Home hacks: facelift for an upgrade this new year
The right décor accents can make your home look like a million bucks, minus the hefty price tag and time-consuming reno works. Here’s how you can upgrade your living space and lifestyle for a good year ahead.
1. Make a statement (and lots of conversation)
Nothing says refinement quite like a tasteful work of art. Inject some personality into your space with wall art — rustic wooden pieces will create a homely yet classy look, while iron-wire sculptures will help you achieve that raw, edgy vibe. Whatever tickles your fancy, it’s bound to be a conversation starter.
Draw some inspo from Crate & Barrel at ION Orchard.
2. Create your own colour code
Accent walls were all the rage at one point in time, but painting takes time that we frankly just don't have, and isn't as ideal if Fickle is your middle name.
For a quicker fix, apply the same principle of using colours to create a stunning visual effect, but with curtains! They're less of a commitment (you can change them out anytime) and don’t cost much if you know where to look.
Get colour coded at Spotlight at Plaza Singapura.
3. Fill the floor
Like walls, floors offer lots of design opportunities. Rugs are a quick, simple way to immediately warm up a space (plus, they’re a delightful treat for the feet — whether yours or the pooch's.)
Lattice or monogram prints will add visual interest and make your home look well put together; while a solid colour can brighten up any living room.
Shop the floors of Crate & Barrel at ION Orchard.
4. Bank on beanbags
After you’ve found the perfect rug, take things up another notch with cosy bean bags. Casually position several of these super comfy chair alternatives around your living room or study space to create a laidback atmosphere. It's like a home away from home, but then it's not.
Find these genius inventions at the MUJI stores in Bugis Junction, ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura or Raffles City.
5. Cosy up with the cushies
Play with plush pillows in a variety of textures and tones to create an altogether different look and feel for your home. Go for rich fabrics like suede and velvet for instant glamour, or choose geometric prints for a designer update.
Get your cushions from Crate & Barrel at ION Orchard. If you’re thinking of a brand new sofa set to go along (just in time for Chinese New Year too), check out Star Living’s impressive collection at IMM.
6. Plate those masterpieces
The devil (and the design, really) is in the details. Plateware that is styled to reflect your personality, or your space’s for that matter, can make a world of difference. It certainly helps that well-plated food is that much more appetising too!
Work up an appetite at MUJI at Bugis Junction, ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura or Raffles City.
7. Let form meet function
Look around your home at the mandatory furniture pieces. They don't need to be all drab and lacklustre. When it comes time to replace them, take this chance to turn them into design features!
For example, when choosing a coffee table for your living room, pick a unique piece that does more than hold your TV remote.
Take your pick from Star Living at IMM.
8. Go green with envy
Bring your home to life, literally, with some help from Mother Nature. You can start small with a single potted plant, or a vase of flowers to freshen things up.
Pick up a beautiful floral centrepiece or an adorable little succulent from A Better Florist at Raffles City, or create your own terrarium at Pollen Scent at Plaza Singapura. For the knick-knacks you’ll need to complete your home garden, visit Daiso, also at Plaza Singapura.
9. Layer on luxe linens
If you have a guilty pleasure, can we hazard a guess and say it's to do with sinking into totally luxurious sheets?
To create that level of luxe, invest in good bed linens. Pristine, all-white sheets are neat; but you can also have some fun with colours.
Make sleep your priority with the sheet selection from Akemiuchi at Plaza Singapura or IMM.
10. Remember the finishing touches
This is our favourite part — letting your personality shine with decorative items. Will it be a paper lampshade, a cartoon character night light, or a funky poster for you? The only rule of thumb here is that it has to make you smile and feel right at home.
Get creative with cute stuff from Monoyono at Raffles City and Plaza Singapura.
While you’re dressing up your home, don’t forget that our ‘Wish Upon a Car’ festive draw continues! So, shop at CapitaLand malls from now until 2 March 2018, and you could drive home in an INFINITI Q30 - Premium Active Compact. Wouldn’t that be a fab way to start the new year?