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Friday, November 20, 2020

Cooking spaces are an irresistible draw for some people and a kitchen island will make them feel welcome.

As noted by televised interior designer Candice Olson, the modern kitchen is less one person’s domain as it is a space for interactive cooking between family and friends — with the modern conventions of open floor plans and relaxed banquet protocol often leading to an accumulation of dinner guests in the kitchen.

Interior design by: Pins Studio

The sight of an island counter in the kitchen presents an inviting atmosphere that simultaneously helps to keep the operative area clear of pedestrians and encourages the curious guest to slide in for a respite or lean against it in casual repose. Knowing that everyone would be gravitating towards the kitchen during gatherings, we thought it prudent to review some of the ways you could add an island counter.

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Practical Element

Instead of having the breakfast bar rise from the centre of the layout like a monolith, you could also merge the island with the rest of the kitchen to minimise its intrusion into a compact space. Pins Studio demonstrates a space-saving configuration in the pictured galley, by extending a counter into the centre of the walkway, effectively turning the two-wall layout into a multi-faceted workspace that simultaneously keeps guests away from exposed heat sources while providing a vantage point from which they can safely observe the proceedings and engage in conversations with the chef.

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Stylish Seats

Interior design by: Mode Interior Style

Fashion arbiters are almost uniformly in agreement when it comes to the effect of accessorising—it is often said that the same piece of clothing can be presented in a multitude of different ways when combined with a purposeful selection of decorative accessories.

Interior design by: Mode Interior Style

As demonstrated in the pictured kitchen, Mode Interior Style differentiates the neutral coloured space with the addition of wire-framed lighting fixtures and bar stools. Although lightweight and unobtrusive in their design, their presentation in the foreground of this space draws the eye away from a simplistic background of rectangles coloured in the shades of the neutral palette.

Interior design by: Mode Interior Style

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Twists and Turns

Interior design by: Alvinterior Concept  

A kitchen melded with an open floor plan presents an opportunity for creative expression in much the same way as a blank canvas invites an artist’s touch, and an island counter turned into a piece of artistic expression on its own often represents the most defining element of a truly unique kitchen.

Interior design by: Alvinterior Concept

Alvinterior Concept sets the pictured cooking space apart from all others by rendering the breakfast bar with novel lines and angles, resulting in a functional sculpture of form and purpose at the edge of the chef ’s domain.

Friday, November 20, 2020

From the sea snail shells found along the ancient Phoenician coastlines of Tyre to the togas of Roman senators, and on to as recent a time as Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, the colour purple has been associated with mystery, power, royalty – and the height of bravery in the case of the Purple Heart. Despite the connotations, spaces painted in purple are relatively rare to come by – especially in this age of neutral-coloured interiors and compact spaces. But the results are undeniably awe-inspiring whether purple is applied as an accent or as a base colour. To illustrate the sensuous effects of purple – and perhaps to inspire you to try something different in the bedroom – we bring your attention to a selection of bedrooms brought to deeply soothing and enigmatic levels with the mere addition of violet-coloured light or materials.

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Beguiling Accent

Interior design by: Turn Design

Perhaps the very first and easiest thing to try when experimenting with purple, or any other bold shade, is to inject the colour with the aid of a lighting fixture. Utilising ultraviolet bulbs intended for water purification systems would not be recommended for health reasons – ultraviolet light of the UVB variety is a germ killer and equivalent to sunlight in terms of the damage it can cause – but "black-lights", UVA bulbs, or even regular bulbs tinted purple will provide a harmless wash of violet-coloured light. This equivalent of dipping one's toe into unfamiliar waters enables slight adjustments – leading to possible results such as the pictured bedroom decorated by Turn Design. The purple glow here serves as a tentative accent for the neutral-coloured space, delivered to the sunlit side of the bed via a pair of bedside lamps.

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Absolute Saturation

Interior design by: Space In Design

If the alluring quality of purple illumination has won you over, you may find yourself surprised by the delightful effects of a predominantly white room fully saturated in violet light. As demonstrated by Space In Design with the pictured bedroom, the architectural finishes of the walls and ceiling have been deliberately left featureless and white in order to extend the reach of purple light. The result is that all the plain white surfaces are rendered intriguing with a fluorescent sheen, while slivers of white and yellow illumination are used to segment the background and provide the space with a measure of visual depth.

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Prominent Display

Interior design by: Jashen Interior

If you are looking for more control over the introduction of bold shades like purple in the bedroom, consider utilising fabrics dyed in your prefered shade of violet instead of attempting to fine-tune the highly variable effects of lighting. As demonstrated by Jashen Interior in the pictured bedroom, the introduction of purple is done through carpeting and drapery in light and dark shades, securing the colour's place in the white space regardless of the quality of light. The net effect of this combination is one of mutual support – the white background brings attention to the purple accents while the various shades of violet lend the crisp white space a contour of uplifting opulence.

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Background Flavour

Interior design by: Surface R

With some comfort in its balanced use, one could take the saturation of purple to the maximum by applying various shades of violet in architectural finishes. The result of painting both the walls and the decorative headboard in the same shade of purple is a cohesive background that is instantly soothing to the eye, as in the pictured bedroom designed by Surface R, while the contrasting of dark wood flooring and a sprinkling of neutral coloured planes against the purple background creates a space that simultaneously speaks of fun-loving vibes and regal poise.

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Click here to read about decorating various spaces in white.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Beyond slim profiles and unobtrusive colours, there are a host of characteristics expected to accompany the ubiquitous minimalist bathroom.

Born out of a reaction to abstract expressionism, minimalism continues to be highly relevant, especially when it comes to imbuing bathrooms with space-saving effects. With the majority of people living in urban centres around the world, and that proportion set to increase with the rising pace of urbanisation, minimalism will likely continue being among the most popular of styles applied in bathrooms.

Interior design by: Frontline Bathrooms

While modern interpretations of minimalism may diverge with experimental blends of other aesthetic styles, a devoutly minimalist bathroom can be as awe-inspiring and breathtaking as a classically decorated banquet hall. To help you achieve the epitome of minimalism in the bathroom, we take you on a tour of some bathrooms that best exemplify this iconic style.

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Sleek and Chic

Interior design by: Frontline Bathrooms

Beyond the hallmarks of shedding frills in favour of practicality, another underlying principle of minimalism is centred around the preservation of space. Simplistic fittings such as those incorporated in the glass shower enclosure of the pictured bathroom are the most obvious selections for a minimalist space, but the choice of colour palette for the finishes and fixtures will have additional, more subtle, effects on the overall decor. Bathroom fixtures tend to be all-white, but to truly maximise the perception of volume, the choice of white tiles is made to imbue this bathroom with the space-saving effect of white.

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Mod Tub

Interior design by: Waters Baths of Ashbourne

All that effort into preserving a sense of space would just go to waste without a central element for the eye to focus on, and a bathroom decorated in minimalist style just happens to make a fittingly subtle backdrop for a lone decorative element. In the pictured bathroom, the slim furnishings and plain white finishes set the stage for eyes to fall on the main attraction of this space — the freestanding tub. With its all-white shell, the bathtub seemingly blends into the background, but its delectably curved sides set it apart from the rigid forms in the background.

Interior design by: Waters Baths of Ashbourne

Tip: The most popular style of bathtub in the current age – the ubiquitous free-standing tub – is the ideal choice for a central element in modern bathrooms by virtue of their uncomplicated forms.

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Small Wonders

The rationale behind those slim profiles prevalent in minimalist spaces is the reduction of form while preserving function — a principle that sometimes leads to the limitation of shelves and countertop surfaces. But a minimalist bathroom does not necessarily entail the forgoing of sometimes necessary amenities, as demonstrated in this pictured bathroom, the deliberate preservation of floor space around the tub enables the addition of a foot stool to host accessories needed for a bath. Even with this minute detail added as an afterthought, the jarring divide between a showroom and someone’s real life sanctuary is effectively crossed.

Interior design by: Waters Baths of Ashbourne

Tip: A sprinkling of accessories and creature comforts speaks of a lived-in space. As demonstrated in the pictured bathroom, even a stool added as an afterthought makes the space seem purposefully minimalist rather than empty.

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Read more articles from the August 2018 issue of Creative Home Magazine here.

Friday, November 20, 2020

In the words of the American author Annie Dillard: "There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind."—and since nothing paints a space quite like natural light does, we rounded up the most inspiring washrooms from recent memory to help you find ways of incorporating a generous window into your bathroom.

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Augmented Shadows

Interior design by: Bo Design

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[gallery size="medium" ids="58660,58658,58657,58656,58653,58652" orderby="rand"]

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Violet Tone

Interior design by: ID Industries

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Sky Blue

Interior design by: Space In Design

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[gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="58547,58546"]

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[gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="58691,58692"]

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Sea Green

Interior design by: A Piece of Art Interior design by: A Piece of Art

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Interior design by: SQFT Space Design Management

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Sunny Yellow

Interior design by: Gusto Design & Build Interior design by: Gusto Design & Build

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Interior design by: Hoe & Yin Design Studio

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Golden Tangerine

Interior design by: Design Integra

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Interior design by: SNG Conceptwerke

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Pristine White

[gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="58699,58700"]

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Interior design by: Regal Violet

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Interior design by: PSQ

Friday, November 20, 2020

Undecided as to whether you find comfort in simplicity, or pine for the ornate antiquities of times past? This summary of common bedroom styles will point you in the right direction.

It takes a highly proficient mind-reader to accurately determine the kind of decorative style that appeals to any individual - and while the most seasoned practitioners of interior design may be able to guess your preferences from a few brief interactions, there is no better judge of one’s own position on the spectrum of order and chaos than the self.

While the less private areas of a home may feature a décor to impress, the bedroom is largely a concern for the occupant - so before settling on your choice of furniture and materials for the bedroom, take a look at this introduction to the most common styles of décor and decide on which speaks to you the most.

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Industrial Chic

Interior design by: Homlux Interior Furnishing

Some personalities gravitate towards ornate classicism for the grandeur, and others find minimalism appealing for the sake of simplicity – but the aesthetics of industrial style appeals to those who seek a lightweight décor imbued with aged sophistication. As with the pictured bedroom decorated by Homlux Interior Furnishing, a bedroom can be made industrial as a whole – with a strict reliance on materials commonly found in places of work, or a more eclectic décor can be formed with a sprinkling of a few bare light bulbs hanging by their wires, pieces of patinated metals, and stretches of exposed brickwork.

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Mod Pop

Interior design by: Casa Indah Design

It goes without saying that the neutral palette dominates most interiors in the present age, but an over-reliance on the popular colour scheme may result in a sterile and impersonal décor. Rather than completely adhering to the confines of the neutral palette, designers and homeowners tend to agree that bedrooms should be canvases for expressions of personality.

Interior design by: Casa Indah Design

The pictured bedroom is saturated with neutral hues in adherence to modern convention, but the space is marked out as belonging to a youthful urbanite with vibrant splashes of yellow – presented in well-lit box niches against the subtle background of the walls.

Interior design by: Casa Indah Design

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Contemporary Elegance

Interior design by: Surface R

Between the overstuffed upholstery of tradition and the bare-bones designs of minimalism lies the modern definition of luxury - as depicted in cosy bedspreads, plush curtains, and thick mattresses of high-end hotel rooms. In the pictured bedroom, Surface R demonstrates the kind of elegant results to be expected with a focus on comfort.

Interior design by: Surface R

The neutral-coloured décor is made inviting by saturation in rich textiles and brought to opulent heights with an abundance of reflective surfaces, darkly-lacquered wood, and strategically placed lighting fixtures to soften the straight lines and stark edges of modern design.

Interior design by: Surface R

Tip: Keeping the colours subtle and letting the fuzzy textures speak for themselves gets you the comfort, while dark wood and reflective metals provide the elegance.

Interior design by: Surface R

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Countryside Charm

Interior design by: JCS Design Project

There are few substitutes for the exquisite and romantic qualities of classicism as a style of interior decoration — largely as it entails a dependence on ornate furnishings that have been passed over by the masses in favour of more affordable and mass-produced offerings, resulting in classical furnishings being considered more valuable due to the relative scarcity of historically accurate designs. As in the pictured bedroom decorated by the JCS Design Project, when combined with soft colours, delicate fabrics, and floral motifs, the result is a feminine décor that speaks of wealth in the quaint serenity of the countryside.

Interior design by: JCS Design Project

Tip: Classical furnishings are just as versatile as those of the modern variety: surround reproductions with decorative details to reinforce a traditional décor or draw attention to authentic pieces by keeping the scene clear.

Interior design by: JCS Design Project

Friday, November 20, 2020

Create more space with a bench at the dining table and camouflage the arrangement with these tips.

You may have deliberately sought out a bench as a novel form of seating, or you might already possess a bench needing new purpose—either way, incorporating a bench into your dining arrangement could do more than free up some space. A bench helps to create a casual and intimate atmosphere for meals, and in place of two side chairs, takes up significantly less space. The extra floor space can then go towards greater clearance around the dining table, providing generous elbow room for diners, or even cabinets for additional storage options. If you are faced with an especially compact dining space, read on, as you may find one or two practical ideas for slipping a bench into your dining arrangement.

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Island Ally

Interior design by: Yong Studio

Having found an available wall against which to set your dining arrangement, your next concern would be to ensure the furnishings complement the surroundings. In the pictured home decorated by Yong Studio, the bench is composed from wood that is similar in shade and grain to the floor of the kitchen. This exercise in unification is applied to the other components of the dining arrangement: the table features unobtrusive legs of minimalist design, while the material of its surface is echoed on the other side of the wall in a diminutive shelf, and in the background, with the kitchen island.

Interior design by: Yong Studio

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Luxury Lines

As benches typically entail the absence of a back, the natural impulse in dealing with a bench would be to place it alongside a wall for back support. The wall-hugging arrangement, however, does more than free up space: beyond the practical consideration of ergonomics, the linear arrangement demonstrated by Surface R takes advantage of the Helmholtz illusion—a concept popularly applied in fashion to skew the perception of body contours. Just as with waistlines, the array of straight lines makes the pictured dining space seem wider and brings the furniture arrangement into golden proportions with the long and narrow space.

Interior design by: Surface R

Tip: The Golden Ratio is one of the few aesthetic rules, if not the only one, that governs everything from the composition of art to the distribution of leaves along a branch. To form the most visually appealing composition possible, divide the length of a rectangle by the width and you should arrive at a figure approaching the Golden Ratio (φ = 1.618).

Interior design by: Surface R

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Divide & Conquer

Interior design by: Jashen Interior Design

In tighter quarters, the placement of a dining surface against the wall is often necessary to preserve enough space for comfortably manoeuvring around the arrangement. In such a configuration, the substitution of two side chairs for a single bench frees up even more space, but requires that the bench be pulled out when needed and stowed when not in use. As Jashen Interior Design demonstrates with the pictured home, a wall bisecting the open layout is utilised as a background for the dining arrangement, with the bench tucked between the table legs to leave enough width for a walkway.

Interior design by: Jashen Interior Design   Interior design by: Jashen Interior Design

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Focal Feature

Interior design by: Jashen Interior Design

The open layout entailing fewer bisecting walls by definition, you may be hard-pressed to find a wall-hugging spot for your bench-augmented dining arrangement. If you find no free walls available, there exists the possibility for creative expression with a built-up partition. Without a readily available wall in the pictured open layout, Jashen Interior Design incorporates the bench side of this dining arrangement into a false wall built largely to serve as a decorative feature and primary focal point for the space. To keep the divider from overwhelming the open layout, a sizable portion of the wall is rendered reflective.

Interior design by: Jashen Interior Design

Tip: While projecting walls may detract from the spaciousness of an open layout, the up-side is that any interruptions to the open layout you design will automatically become a point of focus in the scene and another available plane to embellish with messages or functional additions.

Interior design by: Jashen Interior Design  

Friday, November 20, 2020

All of us desire a good night's sleep. Here's where choosing the right mattress can help ensure a serene slumber all night long. When you're getting a new bed, it's crucial to invest in a high quality mattress. As we spend a third of lives sleeping, a suitable mattress will help you sleep better and thus improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Here are some tips to arm yourself with when you go shopping for a new mattress. 1 Test for comfort and support Make sure that the surface is both comfortable and supportive of your spine and posture. This means your spine should be in its natural curvature while you lie down flat on the bed. Have someone put his or her hand behind the small of your back. If the person's hand can move easily in the back without any gaps, the mattress is suitable for your posture. If there is a gap in between, the mattress is too hard and not supporting your back properly. If the person cannot get his or hand under your back, the mattress is too soft which causes your back to round up. Also lie on your side and stomach and examine if it's comfortable for you. Always take your time when shopping for a new mattress. 2 Find a mattress that suits your sleep style How do you sleep? Some of us like sleeping on the back, some can only fall asleep when they are turned to one side and there are others who sleep soundly on their stomach. Your sleeping style is an essential factor when choosing the right kind of mattress. For side sleepers: Get a soft or plush sleeping surface. With extra cushioning, you can prevent pressure-induced discomfort in your shoulders and hips. Plush mattresses offer extra comfort and plush support without the need for additional pillowtop padding. For back sleepers: Opt for firm or extra firm mattresses as these help to support your back. Firm mattresses generally have a flatter top with no additional padding. Some of them also come with a firm edge support. For stomach sleepers: Go for a slightly firmer surface so that your spine is properly aligned. For those who with a combination of sleep styles: You may want to select something that is neither too firm nor too soft so it gives you the flexibility to support your different positions. 3 Consider your sleeping partner Movements and motion transfers are something to consider if you share your bed with another person. You definitely don't want a mattress that bounces and shakes each time your partner roll to the side or gets up from the bed. Memory foam mattress can help to isolate movements to one side of the bed. You can also go for a hybrid of springs and foam as they usually come with transitional foam that alleviates motion. Check out our Top 5 Mattress Brands in 2018 post for more ideas.

Friday, November 20, 2020

In Malaysia, the local property market is one of the many industries which many Malaysians venture into as a source of investment. Over time, as the value of properties increase, many investors are on the look-out for opportunities with sellers – both independent and developers – on high alert to hopefully pocket some profit. Before sellers capitalise on this opportunity, it is always important for them to understand a property’s market value and how to find ways to increase its worth. The term ‘market value’ defines the price point a typical property would fetch under normal situations. This value is usually determined based on four aspects: external characteristics; internal features; market outlook (supply and demand); and location. As such, sellers who wish to increase the market value of their properties ought to plan ahead before they contemplate listing or engaging an agent. AkzoNobel, the leading global paints and coatings company and producer of decorative paint Dulux, shares a few affordable and easy ways to increase the market value of one’s property: 1 Light up the front lawn When walking through the streets of one’s neighbourhood, more often than not the external appeal of a property would be the first to catch one’s attention. An exterior that is warm, welcoming and structurally-sound forms a good first impression, so sellers take note: snap a digital photo of your property and look at it in black and white. When all colours are removed, you can better see the cracks in the walls and the glaring flaws. Now, the first step to exterior beautification is to make a list of simple renovation ideas such as decorating the walkway with flower pots or LED lights. Make the main door more visually-appealing with a catchy colour, so consult a professional for more ideas, or simply find interesting ideas online for reference. Repainting is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to charm passers-by. 2 Upgrade your kitchen It may sound unbelievable at first, but many real estate experts have reported that the kitchen is the number one must-upgrade item for greatest returns. According the latest Cost vs Value report from Remodelling magazine, the national data shows that a minor kitchen project may yield up to 81% returns on investment. That means for every RM100 spent on the upgrade, the home value increases by RM83 on average, which sounds like a fair deal. Here are a few tips for minor kitchen remodelling: - Change the paint. It’s simple, but it works. Keep the interior and colour scheme simple. Think neutral for wall colours, and by that we don’t mean white. Go natural and subdued. Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2018, Heart Wood, is a nice pinkish brown which adds sophistication and subtle elegance to one’s kitchen. Pair with surfaces and fixtures that are versatile, not busy or too loud. Remember, simplicity is the key. - Embrace stainless steel. Not all professional grade-models home appliances work for everyone. The key to remodelling is to appeal to the masses, so try to incorporate high quality stainless steel materials into the kitchen instead. The cold feel of steel is a hotcake for many buyers, and it will give a better return. - Add in a “Wow” factor Spruce things up a little to add that extra mile to one’s home. Consider hanging a pot rack with fresh greeneries, pans and a suspended wine bottle holder to create a modern look. Lighting, such as under-cabinet fixtures, will also add ambiance and show off the materials in the kitchen. 3 Beautify your bathroom The bathroom is the next spot to remodel, as a quick refresh can positively affect a potential buyer’s impression of the home. One way to do it is to switch up the tiles and play with textures. Beautiful tiles can be expensive, especially if a contractor is hired to lay it all out. A good budgeting tip is to limit the number of tiles used, and focus on high-impact areas only, such as flooring. A simple colour change on one of the walls could also greatly impact its overall design. By creating a feature wall with different tone, it captures the viewers’ attention almost immediately. Check out the colour range from Dulux Pentalite or Dulux EasyClean for more ideas on our renovation project. Then, choose a feature wall and give it a fresh lick of paint to add layers and dimensions to the bathroom. 4 Play with colour psychology Colours can alter a person’s mood, instil calmness, evoke happiness, and even promote appetite. Even so, most people don’t spend a lot time thinking about the effects of colour in their homes. Professional interior designers understand what colour works best for each room in a house. By matching the right colours to the specific part at home, it can instantly increase a home’s appeal to buyers. Below are some colours and its effects in different parts of the house: - Blue: This is by far the most popular colour out of the primary colours (RGB). According to science, blue slows down our metabolism and calms our mind. It is said that it also helps with lowering blood pressure and slowing down the heart rate. As such, blue is often considered the ideal colour for many homes and offices. Lighter shades will promote tranquillity, whereas, darker blue is often associated with power, knowledge, and seriousness. - Green: This is the colour of nature. Considered the most restful colour for the eye, green transcend security and harmony in design. Paring grey with pastel-like green, such as Garden Haven or Midgetgolf Green from Dulux, would create a contemporary look for the room. The colour itself is very well versatile and can be suited for almost every room in the house. - Purple: Dramatic, rich, and sophisticated are common characteristic portrayal of purple. It is often included in design scheme build for luxurious, modern homes. Lighter hues of purple, such as lavender, adds a restful quality to the bedroom. Based on research , about 75% of pre-adolescent children prefers purple over other colours. As such, it is widely popular for teenagers’ bedroom. Apart from these simple home renovation ideas, sellers could also keep a record of previous rental invoices, if any, to further justify the potential investment gain from this property. When done right, increasing one’s property value can be a hassle-free process which does not require one to break their bank. To read up on more home renovation ideas, feel free to visit Dulux website at https://www.dulux.com.my/en or reach out to a colour expert for further assistance.

Friday, November 20, 2020

It’s time to create the home of your dreams by making your first home artistically beautiful with trendy curtains, functional furniture, soothing artwork and antique pieces. Here are a few tips to buy the best furniture and other decorative essentials for furnishing and decorating your first home. 1 Make a budget and list of things First of all, make a list of required furniture and other decorative features which would add a punch of luxury and innovation to your dream home. Then check to make sure they are within your budget. 2 Choose the right colours The colour of your doors, walls, and flooring should complement each other and the design of the home. Try to balance between bold and neutral shades for a harmonious look. You can also create a dramatic impression by adding vibrant colours to cushions and curtains. 3 Make it a gradual process Never purchase everything in one go. First, check what you already have and always buy within your budget. Keep the process simple and small which is also easy to accomplish. 4 Mix and match Mix and match different materials, colours, prints and textures to give your interior spaces a unique look and personality. Browse through magazines, Pinterest images and other resources for inspiration. 5 Invest sensibly in a bed and sofa Choose your beds and sofas carefully. Always go for quality ones. Before making your purchase, remember to measure the dimensions of the corner and area where you are going to place the bed and sofa. 6 Never ignore the kitchen and bathroom Enhance your bathroom and kitchen with beautiful wall and floor tiles. You can also hang beautiful artwork on the walls and place some plants to create a refreshing ambience. Tips and images courtesy of Rebecca Dawkins, a freelance blogger. A homemaker who loves blogging, she writes about home decor, home improvement, and home maintenance.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Elevate your outdoor space from a mere extension of the living room to a spot of magical potential with colourful add-ons.

Even when subjected to unpredictable weather conditions and wilful sprawls of greenery, the outdoors is just as viable a canvas for creative expression as the interior – and a home would be profoundly incomplete without an inviting yard or patio to extend living areas. If you have the outdoor space to spare, you may be thinking of providing an alternative to lounging indoors by setting aside a patch of grass or floor and adding furniture to it. Appointing your lawn with furnishings in white may be the strongest initial compulsion, but if you want to imbue your outdoor hangout with some semblance of colour, we have some ideas on how to make that happen.

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Bright Nights

Image Credit: Lights4Fun

A standard seating arrangement is a sufficiently practical consideration for providing a place to relax, but a certain measure of magic is necessary to make an outdoor space captivating. To dress a space as though it was transported from the realm of fantasy, consider pairing a boldly coloured rug with fairy lights strung over tree branches to mimic the stars of the night sky.

Image Credit: Lights4Fun

Through both the mystical quality of floating illumination and the striking contrast of bold colours against a natural backdrop, the result is that even the most temporary of lounge spaces are elevated to enigmatic heights.

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Bold Fun

Image Credit: Carpetright

Other than surrealist landscapes born of imagination, few visual compositions are as striking as a product of human hands throwing boldly saturated colours against the verdant green of Mother Nature’s work. The contrast is perhaps as much thematic as it is about colour or shade – the same effect can be achieved with everything from a decorative sculpture to a practical arrangement of furniture.

Image Credit: Carpetright

With a background of green grass, the stage is set for a stunning contrast to be made with brightly coloured furniture, decorations, or accessories to facilitate entertainment in your outdoor space.

Image Credit: Carpetright

Tip: Put against the background of a lawn, nearly any manufactured object is instantly made worthy of attention – thanks to the subtle difference in natural or artificial colours and the obvious disparity in theme.

Image Credit: Carpetright

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Pastel Pretty

Image Credit : Annie Sloan

There is an undeniably distinct relationship between pastel shades and rural settings, perhaps due to the prevalent sight of sun-bleached colours in provincial landscapes. Despite the fact that most people now live in urban areas, the association between pastel colours and the serenity of the countryside has moved from a feature of some people’s memories to a cultural trope that is recognisable even to those born and raised exclusively in cities. Selecting architectural finishes, furniture, or decorations in pastel shades, reinforces a rural theme in the yard and immediately transports anyone who rests there to a simpler time and place.

Image Credit : Annie Sloan

Tip: A rural theme consists of more than just pastel shades – consider mimicking the weathering effects of the elements, then embellish the space with greenery and pale fabrics.

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Natural Hues

Image Credit: Annabel James

Bright splashes of colour do not necessarily need to come from products injected with dyes or coated in pigments – after all, Mother Nature is the single most prolific artist around. As can be observed in any place where foliage is given free reign, Nature tends to utilise all the visible colours of the light spectrum, and every definable shade in between, in the formation of flower petals.

Image Credit: Annabel James

While entailing a greater degree of care and maintenance than a manufactured piece of furniture or decoration, there are few sources of colour as powerful or authentic as a bed of vibrant flowers.

Image Credit: Annabel James