, this can be difficult to detect without the help of a professional. To avoid silent leaks, schedule regular inspections with a reliable HDB plumbing contractor that specializes in apartment complexes. Older buildings might also need new plumbing and better fixtures to minimize problems.

• Dripping Faucet. This is so common in homes that it’s easy to ignore them until the fixture finally breaks. When this happens, the plumbing cost of an early repair is cheaper than having to contact an emergency plumber. You will also be wasting a lot of water that can hurt your monthly water bill.

• Running Toilet. This issue can also hurt your water bill as most toilets use up 200 gallons of water because of leaks. It can be avoided with regular inspection and minor repairs to the flapper valve by cheap plumbers.

• Choked Toilet. No one wants a choked toilet bowl that does not drain right away when flushed. There are several causes for a clogged toilet, but usually it’s caused by blockages of certain objects (e.g. toilet papers, sanitary napkins, bar soap, etc.). If you do not want to deal with this pesky situation, call for a professional help to remove choke in toilet right away. Experienced and certified plumbers in Singapore are experts in dealing with these problems and can guarantee to fix your plumbing issue in no time.

• Toilet Parts Failure. Heavy use can eventually cause wear and tear on the toilet parts, especially if the apartment unit you’re renting is at least ten years old. It is also easy to diagnose a toilet problem whenever you use it. Do not attempt to fix it yourself and call a 24 hours plumber instead.

• Low Water Pressure. Older apartment buildings commonly experience low water pressure because of hidden leaks. You might want to contact your landlord about looking for a plumbing services company. Your best bet is not only to fix broken pipes but to replace the old pipes entirely. Chances are, not only does it have several leaks, it is also corroded.

• Old Fixtures and Pipes. If you are moving into an old apartment, you will want to have a professional plumber inspect the toilet, sinks, pipes, and fixtures. Only a professional plumbing contractor should install a sink, replace old pipes, and install new fixtures.

Making Your Flat Feel Like Home

Editor

Every day, more and more people decide that renting flats are the best way forward. While they may be the best choice for a lot of people, they can come with a host of restrictions that can make your flat feel cold and impersonal. Restrictions can make you feel like your flat isn’t your own because you’re not allowed to customize it. However, you don’t have to break the rules to make your flat feel more like home. There are many ways to customize your flat without breaking your contract; here are some of them.

1. Put up photographs
Photographs are always a great way to spruce up any space, no matter the size. However, when putting up photos, it pays to think out of the box. Instead of just framing them, how about putting them up in a different way? Save up on money by doing away with frames, hooks, and drills; put up your photos all by themselves and arrange them in a collage using clear tape. As a bonus, you don’t have to drill hooks on the wall (which may be something you cannot do in some apartments).

Another clever alternative is clipping your photos on a bunting or string and hanging the string on the wall instead. As a bonus, you could put other things on your bunting, like pressed flowers or pieces of cloth. Other alternatives include using cork boards to display photos, or using magnets and magnetic strips.

2. Use wall stickers
Some landlords don’t allow you to repaint your walls or add wallpaper. However, you don’t have to stick with bland and boring beige. Wall stickers are a great way to liven up your living space without doing any permanent damage to your walls. They are thin and easy to remove and leave no permanent residue.
There are many great designs available on the market, and even more so online. There are even shops that allow you to customize your own designs, so there is always something for everyone.

3. Pay attention to lighting
While a lot of people ignore lighting, it can be one of the things that can change the entire look of your apartment. Make sure that your lights are updated and energy-efficient. Light up all the spaces in your flat, and remove dark corners. There are many different types of lamps that answer all your lighting needs. For example, dimmer lights are great for spaces where you need to control the ambience, like bedrooms and living rooms. Additionally, wall lamps are great for small spaces, like bedrooms and offices.

4. Ask your landlord
If you have a great idea to make your apartment livelier but would require you to break a rule in your contract, ask your landlord anyway. If you ask politely, they just might agree with your idea. Chances are, your customizations can help your landlord in the long run.

For example, updating fixtures and painting walls can save the landlord money, especially if the fixes would be great for the next renter. If you don’t think that future renters won’t appreciate your customizations, you could make a deal with your landlord to restore your apartment to its original state before you leave.

5 Ways to Decorate Your Home Even on Budget

Editor

Having a high-end looking home can be quite difficult to achieve, especially if you’re decorating on budget. Luckily, there are some simple and thrifty ways that you can do to achieve the high-end home look you’ve been dreaming of. Get your pen and paper now, and list down these simple home decorating tricks that’ll surely leave your guest thinking that you live a rather high-end life.

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  1. Get Into Details. When it comes to decorating your home to make it look custom-made and high-end, always remember that details are the key. You can work on crown moulding to make a particular area in your home look complete, while giving it an elegant appearance. There’s no need to worry about your budget too, as crown mouldings are relatively inexpensive with a lot of widths to choose from. You can add several types of moulding into your home, such as high baseboards, columns, ceiling beams and chair rails, to give your space the ultimate glamour that it needs.
  1. Play With Colours. It may sound easy, but choosing a paint colour is perhaps one of the hardest decisions to make when decorating a room. But if elegance is what you’re after, then there are a number of colours that can add an instant glamour to your space. You can choose between soft, understated hues, or the bold and dramatic colours. Painting your interior doors black is another great way to add a hint of elegance to your home. Just be sure to add some black accessories to tie your overall design.
  1. Use Unique Hardware Finishes. Another way to make your home look elegant is to use unique hardware finishes, such as drawer knobs and pulls. The best places to look for these pieces are in antique shops, flea markets and small hardware stores. You’ll definitely find some expensive-looking and heavy-duty knobs in these places that’ll surely give your home the unique and elegant look that you want to achieve.

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  1. Work With Your Room Lighting. Although chandeliers are good, going with the designer light fixtures will surely add more elegance to your home. Luckily, there are several tricks that you can use to get the high-end look that you want sans the high-end price. You can start by looking into second-hand stores and flea markets, and doing some little paint job to make it look like a million-dollar piece.
  1. Opt for Hardwood Flooring. A wall-to-wall carpeting may give a soft and warm vibe to your home, but nothing beats the gleaming hardwood floors if achieving an elegant interior look is what you’re after. To get the most out of your budget, opt for the inexpensive types of hardwood like oak and birch. Also, choose hardwoods set in dark colour to give your floorings a more luxurious appearance.

Decorating your home to achieve an elegant look can be quite expensive, but by following these tips, you’ll surely be able to give your space some touch of elegance without breaking the bank.

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5 Ways to Maximize Your Small Space

Editor

Although renting an apartment has a lot of perks, having lots of space isn’t one of them. Luckily, there are things that you can do to improve your current situation without the need to change into bigger apartments. Manage and get the most out of your limited space by following these apartment organization tips.

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  1. Use Your Ceiling. When you think that you’ve already used all the available spaces in your home, try looking up for other possibilities, like your ceiling. Try installing some sturdy pot racks and hooks to create an area where you can hang your pans and pots. You’ll be surprise as to how much space you’ll be able to free up in your kitchen cabinets and counter.
  1. Opt for Space-Saving Furniture. A good way to save up space and make your nook appear bigger, is to opt for space-saving furniture. Purchase items like the drop-down ironing board, a foldable guest bed, or a dining table with foldable extenders that you can adjust depending on the number of diners you’ll have.

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  1. Ditch the Wooden Dividers. Wooden dividers are what consumes a lot of space in a studio unit apartment. The next time you perform some general cleaning in your place, get rid of those dividers and replace them with fabric curtains. It will serve the same purpose of dividing your space into several sections, while using very little space. Using sheer curtain dividers also allows more natural light in, making your room more spacious, airy and brighter.
  1. Stick with Basic Furniture. Having extra space is what provides an illusion of spaciousness in a small area. A good way to achieve this? Stick with the basic furniture, or go for home items that can also be used for storage.
  1. Declutter Regularly. When you leave in a condominium unit, there’s no room for sentimentality on things that only eat up so much space. Maximize your limited space by regularly going through and organizing your stuff at home. If you think you won’t be able to use some of these items in the future, then sell or give them away.

Making your apartment more spacious is pretty easy. You’ll surely be surprised as to how much space you’ll be able to save just by following the aforementioned tips and shopping wisely of the home items that you’ll need.

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