Special Advertising Feature: Located next to the tranquil Sembawang Park, Watercove, a freehold seafront strata landed housing development (last 3 houses for sale) by Bukit Sembawang Estates Limited, offers the perfect blend of landed and condominium lifestyles right next to the sea.

Words Michelle Yee

It is rare to find seafront landed living in Singapore, apart from Sentosa Cove, a resort-like residential neighbourhood located in the southeast corner of Sentosa Island—home to a handful of grandiose bungalows and apartments that cost a fortune. If you’d love to own a home by the sea, Bukit Sembawang Estates’ Watercove is the choice.

Nestled within the quaint Sembawang estate along Wak Hassan Drive, strewn with verdant expanse of green, this rare strata freehold development project with direct seafront access is away from the hustle and bustle of daily urban life, making it the ideal abode for those who desire to live away from the city and close to nature.

Cluster Housing Offers The Best Of Both Worlds: Privacy And Convenience

Another notable feature of Watercove that is set to attract buyers is that it is a low-rise strata landed housing project. Strata landed are hugely popular among discerning home buyers as residents can look forward to living in an exclusive development that offers 24-hour security, well-maintained gardens, and an array of lifestyle amenities—similar to condominiums, without compromising on the privacy and spaciousness they would get from living in a landed property. 

An Unrivalled Living Experience 

The houses at Watercove range from 3,337 sq ft to 3,498 sq ft in floor area, each home is spacious and has been designed to offer an unrivalled seafront experience, featuring four and five ensuite bedrooms outfitted with top-of-the-line fittings and finishes, a private lift, a covered car porch, and more.

Limited Supply And Attractive Rental Yields

According to analysts, the supply of strata landed developments in Singapore, both future and current, is limited, hence demand is expected to be strong as buyers view this type of housing as assets with strong investment potential.

So for home buyers and investors looking for a strata landed home, whether for investment or residential living, Watercove will no doubt make an excellent choice as it is one of the last freehold strata landed homes in Singapore located near the sea. 

Great Investment Potential

The appeal of Watercove as an investment property is further strengthened by its unique location next to Sembawang Park, near the sea. In fact, the Watercove is the first freehold development to be launched in Sembawang in more than 10 years, which has fueled pent-up demand for residential projects in this part of Singapore. 

Unlike in the 1960s, when Sembawang was mainly known for being a commercial dockyard, the area has since been extensively developed in the last few decades, and now houses a vibrant public housing estate. The new town also features many communal facilities, such as the Sembawang MRT station, Sembawang Bus Interchange, shopping malls and schools.

The allure of Sembawang is further enhanced by its proximity to nearby industrial clusters such as Woodlands Regional Centre, Seletar Regional Centre, Punggol Creative Cluster and Learning Corridor, and the upcoming Seletar Aerospace Park. 

The underway Seletar Aerospace Park, which is envisioned to be a world-class dedicated aerospace regional facility, is expected to create about 10,000 jobs upon its projected completion later this year, while the Woodlands Regional Centre, which is part of a larger commercial belt called the North Coast Innovation Corridor, will house the first business park cluster in Singapore’s northern area.  

Envisioned to be a commercial hotspot, the North Coast Innovation Corridor, which in tandem with the future cross-border rail link into Malaysia, will spawn a new generation of modern factories and innovation centres that will stretch from Woodlands Regional Centre, with more than 700,000 sqm of modern commercial space and more than 100ha of developable land. This will stretch to the Gambas area, and continue towards the east to Yishun, past the upper Seletar Reservoir, into the Seletar Aerospace Hub, and will continue towards the east to join the Punggol Creative Cluster and Learning Corridor. 

That is not all as the government has announced that Sembcorp Marine will be relocating all its Singapore shipyards to Tuas by 2024, as such, the waterfront will be redeveloped—possibly for both commercial and residential purposes—to be a part of the North Coast Innovation Corridor.

Smoother, Shorter Journeys

Apart from the new Canberra MRT station, which is set to open at the end of 2019, plans to enhance road infrastructure have also been unveiled so that current and future residents can look forward to faster and more convenient travel.

One of them is the North-South Expressway (NSE) – Singapore’s 11th Expressway, which will reduce travelling time to and from the city. Set to be completed in 2020, the NSE will connect the city centre with towns along the north-south corridor – Woodlands, Sembawang, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan and Toa Payoh – via 16 in-ramps and 17 out-ramps. 

Another highlight is a new road network at Sembawang Neighbourhood 1, which will serve new developments in the area.

A Good Mix Of Nature And Modern Conveniences

Offering a good mix of nature and modern conveniences, Sembawang makes an ideal residential neighbourhood for those who seek privacy and tranquility, yet would also like to enjoy access to amenities.

The area is surrounded by an abundance of nature including Sembawang Park, Bottle Tree Village, Sungei Sembawang and Sembawang Hot Spring. And in the pipeline are two new wildlife parks: a brand new Bird Park and a new Rainforest Park, which will be a part of the new Mandai nature precinct.

According to Mandai Safari Park Holdings, the new Bird Park, which is set to open by 2020, will comprise nine large aviaries and will house one of the world’s largest collection of birds. In addition, the new Bird Park will also feature a facility that focuses on breeding and researching endangered species from all over the world. The Rainforest Park, on the other hand, which is scheduled to open in 2023, will not only offer visitors with access to a series of open spaces in the heart of Mandai, but it will also offer an indoor nature-themed education centre focusing on raising awareness and appreciation of the region’s biodiversity and natural heritage. 

For shopping, dining and entertainment pursuits, there are plenty of options such as Sembawang Shopping Centre, Sun Plaza Shopping Mall, Chong Pang City, Causeway Point and Northpoint Shopping Mall. 

Families with school-going children will also appreciate the convenience of the location, with a handful of reputable educational institutions including Chongfu Primary School, Canberra Primary School, Admiralty Primary School, Yishun Town Secondary School, Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School, and Yishun Junior College, located just a short drive away.

Transformation Through The Years

Plans to develop Sembawang were first mentioned in the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) Planning Report in 1996. This Development Guide Plan, with the aid of zoning maps, highlights the various land zoning proposals, which eventually led to the creation of Sembawang New Town. Over the past two and a half decades, Sembawang has undergone huge transformation and now plays host to a vibrant public housing estate. The new town also contains some of the most communal facilities found in Singapore, such as the Sembawang MRT station, Sembawang Bus Interchange, shopping malls, and primary schools.

Improvements On Housing And Amenities

As a growing town, Sembawang will continue to be developed with more amenities, transport infrastructure and housing for its residents. Potential homeowners can look forward to more housing choices as new areas in the south and the east of Sembawang will be developed progressively.

For pleasure of ownership, visit bsel.sg/watercove or call +65 6950 1333.

Facebook: @BSEL.Watercove  |  WeChat: BSEL_Group

 
Shelves are must-haves in every home – we need them to store things and make the space look organised. However, many of us forget that these functional items can also help to decorate your home.

To give you a better idea of how we can do that, here are some beautiful shelves we’ve found that may inspire you:

1. Old board games

Image sourced from Thrift Core

Don’t throw your old, unused board games away just yet. Repurpose them into these simple DIY shelves to give your space a vintage look.

2. Classical

Image sourced from Anthropologie

This elegant piece reminds us of an ancient church’s archway.

3. Stack ’em

Image sourced from Not A Paper House

We couldn’t take our eyes off these. The shelves are actually made from a few cut desks, stacked together to create something like a cupboard.

4. Arrows

Image sourced from The Land of Nod

Colourful geometric-shaped shelves always make us happy.

5. Minimalism

Image source from Jane

Here’s one for all the minimalism fans out there.

6. Triangles

Image sourced Cheap Home Decor Ideas

We can’t get over this pretty shelf!

7. Cascade

Image sourced from eBay

This shelf made from driftwood looks like a cascading waterfall!

8. Defying gravity

Image sourced from BookBub Blog

How cool is this?!

9. Old Crates

Imaged sourced from BookBub Blog

No wine to store? Store books!

10. Shutters

Image sourced from The Owner Builder Network

Recycling at its best.

11. Build a tree

Imaged sourced from For Readings Addicts

Bookworms are going to love this.

12. Or grow one

Image sourced from Ideas For Great Gardens

This will be the highlight of your apartment.

13. Avant-garde

Image sourced from Cuded

This will instantly make your home look expensive.

14. Half globe

Image sourced from Eu Ele E Es Criancas

We absolutely love this. So creative!

15. Ladder

Image sourced from Chic Now

If you can’t climb them anymore, let your shoes and books do that.

16. Diamonds

Image sourced from Sortra

They are everyone’s best friends.

17. Rocket

Image sourced eBay

Your kids will love this.

18. Groovy shelves

Image sourced from Cuded

What a great way to add texture and art to your home!

19. Circles

Image sourced from Urban Outfiters

So what if it looks like you joined two hula hoops together? It’s the creativity that counts!

20. Suitcases

Image source The Budget Decorator

We love the vintage vibes here.

Interested in getting a custom shelf fitted in your home? Kaodim has contractors who will be happy to help. Let them know what you need in this form right here, and we’ll send you their quotations and profiles for free!

For the latest property news, trends, resources and expert opinions, visit our Property News section. Home buyers, sellers or property renters looking for Malaysian Properties, may like to visit the New Launches or Project Reviews page.

 
Have you ever wondered what interior design styles are trending in different parts of the world? Interior design trends are very much influenced by the climate, culture, easily available materials, sufficient space and the like. These design styles often become a defining identity of a country or region and catch on elsewhere.

These styles from around the world bring their own distinctive flavour that you may fall in love with:

1. Scandinavian Hygge

Image sourced from Gravity Home

Hygge ( pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish concept that conjures up the cosy feeling of home, complete with hot cocoa and a roaring fire in the fireplace to keep things warm and cheery. Hygge interiors have clean beige and off-white hues coupled with the organic dark brown of wooden furniture.

2. Japanese Minimalism

Image sourced from Rebloggy

Japanese interior designs have been adopted the world over due to its calming effects and neat lines that give the impression of order. Colours are kept very earthy and spaces have multiple usages. The Japanese are among the leaders of space versatility, where a single room can be used as a dining room, bedroom and living space all at once, with as little furniture as possible.

3. Germany’s New Elegance

Image sourced from NF Interior

German interiors reflect the national preference for functionality over superfluous and pompous design. New elegance features furniture made of lightweight materials that are sturdy, yet give an air of elegance. It also marries furniture that was popular in the past, including daybeds, cocktail chairs, and screens with more contemporary pieces.

4. Mexico’s Vintage Heritage

Image sourced from Cqzzad

In Mexico, there’s a movement of new home owners populating their homes with pieces of history, even renovating parts of the home with a heritage style of walls and ceiling designs. This desire to preserve what they have inherited from their forefathers comes from a desire to preserve a rich personal identity. To mimic this style, ask yourself what truly reflects your heritage and fill your home with those objects.

5. English Victorian Common Sense

Image sourced from Top Homes Design

In the UK, designs borrow heavily from an era where faux leather furniture is a must, and is often paired with a Persian rug, a large fireplace and lots of books on the shelves. Think ‘Downton Abbey’ and you can just picture how it fits in with English sensibilities.

6. Indian Merriment

Image sourced from Livscape

The trend in Indian contemporary design is one of happiness and cheerfulness, with plenty of bright and warm colours that give rise to plenty of fun combinations. Often you’ll find that rooms are filled with lots of cushions, pillows and other such comforts to take the edge off the whole environment, making one feel safe.

Every culture is unique in what it wants to bring to the fore when it comes to interiors. If any of these styles has inspired you, why not contact a renovation team right here on Kaodim to help you out? Remember –you can bring your home to life with just a few simple touches. Good luck!

For the latest property news, trends, resources and expert opinions, visit our Property News section. Home buyers, sellers or property renters looking for Malaysian Properties, may like to visit the New Launches or Project Reviews page.

If you’ve just moved in with your spouse or partner, you’ll probably be sharing a home together for the first time. This is a new phase in life, and you’ll probably have to adjust some of your usual habits and practices to fit your new lifestyle and accommodate your special someone.

You probably wouldn’t know this, but home designs can actually affect relationships in a subconscious manner. So to ensure a harmonious home life, pay attention to these aspects:

1. Clear the Clutter

Mess and clutter have been shown to lead to more stress and tension in a home. Make sure you have enough storage space in your shared home to store away the clutter. A neat and organized home will lead to feelings of relaxation and comfort, which is what you should aim for.

Photo credit: Impressive Interior Design

2. Create Cozy Comfortable Spots

Stark homes with hard bare floors and uncomfortable chairs don’t bode well for couples. Throw in a squishy couch, drapes for the windows and carpets for the floors to give the impression that one can get cuddly during movie nights spent in front of the television.

Photo credit: Arafen

3. Choose Colours for Intimacy

Colours are able to affect moods and if you’re choosing a colour for the bedroom, stay away from white, beige, shades of green and grey as these colours have been shown to discourage intimacy. Go instead for brown, caramel and warm hues as this creates the best environment for expressions of love.

Photo credit: Pinterest

4. Separate Your Workspace

If you have a home office or bring work home from the office, create a separate workspace from the areas which you share with your other half. This will ensure that you don’t get distracted with work when you’re supposed to be spending time together. If possible, have your home office in a separate room away from the bedroom or living room. This will help you manage your time better and minimize overlapping.

Photo credit: Pinterest

5. Have a Balance of Styles

Make sure that your home reflects both you and your partner’s tastes in equal measure. Make sure you both get the space to pursue your own hobbies, like a music room or a small reading corner. Have spaces for things that you like to do together, like maybe a board game table or a crafting corner.

Photo credit: Pinterest

6. Remember, It’s Not Just a House

To make a certain space a true home, it needs to have character. Choose a decorating theme that the both of you can identify with and feel truly comfortable with. Fill the home with interesting knick-knacks from your travels and find ways to make the space truly speak for you. A home is a place you and your partner feel you belong, and not just a place you come back to sleep and eat.

Photo credit: Decoholic

Turn your home into a cosy nest with the help of Kaodim’s renovation service providers. Once you’ve made the change, you’ll soon realize that improving your interior design really does affect your psyche for the better, and will hopefully lead to long and happy life together.

Choosing lights for a room may seem like rocket science, but you can get it done quite easily if you know what to look out for. Lights aren’t just another decorative elements in the room, as they’re also highly functional and they need to provide enough light for you to be able to actively use the room at night.

Here are some important aspects to look out for when choosing light fixtures:

1. The Size of A Room

Photo credit: TEDXUMKC Decoration

It’s important to know the measurements of the room you’re planning to buy light fixtures for, especially the height of the room. For example, if a room is 10 feet tall, multiply this by 2.5 to 3 and you’ll get 25 feet to 30 feet, which you then swap to inches, i.e. 25-30 inches. This should be the maximum height of the light fixture for your ceiling.

Remember that you can buy more than one light fixture for a large room. Ideally, you should have one large ceiling light for every 5-7 meters of ceiling space. Large ceiling lights include chandeliers, pendant lights and hanging lamps.

2. Light Locations

Photo credit: Interior Design 3

In the dining room, a large ceiling light should hang over the dining table as this is the central focus of the room. In other rooms, the light should hang over the spot where the daily activities have to be carried out. For example, in the kitchen, hang the light over the island counter. In the study, hang it over the desk and in the bathroom, over the shower stall or bathtub.

A general rule is that all lights should be in the centre of the space and should be at least 15 centimetres higher than the top of any door or window in the room.

If you are using pendant lights instead of chandeliers, place them together in a straight line above the centre of the room. Pendant lights are most suitable to be placed vertically above a dining table.

Photo credit: Filipino Photographer

3. Supplementary Lights

Photo credit: Birch Lane

Usually, just one or two large hanging lights may not be enough. You can supplement these with wall light fixtures, recessed lights or standing lamps. For wall lights, whether singular or double, they should be placed at least 1-1.5 meters apart.

You can place standing light in the corner of the room, where it will look its best. Recessed lights should also be spaced out at least 1-1.5 meters apart.

4. Choose a Theme for the Room

Photo credit: Pinterest

The lights you choose have to fall in line with the theme of the rest of the room. If you’re aiming for something classical with heavy carved wooden furniture, then a crystal chandelier works well. If you’re going for a modern look, a rounded or domed central pendant light will work well.

In a bedroom, an electric candelabra will look elegant and can lend a touch of glamour to otherwise plain and simple decoration.

5. Cool or Warm Lights

Photo credit: Home Interior and Exterior

Usually, cool lights are placed in spots where lots of focus is needed and work is done, such as the kitchen or the study. Warm lights are suitable for places where relaxation takes place, like the bedroom or living room. However, this really depends on individual preferences as some people just don’t want ant cool lights or warm lights in their homes.

Lights are really a magical way to spruce up a room and can play a huge part in determining the mood and character of your home.

At Kaodim, there are specialized services that help you install light fixtures easily and professionally, so you don’t have to climb up steps and go through the hassle of installing your own lights.

They say that the bedroom makes you, you. Meaning, your personality will be reflected on how you decorate or make it to be. If you have bed-sheets that are made of cartoon characters or red/white checkered sheets that you bought from IKEA, well the time has come to revamp it!

Here are some tips to sass it up! Remember, sexy room means sexy you!

Source: Youtube

Smooth Like You!

“You got to be kidding with the Minions bed sheet?” If you are guilty of having cartoons on you bed sheet especially when you’re a grown adult, it is time to burn it down to the ground. Sass it up with a matte satin or silk sheet! Red would be inviting while shades of champagne gold to grey would be calming. Imagine the attention you would be getting from super plush pillows too! Heck, throw in some canopy bed drapes to make it sexier!

Dim the Lights Low…

Many would get their lights wrong! Avoid using those fluorescent lights. They would only be menacing to your eyes, and guests. Best bit of advice, get warm colored shades. It would be enough to lit the room up and dim it low if you are in the mood, to sleep! Proper and suitable lighting like this would help to perk your mood up after a good night rest.

Source: Fashionhits and Pinterest

Get a Scarlett O’Hara Inspired Curtains

Your bedroom is your haven, as it has the least traffic among all the spaces in your house. This is one place where you can unleash your inner you! Hence, the curtains are the eyes to your soul, metaphorically speaking. Splash the cash on silk and velvet curtains, add some avant-garde touch by getting swags, valances and even window scarves. You can even go Scarlett O’Hara by ripping off a good quality curtain and draped it into a dress!

Remember, the thicker the curtains are, the better. This ensures privacy from those wondering eyes out there. Plus, it gives an added plus point in getting a good night sleep by limiting the lights from penetrating in.

Source: Uglyhomephotos.com and Wearefound.com

Say Hello to Sleek Furniture  

Two major sins when it comes to furnishing a bedroom. Firstly, do not over furnish it with unnecessary things. You don’t need two sofas or double vanity sets in your bedroom. There is no need to clutter your room. You only need one statement piece, which would be your bed. Complement it with sleek and understated furniture that will bring a touch of class.

Remember, a cluttered bedroom means a cluttered you!

Secondly, if you have a foldable wardrobe in your bedroom, bring it down right this instance! Those things are downright ugly and flimsy. Extremely not sexy! Do you really believe that those plastics covers and thin steel rods would hold up your clothes for good? Invest in good wardrobe as it is a staple in your bedroom! Splurge a little, will you?

Source: Uglyhomephotos.com and Wearefound.com

Get Your Hues Right

Your wall’s hues are quintessential. It is the biggest portion of your bedroom and the hues must be right! Firstly, stick to one. You don’t need to get all Andy Warhol in your bedroom. Best bit of advice, pick natural and calming colours that would soothe your mood, not triggering anxiety attack. Skip the orange, fluorescent pink or even dull colours like dark brown or muddy green.

Never ever get matching wallpaper and bed-sheets. Remember, you need your statement piece, i.e. your bed to stand out, not blending in with the background. Get hues that will complement your statement piece and the rest of the furniture easily!

For the latest property news, trends, resources and expert opinions, visit our Property News section. Home buyers, sellers or property renters looking for Malaysian Properties, may like to visit the New Launches or Project Reviews page.

Imagine this: you’re walking around your house one day. Maybe you’ve just moved in, or maybe you’ve lived there for decades. It doesn’t matter, something is off. You turn and see a huge space in the wall that’s empty, and you finally figure out what’s missing.

Yes, you’ve just seen the perfect canvas for your next artistic home project, so now’s the time to get cracking and fill up that blank space with some character. Here are some ideas on how you can do that for cheap:

Old Baskets or Food Covers

Do you have any of those rattan or bamboo food covers or baskets sitting around you home collecting dust? It’s time to give them a new lease of life by repainting them and hanging them up on your wall. You don’t have to worry about them falling from their perches as most of these baskets and food covers are lightweight.

Photo credit: Houzz

Self Made Murals

Murals can be minimalistic, yet profound and attractive. You can paint your own murals by using not more than two or three colours. Remember to keep them as simple as possible, and keep the colours in harmony with the rest of the room’s furnishings and decorations. If you aren’t confident painting free hand, consider using a stencil plan that you can buy for a reasonable price at an art store.

Photo credit: Luxurybusla.com

Fairy Lights and Photos

Fairy lights are quite affordable and you can easily be strung across any blank wall space. They’re so light that they can be easily held up by blue tack or tape. It would be an added bonus if you hung photos or pictures from the wires, clipping them on using small wooden pegs. Just be careful not to clip on anything too heavy.

Photo credit: Live Home

Dried Flowers

Flowers don’t have to be bought. If you have a garden, you can harvest some from your garden or from the wild, and hang them upside down on your blank wall. These will last for about 3 months tops, after which you’ll have to change them to another batch of flowers. These flowers will lend a touch of natural beauty to the room.

Photo credit: Renodots

Leftover Plates

Do you have a plate that’s an odd one out or that doesn’t match the rest of your dining set? Don’t throw it away. You can always use it in a group to decorate your blank space. Plates are versatile and you can arrange them is any creative way in order to express something new.

Photo credit: HGTV

DIY Paper Art

It’s a wonder what a few pieces of folded paper can do. With origami, you can create various 3D shapes which are very lightweight and can easily be put up on your wall. From birds to gold fish, geometric shapes to butterflies, the only limit is your own imagination. You may have to learn some new paper craft, but it will soon be worth the effort.

Photo credit: Meuble Garten

There’s a wealth of ideas you can implement on blank spaces to make them truly your own. If you’d like to embark on a more ambitious project to transform your empty wall spaces.

Feel free to chat with any or our professional interior designers and renovation service providers and enlist their skills in sprucing up your home.

Living in a huge home where the rooms are outnumbering the people in it? This is a common scenario for most older folks in Malaysia. They worked for decades to provide a good life for their young ones and hoping that the comfort of a huge home would suffice.

They soon realize that a huge home can be overwhelming and useless when their children would start moving out into their own home. A huge home for aging individuals could be a massive task, maintaining as well as financially supporting it could be woeful all together.

Hence, leaving a huge empty nest for a smaller home is an ideal solution. Most aging individuals and couples are now riding the wave of downsizing their landed homes to condominium or apartment units in getting a more carefree lifestyle with less fuss. Here are PropertyGuru’s top retirement developments:

Suria, North Kiara

Suria @ North Kiara nestles in rustic and highly potential part of Segambut. The area has an eclectic layer of residents; from the upper-class society of Mont Kiara and Sri Kiara, to the working-class district of Bandar Manjalara and Taman Sri Segambut as well as ‘kampung’ areas of Segambut Dalam and Kampung Sungai Penchala. The diverse socioeconomic backgrounds give authenticity and ‘character’ to good old Segambut.

The 7-storey development consists of one block with 175 units. The units here range from 713 sq ft to 850 sq ft with a maximum of two rooms. Suria @ North Kiara is among those few rare projects that gives a sense of privacy as there are only 200 residential units here. The facilities are located on the rooftop. The residents here can utilise the swimming pool, wading pool, BBQ area, function room as well as the children’s playground.

There are also a sun deck and a gym to encapsulate the modern lifestyle. there will be two storeys of retail outlets and offices. Thus, there will be major conveniences within the vicinity as residents wouldn’t need to travel beyond the development in getting errands done as well as buying basic groceries.

Senada Residence, Bukit Kiara

Senada at Alya is located in the elusive sanctuary of Bukit Kiara, which boasts miles of jungle tracks and parklands. The green scenery is simply breathtaking to many admirers and nature loving enthusiasts. Located along Jalan Bukit Kiara, the area is slightly hidden from the eyes of passers-by.

Accompanied by a world-renowned golf course, TPC Kuala Lumpur, Senada provides residents an escapism into a luxurious golf paradise. Ranging from 710 sq ft to 958 sq ft, Senada comes in various layouts from one-bedroom to two-bedroom units. This two-tower residential development will be accompanied by a 4-storey retail podium for additional convenience.

The development is easily connected to the Sprint Highway, DUKE, NKVE, LDP, Kerinchi Link, Penchala Link as well as Federal Highway. MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line’s stations Phileo Damansara and Taman Tun Dr Ismail are the closest stops to Senada. This is makes commuting easier especially in an affluent area that has an absence of fully operational light rail system for the past decades.

The Colony, Jalan Dewan Sultan Ismail

The Colony is a two-block, dual key concept serviced apartment which stands 43 storeys tall. Located one street away from Quill City Mall, this freehold serviced apartment which fronts Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman is comprised of both retail and residential components; which is one street away from Jalan Sultan Ismail in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

Perched on the uppermost floor of Block A is a resident’s club floor. The facility floors are located on Level 34 and 35. Of the facilities designated in Block A is the children’s playground on the Ground level. On the 35th floor is a barbecue and outdoor dining, pool deck, outdoor swimming pool with a view, wet deck, Jacuzzi, business lounge and shallow pool. Facilities that will be located on the 35th floor of Block B is a resident’s lounge, internet room, KTV room, staff recreation room, planter, and sauna.

The Colony is bordered by Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman, and Jalan Raja Abdullah. The Colony also nestles a street behind Quill City Mall, which sits opposite Sheraton Imperial Hotel on Jalan Sultan Ismail. Meanwhile, Medan Tuanku Monorial Station is a walk away.

Lavile, Taman Maluri

Located in the heart of Taman Maluri, Lavile Kuala Lumpur is a freehold integrated development that combines four residential towers ranging from 38 storeys to 49 storeys high along with 30 retail units. The units here are sized from 750 sq ft to 1,060 sq ft with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom layouts.

A great feature of Lavile is that the units here are partially fitted. These furnishings include kitchen’s hob and hood, microwave as well as air conditioners in all rooms and living areas. Among the facilities offered here are a 54-meter Olympic sized infinity pool, gym, an indoor pool, function rooms, a basketball court, garden, and a badminton court to honour our national sporting hero, Dato Lee Chong Wei.

Taman Maluri can be reached via several routes that include Jalan Cheras from Jalan Tun Razak or through Jalan Kampung Pandan via Jalan Ampang Hilir. This makes the city centre accessible within less than 15 minutes, given the road and traffic conditions. Cochrane and Maluri are the two closest MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang stations that are within a walking distance.

United Point Residence, Kepong

United Point Residence is a landscape changing freehold mixed development that will see the rise of three 45-storey residential towers along with a commercial complex that has a direct link to the soon to be constructed KTM Komuter United Point Station.

The units here range from 667 sq ft to 1,206 sq ft with various layouts including one-bedroom and 4-bedroom units.

The residence boasts of having a 3-acre facilities ground, which caters to every need of the residents here. The interlinked facilities consist of a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, pool deck, aqua gymnasium, dining pavilion, wading pool, leisure pool, gym and function room. Thus, residents could unwind with sports given the sports facilities provided, which also include an indoor badminton court.

The area in general is located among various developed and developing areas like Desa ParkCity, Mon’t Kiara, Hartamas Heights and Segambut. It is very much accessible via various roads that include DUKE, Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan, Jalan Duta and even Jalan Kuching.

9ine Cheras, Batu 9 Cheras

9ine is situated in Taman Kemacahaya off Batu 9 Cheras. The development consists of three 23-storey towers with an overall of 256 units. Ranging from 1,142 sq ft to 1,520 sq ft, the common layout consists of three bedrooms and two baths. The bigger layout comes with an additional room and a third bath.

The amenities here will be reaping the benefits of the lush green scenery, which include Cocoon Pavilion, Cube Pavilion and the yoga deck for the residents to utilise. Most importantly, there will be a 7-tier security system with around the clock surveillance.

But what stands out for this area is the close proximity it has with the Sungai Putih Hill Forest Reserve or better known as Apek Hill. It serves as a great backdrop for the establishment when it comes to providing ‘the money’ view.

The area is connected to roads that lead residents to various major highways including Cheras-Kajang Highway, Connaught East-West Link, North Pantai Expressway (NPE), KESAS Highway and MRR2. The developer will also be providing coach services at every 15 minutes to Taman Suntex Station of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line.

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Curtains are functional pieces of fabric that help a room keep out direct sunlight that may be too glaring, as well as maintaining a cool temperature. Apart from that, curtains also offer privacy and protection from curious eyes, and in some contexts, they’re also important for safety.

Choosing the best curtains are very important to the overall look of the room. Here are the aspects you have to consider when choosing the correct curtains for a room.

1. Texture and Weight

Photo credit: Sunshine Cleaning

Curtain fabrics come in different weights, some are heavy and block out all light, while others are lightweight and semi-transparent. Curtains that are too heavy or too lightweight will look messy and disorganized, so choosing a suitable curtain fabric is important. When shopping for curtains, try and create accordion pleats at the top of the fabric with your fingers and watch how the fabric falls to the ground. Good curtain fabrics will form neat vertical folds and not flare out.

2. Color and Patterns

Photo credit: Idolza

Bright colours make a room larger, but if you want to help create a cosy atmosphere, darker coloured drapes would be extremely helpful. Do keep in mind that your curtains should not clash with the rest of the room, and you should try as far as possible not to mix two different curtain colours or patterns in a single room. Apart from children’s rooms where patterns create a fun atmosphere, all other rooms should generally have plain coloured curtains.

Direct sunlight tends to fade curtains, and light coloured curtains fade much faster than darker ones.

3. The Correct Curtain Length

Photo credit: sarmdesk.com

Always measure your window length before ordering custom made curtains to ensure that your curtains don’t drag on the floor and look messy. Neither should they be hanging more than 2 inches off the floor. Getting the length right will help keep the room looking well designed and neat. If you’re buying pre-made curtains and can’t find the exact length you need, always buy something longer and then cut off or hem up the access fabric at the bottom.

4. Curtain Width

Photo credit: Snowders

To get a good coverage when drawn or otherwise, always have your curtains at least 2 to 2.5 times wider than the window that it’s hanging over. The exception to this is if you’re choosing curtains to frame a window or door, and not shut it. In this case, the curtain can be 1.5 times the width of the window or door.

5. How The Curtains Should be Hung

Photo credit: Eiforces

Curtain railings should be installed about 3-6 inches above the upper window frame and should extend wider than the window frame too, by at least 5 inches. This long extension will allow your curtain to be drawn to the side and allow the light in. You may also want to consider having tie-backs in order to keep curtains held back in the middle.

Curtains are often what makes a house, a home. It not only functions to filter out harsh sunlight, but creates a sense that you’ve finally settled into a certain building.

If you would like some help in customizing some curtains for any of the rooms in your house, there are always expert curtain makers and installers here at Kaodim to assist you.

If you own a landed home, the staircase is definitely one of the focal points in the home that can lead and inspire the theme of the rest of the home. Staircases are very versatile in terms of the materials they can be made of, which is why you can make staircases out of wood, metal, concrete, stone and even glass.

The materials you choose for your stairs will need to be in harmony with the rest of the home’s interior design, as well as be fully functional and durable. Here are some tips to help you make a decision.

1) Wooden Staircases

Photo credit: Wonderful Engineering

Wooden staircases add an air of elegant stylishness to your home and are great for homes that already have built in wooden fixtures. Wooden stairs also increase the rustic appeal of a space and are one of the most pliable materials available for making staircases. This means that it can be easily twisted into extraordinary shapes for that extra unconventional touch.

2) Metal Steps

Photo credit: Sandrine Pelissier

Metallic stairs look very lightweight and are great for modern apartments where it goes well with other metallic and glass furnishings. Metal is prone to rusts, and should not be used in outdoor areas or areas that are high in moisture. If you keep them indoors, they tend to be very strong and firm.

3) Stone Staircases

Photo credit: Ian Knapper

Stone stairs are usually made of materials like marble and quartz, which look extremely royal and majestic. Stone is one of the most durable materials available and will withstand heavy usage, which is why it’s popular with hotels. Stone staircases can last hundreds of years, and is very easy to clean, being resistant to stains and spills.

4) Glass Staircases

Photo credit: Homedit

Glass is a popular material for avant-garde interior designs, as they give a lightweight aura where you can feel like you’re walking on air. Glass is suitable for areas where space is a constraint too. Although there may be concerns about the fragility of glass, there are many types of glass nowadays that are strong and safe enough for your home.

5) Concrete Staircases

Photo credit: Tododesign

Concrete stairs are the most affordable type of stairs and were once considered aesthetically unappealing, but that’s fast changing as many modern home designs incorporate strategically placed concrete steps to create a stylish look. It’s particularly popular with minimalist interior designers who want to go for a theme of stark purity.

6) Brick Steps

Photo credit: Glubdubs

Bricks are usually used outdoors, for steps leading up to the front door, or in the garden. Some ultra-modern homes do have brick stairs, but they’re not popular indoors as they’re pretty rough and heavy. However, brick looks great in the garden and will enhance your patio or garden design immensely.

Staircases are works of art and not just functional pieces. The design of your stairs sets the tone for your most important living areas, and should therefore be chosen carefully.

You can always give your stairs a makeover, or build a completely new one with the help of professional renovators here at Kaodim.

Open home concepts are really nothing new. The term simply means that several main spaces in the home are joined together in one large and flowing space. Usually, the kitchen, dining and living rooms are combined in one large space whereas the bedrooms are sectioned off.In some homes, the bedroom is incorporated into the open floor plan as well, turning the home into a studio-like setting.

There are many benefits to the open home design, with spaciousness being one of them. Since we live in a warm and humid country like Malaysia, heating and insulation isn’t an issue and the open home concept is truly suited to our weather as it encourages airflow.

These are some of the examples of how the open home design can be pulled off with great panache and style:

Pure and Earthy

Photo credit: Pinterest

The fluidity of this design will make you fall in love with the open home concept. One space seamlessly flows into the other without clear borders, but each space maintains its functionality with ease. Both the long polished kitchen counter and dining table are placed parallel to one another to create casual borders and give the home a hint of structure. The living room’s invisible border is created by a white fleece carpet, which complements the neutral tones of the space, which opens up to a green garden, blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors.

A Classic Cosy Look

Photo credit: Freshomes

You can turn your open home into a rustic haven, inspired by the classic log cabin look. You can almost picture a fireplace burning in the corner, while friends and family cosy up to it on fluffy sofas in the living room. The different areas here are well-spaced out in a non-linear manner, which creates a lovely, warm and hospitable feeling. The blend of old and new pieces of furniture and decoration brings an air of sentimental comfort into the space as well.

Urban Relaxing Fluidity

Photo credit: Freshomes

The open home concept is appealing to more and more young urbanites who find it extremely convenient as it allows them to move and work more easily. It also saves a lot more space as there are no walls and less partitions, which is ideal for city apartments that aren’t too spacious. The blue accents in the following design encourages rest and relaxation, perfect after a long and tiring day.

Lightweight and Bright

Photo credit: Home Decorating Ideas

Large doors and windows are not a must for an open floor design, but they do help in bringing in much needed fresh air and bright light. Here, the homeowner has opted for smaller and lighter pieces of furniture so that the empty space becomes the highlight of the home.

No More Walls

Photo credit: Contemporaris

High ceilings and roll-away doors complement the open home concept very well, as they increase the perception of space. However, one designer in Brazil has brought this concept to a whole new level, and removed all the walls for much of the home, combining the living and dining areas with the garden itself. Marcio Kogan’s Casa Panama or Panama house is a testament that you don’t need walls to make a home.

Creating an open home involves much more than just knocking down partitions and walls. It also involves choosing colours and furniture that allows the space to ‘breathe’ and for air to flow more easily. You may want to consider getting some professional interior decorators to help you with your plans, and then some expert renovators to transform your home for the better!

Log on to Kaodim for free quotes so you can compare prices and study portfolios from professional stylists and home contractors before you make your decision.

So, you think you’re cursed with a small kitchen and can’t seem to find any joy in spending time in this room. However, any room has its special charm, regardless of its size. This is especially true for the kitchen – a necessity of every warm home. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should just accept the fact that your small kitchen is always going to be messy and dull. If you’re interested in finding out how you can make the most out of your kitchen space, keep on reading.

More kitchen cabinets

Photo credit: Elle Decor

In a small kitchen, you want to create as much space as possible to move around. Therefore, extra storage that takes up most of the floor is out of question. Instead, opt for hanging elements and shelves. Basically, utilize your walls to the fullest. Get rid of, sell or repurpose all your floor cabinets with drawers and install extra hanging kitchen cabinets. If your walls are already packed with these, you can always make use of that highest space and reach the ceiling. Thanks to rolling ladders, you can easily reach even the highest cabinets.

Dining tables for small spaces

Photo credit: Alexa Frazier

Do you really need a bar or an island when you’re struggling with the limited space? Of course not. This is especially true for those of you who have separate dining rooms. However, in case you don’t have a dining room and use the kitchen bar or island to eat your meals, there’s still a better way to use the space you have.

Instead of these bulky structures, use a dining table. This may seem counterproductive, but if you opt for an extendable or folding dining table, you will have more space compared to fitting a whole bar or an island. And if you decide to pair your practical dining table with a wall bench or backless chairs, you will definitely have enough room to prepare your meals and enjoy eating them.

Utilize your ceiling

Photo credit: Hayneedle

Sometimes, there’s simply no way you can fit larger pots and pans in your cabinets. In order to solve this particular small kitchen problem, utilize your ceiling space. Thanks to the wonder of pot and pan racks, you can have them hanging from your ceiling at your immediate reach, without taking any space from your cute and cozy kitchen.

If you’re worried about a metal hanging rack ruining the look of your kitchen, it’s worth mentioning that metallic details are really popular at the moment. You can take waterproof metallic spray and touch up various kitchen details to match the rack. On the other hand, you can paint the rack in any color you want.

Visually bigger space

Photo credit: DecorPad

When it comes to cooking, you know that your walls can get messy. In that respect, using backsplash can help you a lot. But, you can also use that same backsplash to prevent wall stains and make the room appear visually bigger. Essentially, all you need to do is to make or get a mirror backsplash. The reflection in the mirror has the power to make the space appear larger than it really is. In the end, you can use this trick to decorate your cabinet doors as well.

Clutter-free décor

Photo credit: Apartment Therapy

This may be the most important thing when it comes to making the most out of your small kitchen space. Declutter everything that you simply don’t need. This means going through the content of all your storage space and getting rid of products that are past their expiration dates, empty boxes and packaging that everyone hoards in their drawers and all the dishes and cutlery that you simply never use.

What’s more, add a personal touch to your space. In order for you to feel pleasant, you can use paint colors that you like. Moreover, you can find affordable curtains and quality cheap rugs if you’re patient enough. Striking lamp shades and a decorative vases can also look really nice in your small kitchen.

If you’re not satisfied with the look of your kitchen, or any room in your home for that matter, you can change it. Get in touch with Kaodim’s professional contractors to get your renovation process started and get the look you desire.

by Cheng Yee Ng

Over the years, Julia, her husband, and their three children have had to endure leakages from the upstairs neighbour, dripping into the kitchen, toilets and balcony of their apartment. What can home owners do if it happens to them?

Having rented a house for four years, it was a dream come true for Julia (not her real name) and her husband to finally purchase their own apartment unit 10 years ago. However, their dream apartment in Section 17, Petaling Jaya has become a nightmare due to constant leaks from the unit above.
The most recent and severe leakages were spotted early this year when the unit above theirs started a massive renovation.

“It not only resulted in mould on our kitchen ceiling but also sewage water dripping down onto our unit, which is the most irritating part,” said Julia.

She said when the seepage occurred, their back toilet was unusable twice for more than a week, which had caused much inconvenience to the family of five.

Julia said while they could easily identify the cause of the leakages, which were all originated from the unit above, the neighbour refused to bear the full cost of repair.

“In the end, we had to fork out money to pay for half of the repair cost,” said Julia.

The Upstairs Leak is a Common Occurrence

What Julia and her family have gone through is nothing uncommon, and something many high-rise building dwellers can identify with.

Recently, Singapore’s The Straits Times reported that more than half of the complaints lodged (about 188 cases) with the Strata Title Board (STB) in the past three years are related to water leakage. (In Singapore, the STB is a mediation body that hears cases involving unit owners and management corporations of strata-titled properties, including condominiums, or conflicts between such owners.)

What to do if it happens to you?

Recommend.my spoke to senior associate Patricia Wan from Mak, Ng, Shao & Kee Advocates and Solicitors on what you should do when facing similar issues. This is what she said:

When an inter-floor leakage is detected, the first thing the owner of the affected unit must do is give notice to either:

• The developer (if the unit is still under its management period or the building is still under the defect liability period, stated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement), OR

• The management body for the building. This can be either the joint management body; management corporation, subsidiary management corporation; or managing agent.

The developer or management body will have to carry out an inspection of the leakage as soon as practically possible, or within seven days after receiving the notice.

“Under the Strata Management (Maintenance and Management) Regulations 2015, inter-floor leakage means dampness, moisture or water penetration on the ceiling or any furnishing attached to the ceiling, which forms part of the interior of a unit or common property,”

– Patricia Wan, Senior Associate, Mak, Ng, Shao & Kee Advocates and Solicitors.

What if my neighbour doesn’t want to let anyone do an inspection?

The owner of the affected areas (whether it is the owner of the affected unit, or the owner of the common property) is obligated to allow access for inspection within seven days of written notice being given.

Failure to do so, the owner, proprietor or occupier of the affected area may face a fine of up to RM50,000 or a maximum jail term of 3 years, or both, upon conviction.

After the unit has been inspected, the management body is required to issue a Certificate of Inspection, which will include the cause of the leakage and the party responsible for the rectification of the defect.

This will happen within five days after the inspection.

“In emergency cases whereby an inter-floor leakage materially increases the likelihood of flood, or danger of life or property, forced entry is allowed without any written notice to gain access for inspection.”
– Patricia Wan, Senior Associate, Mak, Ng, Shao & Kee Advocates and Solicitors

Who pays for the repair works?

The inspection should determine who pays for the repairs. It will usually be either the owner of the unit above, the developer, or the management body for the building. Here are the guidelines to determine which party is liable for the rectification of inter-floor leakage:

• Under the Strata Management Act 2013, it is a statutory presumption that an inter-floor leakage is originated from the upper floor unit unless its owner can prove otherwise.

• It is a defect of the common property if the leakage has originated from any infrastructure that serves more than one unit. These infrastructures include water or gas meter; water, drainage, sewerage or gas pipe; or gas duct.

• If the leakage is originated from any infrastructure that serves one particular unit, it is a defect of that particular unit. This will include cases whereby the source of leakage is situated or embedded in the common property, or void space above the ceiling or wall or floor.

What if me and my neighbour don’t agree with the findings?

In the event of a stalemate or if any party is not satisfied with the decision made by the management body, the case may be referred to the Commissioner of Buildings.

The Commissioner will then determine the cause of the inter-floor leakage and the party responsible for the rectification works, and his decision must be complied by all parties.
The Commissioner may appoint a registered architect; engineer; quantity surveyor or building surveyor to assist in determining the cause of the seepage.

However, the party responsible for the repair works will have to bear the cost of such appointment.

Once a responsible party is identified, how quickly must they fix it?

Once a unit owner is identified to be responsible for the repair of an inter-floor leakage, he or she must take all necessary steps to fix the problem within seven days after receiving the Certificate of Inspection.

Should the owner fail to do so, the management body can take over and make the repairs first, and then recover all costs and expenses from the owner.

However, the owner reserves the right to seek compensation from other parties for the repair works.

Does the liable party need to repair the damage caused to the lower unit also?

“The Regulations do not clearly say to what extent the rectification works need be done by the liable party. However, the provisions in the Regulations seems to suggest that the party responsible for any rectification works will have to fix both the inter-floor leakage and restore the affected unit to its original condition prior to the damage,” said Wan.

What if I just received my keys from the developer?

It depends whether or not your unit is still under the defect liability period.

If yes, and if the inter-floor leakage is due to any defect of common property, the owner needs to make a claim against the Common Property Defects Account, maintained by the Commissioner of Buildings.
However, if the inter-floor leakage is due to a defect inside the unit, the owner needs to make a claim against the developer, who will be responsible for the rectification works.

Such a defect will have been caused by either poor workmanship or failure to construct according to the approved plans and descriptions by the relevant authorities.

After the repair is done, and the leak still occurs after the defect liability period, the owner of the affected unit will need to notify the management body.

The management body will need to make an inspection to determine the cause of leakage and the party responsible for rectification (according to the Regulations). Again, the defects should be rectified by the responsible party within seven days after receiving the Certificate of Inspection.

What if My unit is the one leaking on the downstairs neighbour?

The first time you will realise this is happening is when the neighbour or management office knocks on your door for an inspection.

If the inspection determines that the leak is due to a common property, the management office will pay for it. Otherwise, if the unit is not under the defect liability period, you will need to hire a plumber or hire a contractor to make the repair.

Is there a government agency looking after such cases?

In Malaysia, strata-titled property owners can bring their complaints to the Strata Management Tribunal (SMT). The Strata Management Tribunal was created in 2015 as a replacement for the Strata Titles Board, created in 2001.

The Tribunal has the power to hear and decide on claims below RM250,000, including disputes over costs or repairs of a defect. They will make a decision 60 days from the first day of hearing.

Be aware that the judgement of the Tribunal is mandatory. And if you don’t abide by the decision, it is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine not exceeding RM250,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.

For more information, visit the Housing and Local Government Ministry, also known as Kementrian Kesejahteraan Bandar, Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT).

On the KPKT website, look for a section known as Tribunal Perumahan dan Pengurusan Strata (TPPS). They have offices covering different zones in Malaysia. Contact details below:

Central Zone:
Aras 3, No. 51, Presint 4, Persiaran Perdana, 62100 Putrajaya.
Tel: +(6)03-8891 3284
Email: tribunal@kpkt.gov.my

Western Zone:
Tingkat 5-6, Bangunan Darul Takaful (Maidam), Jalan Sultan Ismail, 20200 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Tel: +(6)09-6228023/9046
Northern Zone:
Aras 7, Zon B Wisma Persekutuan, Seberang Perai Utara, 13200 Jalan Bertam, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang
Tel: +(6)04-575 9022 /7899/7866

Southern Zone:
Tingkat 20, Menara Ansar, No.65 Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +(6)07-222 8069/8096

Conclusion: What to do if you experience leaking from upstairs

If you stay in a high-rise apartment or condominium block, there is a risk that your ceiling may start leaking from the upstairs unit.

This is a huge inconvenience, and should be fixed right away. Thankfully, there are clear regulations to help determine who’s responsible. Report the leak to your management office and they will do an inspection to find the root cause.

Most of the time, the upstairs neighbour has to pay for the repairs. However, there are cases where the leak comes from a pipe that serves both your units. In such cases, the management office will pay for the repairs.

Whatever the outcome, remain neighbourly, cooperative, and solve the problem together. It’s part and parcel of high-rise living.

This article originally appeared on Recommend.my

Special thanks to Patricia Wan, Senior Associate and Alvin Teo, Partner from Mak, Ng, Shao & Kee Advocates and Solicitors for their generous inputs.

Your living room is looking good with a new coat of twilight magenta paint – everything’s super good. After giving yourself a pat on the back, it’s time to relax and lepak a bit. As you’re rewarding yourself with a glass of kopi ais and a couple of pisang goreng, you suddenly noticed that you’ve got drips of paint on the floor – 30 minutes before your wife is home! To add to the problem, your paint job is starting to look a little weird with air bubbles coming out of nowhere.

Keep calm and take a deep breath! Mistakes do happen, especially if you’re doing your own house painting instead of a professional contractor. The good news is that there’s no need to cry over spilled milk, or paint – we’re revealing the top 3 painting mistakes that people commonly make (and panic over!) and how you can easily fix them:

1. Wrinkled Paint

After you’ve finished painting, you might notice that there are some areas on the wall surface which look kind of like a ‘wrinkled’ layer of thin skin. This indicates that you probably applied too much paint or you’ve painted in a room that is either too hot or too cold – these extreme temperatures can cause the top layer of paint to dry quicker than the rest, hence the appearance of a thin layer of ‘skin’ or wrinkles. Second, it could also happen if you did not let your undercoat dry completely before painting over it with your main colour.

The third reason for this could be because the wall that you painted on is not completely clean of dirt or wax.

Source: benjaminmoore.com

Fix It:

• First, leave the existing paint to dry completely.
• Once the paint is dry, use sand paper to do some rough sanding over the area and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
• After that, apply a layer of undercoat on the area and LET IT DRY COMPLETELY before repainting over it (don’t repeat the same mistake!)

Source: collegiatecrafts.wordpress.com

2. Painting Without A Primer or Undercoat

You usually wouldn’t notice what the big deal is about using primers or undercoats until it’s too late. This is one of the most common painting mistakes which people always overlooked. It’s not recommended to ever skip an undercoat – it can help to make the paint stick to the surface better and as a plain base, it helps to make the colour of your top coat stand out better.

The problem becomes more obvious when you’re trying to go from a dark colour to a lighter one. For example, if you want to switch from deep red to light green without an undercoat, the old deep red colour will shine through your new light green wall (we don’t think that’s going to look pretty at all). Should this happen, don’t worry.

Fix It:

• Simply go over your wall again with the undercoat or primer. Then, repaint it with your top coat (your desired paint colour). Everything will be okay.

Source: homespree.wordpress.com

3. Paint On The Floor

A very, very common situation – almost inevitable even to the most experienced of painters! If there is paint on the floor, do your best to clean it up immediately. Read the cleaning instructions on the paint can for the best way to remove the type of paint that you are using.

Fix It:

• If it’s a puddle of paint, try to scoop up the paint. Use a sponge to absorb the remaining paint that’s left on the floor.
• Grab a clean dry cloth and wipe off the last bits of paint if there are still spots. Always use a paint-free part of the cloth to remove another part of the spill so you don’t end up smudging the area and making the stain worse.
• Keep removing as much of the paint residue as possible.
• For water-based paint – get a new rag to wipe the area with some warm water and detergent. Leave the area to dry.
• For oil-based paint – these are harder to remove and generally would require mineral spirits to remove them.

Another alternative is to use rubbing alcohol to remove the paint stains. For small spots, dampen a cloth with the rubbing alcohol and wipe off.

Source: wisegeek.org

If it’s too much too handle, get in contact with one of Kaodim’s renovation contractor, painting contractor, handyman or general contractor in your area who can give their professional advice and come over to your home to fix the damage.

By Radin Ghazali

Cyberjaya exudes a family friendly atmosphere and is padded with ample of green lungs as well as untampered parks and outdoor space. In this series, let’s look at Cyberjaya’s unique luring factor of its latest bourgeoning residential developments; its man-made lakes. These lakes provide exquisite and spectacular views for the residents while residing in the country’s leading MNCs hub with a growing international community. Top view for a top area?

Here are Cyberjaya’s top lakeside developments:

Lake Point Residence

Lake Point Residence’s phase 2 condominium offers between 2+1-bedroom apartment units to 4-bedroom duplexes with built-ups starting from 922 sq ft. This condominium shares a gated and guarded compound with 3-storey garden terrace homes. It is also secured by 3 layers of security, another being the outdoor perimeter fencing. The starting price of units here is RM420,000++.
Lake Point Residence’s unique appeal is a laidback suburban vibe that places emphasis on lakeside living. Evoking a resort-like environment, this cohesive and carefree development is near the famous Cyberjaya Lake Gardens.

Future residents can engage in various recreational activities by the glistening man-made Putrajaya Lake for some fun under the sun, or just chill out at one of the park benches beside the lake.
Selling Price: Starts from RM420,000.

Price per sq ft.: RM450 psf
Maintenance Fee: RM0.25 psf
Built up: 926 sq ft – 1,834 sq ft

Opus @ Lake Vicinity

Opus @ Lake Vicinity is an opulent project that features an open village concept that focuses on spacious living and family interaction. It also incorporates a tranquil and sustainable lifestyle through its lush natural surroundings and beautiful lake garden.

Unlike a typical city development, this exclusive enclave will be limited to just 62 units of semi-D houses. community and harmonious living are strongly advocated, along with green and healthy living. Residents would also get to enjoy an array of amazing offerings such as a fully equipped clubhouse with various amenities, 3 tiers of security system and an easy access to the Putrajaya Lake Garden.

There will be 2 types of Semi-D unit available for this premium residency. The first is called Blues, which is the larger variant of the two. Blues will include a total built up area of 3,200 sq ft., with five bedrooms and bathrooms. Evergreen, on the other hand, will be a slightly smaller unit with a total built up area of 3,000 sq ft. and has one less bathroom.

Built Up: 3,000-3,200 sq ft.
Listing Price: RM1.9 million – RM2.5 million
Price per sq ft.: RM450

LakeFront Villa

Covering over 40 acres of land, LakeFront is another massive residential property by MCT. The land itself is dedicated to Lakefront projects only and these include LakeFront Villa and LakeFront Residence. The development is not shying away in smothering the property’s landscape aesthetically in welcoming future residents to their homes.

There are two leisure and recreational parks with 40 thematic resort-style facilities. This comes along with retail conveniences that cater to dining as well as places to hang and enjoy the companionship of friends and families.

This LakeFront sanctuary is surrounded with tight security measures to safeguard families that are living here. It is a gated and guarded community along with 24-hour patrolling. It also has CCTV with perimeter fencing and Central Monitoring System (CMS).

LakeFront Villa covers over 15.9 acres of land along with an exclusive 110 units of bungalow. O-Lot Bungalow Intermediate is sized at 4,643 sq ft. The 3-storey unit comes with four bedrooms including a master bedroom and a utility room. Bungalow Corner, sized at 5, 269 sq ft. is another unique and distinctive offering from LakeFront Villa. The 4-storey bungalow comes with six rooms and eight baths that include a powder room. Each room is attached to a bath and this comprises its utility room.

Built Ups: 4, 643 – 7, 079 sq ft.
Selling Price Range: RM 2.1 mio and above
Price per sq ft.: RM450 psf.
Maintenance Fees: RM80 monthly

LakeFront Residence

Nestling on a 23-acre of land, LakeFront Residence is a freehold condominium project that introduces resort like ambiance to its residents. Equipped with a string of state-of-the-art facilities, LakeFront Residence is also part of the evolving LakeFront township that covers over 40 acres of land along with parks, retail outlets as well as a school.

There are ten activity areas where residents could unwind and relax at the heart of the development. The areas include The Relaxation Gardens, The Scents Gardens, The Forest Gardens and The Aquatoriums.
Standing tall on a 23-acre of land, LakeFront Residence is among the tallest residential properties around Persiaran Semarak Api while overlooking an enormous lake.

There are eight towers filling up the vast land of LakeFront Residence. The units here range from 950 sq ft. to 1,568 sq ft. The largest unit is Type B. Sized at 1, 568 sq ft., this layout has three bedrooms and two baths. It comes along with a study area. Meanwhile, the smallest is sized at 950 sq ft. and has three bedrooms and two baths for its occupants.

Built Ups: 950- 1, 568 sq. ft.
Selling Price Range: RM508,250 – RM976,480
Price per sq ft.: From RM500 per sq ft.
Maintenance Fees: RM0.22 psf.

For more information on new top homes, check out PropertyGuru’s New Property Launches and Project Reviews.

There are only a few weeks left before the baby finally arrives and you think you’ve bought every single thing there is. Have you also made sure that your home is safe for the baby? As they start to grow and explore their surroundings, previously harmless objects in the home can suddenly be hazardous to a crawling child.

Here are a few key tips to childproof your home without the hassle of disruptive home renovation.

1. Make a checklist

Even before buying or thinking of buying any gadgets for childproofing your home, make a checklist. Take a few minutes and walk through your home while taking into consideration everything that might injure your child. Sharp edges, hard surfaces, easily closed doors, unguarded high platforms, just name it. Write down where these potential dangers could be according to room. This will help you stay organised and prevent buying unnecessary things while you prepare your home for a new child.

2. Falling furniture

Photo credit: The Spruce

One of the first things you should look out for is unstable furniture. Unbalanced furniture can fall, causing serious injuries, usually to the head or body. Heavy dressers, entertainment centres or bookcases are furniture that a curious child might would pull on. Make sure the furniture is secured or out of reach from children.

3. Electrical outlets

Photo credit: Mbintel

Make sure all empty electrical outlets are covered or opt for self-sliding outlet covers that slide close when nothing is plugged in. For those that are currently being used, make sure that it is out of the child’s reach. Adults might know the danger electricity can cause, but for children, it might just seem like an interesting toy.

4. Cabinet locks and doors

When you are a toddler who is only beginning to learn about all the wonders of the world, the inside of a cabinet could seem like the most interesting thing: “I must open that now!”

Probably not a good idea. Who knows what your parents have in there — sharp objects, cleaning materials, cockroach repellent — things that pose a threat if consumed or used on skin.

For these matters, rather than using inexpensive locks which might generally fail within the first 100 days of use, purchase locks that have metal spring mechanisms or even better, magnetic locks. They might not fit your current interior design, but it sure is safe. As for doors, either toilet doors or bedroom doors, it is recommended to use locks that require two motions.

5. Household appliances and choking hazards

Photo credit: Insurance Hub

A general rule of thumb for children is anything that fits through a cardboard toilet paper roll is a choking hazard. It would be wise to temporarily remove all sorts of decorative household items that can be easily swallowed by children. Meanwhile, household appliances such as hot irons, used pots and pans should never be left unattended as it can cause burns and scald the child if they reach for it.

6. Staircases and openings

Photo credit: Amazon

For high platforms, doors and staircases, installing protective gates is a safe bet. Pressure gates that do not attach to the wall can be placed at doorways and at the bottom of the stairs; it should not be attached at the top of a staircase. Instead, try using gates that have a swinging door in the middle that requires two motions to open.

If you need additional help with the structure of your home, we’ve got professional home renovators and electricians who can assist. We’ll send you prices to compare and profiles to review so you can finally hire the professional of your choice. Enjoy your new life as a parent! And be safe!

It’s a stone-cold dilemma when you’re trying to choose between granite and marble countertops. Both of them are gorgeous – so it’s a tough choice. We’re going to introduce you to the pros and cons of these stones from various aspects, so take these facts into serious consideration before you make your final decision.

Appearance

Granite:

Photo credit: kitchen-design-ideas.org

The physical appearance of granite is quite different when compared to marble. Granite comprises a variety of colours because it has different stones melded into it, often quartz or even feldspar. Due to their multiple shades, these stones make every block of granite extremely unique.

Marble:

Photo credit: alibaba.com

Marble has a variety of colours too. White-grey is the most common type, with dark streaks cutting through the white. You can also find grayish-blue and cream marble slabs in many Malaysian homes. The streaks are a result of mineral impurities over the years.

Maintenance

Granite:

Most will agree that taking care of granite is much easier when compared to taking care of a marble countertop. Marble and granite are both porous materials which means that you need to always clean up the spills if you have any. Just remember that the effects from spills are a lot less harsh on a granite countertop.

Marble:

Light-coloured marble countertops are more susceptible to stains compared to granite because of the colour and the fact that they is more porous than granite. Acidic liquids are especially dangerous because they can create stains that can never be removed. However, sealants can help with both the countertops, but you need to be much more careful with marble countertops. For marble, it is recommended that you reseal the countertop twice a year.

Stain Removal

Marble countertop / Photo credit: Faith Durand

Since both marble and granite can be stained, the biggest difference between these two materials is the severity of the stain. So the safest option would be to wipe the stain off immediately. Some spills will only stain the top surface, making it easier to clean with stain removers but others can seep into the stones and change the chemical materials of the countertop. The bottom line is to be extra careful with both of these types of countertops. For professional help, contact our expert cleaners for fixed, affordable rates!

Cost

Granite Countertop / Photo credit: graniteselection.com

Granite tops can run from RM50-RM200 or more per square foot, depending on the quality and make of it. This would also include installation. However when compared to marble, even the top-quality granite countertops can’t rival the price of good marble countertops.

Marble has been proven to instill class and luxury and that moniker does not come with a cheap price tag either. Although the cost does vary because of its appearance and the quality of the build, marble is a more expensive choice of material compared to granite.

So In A Nutshell… Granite Or Marble?

Photo credit: ccsrdesign.wordpress.com

If you’re looking for durability, affordability and functionality, go for granite. There’s a saying that you’ll ruin your knife before you ruin your granite countertop, which speaks volumes of the surface’s sturdiness. You also have a wide range of stones to choose from, and each lends a different appeal to the overall look and feel of the room. Granite countertops will thrive very nicely in both the kitchen and the bathroom.

Marble countertop / Photo credit: livingroompaintideas.com

Marble countertops are pricier and would require a little more maintenance, but on the bright side, they’re effortlessly beautiful and will instantly boost your room’s sophistication. They’re also able to take the heat very well. A hot pan or curling iron won’t damage the surface. They’re fairly simple to clean – mixing warm water and dish soap works well for a quick general wipe, while leaving baking soda and water overnight on the surface has been proven to remove stains.

Note Of Caution:

However, our expert contractors would recommend going for porcelain marble countertops, and to refrain from having marble countertops in your kitchen. Due to its porous nature and overall structure, marble isn’t as durable as granite and wouldn’t do very well in the kitchen. Knives and other heavy kitchen appliances can easily scratch or chip away at its precious surface. So if you absolutely decide to go for marble, install it in your bathroom.

Choosing between these two materials can be tricky, so if you need more professional advice before installing a new countertop, head on over to Kaodim to get in touch with professional interior designers and home contractors.

Kuala Lumpur, April 12 2017 – TimeTec Cloud, the sister company of leading global time man-agement and biometric security access providers, FingerTec, launched a revolutionary cloud and IoT product ‘ i-Neighbour’,a multi-functional residential and visitor management system, today atHilton KL Sentral.

For many urban dwellers, residential security has become a necessity, however it has some set-backs. Tired of having to wait while the guards take down your personal details? Sick of long waits when one of the owners won’ t answer their intercom to let their guests in? Feel uneasy about leav-ing your identity card in the hands of strangers?

You aren’t alone. i-Neighbour was created to help skip this hassle while adding accuracy, convenience and peace of mind for residents. The system is ideal for any condominium or guarded communities and is easy to implement with just the availability of a smart phone.

“For years we’ve been at the forefront of corporate security and workforce management, we are thrilled to launch i-Neighbour, harnessing our expertise to help Malaysians feel more secure in their own homes” said Teh Hon Seng, Founder and CEO of TimeTec Cloud Group.

An Efficient and Digital Option

i-Neighbour is designed to streamline the check in and check out processes. With its simple online sign-up process, guests can pre-register their visitation and have it approved by the resident they are visiting – with just a few touches on their smart phones.

Pre-approving a visit provides the visitor with a QR code that can be scanned at the complex entry giving them immediate access. Regular visitors like suppliers, maintenance, and even tuition teachers can obtain QR codes that will grant them regular access within a timeframe.

Users, both visitor and visitee also have the option to set a reminder prior to the date or jot down visitation notes just in case they forget or would like to make a special memo.

You have the Power and Convenience

Managing the influx of visitors can be a feat and i-Neighbour, powered by state-of-the-art cloud technology, can effectively manage the problem. TimeTec Cloud believes that the residents should always be fully aware of their environment at all times, and have the power to control who goes in and out of their compound. With this in mind, residents will have the ability to blacklist unwelcome guests to block them from entering the premises.

The i-Neighbour application provides user with round-the-clock access to their account from the convenience of their smartphones. Approval, blocking, pre-registration and all other processes can be done anywhere and at any time. You no longer have to be in your dwelling to answer the inter-com or pick up the phone.

The online storage gives residents complete access to records of their complete visitation history as well as a bulletin board for your Resident’ s Association to post important updates, contacts, documents, event updates and even photos making communicating more effective, efficient and transparent. Keeping your neighbourhood informed, and able to look out for one another.

Always Secure, Never Out of Date

i-Neighbours online cloud information storage and servers are provided and protected by Amazon Web Services (trusted by some of the biggest financial institutions in the world), which prevent any data loss and is secured by their advanced unique authentication systems ensuring your data and your visitors data is highly protected.

The longevity of any software is dependant on consistent updates and continuous development. TimeTec Cloud is experienced and committed to ensuring this stability and intends to extend their offerings within the application.

“i-Neighbour, is going to be a game changer. Adoption is user friendly, fast and cost effective. The future is moving towards IoT, and i-Neighbour will be able to integrate seamlessly,” added Teh on the future of their newest product. Availability and PricingVisitors can now access i-Neighbour for free via any web browser (PC or Mac) or through the i-Neighbour application available on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Users and neighbourhoods can enjoy the benefits of this system for as low as RM2 per month, per household.

Visit https://www.i-neighbour.com/for more information.

This article originally appeared on RecomN Living.

What is a defect liability period? When your new property is ready for key collection, the developer will provide a “warranty” in case of defects, similar to the warranty you get when you buy a new TV.

But unlike a new TV, you cannot exchange the property for a new one if something goes wrong.

Instead, what you must do is to conduct a thorough inspection of your new property. Mark out any issues, and get the developer to fix them before the warranty period runs out (commonly known as the “Defect Liability Period”).

For a new home of about 1,200 sft, it may take anywhere between 2 to 6 hours to complete the inspection (depending on how thorough you want to be).

Read this guide to ensure that your inspection is as complete as possible.

What is the Defect Liability Period?

The Defect Liability Period is defined as the period of time from the date you receive delivery of vacant possession and keys to your property, where the developer is responsible to fix any defects.

Empty house ready for defect inspection

The defect liability period typically lasts for 18 months. And within this period, the homeowner will need to check for any damage, defects, and poor or faulty workmanship. Any issues need to be reported back to the developer to get them repaired for free.

How do I prepare for the defect inspection?

When you do the defect inspection, you are basically trying to answer three main questions:

• Does the property match what was promised by the developer?
• Do all the fixtures and appliances work?
• Is the workmanship satisfactory?

On the day of inspection, this is what you should bring along (according to LowYat user aaronpang):

Equipment for defect liability inspection. Photo by aaronpang.

1. Your new house keys (all of them)
2. Your Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) containing the original floor plan
3. Measuring tape (that can measure the entire floor space of a room; not those IKEA ones)
4. Masking tape / label stickers
5. Marker pen
6. Note book
7. Camera
8. (Optional) A foot stool of small ladder to inspect high-up places

What should you inspect?

Now that all your equipment is ready, it is time to get down to business. Here are some of the most important things for you to inspect and pay attention to:
Checkpoint 1: Does the property match what was promised by the developer?

Count the number of lighting points during defect liability period

1. Using your measuring tape, measure the actual built-up area of every room. Compare against the floor plan given in your SPA.
2. Count the number of lighting points, electrical points and sockets. It should be the same number as in the SPA.
3. Count the number of ceiling hooks for fans or chandeliers
4. Check for broadband point and gas point (if applicable)
5. Check that all given appliances and fixtures in the bathroom, toilets and kitchen are as per listed in the SPA. Also check:

• Aircon fan units and compressors are the correct brand and model
• Sink, taps and toilet bowl are the correct brand
• Fridge, oven, stovetop and cooker hood are the correct brand and model
• Shower heads are installed
• Kitchen cabinets and countertop are the correct material

Checkpoint 2: Do all the fixtures work properly?

Check that fixtures are working properly during defect liability period

1. Turn on all the taps and showers, and flush all the toilets to check for water pressure and drainage. Make sure all drainage systems and water holes in bathroom floor and sink, as well as kitchen floor and sink are not blocked
2. Check all the bathroom fixtures are complete. For example, do the toilets all have seat covers? Do the shower heads have all the nozzles in place?
3. Turn on all the appliances and run them for a little while. If it’s an aircon, it may take a moment to get cold as it has not been used for a while

During the defect inspection, some homeowners even deliberately flood their bathrooms and kitchens, or fill the bathtub and leave it there for a few days. Just to check whether the water seeps through to the unit below.

Checkpoint 3: Is the workmanship satisfactory?

Empty living room for renovation

1. Check the ceiling and the wall for any cracks, water damage, or bad paint work
2. Check on floor tiles, bathroom wall tiles, and kitchen back splash for any misalignment
3. Knock every single tile and if you hear any hollow sound, put it on the repair list
4. Check all doors, door frames, hinges and knobs to make sure there’s no dent, scratch or misalignment, can be properly closed and match their keys. Try a couple of times
5. Repeat step above for all the windows
6. Make sure the glass on the sliding doors and windows are properly installed and not cracked
7. Make sure the vanity mirrors in the bathroom are properly installed and have no cracks
8. Check for any trails of dried cement, varnish or paint on any part of the house
9. Shake the railing on your balcony to make sure it is properly installed and firm\

What to do if I find a defect?

If you find a defect, put a strip of masking tape or label sticker near it and write the problem on it (example in the image below). Then, take a photo of it.

Marking out a defect during defect liability period for new property

Give that defect a number, example “06” above. In the image above, I used a bright label as it makes it easier for the contractor to find later. You can also use masking tape. Then. write the same number in your notebook or report form, along with the location. For example: “Kitchen pillar near floor, 06, cracking”.

How to submit your defect report?

The developer will usually supply a form for you to fill in the defects list. Remember to make a copy for yourself (or snap a photo of it) before you hand it over.

Defect Inspection Form after property handover

You can also write the same list of defects into your notebook. Use the same sequence number that you wrote on the label stickers earlier so it is consistent throughout. That will also make it easier for the contractor to find the defect and for you to check again in the future.

When you are done, submit the defect report to the developer. If it’s a condo, you can usually submit it to the management office. They will acknowledge receipt of your list. In some cases, a representative from the developer may want to revisit the site and ask you to point out the defects.

What happens after you submit the defect report?

The developer will have 30 days from the day you submit the form, to make the repairs. Once done, they will contact you to make another inspection.
According to the House Buyer’s Association (HBA), in cases where the developer is unresponsive, you can hire your own contractor to make the repairs, and recover the cost from the developer’s lawyer.
During the defect liability period, HBA also advises:
“Contact neighbours who have similar difficulties in getting defects rectified. There is power in numbers, and you can share tasks to lighten the load. The main objective is to convince the developer that you are serious in getting the defects rectified properly.”

Now You Are Ready to Renovate
After you have received the keys to your new property, you actually have 18 months to report any defects during the defect liability period.

However, our advice is: don’t delay. You will want to make sure every defect has been fixed before you move it. Expect to spend several hours to do a thorough check of your new property, and mark out any defects clearly.

With a bit of effort (and detailed scrutiny), you will soon have the house in tip top condition and ready for interior design and renovation!

Get Inspired by Completed Renovation Works Across Malaysia

We have compiled the best renovation projects at RecomN Interiors. Some of the projects include apartments, condos, terrace houses and bungalows, and range from RM10,000 to RM200,000 and up.

Above: Completed interior design project in Bangsar Puteri, Kuala Lumpur.

Above: Completed dining room renovation in Subang Bestari.

Above: Complete family room renovation in Desa Sri Hartamas.

Finding a good renovation firm takes time and effort. Let RecomN.com do the hard work for you. Browse recent projects from reliable interior design and renovation firms in Malaysia and request for a free renovation consultation.

We protect your renovation project by offering the RecomN Guarantee when you use RecomN Pay. If the vendor is unable to complete the project, we will refund you the amount for non-completed work, or find someone else to complete it at no additional charge. The Guarantee also comes with automatic protection against damage, fire and theft.

Start your renovation journey with RecomN Interiors today

This is a sponsored post for Khind

Year 2017 is the year of the Rooster in Chinese calendar. In less than a month, all Chinese families will be celebrating Chinese New Year. To the early birds, their festive preparation should have been in progress, while for some others, it could be just the beginning.

For the Chinese, reunion dinner is very important where family members get together to celebrate. Thus, Khind-Mistral (M) Sdn. Bhd proudly launches the very first soup cooker that can help to cook delicious and healthy homemade soups with minimal effort and stress free.

Khind Soup Cooker SC680C can cook and stew all types of soups, porridge and desserts. It offers special double stew and fast stew functions, including nutritious soup, rib soup, chicken soup, bean soup, thick soup, tendon soup, knuckle soup, multigrain porridge and desserts to fulfil variety of cooking needs. Khind Soup Cooker SC680C has patented anti-overflow groove and cover to prevent against overflow during stewing process in the ceramic pot.

Keep warm and pre-set for delayed cooking is also available. By using this function, busy household can set a delay cooking time for up to 24 hours and keep food warm up to 24 hours after cooking. You can even set how long you would like your food to cook in few cooking modes.

Khind Soup Cooker SC680C has a ceramic inner pot with a 6.8L capacity, large enough for a whole chicken. Ceramic inner pot is non-toxic and considered to be the safest and most environmentally friendly option for cooking. Besides, all-ceramic inner pot do not carry-over tastes or odors, even highly acidic foods (like tomatoes) will not stain the ceramic pot surface or be absorbed into other foods.

Now, let’s move on with rice cookers. Khind-Mistral (M) Sdn. Bhd. has a special and healthy rice cooker series under the KHIND Anshin Rice Cookers. The current range of KHIND Anshin Rice Cookers comes in 4 sizes – 0.6L, 1.0L, 1.8L and 2.8L. This series is known for its Eco Smart Switch that automatically cuts off the power to save electricity and as well as getting our crust-free rice.

KHIND had launched another 1.8L model under this range and it is digital! Besides the digital display, KHIND Anshin Digital Rice Cooker is convenient for the working community to pre-set the cooking time and gets to eat hot yummy rice when they are back from work. This digital rice cooker is able to boil soup, cook tasty white and brown rice, and ensure smooth texture of porridge as well.

KHIND Anshin Rice Cooker series use high quality stainless steel inner pot which is scratch proof and do not contaminate our food. The best part is this stainless steel inner pot comes with a 10 year warranty! Not just that, you will get a free stainless steel steam tray when you purchase 1.8L and 2.8L KHIND Anshin Rice Cookers and KHIND Anshin Digital Rice Cooker.

For further enquires, please log on to www.khind.com.my to locate your nearest retail outlet or call KL/ Selangor 03-78392001, Penang 04-5372803, Perak 05-5415298, Malacca 06-2815717, Johor 07-3558991, Pahang 09-5689711 or Kelantan 09-7448900. You may also purchase online at www.khindonline.com.

The real estate world is about to get a big shake up, but how far will technological advances go?

At a café in Tokyo’s chic Shibuyu district, Kate settles down to make some home improvements. She orders a cappuccino, straps on a pair of virtual reality goggles and shuts herself off from the outside world.

Meanwhile, her husband Mike, on a business trip in Edinburgh, sits in his hotel room wearing a similar pair of goggles. The couple move through the property together, discussing options for kitchen worktops, dining room tables and curtains for the master bedroom.

Welcome to the future, where, from anywhere in the world, you can immerse yourself in a real place, and virtually walk through and redesign your surroundings with family and friends.

Although the scenario seems sci-fi, this technology already exists. While still in the early stages now, it is about to change everything, according to those in the know.

“I think we are in an age where we have to go and see and touch something,” says Malcolm Fitzgerald, chief product and technology officer at PropertyGuru Group, one of Asia’s most prominent online property media companies turned tech industry leader. “But our kids are in a different age, and their kids are in a different age, and when my kids’ kids grow up, virtual reality and augmented reality will be scaled across the world. Everyone will have a device. Everyone will have goggles; we’ll all be in an augmented or virtual world.”
Previously the realm of tech enthusiasts, video gamers, and the porn industry, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are nudging their way into the business world and our daily lives in a big way.

Nowhere is this change more exciting than in real estate, with pioneering property companies adopting the technology and offering customers futuristic home viewings. But this technology is not just a sop to the vagaries of fashion. VR and AR are serious tools, that are influencing the way properties are conceptualised, built, maintained and decorated.

By wearing special VR goggles, users are visually transported to a world akin to the holodeck in “Star Trek,” where you can see and interact with simulated surroundings.

Just strap yourself in, and you’re ready to go. Image: 279photo Studio/Shutterstock

In contrast, AR is not immersive. It’s merely additional content layered on top of the real world in certain locations. This technology has gone mainstream courtesy of gaming phenomenon Pokémon GO.

But how do the two combine to make a real estate sales and marketing dream team? Fitzgerald explains that in the future the real estate tech world will use a mixed reality of both VR and AR.

“What we’re looking to do is to push that boundary into VR so customers can not just view their property, but virtually redesign it in one seamless experience,” he says.

Over the next few years, VR viewings will eliminate the need for investors to personally visit a property they intend to buy. They can look around an apartment in London or New York from the comfort of their living room in Singapore or Bangkok.

Friends and family members will also be able to tune into the same viewing, making it a shared experience. AR takes this to the next level, making it possible to rearrange the furniture, change the colour of the fabric, and even select furnishings from e-commerce sites to see what it would look like in the room.

This technology will also have benefits before the customer even gets involved.

Architects and developers can adapt designs in real time, without sending annotated PDF’s back and forth and losing days of production, says Warren Mackenzie, creative director of multi-disciplinary tech agency Untitled Project.

When the customer does enter the frame, VR allows them to step into the mind of the designer and be fully immersed in the creation process.

“It’s instant and it’s very real,” he says. “This new intimate connection between customer and product will be something people come to expect, and anybody in the business of making things will be heavily reliant on VR/AR as part of the review process.”

Image: Helena Olena/Shutterstock

Not only that, but developers can now approach a company like Untitled Project with the blueprints or even sketches of a property yet to be built, and create a virtual experience from the plans. This will then allow prospective tenants or investors to experience being inside the property before the first bricks have even been laid.

While excitement for VR is growing, actual property sales from virtual viewings will not happen overnight.

“You’re not making an investment just based on a virtual decision. I think the process helps to make your property search much more efficient,” Jan Thiel, creative director of Germany-based virtual reality agency, A4VR, says, explaining that with VR, you have much richer material from which to decide whether you like what a real estate agent has to offer.

He also suggests that consumers will trust a virtual depiction of a property more so than standard photographs, as real estate agents are commonly criticised, for instance, for using deceptive wide lens photography to make rooms appear larger.

“Faking a shot in the 360, is possible but it’s a lot more difficult.” Besides, Thiel adds, “the power of VR is to show the client what is really there.”

Back in the Shibuyu café of the near future, Kate puts the finishing touches to the bathroom décor, although she still looks slightly out of place. Other customers are glued to the screens of the latest iPhone.

But just as the smart phone revolutionised the tech market a decade ago, VR is about to go massive over the next 10 years. Tomorrow’s world will be seen through very different eyes – or goggles.

This story was originally published on Property Report.

This story was published for KHIND

Many of us love spending time in the kitchen cooking delicious meals for our loved ones. But when it comes to cooking, we always look for a way to shorten cooking time, make the process shorter, and yet ensure that the food is still delicious at the same time.

Thus, one way to make your cooking simple yet finger licking good is to use KHIND’s award winning multicooker – a stylish equipment to fit perfectly into your modern lifestyle. So why should one use the KHIND multicooker, instead of a traditional wok?

1. 20 Pre-Set Menus

One reason to use the KHIND multicooker is that it is pre-programmed with multiple cooking modes cum timers, which allows the user to explore twenty types of cooking techniques. These techniques include slow cook, fast cook, fry, deep fry, stew and steam, to name a few.

Such built-in modes will help users to achieve a wide variety of cooking needs, as well as help you stay healthy. Aside from that, beginner cooks will also find these modes very useful when it comes to ensuring that the food is cooked well and properly.

2. Great Addition to the Kitchen

Another reason to get the KHIND multicooker is its sleek and stylish design which will fit perfectly into your kitchen.

The cooker comes with a touch control sensor panel, with a digital display which is designed to control the cooking method and the timer. Meanwhile, the cooker’s easy-to-use method also makes it highly convenient.

3. Cut Down Other Appliances

Having so many built-in cooking techniques, KHIND’s multicooker also reduces the number of cooking appliances needed in your home. For example, instead of needing to have separate equipments to cook such as a wok to fry, a steamer to steam and a pot to stew, you can now do everything with only one equipment – which will cook everything to perfection for you.

Thus, you not only save kitchen and storage space, but also cut down the cost of purchasing all the separate kitchen appliances while keeping your meals healthy.

4. The Extras

Another thing to look forward to is the cook book that comes together with the multicooker! Buyers will be given a cook book which contains 25 delicious and healthy recipes, as well as the methods to prepare these dishes using the KHIND multicooker.

So for those who have just purchased this appliance, you will be able to begin experimenting with all the different modes first before moving on to your own recipes. This will also definitely come in handy for beginners.

The KHIND multicooker comes with a one-year warranty and is available at major retail outlets.

For more information, log on to www.khind.com.my or call KL/Selangor (03-7839 2001), Penang (04-537 2803), Perak (05-545 6778), Malacca (06-2815 717), Johor (07-355 8991), Pahang (09-568 9711) or Kelantan (09-744 8900). You can also purchase online at www.khindonline.com.

Decorating a home can be very tricky when you are working with a very limited space. One might feel suffocated and annoyed when entering a room that doesn’t allow any space for the eyes and body to relax. So what should you do to make your home feel bigger?

1. Use light or neutral colours as the base

Start with light coloured walls and cabinets, and layer it in with dark furniture (such as chairs) to give a feeling of space.

Signature Kitchen, Setia Alam Branch

2. Extend the flooring design across living and dining rooms

Use similar flooring design or tiles for connecting areas. This will help in making the separate areas look seamless. Hence, the eyes will see it as one huge area.

Seven Design

3. Use the full height of the room

If you have the chance, design your house to include tall windows and glass doors. Besides allowing a good amount of natural light to enter the room, these windows and doors will make the whole area feel bigger. Even if your windows are smaller, you can make use of ceiling height curtains to extend the height. You can also extend your bookshelves all the way up.

Bonnieblue Furniture & Interiors

4. Declutter and organise

Go for minimalist design and decoration if you have limited space. Do regular spring cleaning and get rid of unwanted furniture. Or, design lots of built-in storage to keep all your stuff.

Movent Design

5. Draw the eye upwards with a different ceiling colour

Use a different tone for the ceiling to create an illusion of a ceiling that stretches further. Complete the look with soft hues for the cabinets to add more contrast.

QM Design Sdn. Bhd

6. Go for an open plan design to make your home feel bigger

Open plan homes without walls to separate the mini kitchen and living room will make the room seem spacious. Low rise furniture will also make your home feel bigger as every part of the house can be seen clearly from any corner.

Lazern

7. Use stripes and lines to elongate the space

Go for a parquet striped floor design in a small room to make the area seem longer. Having the room decorated in softer, lighter tones will also make the space feel bigger.

Moonlit Inspiration Sdn. Bhd

8. Contrasting colour to create an optical illusion

Dark coloured floors that contrast with white walls and ceilings will create an illusion of a bigger space. Dark floors will give an impression that it is a separate entity from other parts of the interior, leaving the room looking bigger.

Pocket Square

9. Don’t place fixtures along all four walls

If you place your furniture and fittings along all four walls, the eye detects the boundaries of the room very clearly. The example bathroom below avoids this by arranging fixtures in a straight line.

Demaxd Build

10. Lots of natural light in the day; varied light sources at night

Open the curtains in the day to let in as much natural light as possible. At night, use a combination of ambient and task lighting to make any home feel bigger.

MIL Design & Construction

Need more ideas to make your home feel bigger? Hire an interior designer to help you out. Visit RecomN.com and share some basic information about your home via our request form and you’ll receive several quotations from professional interior designers for free.

This article is contributed by RecomN.com

Going for a trip? Run through this checklist of home security tips so you don’t come back to a burgled house.

Have you ever had that feeling where, as soon as leave the house for your holiday, you start to think, “Did I close the upstairs window?”

I know that feeling too. It’s hard to really relax if you start worrying about break-ins while you’re away.

In Malaysia, break-ins are getting too frequent. This is especially true during the festive season or school holidays, when the entire neighbourhood leaves town.

Thankfully, there are ways to ensure your home is properly locked down. Some are easy to do on your own, while others will need the help of a recommended professional. Check out our home security tips below:

1. Reinforce the locks on your doors and windows

Before you invest in a high-tech alarm system, take a look at the basic entry points to your home. Burglars will try to find the easiest way in, and that’s usually the ground floor doors and windows.

Upgrade your window latch to include a locking key, and add a deadbolt. The same thing can be done for your doors. The added security will make your home much less attractive to burglars, as it will slow down the process of break-ins.

2. Don’t expose your valuables

This tip is from an actual burglar. If your home has big windows and sliding doors, make sure to draw the curtains before you leave. During the day, a single day curtain, or sheer curtain is enough to keep out prying eyes.

However, if you are going to leave a night light switched on, that same sheer curtain will not be enough. Get a thicker fabric, or get two layers of curtains (black out and sheer) to keep your home private.

If possible, arrange your furniture so that if someone looks in, they will not be able to see your expensive big screen TV.

Curtains by Hauzern Curtain Gallery

3. Maintain a well-groomed garden

If you have a landed property with a big front garden, it’s tempting to create a secluded garden with lots of trees and shrubs.

However, be reminded that these plants need regular maintenance, or it becomes overgrown, and a potential hiding place for burglars. Before you go on your vacation, make arrangements with a gardener to tidy up the garden.

Landscaping by Eco Outdoor Asia

4. Install a home alarm system

If you are away a lot, having an alarm system installed is a good investment. Modern alarm systems include motion sensors, fire, smoke and gas alarms, and emergency buttons in case of threats or medical incidents.

A comprehensive home security package will include 24-hour monitoring services from a nearby security centre. If a door is opened, or unusual activity is detected, the customer service centre will call you.

Or, if you’re on a tight budget? You can always get a fake decoy “Protected by XXX security services” box and display it at the front of your house.

Photo by Hunter Tech

5. Have a well-lit yard

A dark front yard provides a great place for burglars to hide while they slowly get past your defenses. Even if a car or a neighbour were to walk past your gate, they may not see a burglar in the shadows of your plants, or crouching by your car.

Ask an electrician to install motion-activated outdoor lights, and have it switch on after dark.

6. Pause newspaper delivery

If you have daily newspaper delivery, tell them to pause deliveries while you are away. Having a stack of untouched or wet newspapers on your driveway will give a hint to people that you are not at home.

If you prefer not to tell your deliveryman your holiday dates, ask a neighbour to collect the newspapers for you.

Photo by Flickr user Jon S

7. Install remote-activated lights, or set them on a timer

Along with motion-activated lights, you can also install lights that are set to switch on at certain times of the day. Your local hardware store should have such switches, or you can buy lights that come with its own timer.

Increasingly, there are also switches that connect to the Internet to switch the lights on and off on a schedule that you set on your mobile phone. These schedulers can even randomise the times your lights switch on, to keep burglars guessing whether you are home or not.

Renovation by Yee Hong Renovation & Construction

8. Tell your neighbours

If you are planning to go away for a couple of weeks, ask a favour from your neighbour to check on the house every few days. Give them the keys so they can collect the newspaper and mail and let them know how they can reach you.

9. Lock your doors and windows

Yup, we know this tip is obvious. But in your haste to get to the airport, you may forget this basic step. Make an extra effort to go around the house and every room before heading out for your long holiday.

Photo by Flickr user emdot

10. Empty your mailbox

Always remember to clear out your mailbox before travelling. A full or overflowing mailbox is an obvious signal that there’s no one at home.

11. Install a CCTV system

Having a CCTV prominently mounted will make burglars think twice. And in the event of an actual break in, the camera footage may help identify the suspect.

Get help from a security professional to help you select the right mix of cameras. Factors include whether the cameras are for outdoor or indoor use, whether they should record continuously or only activate by movement, and whether they store the data on-board, or send it remotely to a central storage system. They will also provide you with a mobile app so you can monitor your home from anywhere.

Photo from One Selection Secure Sdn Bhd

12. Turn down the volume of your home phone

Most people don’t do this; If you still have a fixed line or house phone, turn down the volume or simply disconnect it before leaving the house. If a burglar is waiting outside, the endless ringing will tell him that no one is at home.

Alternatively, you can do some simple renovations to increase the sound-proofing of your home.

RecomN.com has hundreds of well-experienced service providers to improve your home and home security, including handymen, electricians, CCTV specialists, and more. Fill in a quick form to get free quotations and compare their portfolios to find the best pros for your needs. 

This article is contributed by RecomN.com

This story is published for KHIND.

The haze season in Malaysia is back, with the air quality in the city deteriorating rapidly. The air quality level in Singapore has reached hazardous conditions according to their government, and parts of Malaysia are already reaching severe levels – especially in Pasir Gudang and Nilai.

And accompanying the deteriorating air quality has come all the various illnesses that plague haze season such as sore throats, headaches and sinuses. So what can we do to fight the haze?

Well, for starters what I’d suggest is to do what we can to take care of our own health first! Aside from closing all the windows and turning on the air-conditioner, the next thing you can do is to get yourself an air purifier! And believe it or not, air purifier sales do extremely well during the haze season with popular brands and models being constantly out of stock!

And aside from helping us combat the problems that haze brings, here are a few other things that I discovered my air purifier could help me with:

1. Help Reduce Skin Allergies

Unbeknownst to many, an air purifier is actually purported to help with skin allergies. It is supposed to help remove airborne particles and bacteria that contribute to skin irritation, and some of the more advanced ones such as the Khind Air Purifier HAP 30 and HAP 40 have an air quality sensor indicator. While some may question the usefulness of this function, it is certainly a useful one especially during haze season when you want to monitor the quality of air in your home.

2. Moisturising My Skin

Air quality sensor aside, did you know that some of the more advanced models like the Khind HAP 40 comes with a humidifier as well? Good for you if you did, because I didn’t. Being a person who’s obsessively afraid of the heat, I always lock myself indoors with the air-conditioner turned up to the max.

But do you have any idea what that does to the human skin? Take a glass of water, turn the air-conditioner to the max and put the glass of water on a table under the air-conditioner. You’ll get the idea after seeing the water reduce to nothing in a few days.

So getting an air purifier with a humidifier was an epiphany for me, especially since my skin doesn’t wrinkle up anymore when I pinch it between my fingers!

3. Reduce Sinus Problems

Here is another great way to combat sinus problems. Did you know that using an air purifier has helped with many a sinus case? But of course not all air purifiers have the ability to address sinus issues. In order for an air purifier to help sinus cases, you need one that has a HEPA system. A HEPA system is an advanced technology breakthrough in recent years that captures fine particles in the air.

As stated in the Khind Air Purifier HAP 40 website, the HEPA system also provides strong filtration of bacteria, dust, mould, allergens and other tiny particles that is able to capture 2.5 microns fine particles up to 99.5% – an important function as particles as tiny as that can easily be drawn into the lungs when breathing which can impact the lung function.

4. Help Clear Out the Bad Smells

And then every so often you get a bad smell in your room such as clothes that did not dry out well, or even the smell of tobacco after a night out. If you leave the room to its own devices, it’s very likely that you’ll still be able to ‘enjoy’ the smell after a few days. But with the breakthroughs of modern science, now my air purifier HAP 40 has the ability to remove unpleasant smells (within an effective area of 40m2)!

This amazing function is enabled via the second layer of their filter, the cellular-activated carbon filter; which in layman terms merely means that the layer of carbon filter is made out of activated carbon. Activated carbon have small absorbent pores that bond chemically with pollutants that pass through it – which in this case are the bad smells. So read that as trapping (eliminating!) the bad smells.

And in fact those who love smoking or vaping in their rooms might want to get one of these too. Check out how fast the air purifier gets rid of smoke in the air!

5. In Eliminating Bacteria

Do you ever dread your partner or family member becoming sick because the chances of you getting their bug is so much higher? If you do, then that’s all the more reason to get an air purifier. A typical air purifier claims to kill airborne bacteria, but the Khind flagship air purifier HAP 40 has brought technology forward to the next step with their ultraviolet sterilizing light.

Aside from stopping and killing all that bacteria in their tracks, the function also generates negative ions at the same time; improving air quality and making the air healthier and fresher!

Endless Advantages in Owning an Air Purifier

You’ll never go wrong in purchasing an air purifier. In fact, it was one of my most worthwhile purchases ever especially since my Khind HAP 40 has 3 years warranty! The effects may not be seen overnight in those who suffer sinus and skin problems, but you’ll see the difference if you use it for the long term (take it from a person who used to suffer from sinus and dry skin!).

And there are so many more side advantages to owning an air purifier such as the white noise it produces which is so helpful in helping one fall asleep. While some of the older air purifiers can sound like a watered down version of a vacuum cleaner at full blast, the newer ones like the Khind HAP 40 and HAP 30 have a sound level of as low as 17 or 18 decibels; perfect for a good night’s rest. Or if you’re the type who prefers to go all quiet for a good night’s sleep, there’s also the sleep mode.

If you’re interested in getting a Khind HAP 40 and HAP 30 too or want to know more about it, check them out here!

More and more young individuals are opting for condominiums as Klang Valley becomes more saturated while landed property prices are skyrocketing. Sure, the space may be smaller but that doesn’t mean you can’t transform your condo into your dream home.

In fact, condominiums might be easier to deck out in stunning ID if you have the right concept and of course, good taste. Much like the homeowners of these stunning condominiums we’ve spotted in Klang Valley – each one a dream to look at!

1. Interior Designer: Surface R

This contemporary condominium is like a page out of an ID magazine with its designer furniture and luxe finishing. Carefully placed embedded light fixtures give it a gallery feel while sleek lines make it look upmarket and boutique-hotel like. We love the use of dark colours that give it a swanky vibe.

* Renovation Cost: RM200,000

2. Interior Designer: Dsgnpholio Consultancy

A quick way to instantly add value to your condominium? Wooden floors throughout! Pick a mid-tone hue for a more loft ambiance. Edgy art pieces offer a cool vibe that is easy to replicate – just pick a theme (pop art, perhaps?) and decorate in common areas.

The showpiece for this condo? Definitely the bedroom featuring heavy drapery for that elegant effect and dark finishing that elevates the space for a sophisticated feel.

* Renovation Cost: RM100,000

3. Interior Designer: GI Design

A superbly designed minimalist modern condominium. The wood on white and beige theme makes the space look more airy, spacious and roomy. The dining area is definitely the highlight where designer lights are featured and chic chairs up the style value.

Certain walls get a special interior treatment to make them stand out and create unique spaces – something to try if you dare!

* Renovation Cost: RM180,000

4. Interior Designer: Oriwise

Absolutely love the bedroom! Airy curtains instantly make the room more sophisticated while hidden storage keeps it all minimalist and sleek. The combination of white meets grey is a play on colours that is super popular now. As for the kitchenette in a bedroom? Great idea if you are living alone or planning to rent a space out.

* Renovation Cost: RM185,000

5. Interior Designer: Mega Fusion Design Studio

So sleek, simple yet stunning. The garden concept at the balcony is great if you love adding nature to your home – even if it is 10 storeys up! Be sure to allow natural light in for a spacious effect.

Meanwhile, this homeowner is obviously inspired by hotel rooms when it comes to his or her personal space. White sheets offer a sophisticated look while dark wood make it homely and hotel-like.

* Renovation Cost: $170,000

With a bit of sleuthing you’ll be clear on what your money can buy and what it can’t. To make things a lot easier, just request a quote on Qanvast, it’s free!

Furthermore, Qanvast has an extensive collection of original projects (with costing) to spark your very own creative engine. Check out our Qanvast app for more inspiration! Download it for free from the App Store or Google Play now!

This article is contributed by Qanvast

Getting ready for a kitchen renovation? Then you need to know these 6 basic kitchen layouts.

For many Malaysians, the kitchen is the centre of the house, not the living room. And with the right kitchen renovation, it can be a place where people gather, where hosts can entertain, and where recipes can be tested and improved.

The right layout in your kitchen renovation can improve the work triangle

Before embarking on any kitchen renovation, it’s worth knowing the basic design arrangement known as the work triangle.

The kitchen work triangle is a way to improve the efficiency of your kitchen. As work in the kitchen is done between the fridge (storing), the sink (washing/preparing), and the stove (cooking), an effective kitchen design is one that allows the occupant of the kitchen easy access to all three areas with minimum effort.

Most kitchens fall under one of these six basic layouts:

1. Galley Kitchen

A galley kitchen features two parallel walls of kitchen counter space with kitchen cabinets above. It is one of the most common kitchen layouts, and also one of the most efficient, as it can fit a lot of work space into a small area. Even large restaurants use a galley-style kitchen, so that many cooks can stand next to each other while occupying their individual stations.

Galley Kitchen by Double Art Design Studio

2. Island Kitchen

This it the kitchen you always see on cooking shows, featuring a countertop space in the centre of the kitchen. Island kitchens are an excellent choice for the homeowner that has room to spare.

Unlike cooking shows where the cook top is situated on the island, most island kitchens feature the sink. This has the added benefit of allowing people to sit at the island and chat. You can also fit lots of kitchen cabinet space below the island counter.

Island kitchen by Jamie Hee Interior Design

3. U-Shaped Kitchen

A U-shaped kitchen uses three walls in the kitchen at the same time, giving you loads of work space and kitchen cabinet storage. It also allows many people to mingle in the kitchen during social gatherings.

U-shaped kitchens can also feature an island space in the centre. However, in a smaller floor area, this can make the area feel cramped.

U-shaped Kitchen by Grande Kitchen & Cabinets

4. L-Shaped Kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen occupies only two adjacent walls in a room. The compact space is ideal for use in an apartment, allowing the rest of the space for a small dining table.

L shaped kitchen by Renovation Equal Design Services

5. Single Wall Kitchen

Those looking for a kitchen that is as compact as possible may wish to consider a single wall kitchen design. In this arrangement, there is no work triangle. However, for greater efficiency, you should follow the order of fridge, then sink, then cook top.

In Malaysian homes, a single wall kitchen can be used as the dry kitchen, with a wet kitchen out in the back yard for when you need to make your sambal belacan.

Single wall kitchen by Clover Buildcon Sdn Bhd

6. G-Shaped Kitchen

The G-shaped kitchen is one that very similar in design to the U-shaped kitchen, with an added counter for high seating. Many people find this kind of design ideal for their needs if they entertain often and want to have enough space to allow others to participate in the preparation of food there with them. A G-shaped kitchen can work well in a larger apartment with many family members who want to cook at the same time.

G-shaped kitchen by Santino Kitchen

RecomN.com has hundreds of interior designers ready to create the perfect spaces for you. From kids bedrooms to the living room to the kitchen, submit your requirements and share your style preferences to get free quotations. We’ll help you find a designer to suit your taste and budget!

This article is contributed by RecomN.com

It is easy to get overly excited when you are getting your new house. However, do be careful about getting in over your head and making unnecessary mistakes! To help you on your new housing journey, we have identified 3 pitfalls that you should avoid!

Interior Designer: Team BJ @ Damansara

1. Setting Your Budget A Little Too Low

The thing with some contractors is that they don’t want to lose your business, so if you come in asking for too much on an ultra-low budget, your contractor might just think of ways to get “creative”.

This means he could use cheaper labour, low-end materials, and pretty much apply cost-cutting measures across the board to give you what you want. But the end result might not be exactly what you envisioned; instead it may severely lack quality and compromise on safety.

On the other hand, good contractors will advise accordingly and tell you when your requests simply won’t work and how you can scale back your plans to fit your budget.

Interior Designer: Green Apple Design @ 9 Bukit Utama Show Unit (Block B)

2. No Emergency Fund

Expecting the estimate to be the same as the final invoice is a classic rookie mistake. After all, that’s why they call it an estimate, right? What you need to do is prepare spare cash, around 10 to 15 percent of the budget to cover these extras if they come up (and they usually do).

With a good interior designer and contractor, you can expect that pop-up costs will not be excessive. This is because experienced consultants are better at drafting estimates, and are more likely to be honest with the numbers.

Interior Designer: Kiwi Interior @ Kelly’s Residence

But how do you find a trustworthy design and construction team? Simple, just ask for recommendations from your contacts or look through Qanvast for user reviews. You’ll find straightforward feedback on architects and interior designers to help you gauge their level of expertise and professionalism.

Check out the Spotlight page on Qanvast to find the shining stars of the design world.

Interior Designer: La Conception Hauz @ Platinum Victory 16

3. No Research, Big Problem!

You wouldn’t even buy a phone without first conducting a quick internet search, so why not do the same for your renovation project? Get online or on the phone (or on Qanvast) and explore your options in terms of price, design, completion period as well as the right team for your project.

If you need more support for your home renovation projects, head on over to Qanvast and check out these real stories from homeowners just like you.

Interior Designer: JGiConcept Design @ 1-Sky Condo

With a bit of sleuthing you’ll be clear on what your money can buy and what it can’t. To make things a lot easier, just request a quote on Qanvast, it’s free!

Furthermore, Qanvast has an extensive collection of original projects (with costing) to spark your very own creative engine. Check out our Qanvast app for more inspiration! Download it for free from the App Store or Google Play now!

This article is contributed by Qanvast

Every kid dreams of having a bedroom all to themselves, done up in their favourite colours with their prized possessions on display.

If you are planning out the kids bedroom designs, get some inspiration from these visualisations from the local interior designers. Make your child feel like the luckiest kid on Earth!

1. Clover Buildcon

This bright yellow kids bedroom will definitely bring cheer to any child. The choice of colour gives an energetic feeling to the room.

2. Ethnic

White and red theme with custom-made bunk beds and shelves for the miniature car collector. Suits boys the most.

3. Double Art Design Studio

A more mature theme of soft hues with panelling wall matches the design for the bunk bed. This room is well-suited for older children and not toddlers.

4. Dove T.A

Get the classic attic room feel with wood and fabrics; this is the perfect room for the explorer in every child.

5. Tiny Spaces

A nautical-themed room that is so much more than just a place to sleep. Furnish the space with play gym equipment and this room will be their sanctuary.

6. Gemelite Interior Studio

Opt for white and neutral hues with a minimal design for a much cleaner look for your kids bedroom.

7. IIKO Concept

Blue stripes for featured wall contrasting with the white ceilings and fixtures are totally suitable for boys. Divide the space with mirrored sliding doors to make the room look spacious.

8. Latitude Design

Extend the design all the way up to the ceiling to create a fully immersive space. Huge windows let in lots of natural sunlight to make the room even brighter.

9. Icon – Interior Design & Renovation

Lots of shelves for the plush toy collector, with bright colours to give a lively atmosphere. A design which is adored by girls.

10. Pocket Square

Utilise the narrow room with a custom made four poster bed, with under bed drawers and overhead bookshelves. Sprinkle the all-white room with a little bit of colour to create a cheerful ambience.

11. Design Spirits

Rounded edges, cove and backlights create a peaceful yet slightly surreal atmosphere in this room.

RecomN.com has hundreds of interior designers ready to create the perfect spaces for you. From kids bedrooms to the living room to the kitchen, submit your requirements and share your style preferences to get free quotations. We’ll help you find a designer to suit your taste and budget!

This article is contributed by RecomN.com

This story is published for KHIND.

Technology has improved immensely over the years and changed our lifestyles. From dial-up Jaring internet to fibre optics Unifi, black and white keypad phones to touch screen phones. However, using woks to prepare meals is still the common tradition.

While we realise that this is a long-adhered to tradition, we are no longer living in the past. This is the future… and surely the future has something better than a traditional wok, or perhaps an improved version of a wok if nothing else?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AigVBq3leD8&feature=youtu.be

Being part of the millions of wok users and having watched my grandparents and then parents prepare meals with it, I have never wondered about getting anything but an old-fashioned traditional wok for my own house. But not until recently was I exposed to using a stir fryer, and oh how has KHIND changed my life!

It was a game changer for me, and below are just some of the reasons why my KHIND stir fryer is now an indispensable part of my meal preparations!

1. A healthier lifestyle while saving the dollars!

One thing that was obvious once I started using my KHIND stir fryer is that I use less oil for cooking. I use at least 50% less cooking oil than I used to with my wok and my food doesn’t even stick onto the pan or get burned! So here’s to less oil consumption and a healthier lifestyle!

2. I spend less time on cleaning up now

My KHIND stir fryer emits less smoke and oil when cooking, reducing the amount of stains on my kitchen walls as compared to a wok. This is because the KHIND stir fryer is designed to use less oil and emits less smoke. So with this, you can say goodbye to scrubbing the tough stains off your kitchen walls and counter!

3. You can cook at ease, it’s that easy!

No longer do I have to stand over my wok and stir the food to prevent it from burning when I am tired after work. All I need to do with my KHIND stir fryer is throw all the ingredients in, push the button, and it stirs itself! I then go and take my shower, and when I come out, voila! Dinner is ready!

Check out this video to see how KHIND can make your life hassle-free:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6MZ4AxDe1I&feature=youtu.be

4. Easy storage taking up minimal space

And unlike the traditional wok that comes in various sizes and is a pain to store if you have a really large one, the KHIND stir fryer offers a sleek and compact design that fits perfectly into your kitchen cabinet. No longer do I have to find a space in my outdoor kitchen and have a dedicated rack for my wok.

5. Safety first, no more kitchen accidents

With my many years of using a wok to cook, my kids and I have been victims of oil splashes. I even have a small scar over my eye to prove it. Unfortunately, these things are unavoidable… if you are using a wok. With my KHIND stir fryer, these are no longer issues for me because it has a closed lid! So now my kids can run around in the kitchen even when I am cooking.

6. Convenience at its best, and cooks fast too!

The KHIND Stir Fryer is a genius piece of creation. It comes with a preset temperature for each feature, whether it is pan frying, sautéing, toasting or braising. This feature has made frying even easier, especially for beginners. And because of its awesome technology, even cooking time is now shortened.

The KHIND stir fryer comes with a two-year warranty and is available at all major retail outlets. For more information, call KHIND’s nationwide branches at KL/Selangor (03-7839 2001), Penang (04-537 2803), Perak (05-545 6778), Malacca (06-2815 717), Johor (07-355 8991), Pahang (09-568 9711) or Kelantan (09-744 8900). You can also purchase the KHIND stir fryer online at www.khindonline.com.

By Qanvast.com

There is no reason why your home can’t be as cool as your favourite coffee shops. Why not take a cue from what you love and make it your own? We picked up these great ideas from some of the prettiest cafés and showrooms in town to give you a headstart.

1. Get inspired from: The mishmash, eclectic style from WAA Design & Culture Showroom

Who said anything about having a theme and sticking to it? This is exactly the concept followed at WAA Design & Culture Showroom. The ID team has created unique looks for specific spots – an industrial feel at the admin area, a cool arty feel with a touch of Oriental at the lounge section, a retro-ish pantry, a luxe meeting area with a masculine feel and it goes on!

So if you can’t make up your mind on the overall look for your home, why not take a cue from this showroom and work on each space individually? It definitely adds personality to your home and makes each spot a photo opportunity.

Interior Designer: Team BJ

2. Get inspired from: Texture Mixture from Suki Bakery

We absolutely love the mix of textures and materials in this quaint bakery, which is something you can easily replicate at home. Like the bakery, go for a cemented floor for an overall industrial feel. Mix it up with wood as part of your furnishing to create a warm ambience. Finally, go for marble – an idea which is perfect for your kitchen – to uplift the entire look.

Interior Designer: Senterior Design

3. Get inspired from: Upcycle ID from Aether Café

Upcycle is the trend these days, which is common in cafés like this one. The best part about this trend is that you can easily replicate this at home. Get your hands on a few recycled crates and fit it throughout your home – whether as tables, makeshift display cases and so on. The upcycle look may be a little stark, but a few potted plants here and there can help soften the look.

Interior Designer: Id Industries

4. Get inspired from: Geo-industrial style from Fusion Works Office

Imagine working in a cool office like this! Now, imagine coming home to this every day too. The best part is that everything you see in this office can be easily done at home – from the cool geometric floors (just get creative with some paint and materials!) to the half-hacked walls that create semi-private rooms. One word of advice: With such outstanding floors, keep the décor minimal so that things don’t look too busy.

Interior Designer: Kech Design Studio

5. Get inspired from: Rustic style from 3 Bags Full Café

Want to go rustic and industrial at the same time? Why not? Take a cue from this café – fit out your home in wood for that classic rustic feel, but give it a modern take with some industrial-styled chairs. A great look for the kitchen area that really says home sweet home.

Interior Designer: AZ Concept Interior Design

6. Get inspired from: Mesh it up from Melur & Thyme

If there is one thing you can copy from this café, it is the cool mesh grill that really adds a cool factor to your home. Use it as a separator for rooms or simply as an installation to create an industrial feel. Go all out with black so that it really stands out. Everyone will want to take photos with it, trust us!

Interior Designer: Moonlit Inspiration

7. Get inspired from: An unfinished look that works from Mr & Ms Café

What we really love about this café is its red brick walls, a cool interior trend to try at home. The exposed look creates an industrial feel that is so current. Plus, maintenance is easy with this! Another idea to copy from the café? The cement counter that looks really professional – it’s something we all want in our kitchen!

Interior Designer: Nevermore Design

Getting inspired to create a home or commercial property which integrates all the cool cafe interior trends? Drop us a quote request and we can connect you with a few interior design firms to help you get started on your renovation. For more design ideas like these, download the Qanvast app (App Store and Google Play).

This article is done in collaboration with Qanvast, a trusted platform that connects homeowners and home professionals.

By Qanvast

You’ll love these stunning bedrooms in Malaysia. The best part is you can easily create a similar concept of your own. We put together these dreamy cosy ideas for you to retreat to.

• SQFT Space Design

There is just something Oriental with this cosy bedroom, complete with its Chinese-style wall fixture and décor pieces like porcelain lamps and antique Chinese vases. An all-white theme makes the space look refined and elegant.

Location: Bandar Eco Setia (Landed)

• Nu Infinity

It is all about warmth and comfort in this chic bedroom. Wood elements lend a natural feeling that is calming and cooling while cleverly placed lights offer a peaceful ambience. The homeowner enhanced the cosiness with small potted plants, whimsical pillow-cases and soft draping curtains.

Location: Villa Serene Kiara (Landed)

• JCS Design

If you – like the homeowner of this bedroom – love all things English rose, then this concept is ideal for you. Roses take centre stage here for that classic English countryside feel. Enhance the cosiness with antique lampshades, vintage furniture and décor pieces.

Location: G Residence (Condo)

• Surface R

Lights come into play in this stylish bedroom – a lightbox underneath the bed for that calming glow and ceiling downlights for a soothing ambience. The idea of designing wall compartments that look like they are a part of the room is a smart way of keeping your belongings in place and your personal space stylish.

Location: Teoh Residence (Landed)

• Turn Design Interior

Now this is lush and stylish! With dark mahogany as the main colour theme, the room exudes a masculine feel that is modern and urban. The poster bed takes on a unique style with its dark frames while choice décor pieces like a leather chair and cowhide carpet further enhance the sophisticated bedroom. The main light fixture completes the chic appeal.

Location: CC Lake Fields (Landed)

• JCS Design

When in doubt of a colour scheme, stick to the basics like this homeowner did. White takes the focus to create a space that is calming and comfortable. The homeowner went for a minimalist style with décor – just a few choice pieces to enhance the space instead of overcrowding it.

Location: Tropicale Residency (Landed)

Getting a comfortable sleep in such bedroom isn’t impossible. Get connected with the right interior designer and they will help create a space you love. Start by downloading the free Qanvast app (available on iOS and Android) to browse through tons of local home inspirations and save your ideas down. If you need help to speak to an interior designer, drop us a quote request here or on the mobile app and we will match you with 5 trusted interior designers.

This article is done in collaboration with Qanvast, a trusted platform that connects homeowners and home professionals.

This story is published for KHIND.

As the saying goes, ‘a full stomach makes a happy heart’. The kitchen plays an important role in transforming a house into a home. But how to turn your kitchen into the most desirable area in the house?

The most common thing a kitchen need is to be spacious and comfortable. But many fail to notice that the appliances we fit in the kitchen play an important role as well, in shaping your most desirable kitchen.

There’s an overwhelming number of kitchen appliances in the market, yet it is difficult to locate appliances that fit your needs and lifestyle at the same time. So how do we decide if we are buying the right appliances for our kitchen? The answer is simple! Always go for quality and its function!

Among the various brands available in Malaysia, KHIND offers appliances which are not only reasonable and convenient to use, but also adds a refined touch to your kitchen, with its sleek stainless steel equipment and classy black finishing.

The KHIND Signature Series appliances fit perfectly for both contemporary and also luxurious exterior, and a great helper in the kitchen. Its multi-function features make it perfect for daily use. Among the products included in the KHIND Signature Series are:

1) KHIND Stir Fryer

Unlike the common stir fryer, KHIND stir fryer comes with a one-touch automated cooking method. This multi-use fryer can also be used for pan frying, sautéing, toasting and braising, while promoting healthy eating at the same time. Yes! KHIND stir fryer uses minimal oil for cooking, besides reducing oil fume and kitchen wall stains.

2) KHIND Hand Blender

Another beneficial addition to your kitchen is nothing but the KHIND hand blender, a small gadget consisting of a whisk, chopper, and a beaker. This conveniently designed stainless steel blender can be used directly in any container, even in a hot cooking pot. It comes with a variable speed control and a turbo boost function.

3) KHIND Bread Toaster

The KHIND Bread Toaster comes with defrost, reheat and mid-cycle cancel functions. Designed for daily use, this toaster features a variable browning selector and fabricated in a way which prevents burning your fingers.

4) KHIND Coffee Maker

For coffee enthusiasts, KHIND coffee maker offers over-the-top features, which includes an electronic control with LCD display, automatic features to delay brewing, and automatic shut for safety purpose. It is also designed to keep the coffee warm for 2 hours and one can make up to 12 cups of coffee at a time. Now that’s a must-have appliance in a kitchen.

5) KHIND Jug Kettle

Another valuable addition to your kitchen is the KHIND Jug Kettle, which is designed to make your life easier with a 360° rotating base and a water level window displaying the contents. Its sleek design will make it a perfect appliance to fit in your kitchen.

6) KHIND Noodle Cooker

KHIND Noodle Cooker is another multi-functional item which can be used to cook noodles, boil water and steam food. This user-friendly appliance is easy to handle with its 360˚ swivel base, keep-warm function, as well as boil dry protection.

And the best news of all, all these premium products under the KHIND Signature Series comes with a 2-year warranty and available at major retail outlets.

For more information, log on to www.khind.com.my or call KL/Selangor (03-7839 2001), Penang (04-537 2803), Perak (05-545 6778), Malacca (06-2815 717), Johor (07-355 8991), Pahang (09-568 9711) or Kelantan (09-744 8900). You can also purchase online at www.khindonline.com.