If you've been following my blog for a while, you might be aware that I personally designed my previous 4-room HDB BTO home as well. That being said, transitioning from a 4-room HDB to a single bedroom was quite challenging. Considering storage and space were already a significant concern, maintaining neatness and organization added to the complexity. Ensuring a seamless lifestyle flow was a major headache as well.
Tips for small homes/rooms, Prioritize storage considerations before planning your lifestyle flow.
Tips for small homes/rooms, Prioritize storage considerations before planning your lifestyle flow.
Take into account that I have limited floor and wall space to work with when designing the storage area, and it must maintain a sense of proportion and aesthetic appeal. I didn't want my bedroom to appear dull; instead, I aimed for a playful yet subtly Japandi-inspired atmosphere. I wanted to wake up in a room that filled me with excitement, ensuring both restful comfort and efficient productivity for working from home. To cater to these requirements, I experimented with colors and alignment.
Tips for small homes/rooms, Utilize the wall space, but don't cover it entirely; leave some open shelves for aesthetic appeal.
My parents also had some specific requirements since this is ultimately their place:
-No Hacking
-No Aircon is allowed
-No Changing of existing Lights
-Must use existing Floor Tiles
-No coverage in the Window areas
-No changing of Windows
-There must be a flow of air from my room into the living area.
-No Aircon is allowed
-No Changing of existing Lights
-Must use existing Floor Tiles
-No coverage in the Window areas
-No changing of Windows
-There must be a flow of air from my room into the living area.
Tips for small homes/rooms, Before finalizing the layout design, comprehend what is achievable and what is not.
I've utilized all available wall space for the storage design.
On the left side of the wall, I've primarily allocated space for soft furnishings like bedsheets, wardrobes, bags, plush toys, and more. The right side of the storage is dedicated to more practical items, including my work area, craft materials, and gadgets.
Tips for small homes/rooms, Outline or imagine the designated areas and determine the items to be stored within them. This will help you gauge the required space and identify suitable design elements for that specific area.
You may have noticed that I have a bed platform, which allows me to store items I rarely use right beneath the bed. Dealing with this was a bit challenging because it was quite deep and initially inaccessible due to the unique layout of the old HDB design, which left an extra space under the window that may be wasted. However, I decided to retain it as storage and discussed with the carpenter to install a swing-down door for easier access.
Tips for small homes/rooms, When designing storage spaces, prioritize easy accessibility for frequently used items, but also allocate ample room for items you're keeping without immediate necessity.
Beneath the window, there's a swing-down door where I store all my sleep essentials and cushions whenever I'm not using them, keeping the space looking minimal and uncluttered. When it's bedtime, I simply take them out and use them, and in the morning, they go back into the cabinet. It's all about making the most of that extra space for an enhanced lifestyle experience.
Tips for small homes/rooms, The way cabinet doors open significantly impacts how much space you can use.
Adjacent to the cabinet under the window, there's a swing-up cabinet door that serves as storage within my bed platform, perfect for larger items like luggage.
Directly in front of the designated bed area, I have a display collection of toys that I enjoy viewing every day before I go to sleep and when I wake up. There's a corner space between the toy display and the window's wooden frame that could have been a neglected area. I discussed with the carpenter to transform it into open shelves, ensuring no space goes to waste.
Speaking of the window's wooden frame, it serves as the central highlight of my bedroom and happens to be my favourite part of the room. It's designed to provide a comfortable space for me to unwind and relax, enticing me to gaze at the beautiful sky and perhaps indulge in daydreaming to my heart's content.
Tips for small homes/rooms, Your bedroom isn't merely a storage area or a place for sleeping. Allow space for your heart as well. Create a serene corner where you can find comfort and relaxation.
(The LED light from the Left shelf isn't built-in by the Carpenter, it is bought from Shopee)
Lastly, I absolutely adore working at my watermelon-inspired coloured desk. To infuse a bit of vibrancy and break away from the monotony, I had some of my room's cabinet doors combine two different textures or colours of laminate, adding a touch of excitement to the otherwise plain square look. My pink study/working desk complements my pink Aftershock PC quite nicely.
Tips for small homes/rooms, If you're struggling to come up with a theme or colour scheme, consider exploring Pinterest for inspiration. As an example, I have an affinity for watermelon patterns, but I'm not particularly fond of the colour red. I conducted research for "pink, green, colour moodboard" on Pinterest to explore alternative colour tones and test matches. While it's recommended to compare, it's also a good idea to assess your comfort level with the actual laminate colours samples in the carpenter's catalogue before making a final decision.
Every surface has been meticulously considered; if the green, pink, or wood colors were applied to different surfaces, it could have created a completely different and unique atmosphere. I'm delighted that everything has come together wonderfully, creating a cozy and comfortable living environment.
My study and working desk might seem a bit compact to me since I use it for both crafting and working on my laptop from time to time. However, I can't ask for more, as long as it accommodates my large desktop computer effectively. After all, I downsized my space and well, considered it effectively as well.
Before I wrap up this post, I'd like to share that I intentionally designed this space to minimize the need for maintenance and cleaning. It's not just about the design itself; it's also about how we arrange our belongings. For instance, I purchased a stylish Kaws Desktop Cover to protect against dust, and I only remove it when I'm using my desktop. It's convenient and adds a nice touch when not in use. Pretty neat, isn't it? I had been searching for it for a while and finally found it on Shopee, where they offer a variety of sizes and options.
Tips for small homes/rooms, Add decorative elements, and enjoy the process! Incorporate items that bring you joy.
The price breakdown for my Bedroom renovation by my Carpenter is:
Carpentry Work & Lamination: $5000
Glass Door+Lighting+Mirror: approx. $1000
Design: FREE (my own design)
Timeline: Approx. Two weeks of 8hrs per day Renovation
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♥ Thanks for reading as always!
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