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Industrial Style HDB Design Guide: Factory-Chic, Warm, Liveable

Love the raw, loft look but afraid it will turn your HDB into a dark cave? Here’s how to get industrial style right in Singapore, warm, bright, and fully liveable.

Industrial Style HDB Design: Your Factory-Chic, Liveable Guide

Welcome to another episode of Open House! Join Lucas from Project 19 Interior Design as he walks you through this calm and cohesive Japandi-inspired home.&nbsp;Designed with a warm neutral palette and soft ambient lighting, this space is the epitome of understated elegance. From the sculptural curves of the living room sofa to the beautifully lit arch shelves in the dining area, every detail was thoughtfully planned for both function and serenity.&nbsp;You&rsquo;ll also find clever hidden storage, clean-lined cabinetry, and subtle textures that bring depth without overwhelming the space &mdash; creating a soothing retreat for modern living.

Join Lucas from Project 19 Interior Design as he walks you through this calm and cohesive Japandi-inspired home.

A Serene Japandi-Inspired Home with Warm Neutral Tones

OpenHouse S2 Ep 09

As we step into 2025, the Year of the Snake offers a chance to embrace transformation and renewal. The Snake&rsquo;s energy reminds us of the importance of shedding the old to make way for the new&mdash;a powerful message for both our lives and our living spaces. But how do we channel this energy into our homes to create harmony and prosperity? To kick off our five-part Feng Shui series, we spoke with Master KK, a renowned Feng Shui expert, to bring you practical and meaningful tips that can help you realign your space and set the stage for success in the year ahead. From decluttering to balancing yin and yang, these insights are designed to bring both simplicity and impact to your home. <img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1736153268638-Essential+Feng+Shui+Tips+2025_1.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> What Is The Overall Energy Of The Year Of The Snake, And How Can Homeowners Align Their Homes With It To Promote Harmony? The Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac carries an energy of transformation. It&rsquo;s a year that encourages adaptability and flexibility, as the Snake is known for its ability to shed its skin and embrace renewal. For homeowners, decluttering is key. Clearing out items that no longer serve you symbolises letting go of the old to make space for the new. This simple act aligns your home with the transformative energy of the Snake, promoting harmony and growth. <img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1736153373077-Essential+Feng+Shui+Tips+2025_2.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> How Can Homeowners Adjust Their Living Spaces To Support Better Physical And Emotional Health? Snakes are closely associated with the Wood element, which represents growth, vitality, and renewal. To create a calm and supportive atmosphere, incorporate grounding tones like greens and blues into your living spaces. These colours help reduce stress, promote balance, and support emotional and physical wellbeing. Consider adding plants, soft furnishings, or artwork in these shades to revitalise your home environment. <img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1736153393466-Essential+Feng+Shui+Tips+2025_3.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Does The Year Of The Snake Bring Specific Challenges Or Opportunities That Homeowners Should Address? The Snake&rsquo;s introspective nature can lead to overthinking, which might result in excessive analysis or decision paralysis. Homeowners could find it challenging to make clear decisions about renovations or significant purchases. To counter this, focus on setting clear priorities for your home projects and seek expert advice when needed. <img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1736153408434-Essential+Feng+Shui+Tips+2025_4.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> What Are The Best Practices To Create A Calm And Harmonious Environment For Family Members? Decluttering is essential for maintaining a harmonious environment. Start by incorporating effective storage solutions to ensure your space stays clean and organised. A clutter-free home promotes better communication and reduces stress among family members. <img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1736153439023-Essential+Feng+Shui+Tips+2025_5.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> How Can Singaporean Homes Balance Yin (阴) And Yang (阳) For Optimal Well-Being? Balancing yin (阴) and yang (阳) is key to creating a harmonious home. Incorporating indoor plants is a simple yet effective way to achieve this balance. Plants bring in vibrant yang energy while also soothing yin qualities, promoting harmony and well-being. Choose plants like peace lilies or ferns for their air-purifying qualities and calming presence. Place them strategically in areas that need a refreshing or grounding touch. What Simple, Budget-Friendly Feng Shui Adjustments Can Bring Significant Benefits In 2025?Declutter, declutter, and declutter! This is the most impactful and budget-friendly Feng Shui adjustment anyone can make. By clearing out unnecessary items, you allow energy to flow freely, creating a positive and revitalised atmosphere. A tidy, organised space invites prosperity and wellbeing into your home without costing a cent. This is just the beginning of our Feng Shui journey for 2025. In the weeks ahead, we&rsquo;ll continue to share more insights and tips to help you transform your home and life. Don&rsquo;t miss out on the upcoming articles in this series, where we&rsquo;ll explore even more ways to invite harmony, abundance, and positive energy into your living space. Here&rsquo;s to a prosperous and balanced Year of the Snake for you and your loved ones! Where To Find Master KK Siaw? Ready to transform your home and welcome prosperity in the Year of the Snake? Master KK offers expert guidance to help you align your space for harmony and abundance. Whether it&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/why-decluttering-is-vital-in-feng-shui-for-2025">decluttering</a>, arranging your <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/living-room-fengshui-tips-for-2025">living room</a>, or designing a <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/best-feng-shui-practices-for-a-snake-year-baby-nursery">nursery</a>, Master KK&rsquo;s Feng Shui insights can bring balance to every corner of your home. Social Media Platforms&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/siawyizhao" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Master KK Siaw</a>&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/master_kksiaw?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@master_kksiaw</a>&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Website:&nbsp;<a data-fr-linked="true" href="https://circle96.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://circle96.com/</a> Office AddressCIRCLE 96 LLPOne Raffles Quay, North Tower Level 49 Singapore 048583 Contact Details&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Phone: +65 8448 7416&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Email:&nbsp;<a data-fr-linked="true" href="mailto:contact@circle96.com">contact@circle96.com</a>&nbsp;

Discover practical Feng Shui tips to align your home with the transformative energy of the Year of the Snake in 2025. Learn how decluttering, balancing yin and yang, and other simple adjustments can bring harmony, prosperity, and well-being to your space

Essential Feng Shui Tips For Every Home To Welcome Prosperity In The Year Of The Snake

Welcome to another episode of Open House! Join Benjamin from Design 4 Space as he takes you through a beautifully designed 2-room flexi apartment at Northshore Punggol.&nbsp;This modern yet cozy home was crafted for a single homeowner, blending a luxurious feel with warm, personal touches like soft pink accents and reeded panels. From balancing fengshui principles with design choices to incorporating unique features like a curvy false ceiling, every detail was thoughtfully curated to enhance functionality and aesthetics in this compact space.&nbsp;See how a timeless design comes to life with creativity, practicality, and seamless collaboration. Don&rsquo;t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more design inspiration!

Explore a stunning 2-room flexi apartment at Northshore Punggol with Benjamin from Design 4 Space! Discover cozy modern design, soft pink accents, reeded panels, and creative touches like a curvy false ceiling. Perfect blend of fengshui, functionality, and aesthetics!

A Timeless 2-Room Flexi Transformation

OpenHouse S2 Ep 07

Join Averse Yau, Creative Director of ABCD (A Blue Cube Design Pte Ltd), as he shares the story behind a complete home makeover at Woodsvale Condo in northern Singapore. Inspired by hospitality design, Averse collaborated with the homeowners to create a space that balances comfort, beauty, and practicality. From knocking down walls to crafting intricate marble features and using energy-saving solutions, watch how this stunning transformation came to life. Experience the challenges, the process, and the joy of turning a vision into a dream home.

Join Averse Yau of ABCD as he transforms a Woodsvale Condo home, blending hospitality design with elegance and practicality. See the journey of creating a dream home.

Modern Luxury, An Opulent Home

OpenHouse S2 Ep 06

Minimalist interior design has captured the hearts of many with its clean lines, simplicity, and focus on essentials. But did you know that within the realm of minimalism, there exists a diverse array of subtypes, each offering its own unique interpretation and design approach? In this article, we&#39;ll take you on a journey through the fascinating world of minimalist design, where we&#39;ll explore into some of the most prominent types.&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Organic Minimalism&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Japanese Minimalism&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Scandinavian (Nordic) Minimalism&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Industrial Minimalism&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Minimalist Bohemian Organic Minimalism<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712287624469-Orange+Interior_Organic+Minimalist_collage.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> In organic minimalism, the focus is on bringing nature indoors. Imagine a living room adorned with natural materials like wood and stone, complemented by earthy tones and soft textures. This space was well designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/orange-interior" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Orange Interior</a>, has stripped away the excess, leaving behind only what&#39;s essential for a calm and uncluttered space. With plenty of natural light streaming in and a palette of muted colours, such as earthy browns, the room feels grounded and inviting, creating a soothing atmosphere that promotes relaxation and well-being. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712287669743-Orange+Interior_Organic+Minimalist_01.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712287695503-Orange+Interior_Organic+Minimalist_02.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712287710717-Orange+Interior_Organic+Minimalist_03.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Interior Designer:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/orange-interior" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Orange Interior</a>Area: 721sq ft Japanese Minimalism<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712293429315-Dots+n+Tots_Japanese+Minimalist_collage-02.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> If you appreciate Zen philosophy and traditional aesthetics, and strive to create well-organised spaces, Japanese minimalism may be the perfect style for you. Natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and rice paper lamp are embraced, alongside a muted colour palette. This space was beautifully designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/dots-n-tots-interior" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dots N Tots Interior</a>, emphasizing both simplicity and <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/The-6-Most-Functional-Kitchen-Layouts">functionality</a> with minimalist d&eacute;cor. Clean lines and open spaces contribute to a sense of peacefulness and harmony with nature. With its focus on balance and mindfulness, Japanese minimalism fosters environments that encourage relaxation and reflection. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712293444675-Dots+n+Tots_Japanese+Minimalist_01.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712293452565-Dots+n+Tots_Japanese+Minimalist_02.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712293461599-Dots+n+Tots_Japanese+Minimalist_03.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Interior Designer:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/dots-n-tots-interior" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dots N Tots Interior</a>Location: 411 Northshore Drive Scandinavian (Nordic) Minimalism<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712294140450-Groove+Interior+Design_Scandinavian+Minimalism_collage-05.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Originating from the Nordic countries, Scandinavian minimalism, also known as Nordic minimalism, is renowned for its clean lines, light colour palette, and emphasis on functionality. This lovely home, designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/groove-interior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Groove Interior Design</a>, embraces simplicity and warmth, creating bright and airy spaces that feel inviting and cosy. Key elements of this cosy space include natural materials such as wood, rattan, and stone, along with ample natural light that floods the space. The furniture selection is sleek and streamlined, with a minimalist approach that prioritises practicality and comfort. This design style exudes a sense of calm and serenity, making it a popular choice for many modern homes. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712296254467-Groove+Interior+Design_Scandinavian+Minimalism_01.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712296264335-Groove+Interior+Design_Scandinavian+Minimalism_02.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712296275242-Groove+Interior+Design_Scandinavian+Minimalism_03.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Interior Designer:&nbsp;Groove Interior DesignLcoation: Senja Close Industrial Minimalism<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712297473942-Interior+Artist_Industrial+Minimalism_collage-04.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> This space, well-crafted by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/interior-artist" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interior Artist</a>, epitomizes industrial minimalism. Drawing inspiration from the raw, utilitarian charm of factories and urban lofts, it seamlessly integrates elements of wood, metal, and stone to create an industrial-inspired home. Clean lines define the space, while the walls, painted in a rich, dark grey, provide a striking backdrop. The design celebrates simplicity and functionality, with minimalist furniture pieces complementing the space&#39;s overall aesthetic. Neutral colour palettes, predominantly grey tones, set the stage for highlighting the raw and industrial elements. By embracing the beauty of imperfection and a utilitarian design ethos, Interior Artist has fashioned a space that exudes urban sophistication and modern allure. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712297490637-Interior+Artist_Industrial+Minimalism_01.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712297497813-Interior+Artist_Industrial+Minimalism_02.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712297504185-Interior+Artist_Industrial+Minimalism_03.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Interior Designer:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/interior-artist" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interior Artist</a>Area: 1216sq ft Minimalist Bohemian<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712297605556-ABCD_Minimalist+Bohemian_collage-03.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Inspired by the fusion of bohemian spirit and minimalist principles, this space designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/a-blue-cube-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Blue Cube Design</a>&nbsp;embodies the essence of minimalist bohemian design. Combining the free-spirited nature of bohemian style with the clean lines and simplicity of minimalism, it offers a unique blend of creativity and restraint. The eclectic mix of patterns, textures, and colours creates a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, reflecting the individuality and personality of the homeowners. Vintage furniture pieces, rattan made lamps, and an abundance of plants add character and charm to the space, arousing a cozy and laid-back ambiance. A Blue Cube Design has masterfully curated a space that celebrates self-expression and individuality, making it the perfect home for free spirits and creative souls. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712297616003-ABCD_Minimalist+Bohemian_01.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712297630075-ABCD_Minimalist+Bohemian_02.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1712297636916-ABCD_Minimalist+Bohemian_03.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Interior Designer:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/a-blue-cube-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Blue Cube Design</a>Area: 1800sqft

Discover the essence of minimalist design with our latest article, "Minimalist Masterclass: 5 Design Firms Crafting Minimalist Homes with Style." Delve into the world of organic, Japanese, Scandinavian, industrial, and minimalist bohemian styles as we showcase the work of leading design firms. From embracing nature in Organic Minimalism to finding harmony in Japanese Minimalism, each style offers a unique interpretation of simplicity and functionality. Join us on a journey of clean lines, natural materials, and serene spaces, perfect for promoting relaxation and well-being. Experience the intersection of creativity and restraint with our curated selection of minimalist homes. 

Minimalist Masterclass: 5 Design Firms Crafting Minimalist Homes With Style

Wondering about condo renovation cost in Singapore? Get a full cost breakdown to plan your renovation project budget friendly and confidently.

Full Condo Renovation Cost Breakdown in Singapore 2024

Some who become <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-choosing-an-interior-designer-in-singapore">interior designers</a> are in it for the money. Others because their parents told them to. And then you have the passion-driven ones; totally and madly in love with design, taking up impossible jobs for the love of it. Jackie Lai is one such person. Founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/jia-studios"></a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/jia-studios">JIA Studios</a>, a multidisciplinary design studio in Singapore with projects in multiple nations. However, that&rsquo;s not all. His accolades and responsibilities are myriad; he&rsquo;s got awards from all around the world &ndash; Germany, Italy, Taiwan, and, of course, Singapore &ndash; AND is a council member of both Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS) and Singapore Interior Designer Accreditation Council (SIDAC). A true believer in the future, he is an Adjunct Lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic to train up and coming interior designers. There&rsquo;s really no space here for everything else about him &ndash; there&rsquo;s just too much. And everyone wants a piece of him. Which is why we drove up to him in a van and dragged him in to force an interview out of him before somebody else did. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1667523496181-1667523496181.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> Every artist has their humble beginnings. What was yours? What got you into interior design? Who is or was your inspiration in interior design?My initial education wasn&rsquo;t interior design but in Marine Engineering from Singapore Polytechnic. It was through the module called Naval Architecture in the course that I took interest in design and architecture. What Made ID Stand Out In The Course? What Exactly Was It That You Liked?From an engineer&rsquo;s point of view, a lot of things have to do with mathematical solutions, forces, thermodynamics... that sort of thing. But with naval architecture, it was all about playing with spaces and structures that conforms well to the shape of a ship. It was different from the usual engineering stuff which I ended up liking. From there, I ended up chasing the dream of being an interior designer instead of continuing with engineering. How Did You End Up In Engineering In The First Place?My family business was in the marine industry; enrolling in Marine Engineering was a natural progression for me. However, it didn&rsquo;t hold my interest and I decided to pursue design instead. What Then?I applied for further studies in architecture at universities in Australia, namely University of Canberra and Curtin University. I passed their entry test and got offers to study. Unfortunately, I couldn&#39;t afford to study overseas at that time. So I took up an internship at an interior design firm that allowed me to study interior design part-time. I ended up doing it locally at Lasalle College of the Arts to pursue my passion and got my diploma in interior design. Every Designer Starts Somewhere. What Was Your First Hands-On Interior Design Work?The firm that I worked at got a job to design an exhibition booth for a company that was going to be at the Singapore Expo. I was selected to curate the exhibition space despite there being other capable designers around. It was pretty exciting. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1667523496204-1667523496204.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> Do You Have An Interior Design Project That You&rsquo;re Proud Of?I would say the Marina One Residences. That one won a lot of awards. This project was unique because the owner came up with the concept: living in the future domain. I wasn&rsquo;t the first choice; I was the fourth. The owner had met three other interior designers before me. Apparently the previous the first three refused to take up the project because it was too challenging and there weren&rsquo;t many craftsmen locally who could fulfil the task. However, I took up the project without a second thought.I spent a lot of time doing research, getting inspiration for the perfect form, and interviewing craftsmen and <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/best-renovation-contractor-in-singapore">contractors</a> to do it. &nbsp;Not many were willing to take up the job. The standard I had set seemed impossible to them. Needless to say, I did find someone, and the residence is now one of my proudest achievements. Who Do You Look Up To?I look upon Zaha Hadid for her forward-looking designs. The curves in her work are particularly sexy and served as the inspiration for my Marina One Residence project. I also aspire to be like my teacher and mentor &ndash; Peter Tay. He taught me at La Salle and later, after I graduated, became Designer of the Year 2014 at the President&rsquo;s Design Award. I remember being the only one to graduate from his course because it was too tough &ndash; the course catered to those who wanted to study while working but it proved to be too difficult for many to juggle. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1667523496222-1667523496222.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> What&rsquo;s Your Design Philosophy?A design philosophy defines what a design should be able to achieve or accomplish, design should be able to feel and enhance human experience or even evoke human emotions. I hope to inspire and offer great design that can impact the environment and the community. What Inspires Your Work? Where Do Your Ideas Come From?They come from everywhere. It&rsquo;s an occupational hazard. As an interior designer, I think I&rsquo;m more observant than the usual person. I observe everything in day-to-day life and the environment for inspiration. Nature is a great source of it. Even from a young age I&rsquo;ve been drawn to great designs surrounding us. Beautiful things inspire me. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1667523496275-1667523496275.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> What Is One Advice You&rsquo;d Like To Give Up And Coming Interior Designers?Designing an <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/indoor-garden-ideas-for-hdbs">indoor</a> environment is a huge responsibility for an interior designer.An interior designer must plan, research, coordinate, and manage these projects to obtain an adequately healthy and aesthetically pleasing environment for the people who use the space.Passion is what would keep your fire going in this pursuit of excellence, stay hungry for knowledge and stay passionate!

Some who become interior designers are in it for the money. Others because their parents told them to. And then you have the passion-driven ones; totally and madly in love with design, taking up impossible jobs for the love of it. Jackie Lai is one such person.

Interview With Jackie Lai: Passion For Design And The Future

If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered what a self-made man looks like, just look at that portrait up there. That&rsquo;s self-made, right there. That&rsquo;s Ethan Goh. Ethan is what they call a technical interior designer: one with no formal industry education, but loaded with real life work exposure. Passion got him there but it wasn&rsquo;t easy. He had to start in IT marketing but sheer tenacity was what landed him where he is today. Armed with a truck-load of experience, practical knowledge, and, most importantly, a sterling reputation for amazing work, he became the founder and lead designer of Ethan Interiors. Honestly, all that is just the tip of the iceberg. We caught up with Ethan to wrangle the rest of his humble beginnings out of him. Now that we&rsquo;ve got you seated down, tell us about your beginnings. Every artist has one. What got you into interior design?(Laughs) My dad is to blame. He used to drive past Yio Chu Kang after school and I admired the buildings as we went by. I didn&rsquo;t have the words to describe it then, but I guess I loved the clean lines back then. &ldquo;Why so different?&rdquo; I used to ask. I&rsquo;ve since fallen down that rabbit hole. However, it took a long time to get there. Why? What Happened?Grades. I wasn&rsquo;t doing great at school and didn&rsquo;t get enough to enter into polytechnics to study interior design. So I ended up with an IT diploma instead.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1645772509317-1645772509317.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Mr Chow(left) and Jolin(right) were my colleagues who helped me a lot back then. Hang On&hellip; Really? That&rsquo;s Got Nothing To Do With Interior Design. Or Art.Tell me about it. &nbsp;My career started with IT marketing for some multinational companies. Which wasn&rsquo;t too bad, really. I got good enough that I tried my hand running my own marketing gig. Several times. After one too many false starts, I asked myself, &ldquo;Why not try interior design again?&rdquo;&nbsp; That&rsquo;s When You Got Into Interior Design?Not immediately. But I did get a marketing role at one of the local interior design firms. A year later, I put in a request for an internal transfer to the interior design team. My boss at the time graciously approved. I&rsquo;d be transferred in six months. Six months of hell as I juggled between marketing and visits to the national library learning everything from lighting, ID culture, and the differences between <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/pick-right-pros">contractors and ID</a> (there&rsquo;s a lot!).&nbsp; It Almost Hurts Just To Listen To That. Did You Ever Regret The Journey?No. Never. If I hadn&rsquo;t slogged through all that, I wouldn&rsquo;t have picked up what I know now. I don&rsquo;t just have the ID know-how, I&rsquo;ve also got marketing experience.&nbsp; Which, I Understand, You Put To Great Use.Yes, but not quite in the way most see it.&nbsp; <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1645772555521-1645772555521.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Mr Salleh(far left) and Ms. Aini(second from left) helped me along when I first started EI. How So?My success wasn&rsquo;t just me. It was due to the goodwill of homeowners I once worked with. When I was out of work due to the pandemic, homeowners I had worked with suggested I start my own <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/spilling-the-beans-4-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-id-industry-in-sg">ID firm</a>. It started with one; they offered their own home as a showcase for my work. I don&rsquo;t really know how, they became the first of many others who would eventually help me get on my feet. Through their satisfaction and faith in me, I started Ethan Interiors at a time when most businesses were closing shop. Within a year, we had so many inquiries that my pioneer team of eight couldn&rsquo;t keep up, and we had to expand. You&rsquo;ve Got Killer People Skills. Should&rsquo;ve Gone Into PR!I think I like where I am now. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1645772663224-1645772663224.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Karin Bohn&rsquo;s YouTube Channel printscreen&nbsp; Nonetheless, That&rsquo;s A Super Inspiring Story. Speaking Of Inspiration, Who Is Or Was Your Inspiration For Interior Design?I&rsquo;d have to say a YouTuber from Vancouver, Karin Bohn. She pretty much formed the foundation of my design philosophy. I think why she resonates so much with me is her beginnings: passionate about interior design but had to struggle to get where she is today. She stood out from the rest with how adaptable she was, easily putting together amazing designs with whatever&rsquo;s at hand. Really good at recycling materials and keeping homes sustainable.&nbsp; <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iAd2gnmeLu8?autoplay=1&mute=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" style="width: 100%; height: 50vw;"></iframe>&nbsp;Check out the video of Ethan&#39;s Segar Road project! What&rsquo;s Your Proudest Work? Every Artist Has One.474 Segar Road.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1645761575200-1645761575200.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> Yeah? Why&rsquo;s That? Give Us The Deets!Personally, I love black with gold accents. This was pretty much an excellent excuse to indulge in that with this home, simple as that. The dark theme worked really well with the blend of modern elegance and classic European look. Let&rsquo;s just say the owner was completely floored by the results.&nbsp;The other thing that I really love about this one, is how everything came together so neatly. No other project met the time frame as perfectly as this one did. There were so few unexpected surprises we were starting to get a little worried; we thought we missed something. I&rsquo;d say only 5% of the work had unexpected challenges (Editor: 10% is typical for most interior design projects. At 5%, this was far better than average.). Everything was on the dot. This project essentially became the benchmark for all future projects.&nbsp; What Guides Your Work? What Would You Say Your Design Philosophy Is?&nbsp;Steve Jobs once said &ldquo;Design isn&rsquo;t just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works.&rdquo; I firmly believe that. Art of interior design is all about how we experience spaces. I have always loved design with clean and crisp lines, where textures and accents speak the designs, but it has to be functional too. With that in mind, I really want Ethan Interiors to be trendsetters, always applying <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/modern-luxury-interior-design-singapore">modern</a> approaches to familiar challenges. <img width="602" src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1646382994868-1646382994868.png" class="fr-dib">Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels It Is Said That No Idea Ever Comes From A Vacuum. What Inspires Your Work? Where Do Your Ideas Come From?Nature, really. Organic stuff. At present, dark gray rocks with gold linings appeal to me the most; akin to veins of gold found in the earth. The Japanese art of kintsugi (the art of mending broken pottery with lacquer mixed with gold or other precious metals) comes to mind. Come to think about it, I guess you could say that both nature and art work together to inspire me. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1646382942935-1646382942935.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Day to day work Ethan and team And You Are Very Inspiring! Before We Part Ways, What Is One Sdvice You&rsquo;d Like To Give Up And Coming Interior Designers?Be passionate, and never let your circumstances stop you from exploring new ideas. It&rsquo;ll never be a bed of roses. And there will be thorns. The interior design industry is really tough where only the most resilient thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered what a self-made man looks like, just look at that portrait up there. That’s self-made, right there. That’s Ethan Goh.

Interview With Ethan Goh: Self-Made Designer

Now that youve got your home and your budget, the question is, who should you get to renovate it? Throw caution into the wind and save a few bucks with a contractor?...