Whether you’re embarking on a home renovation this year or you simply enjoy staying abreast of interior design trends, we’ve got some exciting colour forecasts. After a year of radical change, trend-setters expect our evolving aesthetic tastes to evolve – including our interior colour preferences. So, what’s on the colour agenda for 2021? Brace yourselves, we’re in for a fun and funky time.

One thing is for sure: people are moving away from white. According to Taubmans colour expert Rachel Lacy, “I think we’re really seeing a move towards colour, rather than shades of grey, white or beige.” Trends travel in decades, and after 10 years of whites, greys, and beiges, it’s time for a change. As Rachel notes, “Trends travel in decades. We’ve had whites, greys and beiges for 10 years. Now, we’ll have colours.” The focus will be on colours that reflect hope and optimism, emphasizing our desire for pleasure and enjoyment.

Colour is back, baby! Picture: Taubmans

If you follow international design company Pantone’s colour announcements, you will have noticed that yellow was one of their picks for 2021. Rachel agrees, having spent time at many international colour symposiums where shades of yellow appear to be a common theme. Warm tones, especially yellow, are set to be popular this year, along with a lot of pink – not millennial pink, but more of a 1980s shade. Current colour trends are leaning towards warmth, brightness, and joy, as opposed to a more dramatic, dark, and moody use of colour of recent years.

Warm tones, especially yellow, are set to be popular this year. Picture: Pexels

Shapes, patterns, and designs are going to be much more common on our walls at home, whether that’s in the form of a professionally designed mural, some funky wallpaper, or quaint decals. Moving forward, we’re seeing more pastel hues that are a little less intimidating for people to use on their walls, and we’re also seeing them used in much more joyful ways. Geometric shapes are one DIY-way into the trend, or you may even see more people painting one wall in half-and-half colour.

Take what you love about Instagram feature walls and pop them in your own home. Picture: Pexels

One message coming through with the explosion of colour is that these choices are deeply personal and should celebrate our individuality. As Rachel says, “I don’t believe paint companies should be dictatorial. Colour is a subjective experience, like love or pain. The colours that appeal to you belong to you and they often have a story associated with them.” In 2021 and beyond, life – and paint – is about being bold and daring. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If it’s a terrible mistake, unlike a lot of things in life, you can just paint over it.

The biggest 2021 trend influencer: you! Picture: Pexels

In conclusion, the world of interior design is shifting towards a more vibrant and playful use of colour. With the move away from white and the rise of warm tones, shapes, and patterns, 2021 is set to be an exciting year for home renovations and design enthusiasts alike. Remember, when it comes to colour, personal taste is king, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make your space truly yours. This article was originally published on 25 Aug 2021 at 10:30am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

SpActrum Carves Multi-Centered Interior in China

Architectural design practice SpActrum reimagines training spaces with its M2 Training Center in Hangzhou, China, crafting a fluid, multi-centered interior inspired by amphitheaters. Defined by three interlocking sets of concentric circles, the space transforms conventional stepped seating into a rippling terrain incorporating movement, seating, and gathering areas. This design fosters interaction, adaptability, and a continuous spatial experience, accommodating corporate training, exhibitions, and filming.

Design Overview

The interior unfolds as a continuous topography, where steps integrate movement and seating. By replacing rigid divisions with an organic, evolving geometry, SpActrum aims to enhance interaction between speakers and audiences, offering a prototype for multi-centered spatial experiences. While the design dissolves conventional spatial hierarchies, it retains a strong central focus.

all images by Terrence Zhang and Jinyu Wan, courtesy of SpActrum

Design Parameters and Spatial Experience

The Shanghai-, Beijing-, and London-based team of SpActrum uses specific design parameters to shape the spatial experience. The location of the center points defines spatial groupings and movement patterns, while step heights balance seating comfort with accessibility. The gradient subtly reinforces a natural hillside effect, with the first two circles positioned lower and the rear circle elevated. Step widths accommodate both seating and circulation, ensuring a sense of security and usability. Meanwhile, a slight eccentric rotation of the circles enhances spatial complexity, introducing ramps and interwoven pathways reminiscent of natural terrain.

Practical Elements and User Experience

Beyond its sculptural form, the training center incorporates practical elements that enhance user experience. Raised sections of the terrain house a café, while skylights—including a central circular opening—bathe the interior in natural light. A direct outdoor entrance ensures accessibility, connecting the training center to its surroundings.

SpActrum reimagines training spaces with its M2 Training Center in Hangzhou, China

Skylights and Natural Light

The M2 Training Center’s design incorporates skylights that bathe the interior in sunlight, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The central circular opening allows natural light to pour in, highlighting the sculptural form of the interior.

crafting a fluid, multi-centered interior inspired by amphitheaters

defined by three interlocking sets of concentric circles

the space transforms conventional stepped seating into a rippling terrain

Conclusion

Through its parametric design, SpActrum’s M2 Training Center encourages spontaneous interaction, where occupants navigate and redefine the space through movement and engagement. The multi-centered interior, inspired by amphitheaters, offers a unique and adaptable space for corporate training, exhibitions, and filming, setting a new standard for training centers in China.

Designing the Perfect Guest Bedroom

– Advertisement –

– Advertisement –

A guest bedroom needs to combine aesthetic elegance with comfortable features while remaining useful. Blue wall panels with a queen bed enable this modern guest bedroom to offer both elegance and warmth. This guide will help you build dreamlike guest suites that match your furniture components and color schemes even if you establish new spaces or maintain existing rooms.

Essential Elements for a Guest Bedroom

1. Choosing the Right Queen Bed

A guest bedroom requires a queen bed to function as its main statement piece. The bed accommodates two people and adapts to most normal room measurements.

Key Features to Consider:

• Mattress Type: A medium-firm mattress works best for accommodating different sleeping habits because it provides enough support to all types of sleepers. Memory foam, along with hybrid mattresses, provides superior support as well as comfort.
• Headboard Design: Decide between upholstered or wooden headboard designs to create style and allow comfort. Guests can enjoy relaxed reading or leisure time by using a headboard that provides a padded surface to sit on.
• Storage Options: Integrated storage features on beds or under-bed solutions serve to collect spare pillows and blankets alongside essential items for storage.
• Frame Material: Wooden frames create a cozy ambiance, yet metal frames establish contemporary modern appearances.

Creating a Modern Look

2. Blue Wall Panels for a Modern Look

The sophisticated and peaceful blue tone complements guest bedroom settings effectively. Wall panels contribute texture to the space and create a feeling of luxury through their depth.

Best Shades of Blue for Wall Panels:

• Navy Blue: This creates an atmosphere of outstanding elegance while delivering a luxurious feeling through its deep, rich tone.
• Sky Blue: The softness of Sky Blue creates a cheerful atmosphere that spans across the space with its airy lightness.
• Teal or Turquoise: Both modern and classic interior designs harmonize effortlessly with teal or turquoise hues.
• Slate Blue: Functions as a subtle hue that matches modern minimalist interior designs.

Color Combinations and Furniture

3. Perfect Color Combinations

A well-selected color combination adds visual value when using blue wall panels in offices. The selection of complementary color pairings generates a balanced visual effect that prevents the room from feeling heavy or stuffy.

Recommended Color Combinations:

• Two Tone Blue: Two blue tones merge with white elements to generate a refined modern aesthetic. Blue wall decor stands in powerful harmony with white furniture elements and bedding items.
• Blue and Grey: The combination of Blue and Grey results in sophisticated harmony that brings both depth and elegance to the space. Light grey tones function as balancing elements in the room’s design.
• Blue and Beige: The integration of blue and beige creates a welcoming atmosphere in the room space. Blue pairs well with beige elements such as drapes, floor coverings, or chair accents.
• Blue and Gold: The use of blue and gold decorative items and lighting fixtures and frames enhances the space to appear luxurious.

4. Essential Furniture for the Guest Bedroom

Several pieces of supplementary household furniture enhance both function and comfort levels in the guest bedroom.

Must-Have Items:

• Nightstands: Should be positioned on both bedsides to maintain symmetry while providing easy access.
• Wardrobe or Dresser: Guests can store their belongings and clothes with ease by using either a wardrobe or dresser for organized storage.
• Accent Chair or Lounge Seat: A well-furnished seating area that includes an accent chair or lounge seat improves room functionality.
• Desk or Vanity Table: Space permitting allows you to add a functionality-enhancing desk and an elegant vanity table.

Bedding, Lighting, and Decor

5. Bedding and Soft Furnishings

March 17, 2025

Spring is upon us and that means it’s time for a good ol’ spring clean. The spring clean doesn’t necessarily need to be deep cleaning your bathroom (although this can’t hurt, right?). It could mean sorting through those travel photos and finding some to frame, decluttering your closet or sorting the files on your computer. The ultimate goal is to get your home (and life) organised!

Here are some projects to tick off your list that will freshen up your home life this spring.

1. Tick off your life admin

Clear out your mental clutter by ticking off some long overdue life admin. Do your taxes, reorganise your computer files, unsubscribe from excess emails and re-evaluate your home budget.

Spring cleaning can mean doing life admin, like reviewing your utilities, loans and finances. Picture: Pexels

This is also a great time to ask yourself if your utility services are actually serving you effectively. Are you getting the best deal on your phone, internet and energy? Are your credit cards and bank accounts offering you the most bang for buck? Should you refinance your home loan? With ‘unseen’ services like our utilities, we tend to take a set and forget approach, picking plans and then simply paying our bills as they roll in. However, new products and offers are frequently released to keep up with changing markets.

For instance, you could find that your current internet is not only expensive, but slow compared to newer connections. If you need fast speeds and reliable connection for those Zoom calls and Netflix binges, consider upgrading to an nbn or 5G Home Internet plan with Optus. With great value plans and $0 start-up fee, there’s never been a better time to switch.

2. Do a deep clean

Angela Carrick, founder of Airbnb management and hosting service Air Design Australia, ‘spring cleans’ for a living. Tasked with not only cleaning homes on the regular, she has to keep them well presented for a revolving door of new guests and clients. When it comes to cleaning, she says it’s a good time of year to dust off the cobwebs – literally and metaphorically.

“There is nothing like a good wash down of all surfaces that have been neglected over winter, such as blinds and cupboards,” Angela tells realestate.com.au. “A deeper spring clean may include cleaning or changing your internal light fittings; airing and changing bedding; and protecting them for longevity.”

How often do you air out your bedding, cushions and pillows? Give them some fresh air on a sunny day. Picture: Pexels

Take things further and clean other tricky areas, like scrubbing your grout, steaming the carpet and cleaning the filters in your dishwasher or air-conditioning system.

3. Sort your belongings

A good decluttering is part and parcel of the spring clean. Here are a few ideas for where you can start:

• Your closet
• Your kitchen (see: out-of-date pantry items, cookbooks you never use, old Tupperware)
• Your medicine cabinet/toiletries (medicines, cosmetics and other personal care products have used-by dates too)
• Storage cupboards
• The garage

Remember to dispose of old items correctly and try to recycle and repurpose wherever possible. You can always try to sell items, but Angela recommends donating where possible. “Many people are doing it tough, so donating all unwanted or unused items is not only a sustainable option but a charitable one,” she reminds.

4. Do that DIY project

Strip your furniture! Paint the ceiling! Patch those holes! Build something, craft something, make something out of clay! If there is any aspect of your home that needs fixing or touching up, consider this the sign you need to hop to it.

Your DIY project could be painting your walls or painting your own wall art. Picture: Pexels

Better still, this is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby just for fun. Flex your creative muscles by painting some decor, like photo frames or vases. Go one better and create some new wall art. Get painting, printing, weaving or photographing for something with a personal touch. Just don’t forget to have fun with it!

5. Redecorate for the warmer seasons

Remember, redecorating doesn’t necessarily mean buying new items. Angela finds that simply rearranging the furniture can breathe new life into your space. “Moving furniture around and changing up the spaces can give a new dynamic to any room,” she says. “[For instance], try switching where you work from to provide a change of scenery. Changing up the wall art and cushions can also change the look of a room entirely using completely different colours and styles to your previous choices,” she adds. “Now is the time to be brave and experiment with looks and styles that you may have steered away from in the past.”

In conclusion, spring is the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your home and life. By tackling your life admin, deep cleaning, sorting your belongings, doing that DIY project, and redecorating for the warmer seasons, you can create a space that is organized, functional, and beautiful. So, take advantage of the season and get started on your spring clean today!

If you’re starting a business from home, set yourself up with these helpful tips. Adelaide-based photographer and founder of Urban Safari, Kate Dyer, works from home when she’s not on location or in the studio. She shares a home office with her partner in the house they live in with their two kids. We spoke to Kate about the key to success when running a small business from home, from setting up a considered home work space to having the right tools and tech for support.

## Tip 1: Separate your space
While it’s certainly possible to run a business from wherever you lay your laptop, Kate finds it best to have a separate space at home. No spare room? Get creative with your work zone at home. Picture: Unsplash. “It’s easier for keeping work away from the kids; it also makes work and personal life more separate,” she says. If you’re tight on space, consider creative ways to make a work zone. Drill some wide floating shelves to a wall to make a desk, or convert a linen press into a fold-out desk.

## Tip 2: Have the right tech
Oftentimes, self-employed business owners who are just starting out need assistance with organising their finances. This is why it pays to have a platform to do the heavy lifting for you. “When I was starting out, I did my own bookkeeping and I found Xero so easy to use,” Kate shares. A platform like Xero can make running your business from home a breeze. Picture: Unsplash. “Now, as the business has grown, I have a bookkeeper who specialises in Xero and it still makes it easier for both of us to do things remotely in collaboration.” Both Kate and her bookkeeper can access Xero, which acts as a one-stop-shop for everything financial, from reconciling accounts to keeping track of invoices. In fact, according to Xero’s Tipping Point research – a report uncovering what makes sole traders decide to start something of their own – 87% of self-employed business owners like Kate, who used cloud accounting software during the pandemic, believed it played a key role in supporting their business. Furthermore, 40% view reliance on efficient digital tools as critical to their success.

## Tip 3: Invest in your furniture
“If you’re sitting in front of a computer for long stretches of time, a comfortable chair is definitely a good idea,” Kate says. “We used to sit on dining chairs and they don’t make for comfortable sitting after 10 minutes!” Ergonomic furniture, including a proper office chair and desk, can make the world of difference. Even if you feel okay sitting at the dining table for now, the accumulative effects of sitting poorly at a desk can be long-lasting. Proper furniture is an invaluable investment, especially if you plan to run your small business from home in the long-term.

## Tip 4: Keep it tidy
“Visual clutter creates mental clutter,” Kate says. “Give yourself enough room so that you can find things easily and be more efficient in your work. Try to give everything their own spot where you can find them and keep things tidy. “I find when a space is too cramped and you just stack everything on top of each other, it creates a stressful environment that’s less enjoyable to work in.” “Visual clutter creates mental clutter.” Doesn’t this look like a lovely place to work? Picture: Unsplash. This isn’t only on top of your desk but under it as well. Contain all the cables from your electronics with ties or clips to keep those pesky cords in order.

## Tip 5: Don’t forget storage
Whether you need somewhere to stash your office chair when the day is done, or you need filing cabinets and paper trays, order is key for any office — especially if it’s at home. According to Tipping Point, 52% of self-employed business owners agree that maintaining a decluttered and organised operation is critical to their success. For Kate, whose work is largely digital, her storage needs are simple shelving for her equipment — and, of course, hard drives.

## Tip 6: Put a rug under your desk and chair
If you have a chair on wheels, you’ll want to pop a rug or rubber mat under it so it doesn’t wreak havoc on your floors. It’s not just wooden floors either. Pop a rug under your chair to protect your floor and offer cushioning. Picture: Unsplash. “Usually office carpet is really hard-wearing, versus the carpet people usually have at home,” Kate points out. “Those rubber mats can help protect the carpet and also make it easier to move.” Furthermore, if you have a standing desk, you’ll appreciate that extra comfort under-foot.

## Tip 7: Think about lighting
“I think nice, natural lighting in general makes for an enjoyable space to work in, especially if you work on a computer,” Kate says. “For me, any glare across the computer screen when I’m editing photos is a bit troublesome.” The same can be said for running reports or responding to emails, as you don’t want to miss any important details. Good curtains or blinds can be a start, but also consider energy-efficient lamps for when you’re working in the evenings and you need a bit of extra light.

## Tip 8: Communicate with your co-habitants
Whether you live with family, friends or housemates, it pays to have a chat with those sharing your home/work space. “Working from home definitely has its benefits, in that you can do bits and pieces around the house during the work day, like doing a load of laundry,” Kate starts. “But it can also be easy to get distracted and lose focus, especially if you have people around you — whether that be kids or a partner — asking questions or needing your help. “Have clear boundaries — talk with the other people in your house about what is work time, what isn’t and what the expectations are.” After all, what may really help your business run smoothly is the support of those around you, considered space and a solid tech stack.

In conclusion, setting up a successful home-based business requires careful consideration of several key factors, including a dedicated workspace, the right technology, comfortable and ergonomic furniture, a tidy and organized environment, adequate storage, proper lighting, and clear communication with household members. By following these tips and creating a well-planned and functional home office, you can set yourself up for success and create a productive and enjoyable work environment that supports your business goals. With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can thrive as a home-based business owner and achieve your entrepreneurial aspirations.

Introduction to Robuchon Monaco

Three new restaurant concepts embodying the spirit of late, Michelin-starred chef Joël Robuchon have opened in the heart of Monaco with interiors by Francis Sultana. Each of the three destinations is developed to offer a unique culinary and aesthetic experience. Robuchon Monaco redefines fine dining, with Joël Robuchon’s classic, timeless dishes reimagined by Chef Frederic Garnier. Right across the street, Le Petit Café Robuchon embodies the elegance of a contemporary cafe and delicatessen, where French cuisine is delivered in a modern and accessible style. Meanwhile, Le Deli Robuchon offers an easy-going format where guests can enjoy casual cuisine in store or at home. The three projects are put forward by entrepreneur Manal Arman, who collaborated with Robuchon to elevate Monaco’s gastronomical landscape, mixing the luxury already associated with the principality with a more contemporary ease.

Interior Design by Francis Sultana

The interiors of Robuchon Monaco, Le Petit Café Robuchon and Le Deli Robuchon are all developed by interior and furniture designer Francis Sultana to evoke a blend of French art-de-vivre and the timeless grandeur of Monaco, infused with a Mediterranean touch. Graphic marble herringbone flooring visually connects the three locations, while handpicked finishings, furnishings and decorations contribute to each venue’s distinct atmosphere.

the interiors of Robuchon Monaco | all images by Alexis Armanet, courtesy of Robuchon Monaco

Robuchon Monaco

At Robuchon Monaco, Francis Sultana’s creative vision unfolds into a neo-classical setting that captures ‘the gentle breeze of modernity’ desired by Manal Arman. Guests are welcomed by a bar of alternating marble and glass mosaics, while a sky of frescoes and an illuminated cornice top the space. Barovier and Toso lighting, Schumacher and Bevillacqua fabrics, Ginori tableware, hand-blown Venetian glassware and agglomerate mirrors complete the restaurant, and Maryam Eisler’s photographs bring a touch of Haute Couture elegance to the walls. The landscaped terrace features tables made of glazed lava stone, adorned with a simple lattice of lettuce green that harmonizes with the sage green of the Bonacina woven chairs and armchairs.

Robuchon Monaco

Le Petit Café Robuchon and Le Deli Robuchon

Robuchon Monaco is the first act in the series of restaurants, albeit the most recent one to open. The second is Le Petit Café Robuchon, which opened on September 2nd, 2024. For its interior, Francis Sultana covers the flooring with the recognizable graphic herringbone marble throughout. Murano glass light fixtures adorn the walls and ceiling, while comfortable banquettes and chairs frame large marble tables. Similar to its sibling across the street, Le Petit Café Robuchon’s sun-drenched terrace offers an ideal spot to enjoy a gourmet break under the sunny Mediterranean sky.

The last in the restaurant series is the Deli Robuchon Monaco, which is the first one to open during Spring 2024. It sets the tone for a respectful tribute to Joël Robuchon’s legacy in its most refined sophistication. Here, Sultana’s interior selections include a flute honed stone bar counter, a long banquette backdropped by an 18th-century wallpaper and Murano glass light fixtures similar to those of Le Petit Café Robuchon.

view of the marble bar with glass mosaics

hand-blown Venetian glassware and agglomerate mirrors

March 16, 2025

Introduction to Förstberg Ling’s Danish Retreat

Swedish architecture studio Förstberg Ling completes a contemporary rural house in Veddinge, along a coastal area on the northern tip of Zeeland near Copenhagen. The home occupies a place where the terrain transitions from lowlands to grassy hills. A 1950s cabin sits on a slope overlooking the sea, offering expansive views of the coastline. To complement the original structure, the architecture studio introduced a detached extension that provides additional bedrooms and a living room while preserving the existing kitchen and living spaces.

images © Markus Linderoth

Clustered Volumes Form the Cabin Extension

Förstberg Ling, the Malmö-based studio led by architect Björn Förstberg, designed the house as a cluster of four interconnected volumes of varying heights. Together, these boxes are arranged to form a hidden atrium at the center. As occupants move through the house, they navigate around this hidden space, experiencing a series of interconnected rooms that shift between narrow and tall to wider and lower. The house integrates different levels at the front and back, creating a dynamic variation in scale across the structure.

Förstberg Ling designs a house in Denmark where the landscape transitions from lowlands to grassy hills

Charred Pine Encloses Warm Timber Interiors

To create the house’s dark and dramatic appearance within its pastoral site, Förstberg Ling clads the exterior walls in blackened pine. This material choice serves to contrast with the light, warm plywood interior, which incorporates veneers of varying textures. Narrow, elongated windows emphasize the verticality of the dwelling, framing treetop views and offering a distinct visual experience compared to the original cabin’s horizontal panoramas of the sea. This interplay of materials and perspectives enhances the dialogue between the new structure and its natural surroundings.

a 1950s cabin overlooking the sea remains while a detached extension adds bedrooms and a living room

the house consists of four volumes arranged to create a concealed atrium at the center

moving through the house, visitors experience rooms at varying scales

Conclusion

The Förstberg Ling house in Denmark is a masterful blend of modern architecture and natural surroundings. By incorporating a hidden atrium, charred pine exterior, and warm timber interiors, the design creates a unique and immersive experience for its occupants. The house’s dynamic variation in scale, emphasis on verticality, and use of contrasting materials all contribute to a striking visual dialogue with the landscape. As a testament to the studio’s innovative approach, this rural retreat is a compelling example of contemporary design that not only complements but also enhances its environment.

Seasoned home stylist and renovator Carlene Duffy shares her top tips for incorporating your personality into your home’s design.

Former The Block contestant and owner of Cedar + Suede interior design studio, Carlene Duffy, knows how to stylishly incorporate your personal items into a chic living space. Whether you’re trying to pick a colour scheme, incorporate souvenirs or display family photos, consider these tips for seamless and stunning integration.

A personal colour scheme

When decorating your house, avoid picking colour schemes just to placate others. This is a sure-fire way to end up with something you don’t love. “I do think it’s important to stay true to the colours you keep coming back to,” Carlene says.

If you’re struggling to choose, Carlene recommends looking to your wardrobe and seeing if there are any shades or palettes you’re naturally drawn to. Try the Taubmans Coloursmith app to create a paint colour of your favourite hue. “You can take a photo of a colour you like and then play around [testing it in your space],” Carlene notes.

Stay true to your style. Picture: Taubmans

“You can create your own shade or manipulate the colour you’ve chosen and then order samples. I will always make sure I order samples of multiple shades because it’s not until you get it up on your wall in the exact light, in relation to your carpet colour or flooring, that you’re able to see if it works or not.”

Time to throw some shade. Picture: Taubmans

When it comes to colour scheming, Carlene also recommends “saturating” a space with various shades of the same colour or two, as opposed to trying to match it with a contrasting colour. “I like to repeat my colours and saturate a space, using various shades of the one colour,” she explains.

“In my own home you see a lot of greens and blues. I’m just sure to choose the greens and blues according to each room and the quality of light that each room receives.”

Display family photos

Family photos say a lot about who you are and where you’ve come from. So, if you’re going to display them, make sure they look great. “I tell clients that it’s always nice to collate your family photos and do a gallery wall in somewhere that’s a little more discreet, like a hallway or stairwell, rather than having them scattered throughout the whole house,” Carlene advises.

“I would avoid blowing up photos and putting them on canvases — this can cheapen the photo. I think framing them is the way to go.”

Carlene suggests framing your family photos. Picture: Getty

Furthermore, to keep spaces clean and clutter-free, Carlene recommends placing lots of little framed photos on consoles or tables. “Anything you can get up on the wall and off your flat surfaces to avoid clutter is a good approach,” she says.

Show off souvenirs

Souvenirs don’t just say where you’ve been, they say where you love to go — and what you love about those places. When it comes to displaying mementos of your travels, Carlene recommends avoiding clutter by only buying and displaying pieces you love.

“It’s about choosing things you love and never choosing something for a specific space or a specific colour, because our tastes change,” she finds. “If you’re buying something you love, you can always move it around the house and you’ll never get sick of it.”

How to style kids’ spaces

Of course, showing a personal touch in your home design isn’t just about you — other people in your home want to show off their style too! When it comes to helping you kids personalise their spaces, Carlene recommends restricting the colour palette to no more than three colours. Then you can repeat these throughout the space.

“You want them to feel like they’ve had some control over it,” Carlene starts. “Give them the opportunity to perhaps pick a general colour, but I would

Introduction to Compact Stainless Steel Single Bowl Sinks

A kitchen is not complete without a functional and beautiful sink. A compact stainless steel single-bowl kitchen sink is perfect for small kitchens, apartments, and modern homes. It’s durable, easy to maintain, and looks sleek. That’s why it’s a homeowner’s favorite.

In this blog, we will talk about the features, benefits, design ideas, and maintenance tips for compact stainless steel single-bowl kitchen sinks.

Note – Kitchen Sink Designs for Your Home

Why Choose a Compact Stainless Steel Single Bowl Sink?

A compact stainless steel single-bowl sink is a space-saving and efficient option for kitchens. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

• Space-Saving – Perfect for small kitchens as it takes up less counter space.
• Durable and Long-Lasting – Rust-resistant, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant.
• Easy to Clean – A smooth surface makes it easy to wipe down.
• Modern Aesthetic – Looks sleek and stylish with any kitchen style.
• Affordable – Cheaper than stone or ceramic sinks.
• Lightweight – Easier to install than heavier sink materials.

Features of a Compact Stainless Steel Single Bowl Sink

Some of the basic features to look for when shopping for a stainless steel single bowl sink include:

Material Quality

• Select 304-grade for the best rustless quality and strength.
• Use thicker gauge steel (16-18 gauge) for extra strength and longer life.

Size and Depth

• Common sizes are generally 18″ to 24″ wide by 7 to 10 deep inches.
• It keeps the water from splashing out and larger utensils have enough room to do their wash.

Finish Type

• Brushed Finish – Hides scratches and smudges to keep that clean shine.
• Matte Finish — Modern, sleek, and classy.

Noise Reduction

• A huge number of kitchen sinks come with sound-dampening pads or undercoating to muffle running water and washing dishes noise.

Drain System

• Slightly slanted base allows water to drain easily, no standing water!
• A drain hole (rear or center) placement in the drain adds under-sink storage and more water.

Popular Design Ideas for Compact Stainless Steel Single Bowl Sinks

Undermount Sink

• An under-mounted sink is installed beneath the countertop for a smooth appearance.
• Clean as it will wipe crumbs and water right away into the sink.
• Modern and minimalistic look that looks right with your stone or quartz countertops.