Think colour and texture. A warm-hued Persian rug can soften the look of concrete flooring, while jewel-toned rugs like Ikea’s Vonsbak (pictured above; $49.90 to $159) can perk up a dark or dull floor. Create a plush-looking environment by swopping your low-pile carpet for a high-pile one that’s softer on your feet. Found a rug you love, but it’s too small? Layer it over a larger, plain carpet.

The power of a rug is not to be underestimated. It’s an easy, but powerful way to cosy up a place, says Caroline Chin Geyler, founder and principal stylist of Arete Culture.

“It breaks the monotony of the flooring, provides soft padding underfoot and adds texture and dynamism.”

If the rug is too small, it will look like an island, too large and it can make a room feel swamped. Rugs can also be clever tools to divide open-plan areas.

“Make sure your area rug is big enough for your furniture, with a minimum breathing space of at least 15 cm around the border,” she advises.

Jungalow, baroque or contemporary glam – for every style, there’s a wallpaper design. It’s a high-impact, low-effort hack. Use wallpapers as backdrops for dining areas and bedrooms, or if you’re up for a challenge, around window frames. For contemporary designs, Finnish wallpaper brand, Feathr (feathr.com), offer imageries of nature, ombre prints and monochrome designs. Where They Belong Summer Duo (pictured left; $188.50 for a 10-m roll) is vibrant yet will not overwhelm a space, while Oslo (pictured above; $71 per sq m) is calming.

Paint is the easiest way to change a room and bring it up to date quickly. Contrary to popular belief, experts say that a small room looks best painted dark, as it blurs the boundaries, making the space feel infinite.

“Go bold with warm colours like red and orange for communal spaces, such as your dining room as these tend to incite feelings of passion and energy,” says Caroline. However, opt for a neutral colour palette (sand or taupe) or blues and greys in the bedroom to keep the space calm and tranquil.

Cream and white are not the only colours that can bring about a sense of calm. Try lighter shades of grey, green or purple, like Grey Jeans by Dulux as pictured here. While most of the wall is in grey, Dulux’s Bellcourt Castle (beige) goes around the window, creating an interesting wall accent and the illusion of a larger window.

Before you start shopping for new furniture, do a stock check of what you already have. That old chest of drawers or “boring” wooden headboard can look dramatically different with a new colour palette. If you like the matte or distressed look, try furniture paint brands like Annie Sloan Chalk Paint ($28, 120 ml; $75, 1-litre). Local distributor Big Blue Trunk carries a wide colour range – perfect for those struggling to find furniture in the right hue.

Create an illusion of height by painting ceilings lighter than the walls. They will make the room feel bigger than it really is.

Add a mirror, says Caroline. “One simple trick is to position your mirror opposite a window so you can catch glimpses of the outside, indoors. Et voila! Multiple layers of textural contrasts with one accessory.”

Another thing about mirrors: Instead of a regular photo wall, how about a melange of mirrors? Mirrors with carved wooden frames, such as the Mielana (pictured left) from Island Living by Cocoon, as well as tinted surfaces are suitable for a bohemian look. You can also make a statement with an oversized or odd-shaped mirror, like the Half Circle Mirror by District Eight (pictured right), in the foyer.

Mielana by Cocoon ($55) from Island Living, and Half Circle Mirror by District Eight ($1,665) from Journey East.

If you find your current statement lamp passe, check with the shop whether your current ceiling plate can accommodate a different design. Local brand Like Lights carries various fixtures that use the same plate, giving you the freedom to switch lamps. Changing from white light to warm or moody lighting can also make a lot of difference to your room ambience.

Balance the levels, so your space doesn’t feel bottom heavy. “Use pendant lights or chandeliers if you’re trying to increase visual height in your space,” says Caroline.

And always think about the mood you want to create when buying lighting. Try to avoid placement that creates unflattering shadows on people. For instance, hang pendant lights so the bottom is 70 cm to 80 cm above your dining table.

Dress up the space in your bathroom with beautiful towels. If you have the space, add some greenery with a fern or orchid that will thrive in a well-lit bathroom.

Quick-fix refresh – just change your cabinetry handles. You’d be surprised at how smart new kitchen handles can look on old or dated doors. They’re also easy to put on and remove!

Furniture and functionality must work together in a space, says Terence. When buying furniture, look for pieces that offer storage as well. Sideboards, consoles and entertainment units are fabulous for hiding wires and cords.

Pictured: Aspen sideboard, $3,740, from King Living. 

Quality speaks – Invest in statement pieces that will last a lifetime. Replacing a major item in a living room is one of the best ways to give it an overhaul.

“A sofa of good design and quality is a must-have for every home, as it is one of the focal points in the living room,” says Terence Neo, design director of EightyTwo.

Pictured: Sofa, $3,725, from BoConcept. 

We recommend the sofa – it’s the first thing you will see when entering a home. Play with size, colour and configuration. A leather chesterfield gives off masculine vibes, while velvet grey fabric is glamorous. Finn Avenue combines both with the Earl of Chesterfield sofa (pictured bottom; $2,290). You can also downsize to a smaller sofa with statement armchairs like Augustus (pictured top far right; $1,318) or Made and Make’s Wendelbo Ventall Lounge Chair (pictured top right) from Etch and Bolts.

If you’re afraid to commit to a bold wallpaper, try printed curtains; they pop against a neutral-hued wall. If this is still somewhat daunting, choose sheer cotton or open-weave linen. These fabrics pare down the prints while still achieving a unique effect – see Alpklover’s green leafy design ($39.90 for a pair) or Vinterjasmin ($29.90 for a pair) by Ikea. A minimalist alternative like Ikea’s Lejongap ($49.90 for a pair) helps create a classic, airy ambience.

“A simple scent can make a dramatic difference in how a home feels,” says Caroline. “Scented reeds or candles may seem like an unnecessary extravagance, but good design should engage all the senses.” Fresh, floral-based scents best complement the weather in Singapore.

The rule of three is an important one to follow when accessorising a shelf, sideboard or coffee table. In order to create an attractive vignette, choose three pieces that have something in common.

“The idea isn’t to clean out a space, but to create space for only the things you love to be displayed,” says Caroline.

Aim for visual calm by keeping as much of the stuff off the kitchen bench as possible. Also, always go for simple neutral-toned linen tea towels.

Put the trinkets on your dresser or your favourite fragrances on pretty trays. This will give the space a sense of order and makes it instantly stylish.

Try floor lamps instead of bedside lamps and mismatching bedside tables to add interest.

From left: Barometer floor lamp, $79, from IKEA; Flos by Michael Anastassiades, from Space Furniture; Olivia floor lamp, $99, from HipVan. 

Inject emotion with artworks and paintings, says Terence. But when hanging art, consider the scale: If the piece is large, use it to balance a large piece of furniture, but if it’s small it is best hung in a group.

Leafy plants are easier to maintain, and can add drama in a setting, especially with statement flowerpots, says Terence.

When it comes to cushions, put quality over quantity. One amazing cushion is better than a slew of average ones.

Pictured: Cushion, $69, from FortyTwo (left), and Cushion, $95, from BoConcept. 

When arranging accessories, make sure to have some negative space or empty areas so it doesn’t over-clutter and the eye has someplace to rest.

Every dining table needs a great centrepiece. You can easily make even the simplest table setting feel styled – try placing a beautiful bunch of fresh flowers and watch your space come to life.

Text: www.bauersyndication.com.au, Additional reporting: Sandhya Mahadevan and Eliza Hamizah

This post was published on Jan 11, 2019, and updated on June 4, 2020.

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