Flooring Tips and Designs for HDB Owners

Sometimes, having a renovation done is the best thing you can do for your home! When you're tired of your space or things look dated and just need an upgrade, a simple renovation can do so much to breathe new life into your space. This can range from painting your walls, changing up your layout and even adding new accessories!

One of the parts of the home that is usually overlooked in a quick renovation is the floors. Flooring is so important in a home because it can really pull a whole room together! While there are so many interesting ideas for flooring, there might be some restrictions for those who do a hdb renovation. Most of the time, the floors cannot be renovated so they are overlooked. However, that doesn't mean you cannot design your floors in some way! There are still ways to make it look pretty or classy without putting a jackhammer to it. Plus, these tips are great for those on a budget!

Check out these ideas for HDB renovation flooring ideas.

1. Rugs. Can't install wall-to-wall carpeting? Try putting rugs in your spaces. Rugs can define spaces and pull together areas. This is especially useful if you are living in an open-plan home or apartment with no clear definition between living and dining spaces and the like. You can opt to get Persian rugs, which come in a variety or large sizes and colors for your room. You may also try other kinds of rugs like woven ethnic rugs, silk mats, fluffy carpets and the like. As long as it fits with your decor and can keep up with your lifestyle, the possibilities are endless! 

2. Vinyl Tile. Vinyl tile is another great option that fits in with HDB renovation guidelines. Vinyl or synthetic tiles are a cost-effective solution for homeowners on a tight budget. Because they are manufactured, virtually any pattern or color can be created. It's affordable, compared to ceramic, stone or porcelain. Peel-and-stick vinyl tile can be installed over other materials quickly, requiring less demolition. It's also easier to replace. If your property has a an existing ugly vinyl floor, you can even paint over it and make it look like a thousand dollar floor!

3. Linoleum.Contrary to popular belief, linoleum and vinyl are not the same thing. Don't be fooled by linoleum! These days, linoleum looks so much better on floors that get worn out from daily use. Instead of looking for printed linoleum, try getting plain ones that look more polished. Linoleum is the more versatile material; some homeowners use it for countertops and backsplashes since  linoleum can last 30-40 years. Linoleum is also used in commercial applications such as healthcare facilities, schools and hospitals because of its durability and non-allergenic properties. Same idea with vinyl, if your property has existing linoleum that is ugly to look at, you can have it repainted.

 

Renovation contractors in Singapore are knowledgeable with the guidelines of doing renovation and interior design for HDB’s. Since reconstructing floors have a lot of restrictions by the government, ideas listed above doesn’t need any permits to have it installed.  

Resources and Tools for The Scrap Metal Hobbyist

Green is in! No, not that kind! Even as the modern world continues to advance in a lot of aspects, we acknowledge that in our haste to improve our standard of living, we do it at the expense of the environment. More and more people are looking for ways to use up the waste that we produce, to create more sustainable versions of everyday technology that leaves less of a negative impact on the environment. 

But did you know that apart from functional items, people have started recycling for art? One of the more popular art forms as of late is scrap metal art. This uses up scrap metal from discarded items in order to create something extraordinary! Scrap metal sellers salvage these from various sources, like cars, kitchen appliances, gadgets, and heavy machinery. Scrap metal buyers, who are usually the artists themselves, procure them for their art. It takes a lot of work to work with the metal and ease them into mind-blowing structures, but the results are worth it.

The best part about working with scrap metal is that whether you're using it for art or business or the like, you don't need to be an artist with a Fine Arts degree to work with it. All it takes is some resourcefulness to get the materials that you need in order to create something spectacular.

First off, obviously, is to source the scrap metal. This can come from many places. You can check junk yards, garage sales, old car lots and the like. All these places often have a lot of scrap metal products that you can buy or even get for free if they are deemed unfit to be used for anything else. You can even get scrap metal like aluminum from recycling centers. Soft drink cans, milk cans and the like are often collected for recycling, but you can ask for them should you need them. 

Next, you will need your tools. These can be any array of metalworking tools, so feel free to check which ones you need! You'll obviously need metal cutting tools, good welding and soldering irons, sanders and the like in order to get the shapes you need. You may also consider using nails and screws--it really depends on your style and what you want to achieve.

You may even need materials such as paint, wooden bases, gloves and goggles to work with, and other safety materials. While working with scrap metal as a hobby can be fun, it can also get dangerous very quickly if the right safety measures are not in place.

Once you have all the things you need, sky’s the limit when it comes to working with scrap metal! Enjoy!

Why Choose Flowers as Present?

Though giving flowers as a present is a cliche, a lot of people still have a high appreciation for this. Whether you give it to your special someone, you mom, your friends or whoever, flowers will definitely cheer them up and make them smile. There is something about flowers that make people feel that they are loved by the giver of the gift despite the fact that flowers wilt and do not last forever.

But now that there are a lot of gift ideas that can be given to your dear friends, family or loved ones, is giving flowers still a good idea? Does it still make a mark to the people who receive flowers despite the fact that there are a lot of creative gift alternatives available in the market?

The answer is definitely yes. Flowers are a timeless gift. It is true that they do not last forever but the meaning attached to receiving flowers will never change. Though simple as they are, flowers are symbolic gifts that mean more than its physical look and scent. Giving flowers is almost equivalent to telling a person that you love him or her so much.

Your special someone, your girlfriend, would definitely appreciate receiving bouquets of roses and tulips. Giving red flowers to your special someone takes your relationship a notch higher as you also level up the intimacy and romance between you. Red flowers are perfect for lovers.

Your mom will definitely appreciate flowers. Giving her flowers as a gift would mean that you think of her and you want to see her smile. Women like appreciating beautiful things so your mom will definitely appreciate your gift.  Flowers will never fail to make her smile.

Even for people who are sick, flowers are among the most common gift. Maybe because flowers give them fresher breath of air. People in the hospital like it when they receive flowers because it makes them feel that they are not confined anymore. They get to see the beauty of the nature inside their room.

Another good thing about giving flowers is that they are available most of the times. A lot of flower shops are offering different flowers based on the season. Fortunately, classic flowers are almost always available, like the roses, tulips, anthuriums` and the like.

This long term tradition of giving flowers is the reason why most flower shops, like Xpress Flower, are selling flowers 24/7. Also, note that like Xpress Flower, a lot of flower shops also have delivery services. So for example, you want to give your girlfriend a bouquet of flowers right in front of her home. Simply call Xpress Flower to place your order and decide on what time your gift should be delivered. This 24/7 flower delivery service will guarantee you that your flowers will reach its destination on time.

What Are the Types Of Pigmentation Treatments Available in Singapore?

Do you suffer from hyperpigmentation and other kinds of skin pigmentation? In the early days, nothing much can be done to treat this type of skin issue but with today's  modern technology, skin clinics are equipped to help you with almost any kind of skin problem. 

Pigmentation treatment in Singapore is an all too common procedure on both men and women. Skin clinics and dermatologists in Singapore specialize in treating pigmentation on parts of the body. There are several pigmentation treatments you can avail from in Singapore.

1. Freckles treatment

Freckles are beautiful but there are others who prefer to not have such noticeable pigmentation on their face. For those who choose to lose those freckles, laser treatment is available to lighten and gradually remove them. Multiple types of lasers can help lighten and decrease the appearance of freckles safely and effectively. It's important to note that freckles start at a young age and darken with sun exposure. Remember to always wear sunscreen on your face, too, before and after treatment. Removing freckles may require one to two sessions depending on your skin type and "freckle condition". Bleaching and fading creams containing hydroquinone and kojic acid are also available in the market to treat freckles.

2. Skin needling

Although needles are involved, you don't have to worry about much pain and dread over this kind of pigmentation treatment. Skin needling is a safe and effective way of regulating pigmentation. It has many other advantages including exfoliation, pore reduction, scar removal, and increased cell regeneration. The process involves the use of a roller with microscopic needles between 0.15-2mm long.  This roller is passed over the skin causing tiny punctures within the dermis and epidermis. The repeated process encourages the facial skin to heal itself naturally.

3. Skin peels

Chemical skin peels can treat hyperpigmentation by rubbing gently into your skin to remove the outer layers of dead skin cells. By exfoliating, this removes or fades the discolouration in the skin. Its other advantages include collagen production as it helps new cells to grow and even tightens the skin for a healthier and youthful glow. The skin doctor matches how mild or deep the skin peel should be on a case per case basis. Depending on how dark your pigmentation is, skin clinics may choose deeper chemical peels for you. Make sure that great care is taken since pigment irregularities and scarring can occur if not done by an experienced clinician. Chemical peels can be a bit harsh on the skin, so follow ups are necessary to closely observe how your skin reacts to it. Some moisture on the skin is removed after peels, which makes moisturizing necessary as your skin regenerates.

When Is The Right Time To Renovate

Whether living in an old ancestral house or just transferred to your new home, there may come a point where you would be considering new home renovation. It could be because there are a lot of damages to be repaired, or you want to keep it looking new and rebuild it, or simply because you just want to give your house a new look and remodel it.

Whatever your reasons are, renovation is not an easy picky decision and should be given proper considerations and decision making. You would be shedding money for it aside for your own labour and time to consume. So before stepping into that decision, here is a guide to help you determine the right time to renovate:

Is it the right season?

As much as you want to start renovating your house, it is best that you also put timing to it. Create a timeline on your project and see if it would be until the rainy seasons. Need not explain why this season would slow down the process right? Christmas and New Year season is a bit slow for contractors so it could be the best time to ask for lower rates. You can consult someone into construction for the best time.

Are you ready for the expenses?

If this list is in order, this should be on top. Before actually planning on remodelling your place, have a second check on your finances. Is your bank account enough to compensate to it? Most importantly, though you may have the money, is this the right one to prioritize? It is great to have a lot of renovating ideas especially if you’re a new resident pretty much excited to start your Singapore home renovation. But where will these ideas take you if money’s limiting you?

Can you actually spare some time for it?

Okay so the season is great and your bank account is greater, but your calendar is full. Well if you’re not the hands on type, which is fairly not advisable, this shouldn't be much of a problem. But it is best that you take charge of the project and be the main contact person as you’re the client that would eventually be living in that house anyway. Expect this home renovation to cause interruption to your daily routine. And be mindful as well of what you really want as you would be needing to supervise your contractors to fully achieve what you have envisioned in the end.

Do you really need to renovate?

And for the final question to be answered: Is it really that necessary? You have to thoroughly examine your house, is it that damaged? Or do you even need to hire contractors to fix the damage? You do realize that sometimes over fixing a little damage may lead to a much bigger need for repair, not just in homes but life in general.

5 Singapore Tourist Places To Visit At Night

Singapore is one of the most visited places in Southeast Asia. It has developed to become a vibrant metropolis. Modern structures stand alongside ancient buildings. Locals and tourists are exposed to a Singaporean culture that is distinctive in its flare and substance. The land size of Singapore may be small especially when compared to other countries. It may have a shorter history. But the country has bloomed in its own. The government matured. Opportunities opened up. The market improved. These improvements are making people from other countries notice the culture and beauty of Singapore. 

More and more tourists visit the Lion City every year. If you plan to visit Singapore, tourist places to visit are known and plenty. Before you book that flight you must know the venues you could visit at morning. If you are a night person, in Singapore, tourist places to visit at night are also common. Its capital, Singapore City, is a vibrant metropolis after all. People from all walks of life go to the city to work, to live and to play. Nightlife in Singapore is never boring. Below is a list of five Singapore tourist places to visit at night.

1. Marina Bay

Think about it? Riding a ferry that tours around the Marina Bay, a bay that is surrounded by popular structures like the Marina Bay Sands, the Art Science Museum, the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, the Helix Bridge, the Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay.

2. Orchard Road

At day, Orchard Road is filled with professionals going on with their jobs. At night, Orchard Road becomes a vibrant and cosmopolitan area filled with party goers, shoppers and travellers. Street performers in pedestrian lanes entertain locals and foreigners alike. Shops and restaurants remain open throughout the night.

3. Sentosa

Sentosa is the entertainment capital of Singapore. The venue is home to many attractions inlacing Universal Studios Singapore. This is also the place to take your family. It is rich with attractions aimed at small and large families. Visiting this place at night means that you would be able to visit the attractions without the hassle of bumping into other tourists. Your trip will be less of a hassle.

4. Geylang, Little India, Chinatown

These venues are off the path. They are filled with culture and authentic cuisine. If you want to expose yourself to the cultures of the Malay, the Indian and the Chinese people, then you should definitely visit these places. You could visit local temples, mingle with the people, shop for souvenirs and try authentic food.

5. The Parks

Singapore is known for its gardens. The city-state boasts that gardens are part of their country's urban planning. If you want to visit a park at night, then you can try the Night Safari. You can also try Gardens by the Bay, a garden that has natural and man-made flora.