Find Out How Color Affects Your Baby’s Behavior

Find Out How Color Affects Your Baby’s Behavior

If you’re a returning reader, by now you probably know two things: 1. We are based in Singapore, and 2. We do interior designs. Two of the most important things about us and coincidentally, two of the things we love the most.

Although we enjoy interior design and bringing you the home that you will fall in love with, we also believe that interior design is more than just looking pretty and sweeping you off your feet. Your interior design represents your character and life style, and sometimes, it does more than representing you.

color psychology interior design singapore

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Huh?

You see, the human mind is an interesting and complex thing. Your environment and places of being can easily have an effect on you. If this is sounding a little too next level stuff, just take a step back and think about it; for instance, do you feel the exact same when you walk into a dark, cluttered living room and when you walk into a bright, spacious living room?

Probably not.

How about the same living room, but between when it’s messy and when it’s clean and tidy?

I think I can speak for most people when I say that the difference would really affect my feelings. Even just a little bit.

Now, all of which I’ve just described are just a virtual thing. Another factor in any virtual display is, you guess it, color.

Do colors really have an effect on our mood or feelings?

Once again, the answer might vary from one person to another, but in most cases, it does. Imaging being locked in a small room with all the walls, the floor and ceiling painted white, and being locked in another in red. Even in your head, you could probably already feel the difference.  

And since the colors in your home do have an effect on you, your babies, tiny, but still human beings, are also getting slight effects from the colors at home, too.

What does this mean?

This means that your baby, who is less capable of expressing and analyzing feelings and mood swings (Well, sometimes we as adults can’t even master that.), are likely to receive more impacts from the colors in the nursery or their room. This is, by the way, completely scientifically researched and have been known for decades. This New York Times article from way back in the 1980’s discussed about how colors affect behaviors.

Now, let’s take at some common colors and see how that affect behaviors

Red

Red is the color of excitement and energy. And, usually avoided for nursery or children’s room because it is also associated with aggression. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to get rid of every red things in your baby’s room. A few touch here and there is fine, painting the walls red might require a second thought.

Pink

A soft, mellow color that has a calming effect, although too much pink can lead to anxiety and agitation. Like most things in life, too much is never a great idea. Use the color in moderation for the perfect balance.

Yellow

The happy color. Commonly associated with happiness and cheerfulness. Brighter shades of yellow can even stimulate memory and metabolism. However, because of its stimulating ability, painting walls yellow might over stimulate your baby’s emotions and feelings, which might result in bad temper or overly emotional babies.

Blue

The exact opposite of red is probably the first thought that comes to mind when people think of the color blue. Similarly, blue does the opposite thing in psychology as well. Blue is said to calm the mind and the body, this makes it a good color for children who have trouble sleeping or are prone to tantrums. It is also the color is associated with water and the sea. Having a good amount of blue in the room also has a cooling effect – of course, in your head, but isn’t everything?

Purple

Purple is essentially the combination of blue and red, two opposite colors. This means that it has the characteristics of either. Commonly associated with wisdom and spirituality, the darker shade of purple is also associated with wealth and royalty. This color can promote sensitivity and compassion for children.

Green

Green symbolizes the nature and that brings a calming vibe to the space as well as a refreshing feeling to it. The color is said to reduce anxiety and promote concentration. Some studies even claim that green can improve children’s reading skills.
And remember, these are all just generalizations. Psychological responses to colors vary from one person to another. Make sure you have a few good looks at the colors and observe how your baby reacts to the colors before you make any decision. If you had the time and means, you could also always change the colors every once in a while. Ask the experts in Singapore interior design now!

Condo Interior Design: The Luxurious Feel

Condo Interior Design: The Luxurious Feel

Just because we don’t have a billion dollar home, doesn’t mean we can’t do a little extra something to make our home looks and feels like a little bit closer to billion dollar, that is exactly the beauty and the magic of interior design. Given proper communication, any interior designer in Singapore should be able to get their hands on a few gems to put it in your home here and there and create the luxurious vibe. This does not always mean spending big bucks to turn your home into a seventeenth century castle (Although that would be very cool and luxury guaranteed.), a few defining elements around the house can do wonders and upgrade your entire apartment when done properly. Consult with your interior designer and find out his or her access to such elements.

What are the most common defining elements used to create the luxurious feel for the apartment?

The truth is, with some clever touch, everything has the potential to be the defining luxurious element in the apartment, for example, a simple mirror.

contemporary powder room Interior designer Singapore

Image source: houzz.com

Replace your boring, square mirror with something with character and elegance, and you’d be surprised how this one simple trick can turn the whole area into something with luxury in the air.

Another frequently forgotten defining element for luxury is the indoor stones.

And it works even better with a modern interior design, adding a stone wall or just a simple TV wall brings in a subtle outdoor vibe while maintaining its luxurious status.

stone wall interior designer Singapore

Image source: gopret.com

And even if you’re going with a more warm-colors design, the stone-wall fits right in with a more mellow vibe, yet still says “luxury” to everyone who lays eye on it.

Interior Designer Singapore

Image source: decoist.com

Now, back to the small decoration and accessories category, when it comes to anything luxury, the most commonly associated elements are, you know it, fur and leather. Both things sound expensive. And they could be, but worry not, just a touch of fur and leather in a modern apartment can be a game changer. Don’t believe me? See it for yourself.

leather fur accessories Interior Designer Singapore

Image source: lushome.com

modern leather fur accessories Interior Designer Singapore

Image source: allhomedesign.com

A small piece of leather carpet turns the living room into a billion-dollar vacation resort. And all it does is just lay there on the floor! And the fur chair, let me just say, if it looks like it’s made for a princess, it sure is meant for a princess, even when it’s just sitting in the corner of a tiny Singapore studio.

Of course, you can’t go luxurious without chandelier. In fact, the power of chandelier is so strong that it is almost impossible to walk in any apartment with a chandelier and say “Oh, what a modest home.”  –  And if anyone does exactly that, that’s how you know the person lies!
I mean look at this.

Interior Designer Singapore

Image source: bmorelive.com

And this horn chandelier that fit right in of a modern design so smoothly and bringing the warmth in a stone cold kitchen? This design is telling people that “Hey, I’m a modern city living home owner, but I also have the time and luxury to enjoy the great outdoors.”

horn decor Interior Designer Singapore

Image source: decorpad.com

And for those who is 100% not feeling the contract and the wild outdoor touch, there is always the more traditionally luxurious touch in your chandelier. Even a seemingly boring dining room does not stand a chance when it comes to the power of a chandelier, it lights up the space, both literally and figuratively.

Unique Art Deco Interior Designer Singapore

Image source:Merimoou.com

For a country as hot as Singapore, your Singapore interior designer might have recommended a all-white and natural light rich design for your living room, which is clever, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t step up your luxurious vibe game and chandelier it, if you think it won’t work with a minimalist design, think again.

Living room Interior Designer Singapore

Image source: nysaan.com

See, told you!

Not into any of the mentioned above? Here’s one more trick up my sleeve:
Hang a picture/painting

painting Interior Designer Singapore

Image source: freshome.com

Yes, paintings, changing the vibe of your living room since… well, since hanging paintings on the wall became a thing, which I’m sure it has been for centuries, all the wisdom and satisfied users can’t be wrong, right? Not to mention that it goes with almost all background colors, unless you have really, really colorful wall. Just remember “Less is more”, because a crowded wall can say a lot of things, but “luxury” is not one of those things.

Six Brilliant Tricks to Keep the House Cool without Air Conditioning

Six Brilliant Tricks to Keep the House Cool without Air Conditioning

interior designs in Singapore

I enjoy the idea of summer as much as the next girl – Catchy summer songs, more skin showing on the street, delicious ice cream, the beach and the sunshine… All of these sounds more than delightful. However, there’s absolutely no songs ever written about staying at home in summer, which is an inevitable part of life. It sure feels nice to just relax, watch some TV while cranking up the air-conditioner, that kind of stuff that’s made for a lazy Sunday afternoon. And when it comes to places that are summer all year long like Singapore, it’s hard not to seek help from our loyal friend, air conditioner,  to keep the house nice and cool, both when you’re sitting in the living room enjoying a glass of iced tea with air conditioner running in the background and the chill in your heart when you see the numbers on your utility bills.

Turn off that AC!

And that’s when you say something has got to change. There are a lot of eco-friendly air conditioners in the market at the moment, but you know what’s more eco-friendly than eco-friendly air conditioner? No air conditioning at all.

This might sound a little crazy, even dreadful to some, but with the help of a few tricks here and there, you might just make it! Read on to see the tricks that can help keep you cool around the house without AC!

Unplug

You might not notice, but a small amount of heat is generated when your electronics and other small appliances are plugged, even when they’re not in use. Go around the house and unplug away to save some energy and reduce the heat in the house.

Is your ceiling fan doing its part?

In summer, your ceiling fan should be set to run counter clockwise to circulate cool air.

Incandescent lights, out!

If you haven’t already, replace your incandescent lights with CFL or LED light bulbs to reduce both energy used and heat. While you’re at it, look at a few more options for everything else in the house to find a lower energy consumption option, the less energy is required, the less heat it is giving off.

Windows

Open up your windows and let the breeze in, this also help the air circulation. If you really don’t want to or can’t open your windows, consider using window films with sun control on your windows, these films are known for reducing the heat when the sun shines through your big glass window as well as UV protection.

The shades

What is the color of your windows shades or screens? Not black or anything dark, I hope. Lighting colors, namely white, rejects warmth and sunlight instead of absorbing it like black does. If you feel like there is already a lot of white in your interior design and want to mix things up a little, woven and bamboo shades are also excellent at keeping the heat out.

Pay attention to your body temperature

What you are really trying to avoid is “feeling” hot, a cold shower or some ice cold beverage can do the trick.  Additionally, you can also soak a small towel in ice cold water, apply it on your body after rinsing off the excessive water.

 

The long term game plan

Of course, you can’t be showering once every 2 hours, not only is it a waste of water, your skin will also dry up pretty quickly when that happens. If you’re living in a place like Singapore, it makes sense to commit to a long term plan and do a little more to keep the house cool without air conditioning, for example, the previously mentioned window films that keep the heat and sun damage out is a good tool, if there’s space, you could also consider adding a little green to your interior design, plants and vines can serve as extra sunblock for the house and help with the breeze. Incorporate heat reducing features in your interior design, this should already be carefully planned for a place like Singapore. If your apartment is really outdated or getting a renovation, make sure you talk to your interior designer about heat reducing features, something interior designs in Singapore should especially be focused on.

Maximizing Your Home Space – Fun & Economical Storage Ideas

Maximizing Your Home Space – Fun & Economical Storage Ideas

Storage has always been a common problem people from all walks of life and backgrounds share, even interior designers in Singapore find it challenging as well. We live our life one day at a time, as the time goes by we inevitably increase our possessions. You see, there’s 365 days a year, and some of those days we’re going to come home with items that will not just disappear or dissolve itself. Unfortunately, the one thing that does not grow with the numbers of our possessions is our home space. I can get all the new shoes, new clothes, new stuffed animals that I want over the year, my apartment would still the exact same tiny one bedroom that I’ve been living in. They say life is full of uncertainties, but if there’s one thing I know for sure, it is that my apartment is certainly not growing bigger. (But hey, technology, I’m not giving up on you yet! One day someone is going to invent something amazing that will solve all the storage problems… right? )

Since our home space does not grow big over time (yet), we, as a society has made peace with that and come up with our very own solutions. Almost all of the solutions share one similar philosophy: Vertical space is key.

Let’s Get Vertical.

Take Hong Kong for example, the tiny island has attracted more people than it could take, so what happened next? The buildings got higher and higher, making Hong Kong one of Asia’s most famous concrete jungle.

And hey, if Hong Kong can do it, we can do it, too! We are probably not going to make a concrete jungle out of a home, but a little fun with vertical space never hurts anybody.

The forgotten in-between space.

Say, you’ve got way too many shoes and not enough cabinets in the house? This bad ass shoe storage solution is here to the rescue. It fully utilizes the tiny in between space that you didn’t think could be good for anything, and proudly displays your majestic collection of footwear the way they deserve to be displayed.

storage solution interior designer singapore

Image source: deringhall.com

Now that you have a taste of the greatness of vertical space utilization, let’s see what else can you vertical with your in-between space.

One place that’s got some sneaky in-between space is the bathroom. And, if I may, let’s make 2015 the time to ask yourself not what you can do for your bathroom, but what your bathroom can do for you. No more stacking up toilet papers in the garage, know that in-between space right next to the toilet that you didn’t even think it could help with storage? How about we put a skinny floor cabinet in there for toilet papers and other bathroom things?

bathroom storage solution interior designer singapore

Image source: amazon.com, Proman Products

And now, for the ultimate vertical and in-between space utilization, this amazing floor canned food organizer can frees up some serious cabinets in the kitchen using space that you barely notice it’s there.

storage solutions interior designer singapore

Image source: classyclutter.net

The vertical DIY – Build your kitchen shelves as high as it needs to be.

This simple trick allows you to build your storage space way up, go ahead and buy more mason jars for your dream summer get-together at the house, you now have the perfect storage plan for them.

Kitchen storage interior designer singapore

Image source: containerstore.com

Got a small bathroom with little to none cabinet? Tired of moving all your beauty/skin care/hair care products in and out of the bathroom? Let’s get vertical in the bathroom, too! Grab a few spice racks and put them on the wall – something I’m sure every bathroom is rich in, and give yourself all the table space in the bathroom with clean cut storage space on your wall.

wall storage interior designer singapore

Image source: apartmenttherapy.com

Now that we’ve seen all these amazing vertical space utilization that allow you to build your way up, let’s not forget that you can also go down a little. The chance is, your existing shelves haven’t even reach its full potential yet. With a little bit of help from undershelves, you might just be able to get yourself a spare cabinet in the kitchen.

storage in kitchen interior designer singapore

Image source: containerstore.com

Of course, the power of under-shelves basket does not stop there, it is also a great tool to organize your cleaning tools and agents in the kitchen, while you’re at it, you might just be able to storage those old magazine that for whatever reason you’re keeping in there as well.

storage baskets interior designer singapore

Image source: organizingmadefun.blogspot.com

With all the space saved from vertical space utilization, the apartment/home space might actually feel larger. Which is something everybody enjoys. Let’s take a look at your place and identify the vertical space with storage potential now! You can ask a talented interior designer in Singapore to help you out!

5 Energy Efficiency Solutions for the Home

5 Energy Efficiency Solutions for the Home

Even though humans have tried to explore beyond earth to find a new living planet suitable for us, but as far we know, the planet earth is still the only planet that is suitable for human living. With this in mind, going green seems to be the logical option for the sake of both our planet earth and our wallet, every Singaporean interior designer would agree to this. For example, did you know that if your air conditioning is over 12 years old, the chance is, the new models available in the markets right now are likely greener (more energy efficient) and, therefore save you some money on your electricity bill?

Let’s take a look at other energy efficiency solutions that helps you save the green earth and your wallets:

Switch to Solar

It is true that Singapore may has limited space, but Singapore also has a lot of sun. Like the rest of south-east Asia, the development of solar power has been making good progresses. Consider solar roof as your energy source at home, while it is quite an investment, but the wonderful thing about solar roof is that the majority of the fees are one-off. You can just sit back and relax once everything is in place.

If it’s the initial costs that are preventing you from going green via solar roof, you don’t have to let it. Some new business models have been developing in Singapore and with the help of these service, you might just be able to go green with lower initial costs.

eco-friendly Home Interior Design Singapore

Image Source: zmescience.com

For example, PacificLight Energy plans to provide solar power to your home by installing solar roof, which they own on your roof. If the solar generated energy is not enough, the company will provide gas generated power on top of it.

Or you can consider the SolarSpace programme from Sun Electric, which connects owners with solar roof space with customers that wish to use solar generated power.

Baby steps

Do not let this solar talk scare you away though, if all those just seem too far away from reality, you can always start small by looking at your light bulbs. Yes, light bulbs. Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) typically use about 25%-80% less energy than traditional light bulbs. Saving you money and the green earth at the very same time!

Time your shower

Limit your shower to six minutes could save you a great deal of money from reduced water cost and the cost of heating it, while you’re at it, purchase a water-efficient shower-head to up your game.

Unplug now!

energy saving Singapore Interior Design

Image Source: usnews.com

Consumer electronics account for about 13% of home energy use, this might not seem much, but nothing is too small to reduce! Did you know that even when they’re not in used, appliances still drains a lot of energy when they’re plugged in? Unplug your devices when it’s fully charged or when not in use, this will save you a noticeable amount of money on your electricity bill. You could also use some help from green adapters that automatically cut off the power supply once your devices have enough power.

Go green, literally.

Provided that you have enough space and permission, consider getting plants around the house, with a little care, those plants can do wonderful thing to the air quality around the house and reduce heat to a certain degree. With enough greens and breezes around the house, you might just get to turn off your air conditioning from time to time.

Interior Designer Singapore

Image Source: homeexteriorinterior.com

Check your home insulation system.

Cool air will flow out of poorly insulated walls and keep you hot inside, consult a professional or conduct a thorough research yourself to make sure you have a proper and effective insulation system. However, the walls aren’t the only thing that can help with your electricity bill, upgrade your windows to energy efficient windows, such as storm windows, can also help you save by keeping the cool air in.

Last but not least, don’t forget to switch it off!

One simple trick to save energy and makes your home more energy efficient is to switch off the powers when the devices are not in use. Do you need your laptop to stay on when you’re watching TV? Do you need all the lights in the house to be on even when you’re alone and reading this in your bed? The habit of switching off can save you a dramatic amount of money, and it is never too late to start today! You can ask an advice from your talented Singapore interior designer to help you accomplish an eco-friendly home solutions.

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