Having interior design ideas from a professional home stylist or decorator can help you rethink your furniture and accessories’ scheme using existing pieces intelligently. Also, if you do have a major renovation on your hands, hiring a reputed interior designer in Singapore is a must if you want your home to ‘sing’. Whether you own or rent, you can still get your space looking just the way you want it. Interior designers, home stylists and decorators can all get you there. Here are some expert tips on changing up your home.
Arete Culture – Caroline Chin Geyler
Isn’t using interior designers just for the rich and famous?
Yes and no. Hiring interior designers can be an investment, but that doesn’t mean it’s only for the affluent. We all deserve to come home to a functional, beautiful living space!
Arete Culture has developed streamlined styling services in addition to our complete home makeovers. Our Magical Homes package is designed for homeowners and also renters who want to give their space a much-needed makeover. It focuses on two main spaces: the living and dining room, with a complimentary balcony makeover; or the living and master bedroom, with a complimentary ensuite makeover. Valued at $10,000, it includes a trifecta of interior styling tools: interior styling, a suite of accessories and key pieces from Arete Culture (think lighting, textiles and décor), and furniture sourced from Arete Culture and third-party vendors.
Do you work with specific looks or styles?
Our projects tend to begin with the same base theme: timeless, elegant interiors that are modern but still inviting. Depending on the client’s preference, there may be other themes layered into the design scheme: for example, a modern, tropical home for a client who has a great view and wants an indoor/outdoor flow; boutique hotel-inspired accents for the client who loves travelling; or a restrained colour palette for the homeowner who tends towards minimalist interiors.
We always think about how our clients use their homes, and how the space will grow with them. This is why our interior design ideas tend to forgo excessive built-ins — while useful in increasing storage or creating focal points at home, the designs can feel limiting in the years to come. With our roots in interior styling, we prefer to focus on building good, classic bones for the home and supplementing that with versatile standalone pieces that can be moved around the home more easily. These pieces are always made with hard-wearing solid wood, natural stone, glass and powder-coated steel, or upholstered in fabrics that will always provide a great base to style with, in greys, creams and blues.
What do you love about your job?
I love helping our clients understand that the homes we live in have such a big impact on our lives. Having a well-designed home doesn’t just mean it looks beautiful, but that it functions the way you need it to and can transform your mood and wellbeing. I particularly love moments when clients open the door to their freshly made-over space. Knowing we as home stylists have helped them bring their dream space to life is something I will never take for granted.
Desace Studio – Kenneth Lim
How can Desace help our readers with their interior design?
We have origins as a furniture provider and wholesale supplier as well as experience working on large hotel projects. We can create a high-end luxury feel that translates into a luxe hotel feel for the home. In our residential work we specialise in luxurious concepts. Our styles can range from modern contemporary and Scandinavian to glamorous and luxe.
Desace also offers a direct customer service in bespoke furniture. The company can cater for any design or size and has a huge range of materials to choose from. Customers can therefore find a furniture piece that fits perfectly with their desired room without compromising on their personal wants.
Isn’t hiring interior designers just for the rich and famous?
Not necessarily. There are of course big-budget projects that require significant work, particularly structural. But we also work with clients in a cost-effective and simple way – for example, customising specific pieces of furniture such as a sofa, headboard or bed panels. Re-covering is a great way to keep a pre-loved piece alive, and by thinking in these ways we can work with clients who may not want to spend a lot of money on brand new pieces, but still make a difference.
How does a client know they will work well with an interior designer?
Hiring an interior designer is like embarking on a relationship, you have to make sure the chemistry is there. Always trust your gut instinct when you meet with them. Make sure your thoughts and opinions are heard and check their portfolio. Ask friends for recommendations and check reviews.
Open communication is key. Good interior designers, home stylists and decorators should not only be open to listening to your suggestions, but also explain to you why some ideas work and others do not. Honesty is always the best policy!
Interior Design Journey – Priya Naik
How can Interior Design Journey help expats at different stages of their Singapore journey?
If you’ve just arrived, we can help you settle quickly into your first home. Whether you need new furnishings or want to incorporate your own furniture, we can offer some friendly advice.
If you’re moving within the Red Dot, we can help arrange your existing furniture in a bigger or smaller new space. We can also source additional items or consolidate current items to ensure you settle in smoothly.
If you’re a seasoned expat taking the step of purchasing your own property, we can ease your pressures. We can help you with all aspects of interior design to create your dream home.
I like to think my own international experience, as well as moving to and within Singapore, puts me in a good position to help clients. I’ve experienced renting an empty apartment with limited or no furniture, moving to a new space and needing to re-style, and also purchasing and re-designing my own home.
Do you specialise in a particular look or style?
Our design style is very flexible as we tailor each project to our client’s personality. Our approach is collaborative and we like to keep our clients involved throughout the process to give them spaces that truly reflect their personality and lifestyle.
Isn’t hiring interior designers just for the rich and famous?
Not at all! Interior designers, home stylists and decorators bring a wealth of knowledge and skills that will save you time and also money! We can work with clients on all scales of projects from a one-room makeover to a full home decoration or design.
Improving a space doesn’t always mean having to buy new and expensive furniture. Try to upcycle and refurbish any pieces that still work for you. Our services are really for those who may just need a helping hand designing their home to reflect their lifestyle and family needs. We can provide some inspiration for your vision.
What do you love about your job?
Knowing that I’m leaving my clients with functional, positive spaces that capture their personalities is the most rewarding feeling. Many clients have also informed us of the wellbeing benefits they have felt after a home makeover, which really makes it worthwhile.
Irregular Lines – Theodora Martinos
How can Irregular Lines help our readers with their interior design?
By definition, interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. Irregular Lines’ main goal is to please those who need a change, who need to make their home the happy place they dream of.
Visiting our website, you can find a large variety of furniture and decorative objects that give a new approach to interior design. You can also arrange a personal interior session with Theodora regarding your own space – she’ll give you advice and tips on making a cosy and elegant place for you and your loved ones.
Isn’t hiring interior designers something for the rich and famous?
In the past, people thought that hiring interior designers was something luxurious and unaffordable. Fortunately, this perspective has changed. Irregular Lines always follows the needs of the customer, combined with the budget available. We want to have the best results and present our work as a value for money.
Decorating your home is an investment. We understand that people are nowadays more informed and have many decorative influences, so they need a professional direction to fulfil their needs. We have made interior design more accessible than it’s ever been due to technology by creating flexible design services committed to budget and time constraints.
Do you specialise in specific looks or styles?
Interior design is a fascinating world! Talking with customers, examining their needs and making the right proposals for their place, all we need is to make them feel comfortable and happy. We listen to our customers and give them the right direction in order to have a result to the point!
Irregular Lines also loves eco-friendly products and sustainable ways of living. If you visit our website, you’ll see that boho and rustic impacts are obvious; however, our priority is to have the right options for our customers’ needs. That means that we are open to any suggestions! Our biggest pleasure comes in seeing satisfied faces and inner smiles!
What do you love about your job?
We’re blessed to have a job we love so much. Interior design not only changes somebody’s home but it can change their life as well. We love being part of this! We adore seeing how we can have a completely unique approach to transforming a house into a home. It truly touches people’s lives. Creating a unique and personalised environment is important for our emotional wellbeing. Every new project is a challenge, and also a new relation of trust we are called to build.
Aiden T – Arjan Nijen Twilhaar
How can Aiden T help our readers with their interior design?
Interior design is so much more than putting a design scheme together. Homes tell a story of their owner and a life well lived. It is often underestimated how much our environment impacts our wellbeing. Living and working in well-designed homes that reflect the owners’ personalities not only brings joy, but also adds to their quality of life. We help to tell that story and refine each space so life can be lived to the fullest.
Isn’t hiring interior designers something for the rich and famous?
When the home you live in brings happiness every time you walk through the door, then that feeling is priceless. In proportion to what is spent on decorating or even renovating a home, hiring a professional is a small investment. We not only help to create your home, we ease the process of renovating and sourcing décor pieces. We also bring knowledge and experience to each project, making the process enjoyable and exciting. Homes can be decorated at any price point and cater to any budget, and there are always alternatives to help manage budgets.
Do you specialise in a specific look or style?
My preference is to create timeless homes that reflect personality and have a cohesive design approach. At the core of the design, I find inspiration from different time periods and then update them for a contemporary approach. Each home is created to reflect the personality of the homeowner, so we adapt various styles and schemes for each project we undertake. Key is the research we put in and how we incorporate architectural detail, heirloom pieces and a cohesive style.
What do you love about your job?
The creative process is the most exciting aspect of the job. I love doing the research on different styles and sourcing for unique materials or objects to use for decorating. It’s wonderful being able to tell a story through design and inspire homeowners to make subtle changes to their lifestyle to bring happiness and a sense of belonging.
Hey Montgomery – Samantha Johnson
How can Hey Montgomery help our readers with their interior design?
At Hey Montgomery we specialise in interior design for children’s spaces. If you have a bedroom, nursery, playroom or outdoor play space that needs a revamp or total overhaul we can help! Sometimes these spaces get forgotten about amongst the crazy and wonderful journey of parenting and become a bit of a dumping ground.
Depending on your needs, the process is simple: a quick call to discuss your requirements, followed by an in-person consultation within your space, and then we will create mood boards, a 3D drawing and also a detailed shopping list. We can take care of the shopping for you if you are busy, or you can get involved and shop from the list directly.
Once all your shopping items are purchased and delivered, we will then come in and do an installation (handy person included!). Installation days usually take one day, sometimes two if you have any painting or wallpapering to do.
Isn’t hiring interior designers something more for the rich and famous?
Definitely not, if you keep things simple. We can work within your budget and make good use of items you already have in your home. One of our most popular services for parents is ‘Design & Installation’. This provides you with a full interior design and installation service without the stress of unknown costs. This particular service fee is $1,700 and then the additional shopping budget is under your full control so we don’t overspend. Interior design is all about making clever and thoughtful choices to achieve the best overall outcome.
Do you specialise in specific looks or styles?
Our primary style is simple, modern and fun. However, if you have any specific inspiration you wish us to follow, we can incorporate that into any space. One of the first things we ask is for you to share any images you love. From there we look for the common vibe in those images and will brainstorm to create the perfect space for you.
What do you love about your job?
Revealing the new spaces to the children and families is second to none. We love working with families from start to finish, and when the children are also involved it’s so much fun. It is so rewarding seeing them involved in building their own spaces, and their reaction is the best moment!
Patria Home & Décor – Patria Ramadha
How can Patria Home & Décor help our readers with their interior design?
From simple refreshes to seamless makeovers. Whether you’re looking to redecorate a living room or children’s bedrooms, transform the entire house or plan to move into an empty house, we’re here to help you from conceptualising the design, selecting materials, finding the furniture, refurbishment work and curating accessories, to the finishing touches on makeover day. We have transformed many homes in Singapore, from black-and-white houses, big bungalows and luxury condos to HDBs. Our experienced team will help you to make your dream home a reality.
Isn’t hiring interior designers something more for the rich and famous?
Absolutely not. In fact, using interior designers should help save money, energy and time and also increase the value of a home. With a guideline from a professional, you’re preventing expensive mistakes.
We also know how to create looks in a range of prices, from exclusive brands to the most value-for-money options. With our design guidelines, our resourceful team knows how to guide you to the best fit for your design requirements according to taste and budget. This includes refurbishing your old furniture into a brand-new look without breaking the bank.
Do you specialise in specific looks or styles?
I love to mix and match different styles – it helps in making a home look cosy without overlooking the luxe feel. I grew up admiring Art Deco, colonial and tropical designs. As I grow older, I start to fall in love with geometrics and textures in contemporary style. That background has brought a little bit of eclectic in my design. I guess I would define my style as ‘Contemporary Eclectic’. This style is actually perfect if you wish to use your current furniture and add on some new pieces to change the look.
Of course, as good interior designers will know, when it comes to designing clients’ homes, it’s not about what they like, but what the client likes. It’s important for me to capture my client’s personality. My job is really running through their vision through my filter and knowledge. I’ve had a range of enquiries from coastal style, bohemian and classic American to Hollywood glam. The advantage of being eclectic is I understand how to bring into play different types of style when it’s required.
What do you love about your job?
Everything! Mostly because I can fully express my creativity and ideas. While styling and sourcing is a big part of the job, being organised and project management are things I’m passionate about. It’s very gratifying to know that my work has contributed to enhancing other people’s quality of life. Because design and styling is not only about how it looks, but also how it works in daily life. A happy client is the best reward, and this is a pure satisfaction for me as a designer.
Mara Miri – Geri Archer
How can Mara Miri Interior Design help expats at different stages of their Singapore journey?
We can guide new arrivals with our years of experience and reliable service and can custom-make almost anything. For those moving home, we offer a service to configure and plan the new space, and create custom curtains, lampshades and upholstery. For clients who are more settled, we can provide complete architectural renovations, plans and renders to give your home a new, bright, decorative vibe.
We can offer rental clients a package of $5,000 per room, which includes a mood board, colour recommendations and also sourcing for the key furniture pieces. An additional fee can be discussed for curtains, soft furnishings, lighting and accessories. We also offer a daily styling package of $850, to optimise two rooms. This includes one client meeting and a mood board for ideas, for the client to source their own pieces.
Isn’t having an interior designer for the rich or famous?
Simple affordable options can be achieved by professionals who understand balance, scale and harmony. A good designer can work to a client’s budget. Without a professional eye, clients can make costly mistakes that have the opposite effect of improving their homes, and this applies to the rich and famous too!
What do you love about your job?
The best part of my job is a happy client. I have some clients who have married in their completed homes, which is the priceless, ultimate compliment to my work. I’m passionate about all design and creativity, therefore I’m really lucky to have a job that is my hobby!
Still looking for some great interior design ideas? Head to our Homes page for more inspiration!
Amy Brook-Partridge
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