Your Guide to Industrial Design Style.

A few design trends are flexible, easy to implement, and a lot of fun to look at. And one of those is industrial style interior design. The industrial design aesthetic manages to give a sleek looking modern space; yet also manages to incorporate an organic and old industrial charm. When you say industrial style, many people think about stainless steel and sharp edges. However, there can be much more to it.

Industrial Living Room With Wood Tones

There are no true principles that urban industrial style was built from. Instead, it slowly morphed into today's Open-plan spaces with high ceilings, huge windows, and lofted bedroom space. The key element for any urban-industrial space is flexibility. Thoughtfully arranging furniture turns your Singapore HDB or Condo into whatever you need it to be — everything from a nursery to an office, while still being a place to call home.

What Is Industrial Design & Where Did It Originate?

Industrial Design Dining Space

The industrial look has been around for centuries, but initially, it was never a “style” at all. Or at least, it didn’t set out to be. In the 1700s, the industrial revolution hit, and the world was changed forever. Factories sprung up all over major cities in Europe and America. These large buildings were simple, functional, and utilitarian. They had huge windows to let in natural light and an open plan floor space. To save money and minimise fire risk, most were kept plain – no paint, and with bricks, pipe, and ductwork left completely exposed.

Two hundred years later, advancements in the construction industry allowed us to make bigger, better, and more efficient structures. The old factories closed down, giving way to modern manufacturing plants on the outskirts of the city. But the factories wouldn’t stay abandoned for long. In the mid-20th century, many of these spaces were revived. Not as factories, but as housing.

Thus, the “industrial chic” look was born. Interior designers worked with the exposed brick and metal to create spaces that were bold, edgy and could blend with any style.

Industrial really refers to the fact that this style is very much fuss-free. It is a no-nonsense type of interior design and pulls a lot of inspiration from warehouses, industrial structures, and factories. But that does not mean that it needs to be a cold environment.
Urban Industrial design is unique in comparison to other home styles. Instead of manifesting from an architectural movement, this gritty look came from a lifestyle choice of artists and musicians. Forgoing traditional housing for makeshift live-work spaces inside of abandoned warehouses and factories, artists created this thrown-together look of street finds, thrift store purchases, and pieces made out of whatever happened to be laying around.

You can have a nod to the industrial style interior design simply by having some bare bricks and some salvaged materials; exposed brickwork, industrial pipe, and more to pull this look together.

Why industrial style interior design might be for you. 

Industrial bedroom with metal light fixture

There are some styles of interior design that are hard to keep up with. For example, if you love minimalism, but you have a family, minimalism can be hard to keep control of. More people usually means more stuff. You have to be very smart with storage, and that can take its toll. However, interior design that is based on industrial styling is super flexible.

While most people try to conceal the building materials of their home, the industrial interior design distinctly displays these materials. This results in the kind of raw, unfinished look that has recently become an incredibly popular design style. The industrial design mixes the old with the new by blending wood and metal elements in a unique and upscale way.

This style of home interior design is perfect for those living in an urban environment, so if you’re moving into or thinking of redoing your Singapore HDB apartment, renovating your BTO or your Condo, the industrial interior design may be the style for you. It’s all about showcasing neutral tones, an open layout, and mixing wood and metal furniture to achieve that signature industrial look. 

Styling tips to bring Industrial Design into your home. 

Bring industrial style into your bathroom with unique fixtures

The Key Features Of Industrial Decor.

• Industrial home design features exposed pipes, air ducts, wire, beams, and brick.

• Industrial homes are usually open concept.

• Industrial furniture and decor is often blocky in shape and made of metal, wood, leather, and even salvaged parts.

Here’s how you can achieve the modern industrial style throughout the entire home.

Layout.

All industrial spaces tend to follow the “converted warehouse” look even if the building is new construction and was never truly a warehouse, to begin with. This means brick walls, high ceilings (or the illusion of these), natural light, exposed piping, and small-plank wood or poured concrete floors. Carefully placed furniture and area rugs define each space as a living area, dining area, and office. 

An open plan layout is a core element of industrial design.

True industrial lofts that have been converted from warehouses typically don’t have walls, but if they do, the walls are not full height, allowing natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows to penetrate every corner.

If you have a loft to work with, the only clearly defined rooms are the kitchen and the bathroom. Often, lofts feature a one-wall kitchen with a cabinet, fridge, sink, and stove all along a single wall. Using a kitchen island is a great way to further define the kitchen and it can often double as a dining table. This keeps the kitchen open to the rest of the space and sticks with the flexibility rule that defines industrial design.

Industrial Style Flooring.

Flooring is similar to all other architectural elements of industrial design, in that it is usually made from natural materials such as wood and concrete. Concrete can be left a plain grey and polished or stained to give it a more old-fashioned look, which can bring in an interesting textural element. A concrete floor would feel unfinished in many other spaces, but it adds some real visual impact within industrial style homes. 

Concrete floors can feel cold and impersonal to some people, so an alternative to consider is another natural flooring material like hardwood. If you’re doing a traditional take on industrial design, you would select distressed floors made from reclaimed wood. For a modern spin, you might choose polished wide planks of wood instead.

Area rugs to help delineate and define separate spaces. You can position these rugs carefully to create spaces like a living room and a dining nook. Proper rug placement is one of the easiest ways to help an open concept floor plan flow more naturally.

Concrete Or Brick Walls.

One of the easiest ways to achieve the industrial vibe is by leaving your concrete or brick walls just as they are. No paint or plaster is necessary.

Concrete is a blank slate – literally. You can match it with neutrals like grey or brown, or you can experiment with contrasting colours. What works best in an industrial styled home that has exposed brick walls and uncovered windows to let in the lightest, is a blend of deep colours, soft fabrics, and lots of patterns. 

Colours. 

Generally speaking, industrial design features neutral colours. Black and white both feature prominently, along with various shades of grey and brown. Using neutral tones throughout the home helps it feel more spacious and lends a sense of continuity. Using neutral tones can also help the industrial details in a room pop out even more.

You can bring in your own personality with bright pops of colour in the form of art, rugs, and some other decor that will be in direct opposition to your industrial style.

Exposed Piping.

In most homes, exposed pipes and structural beams would be plastered over, covered up, and painted before you even move in. But with industrial house design, you can skip that last step and save on money and stress. Exposed piping is a staple of the industrial style. This makes it perfect for HDB’s where piping cannot be permanently concealed. And contrary to what some people believe, it isn’t messy at all. It’s authentic, raw, and captivating.

Use Metal And Wood Furniture.

A key feature of industrial design is the use of metal and wood in the space. Selecting furniture pieces made from either metal or wood blends the old with the new and gives your home an interesting contrast. Wooden pieces should be weathered rather than new looking, so find unfinished furniture.

For metal furniture, you can choose an antique brushed or oiled finish to give your home a vintage feel. If you prefer a more modern look, you can opt for polished chrome. And metal furniture doesn’t have to be uncomfortable; you can find plenty of comfortable metal bar stools or tables that will accentuate your home's style without sacrificing comfort. After all, this style is meant to be inviting, not severe.

Leather has a prominent place in industrial-style spaces, as (you guessed it) furniture upholstery. Leather embodies the essence of industrial style, which is all about taking something old and giving it new life and purpose. It's equal parts rugged and refined. Think about furnishing your industrial living space with a cosy leather club chair or leather side chairs with metal legs. If you don't want to go too crazy with leather, think about furnishing your space with a leather ottoman or pouffe instead.

Soft Textiles.

Without any softness, an industrial space can feel a bit cold and uninviting. This is where faux fur and thick wool textiles come in. Soften the hard lines and cold metal of industrial furniture by throwing thick wool throw blankets over your sofa and side chairs. It might seem glamorously out of place in concept, but a faux sheepskin or hide rug can be one of the best additions to an industrial space, as it can add softness and texture to bare floors.

As far as patterns, once again the flexibility of industrial lofts comes into play. It can be any pattern you like and can even be a combination of boho, geometric, and stripes. This is a chance to experiment and discover your own personal look.

Industrial Shelving.

What do you get when you combine wooden planks and metal pipes? Chic industrial storage solutions for your home.

Open shelves are a great way to display your knick-knacks and show off your personality. These are also perfect for defining space within your home. 

Edison Lights

Get it right, down to the details. Industrial-style lighting can come in many forms, most of which are old vintage lamps making a comeback. But the most popular style by far is the Edison light. These filament bulbs from the 20th century give off a warm yellow-orange glow.

You don’t have to swap out your energy-efficient lights for century-old bulbs, however; there are many LED versions in the same vintage style. Hang it loosely via its wires or frame it in metal to get the look you’re going for.

Exposed walls bring an industrial style together

Antique-Looking Wall Art.

When it comes to wall art, industrial style favours prints of old designs over new and modern art. Blueprints, diagrams, maps, and vintage posters all work really well in industrial spaces where abstract paintings, colour-blocked posters, and overly colourful photos might not. If you're looking for more texture, metal wall sculptures, well-travelled license plates, and old store signs can all be dynamic additions to your walls.

Accessories. 

Much like minimalism, an interior design based around industrial style has a limit to the number of accessories that should be in the room. You’re looking to keep your services clutter-free and always clean, so try to go for items of furniture that have extra storage. Industrial interior design is often described as very masculine, simply because it is dark and robust. But don’t be afraid to add in some unique touches, like metal structures and sculptures, or stone ones.

Plants.

Though accessories and decor aren't necessary for perfecting the industrial look, they can really tie a space together and give it some personality that its rigid foundation might be lacking. Plants are especially important in ensuring that an industrial space doesn't look too dreary – they can literally breathe life into a room. Struggle to care for live plants? Go with artificial instead. You can get creative with planters – think about repurposing old cans or other vessels instead of buying new pots. If you do go with new pots, opt for matte cement pots and situate them on metal plant stands.

Industrial Design doesn’t have to be cold or uninviting.

In Summary.

An advantage of industrial spaces is that they can be decked out in just about any style. This means anything you want goes and often results in an eclectic blend of styles with leather seating, boho rugs, and mid-century coffee tables. Flexibility is the only true principle of urban industrial design. Fill the space with antique pieces or keep it open and minimalist — the beauty of the industrial design is that the gritty architectural elements make an intriguing backdrop for every kind of look.

Styling Tips For First-Time Homeowners.

Firstly buying your own home, whether it's a BTO, Resale HDB or Condo is an exciting time.

Finally, you are in your space, what could go wrong? One of the best things about owning your own home is this is your opportunity to put your unique and personal stamp on it.

Styling your home will add personality to your home

From buying furniture to selecting appliances to decide on soft furnishings, there's a lot to do. Well, if experience has taught us anything, the design and styling process can be overwhelming, to say the least. Fear not, we have the top tips and tricks to style your first home.

Which room to start with?

Well much as you may be tempted to say, ALL the rooms, your budget may not allow for that. In that case, pick the one or two rooms you will be spending the most time in to focus on first. In a typical Singaporean home is the living space and the bedroom.

There is no rush. 

Many times when people move into their new home, they find that they move things around and completely change their design as the months go on. Don’t feel like you need to rush to get everything completed all at once. When you move in, take some time to get a feel for the place before you make any final decisions. Your interior design choices don’t have to be made overnight. Remember home design is expensive, the last thing you want is to spend money on a statement piece that you decide you don’t like after 6 months.

Lighting Matters.

Lighting can change the entire feel of your space

Many people underestimate the power of good lighting in a home until they move in and find out that it is inefficiently lit. The two most important rooms to light well are the kitchen and the bathroom because of all the activities you do there. These rooms require a layered lighting plan and I would recommend working with a professional to get it correct. It’s not just the amount of lights there are, but the location and the color of the light are important. A professional will break it down into three zones, general, task, and ambient. 

Another type of lighting that is important is natural lighting. Consider your views out the windows and where you need privacy and where you don’t. This will help you sort out where you can let the light shine in. Even in the more private rooms, if you have a view out of the window you might want to see, there are window treatments that will allow for a full view when you want it and total privacy when you don’t.

Lighting can make or break a room! It can also create a huge impact and dramatically change the entire feel of a room - whether is artificial or natural. Making a concerted effort to keep windows clean and clutter free can dramatically increase the light that floods into a room - even painting window frames and window sills white can help. Many of our customers opt for garden rooms or orangeries with roof lanterns because of the sheer volume of natural light that they let in.

Have a think about lighting for different moods and occasions, or features in the home that you want to accentuate and layer your lighting to suit. Ceiling lights for cleaning or working, candle and side lamps for soft lighting for entertaining, up or down lighting to display art or photographs - the possibilities are endless! You can create a huge impact with lighting, and often for a minimal budget!

Express your own personal style. 

 If you’ve just bought your own home, you have permission to put your own stamp on it. It’s why people strive to buy their own homes; because they get to do what they want with it.

Don’t be afraid to be bold when you start to decorate. Use things that express your personality and don’t worry about matching everything up. If you’re decorating according to your tastes, everything will link together to create your own personal comfort.

Start with a neutral colour palette.

A neutral colour palette can allow you to add pops of colour later

It can be difficult to decide what to put on the walls when you first move in. Will you paint a modern color? Will you wallpaper? Will you fill the walls with artwork? Most people are hasty in their decisions just because they want to make the house their own. If you’re unable to decide or want to take your time making your decisions, neutral is the way to go.

Painting all the walls white when you move in will give you a blank canvas, not to mention nice, clean and new walls. You may even find that the light and crisp color works well for you. Neutral palettes with pops of color are a popular trend right now.

Choose accessories that change your room.

Accessories should be changed to fit your mood or the season. They bring character to any room. You want to have pictures in decorative frames of family and friends. Even a specific wall dedicated to a gallery wall is a great idea.

Colour can tie a space together.

Starting out with a blank canvas such as a new home doesn’t mean that you have to buy everything matching to coordinate your space. One great way to tie your room together is through your use of colour. So if you already have a sofa but now have the space for a coffee table, consider your materials and colour scheme. This will help to seamlessly combine the pieces together.

Many new builds will have a very neutral interior. So if you want to inject some colour into your space but don’t have the time or money to go all out on your decor, be clever with your furniture choice colours, such as colourful dining chairs or a bold coloured sofa set. Colourful dining chairs are a great way to add a stylish pop of colour to your new dining area.

The neutral scheme of many new build homes is a great opportunity to be bold with your colour choices. Don’t forget, you can always add textures such as a rug into your space to bring a pop of colour.

Measure twice. 

Don’t trust your eye rather than a tape measure. This is never a good idea when choosing your furniture, especially when buying online. Thinking your new sofa and coffee table will fit is very different to knowing that it will, so save yourself the stress and hassle on delivery day by knowing your measurements well before you place your order.

You have a budget for a reason. 

TOP TIP: One way to make sure you stick to the essentials is to make a note of your budget- and stick to it! Home Renovation can be an expensive time, so it’s a good idea to know how much money you have to actually spend on furniture before you set your heart on a sofa and dining set that is way out of your budget. Once you know what you’ve got to work with, then you can start shopping around. If you have any leftover cash, you can then buy those extra pieces on your wish list without any guilt as all the important pieces have been covered.

Start With Your Investment Pieces

A statement piece can be a focal point in the room

The term investment pieces can hold connotations of costing a lot of money but try to think of your investment pieces as just that- investments, not expenses. A good quality bed, sofa and dining table will provide comfort and seating for your family for years to come. So if you can afford it, it’s a very smart move to spend more on these staple pieces for your new home. Vital parts of any home, investment pieces will be the furniture that you use the most and keep the longest, so you’ll want to choose something that’ll last.

Be inspired. 

The glossy interior magazines do look stunning. However, sometimes the best styling inspiration can come from real homes. There’s a whole community of new homeowners sharing their design journey on social media platforms such as Instagram and Houzz, so be sure to follow people in the community. #newhome, #newbuild and #firsttimebuyer are great hashtags to get started. Then you’ll start to discover accounts that you love! You can also use the platforms to ask questions and even share some of your own knowledge. This can be invaluable when moving into a new home.

Start off by searching for relevant hashtags. This way you’ll find relevant accounts and people to follow. You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest as an example.

Most importantly.

Have fun! Moving into a new home does have its worries and stresses, but make sure you take a moment to think of the home you’re creating for you and your family; it’s a space to make new memories during mealtimes, family celebrations or even just relaxing at home.

Top Tips For Choosing Your Wall Paint Colour.

Whether you are a first-time homeowner eagerly awaiting your BTO or Condo keys, you are in the middle of renovating your resale HDB or Condominium or you are looking for style inspiration for your Landed Property, the process of choosing paint colours remains the same.

Choose colours you love (and can live with).

Firstly, picking paint colours can be overwhelming. The main thing to keep in mind and the easiest way to choose your interior paint colours is to start with colours you love. If you don’t like green, to begin with, you won’t like green when it’s on your wall and you are staring at it daily.

If you start with colours you love, you help yourself by narrowing down the paint colours you have to choose from but also if you choose some of your favourite colours, your colour scheme can grow from that. Your favourite colours can be the perfect inspiration for your scheme.

Curate images and pictures that inspire you.

If you think you don’t have a favourite colour, spend some time on Pinterest saving images that appeal to you. you. Soon enough it will become clear that you do have some colours which you are drawn to. Don’t only rely on Pinterest, there are many other sources of inspiration. Magazines and catalogues have long been a source of design inspiration. There is something about seeing a picture in print that will grab your attention.

The internet is of course awash with billions of pages of inspiration. Paint brands such as Dulux, Nippon and Benjamin Moore have interactive websites which can allow you to imagine what your home will look like.

Social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are great sources of inspiration. Pinterest will allow you to create boards which are collections of images that you like, ensuring you keep all of your ideas together in one spot.

Don’t rule out neutral paint colours.

Neutral paint colours don’t have to be boring or laid-back. In the context of interior design, neutral means without colour. Neutrals such as beige, black, grey, taupe, ivory and shades of white can appear to be without colour, however, many paints have undertones. For example, beige may have an undertone of gold, ping or grey. White may be somewhat yellow, bluish, peach or ivory. Neutral paints in Singapore may be used in a couple of ways, either to create a soft, neutral or quiet look or as a backdrop colour for more dramatic accents such as bold curtains, feature walls or art prints.

Paint colour inspiration can be pulled from other elements in your home.

Whilst your interior designer (ID) might be suggesting colours that work within your scheme, be brave and look at the other elements in your space for inspiration. You may have an art piece that you are planning to bring into your space, why not look to use some of the colours from this in your scheme? Fabrics such as curtains, bed linen or cushions can also be a great place to start. Pulling a colour from your favourite cushion cover can be a great way to find a paint colour that will bring your scheme together.

In Singapore, people tend to start with their wall colours and build up their theme or style from there, however, why not start with a piece that you love and draw your wall colours from there?

Shades of colour matter.

So you have created what feels like endless Pinterest boards, saved images from Instagram, pulled together your favourite art print and still something feels off and that your room is not quite coming together? Sometimes all you need is a little adjustment to find the right paint colour. Before you abandon your paint colour choice, (and all hope) too quickly, consider a lighter or darker shade of the same colour. Many paint colours appear on a paint strip in gradual shades, but you can also ask your paint store to customize it by percentages of light or dark shades.

Undertones can work both for and against you.

If you have ever found yourself in a situation where you have painted your bedroom in what you thought was the perfect greige, only it came out too pink (or green or blue)? Thank the paint undertones.

You can be unpleasantly surprised by the undertones when choosing your wall paint colours. Simply put, undertones are the colours hiding beneath your favourite paint color. A simple beige may not be all that simple if it has a strong green undertone. The only way to accurately tell how an undertone will appear in your home is to sample the color. Undertones from other surfaces in your room can also change the way your paint appears due to reflection, so sampling would be ideal.

Visualise the paint colour in your own space.

This is easier said than done in Singapore. Dulux have some paint testers available from Hardware City on Shoppee, however endless google searches haven’t shown up the same option for other brands.

That said, both Nippon and Dulux have their own apps where you can visualise your chosen colours within your own homes. These can be hit and miss, but worth using to give you some idea of what the colours will look like in your home.

Make sure you look at the colours at different times of the day and in differing lights. The last thing you want is for you to love a colour in daylight but as soon as the sun sets, you can’t stand it.

Do what works for you but be practical.

You might be getting the keys to your BTO, your very first home and moving in with your spouse, don’t forget that your family dynamic may change in the future. Whilst you may envision pure white walls sitting alongside your brand new white leather sofa when you move in, don’t forget your circumstances may change. Will you be able to maintain a bright white wall with a toddler? If you like entertaining, will bright white be able to withstand high traffic areas of your home such as your entrance hallway?

Paint colours can always be changed.

It can feel like a leap of faith to decide on what colours work for your scheme and your space. The silver lining is that its relatively easy to repaint and change the colour you have chosen. Unlike built-in cabinetry which is more permanent, you can opt to change your paint colour at a later time. Whilst this may send you to a cool airconditioned room to lie down in fear, its comforting to know that in all your. home renovation decisions that you are making, some things you settle on are less permanent than others.

Most importantly.

Have fun with your paint colours. Your paint can change the feeling of your room or your entire home. You can always use soft furnishings such as a rug to bring your room together, paint is just one element in a larger scheme.

What Is The Most Relaxing Colour To Paint A Bedroom?

What are the best room shades for sleep? Sleep is not just rest, it is likewise just how our body repairs services, revitalizes and re-energizes for the next day. This is why having an excellent area to rest as well as recover in is so important for a healthy life. Our bedrooms are our safe space made to make us feel as in your home and comfortable as possible.

Even, the colours in your room can impact the high quality as well as the amount you sleep. It might seem surprising, but the shades in your bedroom can influence your mood, which consequently impacts your sleep. So prior to you pick a colour to paint your entire room, or buying a brand-new bedding collection, we suggest you take a look at which colours are the most effective for promoting relaxation and also healthy resting behaviours.

What is the Science?

Why is selecting the best colour so essential? Every marketing master recognizes that shades resemble magic. The very same chooses to sleep. Shades can influence your emotions and also your state of mind. For example, some research studies have revealed that checking out the shade red rises the heart rate as well as adrenaline flow. If that happens before bed, you can only imagine exactly how it may make you sleep.

Right here's just how shades influence your habits. Various colours affect your mood, which makes you act in a different way. Remember the colour red? There's a reason bull competitors make use of a red cape. And targets are red. They enhance enthusiasm, also anger, as well as excitement. Various other influences that shades may have are the taste of food, and exactly how warm or cool something really feels. This makes good sense; we even classify them cosy and also awesome shades. If you can comprehend the way shades affect you, you can decorate much more functionally, specifically for rest.

Especially, this is exactly how colours affect sleep. Softened or low-key tones advertise better sleep than even more lively primary ones. Additionally, this isn't simply an old wives tale. These suggestions are data-driven. Showing that the best bedroom colours for rest exceed just viewpoint. A research study of over 2,000 Travelodge hotels aided establish which colours assist and harm rest. It is additionally suggested to use a level finish over shiny. This assists colours appear softer, as well as softer methods sleepier.

Based upon shade psychology, research study, and also the referrals of sleep professionals, below are the very best bedroom colours for rest, in addition to the worst colours to paint your bedroom:

Blue Brings Calm.

Blue is the best colour for sleep. Blue is calming. Calming is sleep. The eyes even have special receptors in the retinas called ganglion cells, which makes the brain specifically responsive to blue. If there is one point you can do right, it's painting your bedroom blue. Without a doubt, this holds the location at the top of our listing for the very best room’s colours for sleep.

Not A Fan of Blue? Here are other great choices:

Yellow Brings Happiness.

Yellow is the second-best colour to choose for sleep. Wake up happy with yellow, sunshine walls.

Green Brings Outdoors Indoors.

Green is an organic colour that reminds us of nature. People sleeping in green bedrooms reported waking up feeling upbeat and positive.

Orange Brings Warmth.

Orange is a good colour because it is warm and happy. It is also said that orange helps with indigestion, which could be keeping you awake at night as well. Variations of orange to consider include terracotta or clay if a bright orange is not for you.

Pink Brings Softness.

This is a great choice for a bedroom, especially if you pick a soft muted pink colour that is more natural and close to a skin tone than a pretty pony. A soft natural pink tone is comforting and typically has soft orange undertones. Feng Shui often suggests using gentle colours that are similar to skin tones because they give us a calm zen-like feeling. We suggest against choosing a hot pink colour as it gets too close to the red family which is aggressive, energetic, and difficult to sleep around.

How to Maximise Space In A Small Bedroom.

In Singapore, space is at a premium; our homes are getting smaller. Based on 2018 resale transactions, the average area size of a 4-room flat across HDB estates across the island is around 1,027 sq ft. Meanwhile, 4-room flats in new Built-To-Order (BTO) projects offered in 2018 were roughly 1,001 sq ft. Bedrooms are getting smaller, but thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, many homes need to do double or triple duty as not only a space for sleeping but also a home office or home gym. 

If you have a small bedroom, it’s more important than ever to get clever in making your space whilst catering for your home’s needs. To ensure a tight space fits all your needs, you'll have to get creative with your small bedroom layout, furnishings, storage solutions, and design choices. With the right pieces in the right places, the elements can come together to create a comfortable, organised retreat.

Whether you're looking for small master bedroom ideas or decorating advice for a little guest room, these tips on how to decorate a small bedroom will help you maximise whatever space you have available and make it feel much larger than it actually is.

Consider How the Room Functions.

To make the most of a small bedroom, you first need to decide how you plan to use the space. Sleeping is a given, of course, but you might also want to use the room as a home office area or a place to get dressed in the morning. You'll likely need to get creative with bedroom furniture arrangements to accommodate various functions. For instance, you could push the desk next to the wall by your bed so it can pull double-duty as a bedside table as well as your home office. Once you are clear on the room's functionality, you then know what is essential and what is nice to have. 

Build storage around the bed.

Bespoke wardrobes are the most effective way to get the most out of your bedroom storage. Building wardrobes on either side of the bed help to create a frame that holds the gaze on that one wall. This allows the remaining walls to be free of any obstructions, which will take up valuable space. Use the other walls for artwork or mirrors instead. You could use the space further by creating storage above the bed too, be mindful not to make the decor feel dated – or claustrophobic with too much going on. If in doubt, keep the shelving above the bed to a simple floating shelf, one on which to keep an alarm clock and display trinkets.

Bulk Up Your Bedside.

Storage space is one of the essentials in our bedroom checklist. But if you don’t have a lot of room, maximise the space next to your bed. Instead of a bedside table, opt for a small dresser or a compact chest of drawers instead. These function just like a bedside table but offer more storage for clothes, sheets, and other essentials. You can even pull in a set of baskets underneath for storing small items, such as books or pillows.

Opt for Double-Duty Pieces.

Smaller spaces mean less room for more furniture. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice storage! One of the easiest (and cost-efficient) small space hacks to maximise storage in a small bedroom is choosing pieces with multiple functions. Think of a bookcase that doubles as a room divider. Furniture with hidden storage. A dresser that doubles as a TV stand. A console table that doubles as a desk. Basically, make sure your furniture pulls its weight by giving you multiple functions!

Float Some Shelves.

If a small bedside table, chest, or bookshelf are all still taking up too much floor space, opt for a floating shelf or two (or three!), which leaves zero footprints and won’t clutter up a small bedroom that’s already tight on space. The best part is that these can go anywhere and double as display surfaces for cool art, personal objects, and plants.

Consider adding storage to your headboard.

Free Up Desk Space By Opting For Wall Lights.

These are one the best ideas for small bedrooms because they will practically give you more free space. Instead of heavy table lamps, consider mounting your lights on the wall. This is especially useful for anyone who has a teeny-tiny bedside table or none at all. You can use vertical space and keep other things on the side table instead.

Full-length Curtains Create An Illusion Of Height.

Another great idea for small bedrooms is to hang your curtains and drapery as close to the ceiling as possible. This trick works in adding visual length and tricks your eye into believing that your room is bigger than it actually is. Also, pick light fabrics for curtains—sheer cloth works best. This will keep the light coming in and not make your room look heavy.

This dresser doubles as a TV console whilst the iron bed and plant makes the room feel brighter and more spacious.

Plants Bring Life Into A Small Room.

Why should plants always stay outside the bedroom? Especially for plant lovers, you can bring greenery to your bedroom as well. When it comes to decorating with plants, choose a corner and place your favourite planter right there. Not only will this give a fresh feel to your interiors, but it also helps uplift your mood if ever the size of your room starts bothering you. 

Go For Hidden Storage With Fitted Furniture.

Having a small bedroom doesn’t necessarily mean lesser clothes or accessories. It simply means that you need to use every inch of space at your disposal. One of the best ideas for small bedrooms is to have concealed storage in fixed furniture. You can have an elevated platform and have drawers that come out of it. This is a clever way to add storage without making it too obvious.

Add Texture With Rugs.

Instead of doing up your walls, look down. Your floor can have some texture in the form of a rug. A little bit of texture goes a long way in adding some depth to a room. Choose something that merges with the rest of your decor, or go all out with a bold colour. You will not regret either.

Consider A Platform Bed.

Another great way to add more storage is to have it underneath your bed. And platform beds are one of the most popular ways of squeezing in storage in Singapore homes. For this, you can go for a regular bed with hydraulic storage or opt for a platform bed. You can also look for a bed that has an option or shelves for storage. A platform bed serves a dual purpose of being a bed at night and a makeshift daybed during the rest of the day.

Pros & Cons Of A Walk In Wardrobe In Your HDB.

Walk-in wardrobes are popular choices for many homeowners in Singapore. They provide more space and can help you to stay organized too. This type of wardrobe is made of shelves, hanging space and sometimes drawers which are all used to store clothes as well as accessories. There are a number of pros and cons associated with the inclusion of a walk-in wardrobe – but the same can be said for all of the options available to you. To ensure that you’ve made the right choice for your home and needs, you will be required to weigh up each of the pros and cons. Some of these things you will be able to live with, others will be deal-breakers.

If you’re considering a walk-in wardrobe, you should know that there are various advantages and disadvantages to having one. Here’s what you need to know:

Pros

Organisation.

The upside to a walk-in wardrobe is organisation. For someone with a lot of shoes, dresses, etc., a regular wardrobe might be impractical. Walk-in wardrobes remove the need to play Tetris with clothes; no worrying that the whole wardrobe will spill out when you tug at a skirt. A walk-in also spreads out its inventory, so it’s easy to browse. No messing up the room while deciding which shoes/jeans / shirt to wear.

Privacy.

Another advantage to walk-ins is privacy. Some homeowners may choose to store jewellery in walk-ins, where it’s considerably safer than in a wardrobe. A walk-in is big enough for safe boxes if required; at the very least, it’s easier to conceal valuables in a large room than in a wardrobe. And if you’ve had anyone insist on using a room while you’re dressing, you’ll notice that a walk-in can actually help to ease congestion. Consider: a slow dresser can monopolise the bedroom for hours.

Maximise Possible Space.

Walk-ins also maximise the use of possible space. If you have a room with an odd shape, the little niches can be put to better use as a walk-in. You can use a walk-in to “square off “the niches, or even create triangular walk-ins. Both are more efficient than just hiding the spaces with more décor.

Cons

You need to be REALLY organized to have one.

If you're a naturally organized and put-together person, a walk-in wardrobe could work well for you. But if you are prone to bouts of messiness, you might want to steer clear, as this will be one more room that needs regular cleaning and sorting out! This is before we talk about the dust that gathers!

Pay More For Lighting & Carpentry

Since most walk-in wardrobes are dark, lighting is an issue. Be prepared to spend a bit extra on appropriate lighting. Task and accent lighting are a must, which translates to extra wiring and a higher power bill. Also, walk-ins involve a significant amount of carpentry. The furnishings of a walk-in are specific to its shape, so many of the shelves, cupboards, etc. cannot be purchased off-the-rack. This is especially true for smaller walk-in wardrobes, which cannot accommodate the inclusion of full-sized dressers or cupboards. That means custom carpentry work, which results in significant costs.

Sacrifice Space Elsewhere.

If you are renovating, you’ll find that the only way to add one of these wardrobes is to sacrifice space from elsewhere within the home. Often, it means that the other bedrooms get a little smaller, that your ensuite isn’t as luxurious as it could be or that your living space is left with awkward niches. If you can live with this, go for it!

Empty shelves will encourage extra spending.

If you don't have enough clothing to fill all of the shelves in your walk-in wardrobe, you might find yourself giving in to bad shopping habits, in a bid to justify the room! 

Walk-in wardrobe Tips.

Still, have your heart set on a luxurious walk-in space? Here are a few tips to make space for a walk-in wardrobe in your compact home.

1. Look At The Corners.

Corners are often dead spaces that go to waste in a room, but looking at them in the context of building a walk-in wardrobe might mean you’ve found the perfect role for the corner. Consider developing your wardrobe plan around the corner, making use of a customisable layout and clever partition ideas to ward off future organisational woes.

2. Use Vertical Space.

Vertical space allows you to store more no matter how small a space you’re dealing with. Applying this trick while designing a wardrobe allows homeowners to make use of available space. Hangers, open shelves and sliding door wardrobes leave extra square footage to actually be able to walk in. Loft storage can serve as hideaways for seasonal or bulky items– this way, your wardrobe remains largely clutter-free.

3. Skip the Doors on Your Regular wardrobe instead.

Here’s a clever way to make a regular wardrobe seem like a walk-in. Skip the doors and make the compartments deep enough to stand in. This trick magics a walk-in wardrobe out of what was once a regular wardrobe, just by skipping the doors and leaving the shelves open.

Your Complete Guide To Creating A Gallery Wall.

Why A Gallery Wall?

Are you looking for an alternative to the feature wall? Want to display your family photographs or art that you love in a way that matches your home design? Then a gallery wall might be for you. 

Gallery walls or photo walls have become quite popular over the last few years, providing an easy way to update your interiors, transform bland walls, create a focal point in your home, and bring some character and personality to your living space. Instead of using paint or wallpaper for a feature wall, you can do so with a gallery wall, and it can be placed anywhere in your home. Pulling a gallery wall of your own together might feel a little daunting at first. Art can be expensive, and curating personal items/photos can take a decent amount of time.

What is a Gallery Wall?

A gallery wall is a curated display of photographs, posters or prints, creatively arranged on a wall, commonly made using photo frames.

What kind of Gallery Wall to choose?

There are two main options to consider for your Gallery Wall: 

• You can create a Gallery Wall using your own photographs and art and purchase suitably sized picture frames to hang on the wall.

• You can buy a curated set of framed wall prints (these are often themed such as botanical or landscape prints), that you can simply hang on the wall.

Creating Your Gallery Wall.

1. Start Collecting. 

You need to know what you have to work with so your first step is to start collecting things that you think might work for your Gallery Wall. These can be photographs that mean a lot to you such as wedding pictures, it could be a keepsake or sentimental items such as your wedding invitations or it could be pieces of art or prints that you really like.
Remember inspiration can come from anywhere. It could be from your favourite coffee shop, at a friends place, a Pinterest board. There is inspiration everywhere, once you start to research you will notice Gallery Walls come in many different styles and there are very few set rules to creating them. 

Narrowing down what you want to have within your Gallery Wall is an important part of the process, you need to know what you have to work with. 

2. Build a Theme. 

When you have a selection of images or art that you're happy with, pick out your favourites. Start to group these by themes e.g. family celebrations, weddings, art prints that you love, holidays or trips. Be creative and focus on groupings that means something to you, after all, you will be the one looking at these days. For art or prints, select colours that go with your room decor or suit the tone of the space that you want to put your gallery wall in. Take your time to do these groupings. You may change your mind multiple times and that’s part of the process. 

3. Measure up.

Measure your wall space and lay your collection on the floor. Stand back and look at them all together (allow a bit of space between them for the frames). Does anything jump out as not quite working? If yes, take it out. Or is there room for you to add more? Take a photo of your possible combinations. You may end up with several combinations that work. Take photos of them all. It can be really helpful to use masking tape to lay them out on the wall itself so you can visualise where they will be.

4. Pick your frames.

When you are happy with the layout, get your frames. You need to decide whether you want them to blend in or contrast with the wall or stand out in their own right. Decide if you want them all the same, or if you want lots of different colours. A white or neutral frame is perfect for Scandi-style interiors, while black picture frames are more suited to contemporary or industrial themed interiors.

5. Hanging

You'll need nails or picture hooks and a hammer or even, command hooks. Draw lightly in pencil on the walls where the top corners of the frames will be. Measure and mark how much lower down the picture frame you want your nail holes. Start hammering and get them all up. Use a spirit level to make sure everything is straight. If you are not confident that you can do this yourself, ask a handyman to do this step for you.

6. Enjoy The Final Look.

Stand back, enjoy, and bask in the glory of your creation. Remember, your gallery can be easily be swapped or updated with new favourites whenever you feel like it. For example, if you've got new photoshoot prints, you can easily swap them into the Gallery Wall. Just decide what you want to take down and either remount or replace it with a similar-sized piece.

12 Tips To Set Up Your Home Office.

With the world in the midst of a global pandemic, and working from home being part of our collective new normal, many organisations are open to a more permanent shift to remote working even after the dangers of COVID-19 fade. For instance, Twitter has given the go-ahead for its employees to work from home “forever” if they wish and Shopify’s CEO said, “office centricity is over”.

There will be an ongoing need for homes in Singapore to be able to accommodate work from home in the near to medium term. With demand for larger homes increasing steadily throughout the pandemic, the option of simply shifting to a larger space to add in a home office is not always a practical solution. We have put together 12 key considerations when planning your home office within your HDB, Condo or Landed Property.

1. Create A Dedicated Workspace.

With space at a premium in Singapore, it can be difficult to have an actual room dedicated as your workspace but it's still essential to have a dedicated space within your home that you work from. With WFH being the norm in 2021 and even as Singapore or other countries across the region reopen, you need to future proof your home.  This cannot mean having your “home office” on your bed or sofa. Firstly this is not productive for you which will cause additional stress, but most importantly mixing work with your personal space will make it more difficult for your brain to adapt to “work mode”. Your couch and your bed are made for relaxation. You need to create a space within your home which you will associate with productive work. 

You may need to get creative with where to place your home office. It could be set up in a spare bedroom. It may mean carving out a dedicated space within your living room from where you will work. You can look at solutions such as glass or partition walls to split a room so you have a space for working. A great solution, if you are using a room as a sleeping space and a workspace, is to look at loft beds or murphy beds. Your key goal is to separate your work and personal life and create a dedicated zone from where you will work. 

2. Don't Sacrifice Form for Function.

Furniture can be multi functional

One of the biggest benefits of having your own home working space is that you are not limited to a soulless office cubicle. Solutions and options are endless as you can now get storage furniture that will match your theme. A desk doesn't have to be a large office table that looks out of place in your space. You should look to choose furniture which matches your space and most importantly that you like. The furniture in your work from home space should be functional yet work within your theme.  If your home has Scandanavian decor, warm wood and soft, comfy chairs or a loveseat are ideal if you have the space. A contemporary home office can feature artistic pieces or modern metal furniture.

3. Add Proper Storage.

This of course spends on your job and how much paperwork you may need to keep, but most home offices need to have some storage. If your room is being used for multiple functions, having dedicated storage can be used to store your work equipment such as your laptop at the end of the workday.

Your work from home office should have dedicated storage space for all your documents, to keep your supplies such as printer paper (or even the printer itself), out of sight. This shouldn’t mean that you have to spend hours searching for what you need daily. The storage you select needs to be functional and work for what your particular needs are. 

4. Choose A Desk That Suits Your Needs.

Choose a desk that suits your needs

Your desk height should be such that when you type on the keyboard, your arms and hands are parallel to the floor. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and your legs should fit comfortably under the desk. Many desks now come with height-adjustable legs. If you already have a table and cannot invest in a new one that supports this posture, get yourself a height-adjustable keyboard tray or a footrest to correct your alignment. If you have a large home office space, you could get a large table with lots of shelving. If you have to fit a table into a nook, consider a corner desk that will fit compactly in a corner under which you can tuck in your chair as well.

Another important factor is the access area to your home office. Can your large table be dismantled to move through the door? Or will it fit through the access passage? What desk you choose will also depend on your working style Do you just need a laptop and a water bottle, or do you need to surround yourself with pin-ups, photos, plants and the like around your laptop? A final consideration is how to hide unsightly cables. Holes or channels for cords are an excellent way to keep those pesky wires hidden. You could even have a hidden storage box mounted just under your table to store the unsightly wires and cables.

5. Consider Adding A Standing Desk.

A standing desk can help you be more productive

There is so much buzz around standing desks! There are so many great standing desks available on the market that will suit your personal style. Studies suggest sitting for long periods of time can cause serious health issues and weaken the overall strength and endurance of people who lead sedentary lifestyles.

Working at a standing desk means that you are keeping your back and overall posture at the best levels and actually burning calories while simply standing and working. Experts recommend using a standing desk for at least 3 – 4 hours a day.

6. Invest in a Great Chair.

Investing in a comfortable & ergonomic office chair is also an important design choice for your home office that will affect your productivity. A great desk chair will not only make you feel like you’re sitting on a cloud all day, but it will also provide lumbar support & help avoid back problems in the future.

A good office chair can boost productivity by allowing you to stay comfortable and focused for longer periods of time. The back is usually the first part of the body to suffer from sitting down all day. So look for a chair with back or lumbar support, which usually comes in the form of extra cushioning on the backrest. Not all office chairs come with armrests, but these are good to have as they give you extra support if you need to lean on something.

Also, consider material. Leather tends to be more expensive and feel more luxurious, but unless you’re prepared to sit in air conditioning all day, breathable material like mesh would be more appropriate in Singapore’s climate.

Another thing to look out for is adjustability. The best office chair in the world is pointless if it’s too high or low. Armrests and tilt may also be adjustable.

Bring plants into your home office

7. Bring The Outside Inside With Plants.

You should also consider decorating your home office with a few indoor plants. Indoor plants are a breath of fresh air to any space that they occupy, including your home office. Plus, they’re the type of decoration that won’t distract you from your work. They can also help filter out the air inside your home office design, while simultaneously improving your psychological well-being.

If you are not green-fingered, you can always opt for beautiful fake plants which will still add greenery to your home and make you feel like you have brought the outside inside. 

8. Forget “Office Beige”.

One of the biggest advantages of working from your own space is that you have the freedom to paint or wallpaper your walls to your taste. You need a colour that gets your work motor humming. For some people, that's a bright, cheery colour like orange or lime green. Others need a calming shade like botanical green or seafoam blue to perform. 

9. Your View Can Inspire You. 

Position the desk where you can stare at something more interesting than a blank wall (even if you do love the colour) when you glance up from the computer. Feng Shui experts suggest positioning your desk in the power position where you can see the door and your back is to the wall. Make the most of your windows' natural light by positioning your desk where the window is to the side. Investing in blinds or curtains means you can also control the amount of light coming into your room, essential with Singapore’s weather. 

10. Choose Accessories That You Love. 

Make your home office your own with unique accessories

Unless you're going for a contemporary look, choose extras that enhance the comfortable feeling of your home office. These can be simple such as a mug you love to have your Kopi from in the morning or a quirky pen holder. Hang inspirational prints on the walls, whether that's simply your kids' framed artwork or a classic painting. Remember, you can always have a virtual background for your daily zoom calls, giving you the freedom to accessorise your space.

11. Control the Noise Level.

If you’re the type of person that gets easily distracted by noise, you can invest in items that will help control the noise level that you hear from the outside world. It could be as simple as curtains to minimise the noise coming from your neighbours or a rug on your floors to cushion the sounds of your kids playing in the next room. A simple solution is to invest in some noise-cancelling headphones or a speaker for your desk.  

12. Invest in Suitable Lighting.

A desk lamp brings better light to your work from home setup

If you rely on natural light to brighten your home office, this can affect your productivity in ways that you might not be conscious of before. Since natural light changes as the day continue, you need to be mindful of the changing lighting situation in your home office. You must have noticed this situation in your office building – there are bright lights on throughout the day to add to the natural lighting. This helps employees stay in a fresh state of mind for longer.

Using desk lamps can help you zone out from your surroundings and just focus on the work in front of you. It may seem underrated, but good lighting can enable the best home office experience you need. You don’t want your home office design to be too bright that it makes it hard for you to see the screen and cause eye strain. You also don’t want it to be so dark that you struggle to make out what you’re trying to look at for work.

9 Tips To Maximise Space In A Small Apartment.

With space at a premium in Singapore, every centimetre counts

According to URA data, from Q2 2020 (remember Circuit Breaker was in place) to Q1 2021, the percentage of non-landed private property (including Executive Condominiums) transactions involving properties measuring 90 to less than 100 sqm fell from 11.27% to 10.54%. Meanwhile, the percentage of transactions involving properties measuring from 100 to under 120 sqm rose from 13.01% to 17.29%. The average 4- to 5-room apartment measures about 90 to 120 square metres.

With homes now having to perform more functions than ever before, think work from home, accommodating multi-generational families, our elderly living longer, maximising what you can do with your space is a key consideration for many Singaporeans. Buying a larger home, is for many, simply not an option. With that in mind, we have put together top tips to maximise your space. 

1. Declutter before choosing storage options. 

Decluttering will free up space for the things you really need within your home

It’s human nature to hoard things, we don’t want to let go and “you never know when you might need that again”. Clutter isn’t a specific challenge only to smaller homes, larger homes also can have storage issues.

The best advice is to declutter your space to only install storage space for those items that you truly want to keep.

A guiding principle you can use is that each item must meet two of the following three criteria: its beautiful, functional or sentimental. With this in mind, you can start to clear out one cupboard at a time and see how much space you get back to your home. 

Don’t know what you do with the items you no longer need? You can of course sell them using platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Carousell or there are also many charities and free Facebook groups where you can donate your items to someone who needs them. This means saving the planet by saving items that can still be used from landfills and giving your items a second lease of life. 

2. Make the most of your wall space.

Save space with wall mounted over the bed lighting

One rule to rule them all, “think tall when small”. With floor space becoming even more limited, you need to make your wall space work even harder to accommodate your needs. If you can, get storage options that go up to the ceiling, or at the very least that you can place items on top of to maximise storage space. Another option is to install shelving that you can place baskets or boxes onto to not take up precious floor space.

3. Wall mounting is not just for storage.

Similar to storage solutions that take up the wall rather than floor space, look at what in your home you can mount on your walls to give you back precious square footage. A great example of this is mounting your television to the wall, there are now many solutions available to hide the cables so you get a clean seamless look but save on space. Another option is to look beyond table lamps which again take up real estate in your home. A slim floor lamp or even wall sconces can save you space whilst still giving your home soft lighting options. The underlying principle to remember is that if you want your space to feel larger, then it has to look brighter. So don’t skimp on the lighting, explore different options to bring light into your space whilst maximising the space available to you.

4. Add built-in furniture.

Whilst this option is more expensive than freestanding furniture, it is worth considering what built-in furniture makes sense in your home, will give you additional storage and give the illusion of a bigger space. 

Do you have a recessed wall in your bedroom? Look at how you could get a custom-built wardrobe that makes the most of this odd shape but also adds storage for clothes. Platform beds are a great example of smart home design which takes up the same amount of space as a freestanding bed but has built-in storage. 

Look at your dining area, can you build in benches that will not only maximise the amount of seating you have but also can have storage built-in. 

5. Multi-purpose furniture

Nesting coffee tables can be put away when not in use

Make your space work harder for you by selecting multipurpose furniture. If you want multiple coffee tables that you can use when guests come over, consider getting nesting coffee tables that save space when not in use. Need a dining table that can accommodate you and your partner but you will need to replace it when your family expands or you have guests over? Why not look at an extendable dining table and have folding chairs that can seat additional guests. A dual-purpose ottoman is a great example that can double as storage space, additional seating or if you pop a tray on top, it can even work as a coffee table. 

6. Trick the eye with your window treatments.

Well hung curtains can change the feel of your room.

Swapping out the materials you use in your curtains can instantly change the look and feel of your space. The end goal, make your room seem larger than it actually is. To do this? Maximise the height of your room as well as the available natural light. That doesn't mean of course raising your ceiling, it's all a trick of the eye. 

If you want your ceiling to appear higher, hang curtains above your window frame. A good rule of thumb is to hang about two-thirds of the distance between the top of the window and the ceiling. Next, you want to maximise the amount of light that comes into your room. If you extend the curtain pole out approximately 15-30 cm to the side of your windows, when the curtains are open, you can push them all the way back from the window to let in the most amount of light.

Let’s face it, custom made curtains can be expensive. To save you money, consider buying store-bought curtains and using multiple panels. For example, IKEA may have the curtains you want but not the right width, you can use one pair of curtains i.e. both panels on one side of the window and one pair of curtains on the other side. 

7. Use mirrors to bring in light.

Mirrors reflect the light within your space.

Mirrors are a great addition to a smaller space as they double the visual space of an area whilst reflecting light around your home.  They also can break up a wall visually giving the illusion that you have more space than you have. 

8. Unify your colour palette.

Moving from room to room in a smaller space, whether it’s open plan living or a series of smaller rooms, is easier on the eye and opens up space if you have a neutral unifying colour palette. It can be quite jarring moving room to room full of bold colours when the space is quite small. That said, we are not advising you to abandon colour and go all white, you have plenty of options to bring colour into your space. 

Well placed art can bring personality to your home.

Pro-tip - you can look for paint that has a slight sheen to it, this helps to reflect the light and therefore give the illusion of a more spacious home. 

9. Artwork adds colour.

Yes, we spoke about having a unified neutral colour scheme, however, that doesn’t mean that your home needs to be devoid of colour or personality. Add bold splashes of colour with art. You can bring in personality but avoid the cluttered look by choosing one key piece per room that draws the eye.