Decor Series :: Chinese New Year (Part 2)

Images from here, here, here and here

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!

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 ❤ 

If your man is averse to pink or purple ...

Picking wall colors and furniture is not that straightforward, at least in my case. Given our small space, I will have to consider that all areas in the house should appeal to the both of us. If the man is averse to pink or purple or even gold, you can consider a small burst(s) of it in the room, adding an element of surprise. I think these rooms are perfectly designed keeping both the guy and the gal in mind.

{all via here and here}