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For years, the renovation model in Singapore followed a familiar structure. Homeowners engaged an interior designer, the designer proposed a concept, and much of the furniture, fittings, and materials were sourced through the designer&rsquo;s network.
Today, that model is evolving.
Increasingly, homeowners are taking ownership of parts of the renovation journey themselves, especially when it comes to furniture, decor, lighting, and online purchases from platforms like Taobao.
What we are witnessing is not the disappearance of interior designers, but the rise of a more hybrid renovation ecosystem.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://sixides.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1778489733010-mceclip0.jpg">
<h2 class="custom-title">A New Shift Is Happening in Singapore Renovation</h2>
There&rsquo;s a quiet shift happening in the renovation world, and if you&rsquo;ve been paying attention to homeowner conversations, especially online, you would have noticed it. It usually starts with a sentence like this:
&ldquo;The renovation we let the ID handle, but the furniture we buy from Taobao.&rdquo;
Sometimes it goes further.
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
The light fixtures come from Taobao
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
The dining table comes from Taobao
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
The bar stools, bathroom mirrors, kitchen sink, and tap mixers also come from Taobao
</li>
</ul>
And increasingly, even things that used to sit firmly within renovation scope, island counters, shelving systems, and bathroom vanities, are now being sourced directly by homeowners online. What we&rsquo;re seeing is the rise of a new archetype in the renovation ecosystem. The Taobao Designer. Not an actual designer, of course. But a new kind of homeowner.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://sixides.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1778489747923-mceclip1.jpg">
<h2 class="custom-title">The Rise of the Hybrid Renovation Model</h2>
Traditionally, the renovation model in Singapore was fairly straightforward.
Homeowners engaged an interior designer. The designer proposed a concept. Materials, fixtures, fittings, and furniture were sourced through the designer&rsquo;s supply network.
The designer curated the space, managed procurement, and handled installation.
Today, that model is slowly evolving into something more hybrid.
The designer still handles the core renovation:
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
carpentry 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
layout changes 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
lighting plans 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
tiling 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
construction works&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
But homeowners are increasingly taking control of the looser elements of the home.
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
furniture 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
decor 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
lighting pieces 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
small fixtures&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
And they&rsquo;re sourcing these themselves.
Often from Taobao.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://sixides.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1778489761238-mceclip2.jpg">
<h2 class="custom-title">Why More Singapore Homeowners Are Buying From Taobao</h2>
There are three main reasons this shift is happening.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">1. Price Transparency</h3>
Taobao exposes the true cost of many items.
A pendant light that might retail for $350 locally could be found online for $60 or $80. A designer chair selling for $900 in a showroom might be available for a fraction of that price.
Whether the quality is identical is another debate, but the price difference is visible and immediate.
For budget-conscious homeowners, the temptation is obvious.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">2. Design Discovery Through Social Media</h3>
Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu have fundamentally changed how homeowners think about interior design.
Ten years ago, homeowners relied heavily on designers for inspiration.
Today, many arrive at their first design consultation with Pinterest boards already curated.
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
They&rsquo;ve seen the look they want
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
They&rsquo;ve identified the pieces they like
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
And often, they&rsquo;ve already located them online
</li>
</ul>
Taobao becomes the procurement engine for these discoveries.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">3. The Digital-Native Homeowner</h3>
Younger homeowners are simply more comfortable buying online.
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
They buy clothes online
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
Electronics online
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
Even groceries online
</li>
</ul>
Buying furniture or home accessories from Taobao feels like a natural extension of that behaviour.
Add in parcel consolidation services, Taobao agents, and a growing ecosystem of logistics support in Singapore, and suddenly the process becomes surprisingly manageable.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://sixides.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1778489771940-mceclip3.jpg">
<h2 class="custom-title">Does This Change the Role of the Interior Designer?</h2>
This is where the debate begins.
Some designers see this trend as a threat. If homeowners are sourcing their own furniture, lights, and fittings, then a portion of the traditional designer margin disappears.
Procurement, which was once a meaningful part of the renovation business model, starts shrinking.
But the more interesting question is this:
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
Is the designer&rsquo;s role really about procurement? 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
Or is it about space-making?&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Because when you strip everything away, the hardest parts of renovation are still the same.
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
spatial planning 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
lighting strategy 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
material coordination 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
proportions and scale
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
construction management&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
A beautiful home is not created by simply buying beautiful things.
It&rsquo;s created by how those things come together.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="custom-title">The Evolution of Interior Designers in Singapore</h2>
In some ways, the rise of the Taobao homeowner may actually push the profession to evolve.
Designers who relied heavily on product markups may feel the squeeze. But designers who focus on concept, layout, and spatial experience will still remain invaluable.
If anything, the designer&rsquo;s role may shift slightly toward becoming more of a curator and advisor.
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
Helping homeowners avoid mistakes 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
Ensuring Taobao items actually fit the space 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
Ensuring electrical points align with imported lights 
</li>
<li style="color: rgb(126, 140, 141);">
Ensuring sinks fit the carpentry cut-outs&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Because anyone who has tried ordering home products online will eventually discover the truth: Measurements matter, and mistakes are expensive.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="custom-title">The Reality of Hybrid Homes</h2>
The future of renovation is not fully designer-led.
And it&rsquo;s not fully DIY either.
It&rsquo;s hybrid.
A collaboration.
The designer handles what must be right:
<ul>
<li class="custom-body">
space planning
</li>
<li class="custom-body">
proportions
</li>
<li class="custom-body">
lighting
</li>
<li class="custom-body">
construction
</li>
</ul>
The homeowner takes ownership of what can be personal:
<ul>
<li class="custom-body">
furniture
&nbsp;
</li>
<li class="custom-body">
fixtures
&nbsp;
</li>
<li class="custom-body">
decor finds
&nbsp;
</li>
<li class="custom-body">
small discoveries along the way
</li>
</ul>
Because today&rsquo;s homeowner doesn&rsquo;t just want a finished home.
They want a hand in creating it.
So no, the Taobao designer isn&rsquo;t replacing the interior designer.
It&rsquo;s redefining the relationship.
Designers are no longer simply renovators or sources of renovation products
They are becoming anchors of the process.
And homeowners are no longer passive clients.
They are active participants.
Because in the end, a home is not defined by where you bought the pieces.
It&rsquo;s defined by how the space comes together, and more importantly, who it is lived by.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="custom-title">Frequently Asked Questions About Taobao and Home Renovation in Singapore</h2>
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">Why are Singapore homeowners buying furniture from Taobao?</h3>
Many homeowners are drawn to Taobao because of lower prices, wider product variety, and easier access to design inspiration through social media platforms like Pinterest and Xiaohongshu.
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">Is buying renovation items from Taobao cheaper?</h3>
In many cases, yes. Items such as lighting fixtures, furniture, and decor pieces can cost significantly less compared to local retail prices, although quality and after-sales support may vary.&nbsp;
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">Are interior designers still important if homeowners buy from Taobao?</h3>
Yes. Interior designers still play a crucial role in spatial planning, lighting strategy, construction coordination, and ensuring all elements work cohesively within the space.
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">What are the risks of buying renovation items online?</h3>
Common risks include incorrect sizing, compatibility issues, shipping damage, installation complications, and differences in product quality from online listings.
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">What is a hybrid renovation model?</h3>
A hybrid renovation model refers to homeowners collaborating more actively in the renovation process, where designers manage core renovation works while homeowners source selected furniture, fixtures, or decor themselves.

More Singapore homeowners are sourcing furniture and fixtures from Taobao. Explore how this shift is reshaping interior design and renovation in Singapore.

The Rise of the Taobao Designer in Singapore Renovation

A quiet shift is happening in Singapore’s renovation industry. More homeowners are sourcing furniture, lighting, fixtures, and decor directly from Taobao and online platforms, reshaping the traditional relationship between interior designers and homeowners.

The Rise of the Taobao Designer: How Singapore Homeowners Are Changing Renovation

In today&rsquo;s homes, design is often about precision. Clean lines, curated palettes and carefully chosen materials come together to create spaces that feel considered and complete. Yet within these composed interiors, a quieter shift is taking place. More homeowners are turning to plants not as finishing touches, but as essential elements of the space. What was once purely decorative is now becoming part of how a home feels, functions and evolves over time. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2 class="custom-title">The Rise of &ldquo;Skinny Trees&rdquo; in Singapore Homes </h2>
I&rsquo;m not talking about the tiny tabletop kind we used to see years ago, but tall, slender indoor trees. &nbsp;The kind that looks slightly awkward, slightly fragile, yet strangely elegant. &nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(112, 111, 111);">The bottle tree. &nbsp;</li>
<li style="color: rgb(112, 111, 111);">The ever-fresh tree.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
And a whole generation of what I like to call skinny looking trees that have suddenly&nbsp;become the darlings of interior design. &nbsp; &nbsp; At first glance, it might seem like just another aesthetic trend. Something designers&nbsp;add to soften a space or fill an empty corner. But plants at home are far more than &nbsp; decoration. &nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(112, 111, 111);">They are psychology. &nbsp;</li>
<li style="color: rgb(112, 111, 111);">They are habit. &nbsp;</li>
<li style="color: rgb(112, 111, 111);">They are health. &nbsp; </li>
</ul>
And increasingly, they are part of how we reconnect with a world that most of us&nbsp;rarely step into anymore. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://sixides.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1777877342761-mceclip0.jpg">
&nbsp;
<h2 class="custom-title">Why Indoor Plants Are More Than Just Decor&nbsp;</h2>
Modern Singapore homes are beautifully designed, but they are also very controlled&nbsp;environments.
<ul>
<li>Air-conditioning.</li>
<li>Artificial lighting.</li>
<li>Sealed windows.</li>
<li>Screens everywhere. &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
We spend a staggering amount of time indoors. So, when a living plant enters the&nbsp;home, something subtle happens. The space becomes slightly less static. A plant &nbsp; grows, changes, responds to light and occasionally refuses to cooperate. &nbsp; &nbsp; It reminds us that life is not just digital. And psychologically, caring for a plant does something interesting to the human mind. It creates micro-responsibilities. &nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Watering.</li>
<li>Rotating the pot for sunlight.</li>
<li>Trimming leaves.</li>
<li>Checking soil. &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
These are small acts, but they introduce rhythm and routine. For children, especially, &nbsp; this can be an early lesson on care and responsibility. A plant doesn&rsquo;t shout for attention, but it rewards consistency. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://sixides.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1777877494029-mceclip1.jpg">
<h2 class="custom-title">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="custom-title">From Hobby to Lifestyle: The Rise of Plant Culture</h2>
Another fascinating shift in recent years is how plant culture itself has become a &nbsp; lifestyle movement. A big part of that inspiration comes from creators like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@benjiplant">benjiplant</a>, who have turned plant keeping into something visual, calming, and almost meditative. &nbsp; &nbsp; Through videos and posts, people are discovering not just plants, but an entire world&nbsp;surrounding them, from soil mixes to pruning techniques to the art of pairing plants&nbsp;with ceramics and pottery. &nbsp; &nbsp; What used to feel like a hobby for gardeners now feels like a design language for&nbsp;modern homes. Plants are no longer random decorative pieces. They are curated, chosen and styled. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2 class="custom-title">The &ldquo;Skinny Tree&rdquo; Trend in Singapore Interior Design</h2>
Interior designers used to rely heavily on fuller plants, palms, monsteras, Alocasias or large leafy greens. But today, something unexpected has become fashionable. Trees that look&hellip; slightly underfed. &nbsp; &nbsp; The bottle tree with its tall trunk and sparse leaves. The ever-fresh tree with its&nbsp;delicate branches and soft movement. They bring height to a space without &nbsp; overwhelming it. &nbsp; &nbsp; In minimalist interiors, which Singapore homes increasingly lean toward, these&nbsp;slender trees work beautifully, providing vertical drama without turning the room&nbsp;into a jungle. It&rsquo;s almost like placing a living sculpture inside the home. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://sixides.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1777877959195-mceclip0.jpg">
<h2 class="custom-title">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="custom-title">Making Plant Styling More Accessible in Singapore&nbsp;</h2>
Of course, trends alone don&rsquo;t build communities. Accessibility does. And this is where places like <a href="../../merchants/plunt-co" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plunt.co</a> and <a href="https://www.soilboy.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soilboy</a> have done something quite special. They&rsquo;ve turned plant shopping into an experience rather than a chore.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp; Beautiful displays, thoughtfully paired pots and plants and friendly advice instead of intimidating plant jargon. &nbsp; &nbsp; You walk in not just to buy a plant, but to imagine how that plant might live inside&nbsp;your home. For many people, this removes the biggest barrier to starting, the fear of &nbsp; not knowing where to begin. &nbsp; &nbsp; Plant keeping then suddenly becomes approachable, enjoyable and even a little addictive.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://sixides.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1777878167182-mceclip1.jpg">
<h2 class="custom-title">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="custom-title">The Quiet Benefits of Bringing Greenery Indoors</h2>
Interior design often focuses on materials, wood, stone, laminate and fabric. But plants introduce something none of those materials can replicate. &nbsp; &nbsp; Life. &nbsp; &nbsp; They soften hard edges, improve perceived air quality, reduce visual stress and&nbsp;subtly remind us to slow down. In a city where homes are compact and life moves &nbsp; fast, a small patch of green inside the home can feel surprisingly grounding.&nbsp;So, the next time you see a skinny tree standing quietly in someone&rsquo;s living room,&nbsp;remember:
<ul>
<li>It&rsquo;s not just there to look pretty.</li>
<li>It might be teaching someone patience.</li>
</ul>
It might be encouraging a child to care for something. &nbsp; &nbsp; Or it might simply be giving the home a little bit of the outside world, something we&nbsp;all need more of. And sometimes, that small patch of green is exactly what a modern&nbsp;home needs.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="custom-title">Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Plants&nbsp;</h2>
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">What are indoor plants used for in home design?&nbsp;</h3>
Indoor plants are used to improve the look and feel of a home. In Singapore interiors, they are no longer just decoration. They help make spaces feel more natural, calm and lived-in.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">Why are skinny trees popular in Singapore homes?&nbsp;</h3>
Skinny trees like bottle trees and ever fresh trees are popular because they add height without taking up much space. They are ideal for HDB flats and condos in Singapore and suit modern minimalist interiors.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">What are the best indoor plants for small Singapore homes?&nbsp;</h3>
Good indoor plants for small homes include bottle trees, ever fresh trees, snake plants and smaller fiddle leaf figs. These plants fit well in tight spaces while still adding greenery.&nbsp;
If you are starting out, these hard-to-kill indoor plants for new plant parents are a great place to begin.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">Are indoor plants easy to maintain in Singapore?&nbsp;</h3>
Yes, most indoor plants are easy to maintain in Singapore&rsquo;s climate. They need indirect sunlight, regular but not excessive watering, and good drainage. Avoid overwatering, especially in air-conditioned rooms.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">Do indoor plants improve wellbeing?&nbsp;</h3>
Indoor plants can help create a calmer home environment. They make spaces feel more relaxed, reduce visual stress and add a sense of routine through simple plant care.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 class="custom-subtitle">How do you style indoor plants at home?&nbsp;</h3>
Style indoor plants by using fewer but larger statement pieces. Place them in corners or near natural light. Skinny trees work well in modern Singapore homes as simple focal points.

Indoor plants in Singapore homes are more than decor. Discover how skinny trees and indoor greenery are shaping modern interiors, wellbeing and everyday living.  

Plants Are Not Just Decorations: Why Indoor Trees Are Transforming Singapore Homes  

Walk into many newly renovated homes today and you’ll notice something   interesting. Right beside the TV console. Next to the sofa. Or even sometimes standing   proudly in a corner like a quiet roommate, a plant. 

Beyond Decoration: How Plants Are Redefining the Language of Singapore Interiors

Five years after launching SIXiDES, Astley Ng reflects on building a renovation ecosystem platform and why the industry needs a Renovation Operating System.

Five Years of SIXiDES: Building a Renovation Operating System in Singapore

Five years into building SIXiDES, the question is no longer whether the platform works as a renovation marketplace. The real question is whether the industry can evolve beyond fragmented tools and disconnected processes into a structured renovation ecosystem.

Five Years of SIXiDES: What Building a Renovation Operating System Actually Looks Like

Should interior designers charge design fees in Singapore? Explore why many HDB renovation firms bundle design costs and what it means for homeowners. 

Should Interior Designers Charge a Design Fee? Singapore Renovation Reality 

Every few months, the same debate surfaces in the interior design community. Should designers charge a design fee, or should design be bundled into the renovation package? In Singapore’s renovation industry, the answer is rarely as straightforward as it seems. 

Should Interior Designers Charge a Design Fee? The Reality Behind “Free Design” in Singapore Renovation 

Global tensions, shipping costs and housing policies can all influence renovation costs in Singapore. Here’s how geopolitics and the HDB wait-out period affect the renovation industry. 

Why Renovation Costs Are Rising in Singapore: War, Supply Chains and Housing Policies 

There are moments in the renovation industry where you realise it is not just about tiles, paint, and carpentry. Global tensions, supply chains, and housing policies can all shape renovation costs and activity in Singapore. 

Between War, Waiting Periods, and Wrenches in the Wall: How Global Events Affect Renovation Costs in Singapore

Why isn’t interior design tightly regulated in Singapore? Explore how HDB, affordability and mass housing shape renovation governance. 

Why Interior Design Is Not Regulated in Singapore 

Interior design in Singapore sits at the intersection of housing policy, affordability and mass participation. To understand why interior design is not tightly regulated here, we must first understand how HDB transformed renovation into a mass-market ecosystem. 

Why Interior Design Is Not Tightly Regulated in Singapore 

Planning a budget renovation in Singapore in 2026? Learn how Budget 2026 affects renovation cost, hybrid sourcing and smarter planning. 

Budget Renovation Singapore 2026: Smart Planning Guide 

In a year shaped by caution and calibration, renovation decisions require more than aesthetics. They require financial clarity. 

Budget Renovation Singapore 2026: What Budget 2026 Means for Homeowners 

There are very few renovation items that homeowners think they understand, but actually don’t. Sound insulation is one of them. 

Sound Insulation: Why Sound Insulation Is Often Neglected in Renovation 

1. &nbsp; &nbsp;It&rsquo;s Sizzling HotWell, well, well, it looks like Singapore has turned up the heat for the past two months! With temperatures soaring higher than the tallest building (we&rsquo;re exaggerating) in the city-state, it&#39;s safe to say that we&#39;ve been sweating more than a politician during an election campaign. From ice cream trucks working overtime to air conditioning units struggling to keep up, it seems like everyone is feeling the burn. So grab a cold drink, find some shade, and let&#39;s talk about this sizzling hot heatwave that just won&#39;t quit! 2. &nbsp; &nbsp;Why Is It So Hot?<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1685527299672-Image+1-01.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">According to Wikipedia, Singapore reached a whopping 36.1&deg;C in Admiralty on 14th April, the highest temperature recorded in the country since the start of 2023. But in May, that record was broken when the temperature reached 36.2 &deg;C in Choa Chu Kang on 12th May. (Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Asia_heat_wave#:~:text=Singapore%20reached%2036.1%20%C2%B0C,Chu%20Kang%20on%2012%20May" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2023 Asia Heat Wave, Wikipedia</a>)&nbsp; While we had some short showers recently, it did not help much as pedestrians crossing the roads in the day, can still feel the punishing heat from the relentless sun. Managing Director, Mr. Jonathan Tan of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/vendors/brands/prism">Prism+</a>&nbsp;shared that they had seen a significant spike and demand in their range of cooling devices over the past month.&nbsp; <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1685527349457-Aircon-Image1.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><a href="https://prismplus.sg/products/prism-zero" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prism+ ZERO Smart Air Conditioner</a> &ldquo;Orders for our smart air conditioner system, the&nbsp;<a href="https://prismplus.sg/products/prism-zero" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prism+ Zero</a>, have gone up over a hundred percent in April compared to previous months! Even our Oasis Ceiling Fans have seen a fifty percent increase in orders!&rdquo; Said Mr. Tan.&nbsp; Mr. Tan added, &ldquo;We have seen an increasing urgency from consumers opting to purchase without waiting for site surveys, further amplifying the current state most users are in.&rdquo; Experts are saying that all this heat is due to El-nino but no one has come out to talk about how we can heat-proof our spaces or our homes. &nbsp;Therefore, and as usual, we at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sixides.com/">SIXiDES</a>&nbsp;are taking the lead to talk about how good passive design combined with mechanical cooling can play a part making you cool, literally! 3. &nbsp; &nbsp;What Is Passive Design Or Cooling?<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1685527404707-Image+1-02.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> As an advocate of sustainability, I am a firm believer of employing passive methods to cool down a space. This refers to the use of natural elements and features to maintain comfortable temperatures within a home, without the need for active cooling systems such as air conditioners or fans. This approach to design takes into account factors such as, to create a living space that is naturally cool and comfortable in hot weather. By reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling systems, passive design can help to lower energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and create a more sustainable and eco-friendly home. But let&rsquo;s assume your home is facing the west sun, a lot of shading is not available, many of the ID and renovation work had been done long ago, what else can we do to beat the heat? 4. &nbsp; &nbsp;Methods To Keep CoolHere are some passive design/d&eacute;cor suggestions combined with mechanical methods to keep cool and still lower your electrical bills.&nbsp; &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Choose light-colored materials: Light-colored materials such as cotton, linen, and silk reflect light and heat, making them cooler to the touch and more comfortable to sit or lie on. As such if your sofa is in a dark coloured fabric or leather, consider getting a white silk or chiffon sofa cover or drape it in a light colour cotton fabric. This will make the sitting more bearable as the sofa fabrics tend to trap heat and especially more so if they are darker in colour. &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Optimize your room layout: Rearrange your furniture to optimize the flow of air in your space. This is to encourage cross ventilation. Many HDB dwellers always like to open their main door and windows, this helps the wind to travel into the space. As such look at whether you have big furniture obstructing this cross ventilation from happening. If so, try shifting them. To optimise even further, you can also tap on ceiling and floor standing fans to circulate and boost moving air throughout the room. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1685527444084-top-view-boards-mdf-material+%281%29.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; Use natural materials: If budget allows and you are also looking at changing your furniture, consider natural materials such as wicker, rattan, or bamboo for your new furniture. These materials not only will help you achieve the &ldquo;Japandi&rdquo; look, (<a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/why-is-everyone-trending-japandi">Read More</a>) but it can also help you keep your space cool. These materials are porous and allow air to circulate, which helps to lower the temperature. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1685527484120-woman-wore-orange-gloves-planted-trees-house.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; Add plants: Believe it or not plants can help regulate the temperature in your home by absorbing heat and releasing moisture into the air. You can choose plants that are known for their cooling properties such as monstera, snake plants, ferns, and aloe vera. However, don&rsquo;t expect one small table sized pot of money plant is going to help bring the temperature down a few degrees. For this to work, you need quite a few pots of mid-sized plants to dress up the space. If you have a green thumb, consider this option as it will also enhance the visual appeal to the space as well! &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Add shades: If your current windows are dressed in roller blinds or venetian blinds, these blinds will not perform much in blocking the heat away. Consider changing them by using light-colored curtains, drapes, or shades. If you have a balcony, you may consider zip track blinds or bamboo chick blinds. Balconies are already designed to give you that extra shade, when you add another layer of shading using the chicks, the temperature will drop even further. If you are gunning for the tropical look in your balcony, try using large potted plants to create more natural shade. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1685527499809-Image+1-03.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Air Con and fans: The ideal sustainable temperature for your AC should be set at 25 &deg;C if you want to be prudent with your AC bills but we all know this is hardly a comfortable temperature and almost all of us are guilty of dropping the temperature as low as possible. One way we can make 25 &deg;C bearable is to consider placing a standing fan in an oscillating mode directly below the path of the AC&rsquo;s air flow coming from the vent. As cold air settles and lands near the back of the fan, the fan intervenes and acts as a &ldquo;boost&rdquo; to push the cool air further as opposed to letting the cold air settle on the ground. If you have a ceiling fan, this method will be even better as the circulation combined with the AC will help make the space cool down faster without the need to lower the temperature below 25 &deg;C! Brands like Prism+ has features on their Smart Air Conditoners (<a href="https://prismplus.sg/products/prism-zero" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prism+ Zero</a>) and their Smart ceiling fans (<a href="https://prismplus.sg/products/prism-oasis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prism+ Oasis</a>) such as a &ldquo;Routine Feature&rdquo; to help users schedule their cooling devices to tun on/off. This means users can plan to stay ahead of the heat curve. There is even a &ldquo;Geolocation&rdquo; feature that allows the device to detect the user if they are within the facility or leaving it to make sure to never forget to power off the device/s. Such a useful tool to deal with costs while keeping cool! 5. &nbsp; &nbsp;Heat Is A State Of Mind!I used to recall my friends telling me that feeling hot is a state of mind. The true meaning to this is not about feeling chill or calm. That is utter nonsense. In truth, there are many ways we can innovate and think of how to keep cool even with the current conditions of your home. Think creatively and try ways to beat the heat using passive cooling ideals. This is definitely a &ldquo;cool&rdquo; idea! Now if you want to adopt all the above strategies and still have some mechanical cooling devices, you can approach Prism+ for a friendly consultation in many of their experience centres popping up in Singapore! Their Smart AC and Smart Ceiling Fans are on promotion now with substantial warranties. There are free gifts and purchase on purchase deals, right now! (<a href="https://prismplus.sg/products/prism-zero" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prism+ Zero</a>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://prismplus.sg/products/prism-oasis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prism+ Oasis</a>)

Well, well, well, it looks like Singapore has turned up the heat for the past two months! With temperatures soaring higher than the tallest building (we’re exaggerating) in the city-state, it's safe to say that we've been sweating more than a politician during an election campaign.

Beat The Heat With Interior Design

1.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Yes I Am A Feng Shui Practitioner!Before anyone flags me and call me a con-man, I am truly a certified Feng Shui practitioner and here is my certificate of practice that I graduated from since the Singapore Feng Shui Centre, under the tutelage and mentorship of Grandmaster Vincent Koh, (one of the few Grandmasters in the world!) in 2010. As such, I have more than a decade of experience and practice in combining this ancient wisdom with our modern interior design living. In fact, I had come up with a modern way to fuse modernity into the classical art of Feng Shui. In this &ldquo;WORD FROM THE NERD&rdquo;, let me share how you can &ldquo;Huat&rdquo; a little bit more with 3 simple ways to activate or find the wealth spots in your home! <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1673573492888-article74-1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib froala-align-middle">Astley&rsquo;s Certificate of Practice for Feng Shui 2.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Huat Is A Wealth Point?Simply put, in Feng Shui, a wealth point/location/spot/sector is an area of a home or shop or office that is associated with wealth , prosperity and abundance. You may be asking,&nbsp;&ldquo;How can a single location or spot in a space bring in luck or wealth? It does not make scientific sense at all!&rdquo;Let me try to explain this in the easiest and most modern way. Imagine you are a caveman now, and your residence is literally a cave. And in a cave, there are dark spots, dry spots, damp spots, airy spots and warm spots. Which means if you, the caveman, were to bring in firewood, would you place the woodpile at the dry spots or the damp spots? Would you start the fire at the dry spot or the damp spot?&nbsp;It is actually quite logical that if we want the best possible result for starting a fire, we would place the wood in the correct environment and yield the best possible outcome.&nbsp;Have you noticed that in restaurants, the cashier counters may have a tipping box for you to drop the spare coins in? If you just happen to not want to carry the coins, or you really want to tip the waiting crew, the tipping box will remind you to tip them. Or when you are making payment in Don Don Donki, they have a &ldquo;snaking&rdquo; pathway that they are lined with goods like titbits and snacks, for the purpose of making you do a last minute impulse purchase? <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1673573533110-article74-2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib froala-align-middle">Payment at typical Don Don Donki stall So the idea of a tipping box, a bunch of impulse buying displays and a &ldquo;wealth spot&rdquo; acts in the same way. They are symbolic and are there to communicate a purpose like tipping or impulse buying. If used in an appropriate location, they can be very effective, for the same logic that you should start a fire on dry ground. The theory is similar.Hence in Feng Shui, many people take the symbolic aspects quite literally and place piggy banks or water features or even FU LU SHOU figurines at these wealth spots to activate the luck. Personally, I prefer that we take a modern approach and activate in the most subtle way like plants or decoration items to activate the wealth spots as opposed to putting figurines. It has to feel homogenous with the design and theme of the home. Remember that just like the wind, good Qi (luck energy) is not seen but felt. Therefore, it should be subtle and non-intrusive.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1673573555814-article74-3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib froala-align-middle">Tips for a Scandinavian styled home: FU LU SHOU and a designer, Scandinavian design piggy bank. Ideally use elements or d&eacute;cor items that gel into your home design. If it sticks out like a sore thumb, then it is the wrong approach. 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The 3 Theories For Locating The Wealth PointsThere are many theories to locate your wealth points, but from this article, we&rsquo;ll be sharing 3 and they are:&nbsp; THEORY 1: HOME/SPACE BAGUA Simply locate the southeast location of your home. You do this by standing in the center of the home and using the compass to determine the location of the southeast. If it turns out that southeast happens to be a bathroom or a bedroom, then use the spot just before the bathroom or bedroom. However if the location is too crammed and not suitable to place any objects, move on to theory 2. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1673587574164-article74-4.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib froala-align-middle">Location of Southeast is in the bedroom and the exterior of the bedroom is actually the entrance of the bathroom, therefore this is not suitable to use theory 1 THEORY 2 &ndash; SELF KUA&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1673574660127-article74-5.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib froala-align-middle">Self/life Kua number chart &ndash; find your name and note your Kua number &nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1673574675346-article74-6.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib froala-align-middle">East and West House Group Chart This one is actually quite easy too. Just take reference to the 2 charts above. Find your personal Kua number. Assuming you are a female born in 1999, then your Kua number is &ldquo;8&rdquo; and for you, the wealth area is Southwest (SW). THEORY 3 &ndash; VISIBLE WEALTH POINT <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1673587877282-article74-7.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib froala-align-middle">Visible wealth point (明财位) reference guid For Visible wealth point, it is very straightforward too! If your entrance is on the left, the right most corner is your wealth spot. If it is center, then it is actually the 2 corners. If the entrance is to the right then the opposite left is the wealth spot.&nbsp;&nbsp; <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1673615061312-article74-8.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib froala-align-middle">Wealth spot is opposite the main entrance 4.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Simple And Easy Way to Use Feng ShuiOf course, there is a whole lot more to Feng Shui than just these 3 theories. This is just a simplified explanation of how you can bring in more luck for the new year, especially since the GST got increased by another percent, we need all the wealth we can get!Keep in mind these are just general guidelines and the specific enhancements will depend on individual needs and circumstances. My advice is to still consult a professional Feng Shui practitioner if you want a comprehensive audit of your home. But if you just want to experiment and have some fun, you can try these theories out and who knows, maybe you will huat nonstop after deploying these enhancement techniques! Happy New Year to (兔) you! Huat ah!

Before anyone flags me and call me a con-man, I am truly a certified Feng Shui practitioner and here is my certificate of practice that I graduated from since the Singapore Feng Shui Centre, under the tutelage and mentorship of Grandmaster Vincent Koh, (one of the few Grandmasters in the world!) in 2010.

Word From The Nerd