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Match with up to 6 ID firms foryour reno needs

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If you had been doing some serious research about interior design styles, chances are you will come across names like “Japandi”, “Muji Look” or maybe you’ve heard of “Wabi Sabi?” 

WABI SABI Is Not WASABI Design la

SIXiDES is an interior design tech and renovation platform that uses tech to change the way people renovate their homes. Conceived as a means to safeguard aspiring homeowners in realizing their space with ease and peace of mind. SIXiDES unique features provide an integrated solution that guides the users right from the very beginning till the end of the renovation journey.

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If you're planning to renovate your apartment and you're sifting through a list of shortlisted designer firms, you may encounter badges at the bottom of their websites or name cards. 

Guide To All Interior Design & Renovation Verification And Accreditation Schemes In Singapore

1.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Brutally HonestBrutalist style is a form of architecture and design that emerged in the mid-20th century and continues to influence contemporary design today. This style is characterized by its use of raw, unrefined materials and exposed structural elements, creating an industrial and utilitarian aesthetic. Some of the folks like to call it the &ldquo;Industrial Design&rdquo; or &ldquo;brutalist industrial design&rdquo; theme.&nbsp; One of the key features of brutalist style is its use of concrete and other raw materials. Brutalist buildings and interiors often feature exposed concrete walls, floors, and ceilings, leaving the rough texture of the material on display. This creates a sense of honesty and authenticity in the space, as the materials are not hidden behind layers of decoration. The use of raw materials also allows for a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior of a building, as the materials used in the construction of the building are reflected in the design of the interior.&nbsp; <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689302841476-house-of-concrete-experiments-samira-rathod-design-atelier-india-residential_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1143.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A Brutalist Interior Design &ndash; Image source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2022/06/11/house-of-concrete-experiments-samira-rathod-india/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dezeen</a> 2.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The Brutal HistoryBrutalism originated in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to the ornate and decorative styles of the past. Architects and designers sought to create buildings and interiors that were honest and utilitarian, eschewing the decorative flourishes of the past in favor of a pared-down aesthetic that celebrated the beauty of raw materials and the functionality of the space.&nbsp; Brutalism was popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in Europe and North America. It was embraced by architects and designers who sought to create buildings and interiors that were honest and functional, eschewing the ornate and decorative styles of the past. Brutalist buildings were also quite popular during the 70s in Singapore. The Golden Mile Complex, the Singapore State Courts and OCBC Tower are all icons of the brutalist movement. Source:&nbsp;TimeOut - Singapore <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689302929097-golden_mile_complex_3.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Golden Mile Complex &ndash; Image source:&nbsp;<a href="https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/vol-19/issue-2/jul-sep-2023/golden-mile-complex/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Biblioasia</a> 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The Brutal LookBrutalist interiors often have a minimalist feel to them, with furniture and decor kept to a minimum. The focus is on the space itself, with the materials and structure of the building taking centre stage. Furniture pieces are often simple and functional, with clean lines and a lack of ornamentation. Decor items are similarly pared down, with a focus on functionality over aesthetics. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689302982256-ludwig-godefroy-casa-alferez-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x1065.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Some may argue that a &ldquo;brutal&rdquo; themed home may be too cold or raw looking. However, if complemented with warm hues and accessorising, it can actually be very appealing and full of character. Image Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2023/04/30/brutalist-mexican-homes-concrete-lookbooks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dezeen</a> Today, brutalist style can be seen in a variety of interior design contexts. Residential spaces, such as apartments and houses, often incorporate brutalist elements such as exposed concrete walls or floors. Commercial spaces, such as restaurants and offices, also embrace brutalist style, using raw materials and exposed structural elements to create a sense of authenticity and utilitarian beauty. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689303032318-brutal+design.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Somehow, the brutalist industrial look had also inspired me in some of my earlier works (Seen @ Holland V) a design and built project designed by me. You can still see the timeless quality of the design. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689303053583-seen+holland+v.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> One of the reasons for the continued popularity of brutalist style is its versatility. While the aesthetics of brutalism may seem harsh or industrial at first glance, they can be adapted to a variety of spaces and lifestyles. The use of raw materials and exposed structural elements can be softened with the addition of warm lighting, soft furnishings, and natural elements such as plants. When incorporated into a space with care and intentionality, brutalist elements can add a sense of depth and character that is unique and compelling. 4.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Be Brutally Daring!With all the saturated Scandinavian styled homes popping up everywhere, perhaps you can explore this interesting style! Brutalist style may be raw and harsh with its use of concrete and other raw materials, it is really a versatile style that can be adapted to a variety of spaces and lifestyles. Singaporeans like to &lsquo;rojak&rsquo; a bit with their interior styles. You can quite literally do a 50/50 mix of &ldquo;Oriental x Brutalism&rdquo; style to add a touch of character to your space! As we continue to seek out authenticity and simplicity in our lives, brutalist style offers a refreshing and grounding approach to interior design, and oh, there&rsquo;s an actual additional benefit to add, raw surfaces cost lesser to build, and that&rsquo;s an honest, brutal truth! <iframe scrolling="no" name="__tt_embed__v6828268207359413509" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7263016216791371010?lang=en-US&autoplay=1&mute=1" style="width: 100%; height: 680px; display: block; visibility: unset; max-height: 550px;">&nbsp;</iframe>

Brutalist style is a form of architecture and design that emerged in the mid-20th century and continues to influence contemporary design today.

It’s a BRUTAL Design!

1.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Oh No! Not Again!<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689927800257-20232007_RenovationFirmHack_Stomp.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Image extracted from Stomp Article. Source: <a href="https://stomp.straitstimes.com/singapore-seen/renovation-company-hired-by-pregnant-woman-stops-work-after-getting-90-of-payment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stomp</a> We stumbled upon yet another tale of woe in the renovation realm, and this one takes the cake for audacity. A pregnant woman wrote in a recent STOMP article that she had hired a Design and Build firm to transform her home, only to be left high and dry with 96% of the payment already swiped from her pockets. Seriously, it seems like the good guys in the industry must deal with the nonsense of the bad hats. <blockquote>&ldquo;A company hired by a pregnant woman to renovate her home left the work unfinished after receiving most of the payment. The Stomper has since found others who were similarly left in the lurch by the company, R3 Design and Build. She recounted: &quot;I engaged them when I was in the third trimester of my pregnancy last September. They hacked my house, left it and were gone after taking about 96 per cent of the payment.&quot;She told Stomp the full amount was $58,000 and she had paid $55,608.&rdquo; She added, &quot;I&#39;ve approached my MP for help, but they said it was not a scam as work did start though not completed. Hence, it was a &#39;dispute&#39;.&rdquo;</blockquote> Homeowners facing rogue interior design and renovation firms are caught in a tough spot, burdened with proving scams. They often realize too late they&#39;ve been deceived, lacking a strong audit trail to hold these errant renovators accountable. Let&#39;s empower homeowners with knowledge to outsmart these crafty culprits! 2.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;So It Falls Onto The Homeowners To Do Their Homework<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689927896678-finance-adult-stress-businesswoman-girl.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Homeowners facing rogue interior design and renovation firms are caught in a tough spot, burdened with proving scams. They often realize too late they&#39;ve been deceived, lacking a strong audit trail to hold these errant renovators accountable. Let&#39;s empower homeowners with knowledge to outsmart these crafty culprits! <ul><li>Licenses and Accreditations - Make sure they have gotten their green lights with HDB, BCA or accredited by RCMA CASETRUST or SIDAC. We had written an earlier article about these accreditations and you can read more here <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-to-all-interior-design-renovation-verification-and-accreditation-schemes-in-singapore">(</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-to-all-interior-design-renovation-verification-and-accreditation-schemes-in-singapore">Guide to all interior design renovation verification and accreditation schemes in Singapore</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-to-all-interior-design-renovation-verification-and-accreditation-schemes-in-singapore">)&nbsp;</a></li></ul> <ul><li>Portfolios - If their Company is new, make sure to check on the founders&rsquo; backgrounds and portfolios. The tell-tale sign of a &lsquo;fly by night&rsquo; operation is the lack of credible portfolios. </li></ul> <ul><li style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Peek At Ongoing Projects &ndash; Don your Sherlock caps and ask to see their ongoing projects on site. A legitimate firm will always have ongoing projects at any given time. Once you visit the site, make sure to check on the HDB permit, or Condo renovation permit stuck on the entrance of the apartment. Red flags if the company on the paperwork does not match. In most circumstances the homeowners of the ongoing site will not mind a visit since they would be happy to share experiences if the experience with the designer/renovator is good.</li></ul> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689928174304-Screenshot+2023-07-21+1539239.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <ul><li>Comparison is Key &ndash; It is an absolute must for homeowners to research, meet <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/5-reasons-to-meet-multiple-interior-designers-for-your-dream-home">(</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/5-reasons-to-meet-multiple-interior-designers-for-your-dream-home">5 reasons to meet multiple interior designers for your dream home</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/5-reasons-to-meet-multiple-interior-designers-for-your-dream-home">)</a>&nbsp;and compare at least 3 firms&rsquo; pricing to get a good sense of how much your renovation will cost. It helps that you confirm on a certain look, theme, and use of materials. If you would like some help on this, try our <a href="https://www.sixides.com/equote">EQuote</a>.</li></ul> <ul><li style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Too Good to Be True&nbsp;&ndash; Normally a responsible renovator will spell out all the deliverables in the renovation quotation. This will include the area of work, item description, quantity, unit rate and subtotal of the cost. If there are lots of generic descriptions of the scope of works, &ldquo;lump sums&rdquo; and estimates, or even crazy rock bottom pricing between the competitors for the same scope of work, then this is where you need to be logical, and not be tempted by the cheaper rates.&nbsp;</li></ul> <ul><li style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Variation Orders Vigilance &ndash; Keep an eagle eye on the Vos during the renovation process. Sneaky, rouge renovators will try to exploit ambiguous descriptions and terms. An example of a sketchy description is, &ldquo;to supply and install kitchen cabinet 10ftr&rdquo;, the ideal way to describe this would be, &ldquo;to supply and install top and bottom kitchen cabinet in laminate finish 10ftr&rdquo;.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Recommended payment terms &ndash; as a guide and this depends on each case, we recommend that payment for your project be split into 4 payments:</li></ul>1st payment&nbsp;&ndash; 10-15% (commencement of design and preliminary work)2nd payment &ndash; 30 -40% (commencement of physical work and upon successful application of permits)3rd payment&nbsp;&ndash; 40% (progressive claim upon completion of all site works, such as demolition, wetworks, doors and windows and carpentry confirmation)4th and last payment &ndash; 5 - 20% upon satisfactory completion of all said works including VOs and defects. 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Research and Research<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689928447826-Screenshot+2023-07-21+153929.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> I&rsquo;ll be absolutely frank with you, renovations will cause headaches, but that doesn&#39;t mean we&#39;ll let the rogues run rampant. Embrace the art of research! Arm yourself with knowledge about industry lingo, materials, timelines, and budget planning. It&#39;s the best way to safeguard your interests. So, dive into the vast ocean of information available online &ndash; visit social pages, peruse portfolios, and check out the designer directory. Become an informed homeowner and be the hero of your renovation tale! Better still, you can find out more of our verified designers listed in or our designer directory (<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers">Professional Interior Designers</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers">)</a>.&nbsp; Let&#39;s banish these renovator rogues to the past! United, we&#39;ll raise the standards and make sure these &#39;cowboys&#39; won&#39;t get a chance to pull off their disappearing act anymore. Happy renovating, savvy homeowners!

We stumbled upon yet another tale of woe in the renovation realm, and this one takes the cake for audacity.

Outsmarting Rouge Renovators – Guide To Avoiding Vanishing Contractors

1. &nbsp; &nbsp;Do You Love The Sea?<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1690524678233-beautiful-tropical-beach-sea-with-chair-blue-sky.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> I grew up at the east side of Singapore and heading to the beach to idle away or to have family outings was quite frequent for me when I was much younger. I&rsquo;ve always loved the sea, the smell, the ropes, the hawker stalls.&nbsp; Now there&rsquo;s actually a way that you can bring a slice of the sea into your home design by incorporating certain elements to create the style, &ldquo;Nautical Design&rdquo; or also known as &ldquo;Coastal Home Design&rdquo;. 2. &nbsp; &nbsp;The Seaside Resort LookNautical interior design style is a popular theme for homes, offices, and other interior spaces. It is characterized by its use of elements that evoke the seaside and the ocean, such as shades of blue, white, and beige, stripes, ropes, anchors, and other nautical accessories. This style is perfect for those who love the ocean and want to bring a touch of the beach into their homes. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1690524707225-Image+1-01.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A collection of nautical elements&nbsp; One of the defining features of nautical interior design is the color scheme. This style typically uses a palette of blues and whites, which are reminiscent of the ocean, the sky, and the clouds. These colors create a light and airy feel, which is perfect for homes that want to evoke a sense of relaxation and calm. Beiges and creams can also be used to complement the blues and whites, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1690524733306-Nauticle+Moodboard.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Nautical interior design elements, Image source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cushionaccessoryco.com.au/blogs/news/coastal-home-design-elements" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Cushion Accessory Co</a> 3. &nbsp; &nbsp;The Design ElementsLet&rsquo;s look at how we can easily &ldquo;hack&rsquo; this look and replicate it for your home! &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;An important element of nautical interior design is the use of stripes. Stripes can be seen in everything from curtains and rugs to bedding and throw pillows. Horizontal stripes are the most common, as they mimic the waves of the ocean. Stripes can be used in a variety of colors, but navy blue and white are the most popular. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1690524784287-Nautical+Bedroom.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Blue stripes are an important element in Nautical design, Image source&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nauticalluxuries.com/products/beach-cottage-stripe-bedding-collection" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nautical Luxuries</a> &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Ropes and knots are also common in nautical interior design. These can be used as decorative elements, such as tying knots around a vase or using ropes to hang curtains. They can also be used as functional pieces, such as using rope as a handrail or using a rope hammock as a seating area. &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Anchors are another popular nautical accessory. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as hanging an anchor-shaped mirror on the wall or using anchor-printed bedding. Anchors are a symbol of stability and strength, which is why they are often used in nautical interior design. &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Shells, starfish, and other sea creatures are also commonly used in nautical interior design. These can be used as decorative elements, such as placing shells in a glass bowl or using starfish as wall art. They can also be used as functional pieces, such as using a shell-shaped soap dish or using a starfish-shaped doorknob.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1690524832071-Nauticle+Element.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Textures found in natural materials acts like the replacement of sand the wood found in the beaches. Image Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cushionaccessoryco.com.au/blogs/news/coastal-home-design-elements" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Cushion Accessory Co</a> &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;In terms of furniture, nautical interior design favors natural materials such as wood and wicker. These materials are reminiscent of beach houses and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Furniture with a distressed or weathered look can also be used to add to the beachy vibe. Nautical interior design is not limited to homes near the ocean. It can be used in any space, regardless of location. This style is perfect for those who want to add a touch of the beach to their homes, or for those who want to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1690524882495-Bunk-Bed-and-Play-Station.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">An example of an imaginative children&rsquo;s bedroom design using the Nautical Design theme. Image Source :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.upcycleart.info/kids-projects/bunk-bed-designs-for-kids-room/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Up Cycle Art</a>&nbsp; One of the best things about nautical interior design is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of ways, from subtle accents to full-blown beach-inspired rooms. It can be used in small spaces, such as bathrooms, or in larger spaces, such as living rooms. It can also be adapted to fit any budget, as there are many DIY nautical projects that can be done using inexpensive materials. In some cases, we have seen homeowners dress up their kid&rsquo;s bedrooms in such a style to give them a space to imagine and role play. 4. &nbsp; &nbsp;Explore Like a Sea Explorer<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1690524919357-Picture1.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A nautical design theme living hall. Image Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/g1735/nautical-inspired-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a> We&rsquo;ve seen too many &ldquo;scandi&rdquo; and minimalist homes of late, so much so that you start to see copies of the same look in many Singaporean homes. To be frank, it is really getting quite boring in the interior design scene. Therefore, I feel that it&rsquo;s worth exploring different design styles for your new home! If you like to add a sense of adventure and bring the seaside to your space, you may consider incorporating nautical interior design elements. Whether you choose to add a few beach-inspired accents or completely transform your space into a seaside retreat, this style is sure to bring a touch of the ocean into your life. So grab some rope, some shells, and some blue and white paint, and get started on your nautical interior design journey! <iframe scrolling="no" name="__tt_embed__v6828268207359413509" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7265558402049395969?lang=en-US&autoplay=1&mute=1" style="width: 100%; height: 680px; display: block; visibility: unset; max-height: 550px;">&nbsp;</iframe>

I grew up at the east side of Singapore and heading to the beach to idle away or to have family outings was quite frequent for me when I was much younger. 

WABI SABI Is Not WASABI Design la

If you had been doing some serious research about interior design styles, chances are you will come across names like “Japandi”, “Muji Look” or maybe you’ve heard of “Wabi Sabi?”

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