Showing posts with label city living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city living. Show all posts

Feb 7, 2015

Ikea classics that will never go wrong

We Singaporeans simply love Ikea too much. Not just for the furniture/home accessories and other knick-knacks, but also the hassle free meals. Who doesn't love Ikea fried wings (chicken), right?

I personally do not go specifically to hunt for furniture in Ikea as we prefer long-lasting one of a kind pieces but these are stuff I wouldn't mind getting. I feel they get your creative juices going as your wouldn't want your affordable pieces to look cheap.

DOCKSTA Table, White $349

via

MALM Chest of Drawers, $59-$199

via

/ I have to say THE EXPEDIT, $69-$179

via

STOCKHOLM rug, $399

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RIBBA Frames, $3.90-$11.90

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Jan 17, 2014

Decor Series :: Chinese New Year (Part I)


The Chinese New Year is just around the corner and, if you are not crazy about the tacky decorations that are being sold all over or in Chinatown, you might like this series I am planning. Modern decor that does not scream Chinese New Year, just little subtle accents.



Images via here, here, here and here

Shopping suggestions:

Top photo // Shop for cloth in Spotlight or Arab Street. Other options include Joo Chiat/Geylang area. Spruce up the look with metallics, geometric or floral pieces. Flower options may include pussy willows or cherry blossoms

Second photo // Paper lanterns are available online or you may check out this retail space at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre 1-6 pieces are being sold for just $3.80/piece. Is that a steal or what?

Third photo // Get fallen branches anywhere. Under big trees, botanical gardens, the beach etc. Spray paints available at Art Friend, Spotlight or any paint shop. Fake birds/butterflies may be available in handicraft or party shops, Spotlight or even Far East Flora at Thomson Road. If you have time to spare, try online.

Last photo // Alternative for gold balls are red fruits, oranges or spray paint plastic fruits!



Aug 3, 2013

Empire State of Mind

Bowled over and loving the interiors of boutique hotels in NYC.

Ameritania Hotel


Moderne Hotel



Empire Hotel


Bentley Hotel



Aug 2, 2013

Party ready for the weekend?





PS. I've kept these photos in my draft folder for the longest time. They are too pretty not to be posted. If anyone know where they're from, do drop me a note! Thanks much!

Jul 31, 2013

Global and eclectic at home

We, Singaporeans tend to travel quite a bit. I personally LOVE decor that's inspired by travel. My latest fascination is been with vintage posters and blown up photographs. Although I have quite a collection of maps, matchboxes, ticket stubs, postcards collected over the years, I prefer to display the larger items like posters or pottery to avoid clutter. So yes, go for larger items eg. rugs, scarfs, lamps, tapestry (if you have the budget) instead of snow globes or fridge magnets (those are meant for your colleagues!).

For those of us who struggle with displaying the travel treasures, this is how it's being done.

Morrocan lamp + rattan seat with sheep throw

interior infatuations
Tapestry display over headboard makes a stunning statement

houzz
Photograph display + storage containers. PS you don't need to buy anything. Just frame your favorite memory from the trip!

lonny
Oriental rug + scarf/fabric that can be displayed as art

Jul 30, 2013

Floral arrangements for non-florists

For me, the home is incomplete without fresh flowers and I always make it a point to get my hands on pretty blooms at least every forthnight. If you are relatively new to simple floral arrangements and are intimidated, don't be! Here are some tips that may help you get by.

1. Start simple. There's no need to spend a bomb on vases and even flowers. Just recycle wine bottles, candle containers, use whiskey glasses, pretty much any suitable container you have. I used to buy only fancy flowers like the wild ones that grow in cool climates, hydrangeas, calla lilies or cymbidium orchids but soon realized it's not economical when you have your own home and to buy those every fortnight. So I reserve them for special occasions and learnt to appreciate tropical orchids and green palms as they are not as pricey as the imported ones in our country. I also look out for, flowers that keep relatively long. I once bought green palms (like the one pictured below) for like $3 and they lasted almost 2 months!


2. For long flower stems, you have the option of cutting it into 2. The flowers can then go into 2 separate vases or arranged in the same vase. This method is especially useful if you only have normal short glasses. The following picture illustrates this step.


3. To keep flowers longer, I tend to trim the stems diagonally to allow it to absorb more water. If you're feeling it, every 2-3 days, trim the stem slightly more to get rid of the soggy/browned portion.


4. The result - Master bath-room.


5. The result - Master bed-room


6. The living room - Bar area


7. The result - The entry console table


Just 4 stalks of purple mokara orchids gave me pretty arrangements in 4 different areas in my home. Going cheap does not mean compromising on beauty ❤ 

Jun 17, 2013

Furniture finds in Singapore :: Galanga Living

Unlike the other stores, I have not been to Galanga Living but follow them on Facebook. They do have great ethnic-inspired, unique items, perfect to hunt for that finishing touch in your precious home. I personally am intrigued by their wall storage boxes.



It is great space saver for a small apartment but I am a little on the fence about this. The problem is, I do not exactly know what to place on them, but you might. They have neon options. I LOVE these!

{All images from Galanga Living facebook page}
Galanga Living location and contact:

211 Henderson Road #01-02,
Singapore 159552
Tel: +65 6475 2633




May 29, 2013

They call it micro-living

This is a tiny AND functional apartment that I totally love. I don't crave for huge spaces, and would move here in a heart beat!
I love how removing the wall behind the tv opens up the space. An element of privacy is retained with the blinds.

This is probaby the bed-room cum study. The owners installed a murphy bed that can be folded to make space when not needed. Hm, I wouldn't mind a murphy bed in a guest bed-room but not my own. I like the feeling of walking into an inviting bedroom of my own with flowers on the side-table, candles and a soothing aroma. What do you think?



All images via HOUZZ
My next favorite great idea is this swivel tv. Seriously with this amazing job you don't need to actually install another tv in the house. Perfect after an exhausing day when you just want to snuggle up on bed and watch thrash (!).

Apr 23, 2013

Furniture finds in Singapore :: CB2

Stopped by CB2 last evening at Peranakan Place Complex (next to Centrepoint). Strangely when I heard that the showroom was 6000 sq feet, I was under the impression that it'll be massive. I have to say I was mildly disappointed.

CB2 home furnishings is catered mostly for small space living with sofa-beds, moveable bars, office pedestals etc so its perfect for us, city dwellers. On top of this, the staff are pretty friendly and willing to help. PLUS!

I personally singled out these cool items for my small apartment.

Amp up your home style for a party. Stainless steel snack bowl USD 19.95


Not enough space? Use walls! Wall mounted candle holders USD 1.95


If you don't have room for a home office, this moveable file cabinet is the answer USD 159



Yup, use the walls. Linear 12 bottle wine rack USD 49.95

Reminders of fabulous travels should start at home (Limited edition) City of domes wall hanging USD 129


Narrow hallway? Get the Foundry console table USD 299
This can double up as a make-shift bar during a party or shelves for books/knick-knacks. Peekaboo clear rolling two shelf USD 349

All pics by CB2

Address/Contact:

178A Orchard Road
Peranakan Place Complex
Singapore, SG 238845
Tel: +65 6732 5333

Apr 11, 2013

What Makes a Space Glam?

This is Raiana's sophisticated glam living room and I love LOVE it! I was trying to figure out the details that make it so glamourous, chic and functional at the same time. Can you believe she has diapers hiding in that black credenza?? *sigh*

Jun 6, 2012

Specially for the city dwellers

I came across an adorable post by Joanna Goddard who lives in Manhattan NY with her husband, Alex and toddler son, Toby. Like many of us city dwellers, she struggles with the fact that we do not have outdoor areas to hang out in after a long day.

This is a true case of making do with what you have and having fun with it! After a lightbulb moment, they sneak out to their fire escape space via the bedroom and they have made it into a ritual after their baby falls asleep.

Cute I say!

PS. I shall make better use of my decent balcony from today!

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