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The Definitive Kitchen Guide 2018; A biblical guide on kitchen design and renovation! Everything from DIY to immaculate self centered design choices, we’ve got you covered. Check out our roundup on all the “HOW-TOs” to your kitchen curiosities. HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST STONE FOR YOUR KITCHEN Which natural stone is actually the best option for the kitchen countertop? Check out this to know 8 Pros and Cons of materials used in making the countertop. Choosing installations for your kitchen that could give rise to a contemporary aura has always been a challenge. In fact, the most significant elements in the kitchen are the ones easily neglected. Back in the days, the kitchen was always designed to be a confined and isolated space. Today, people want a spacious and comfortable kitchen not only for cooking, but to allow a better flow in spatial change between the rooms of the house. Contemporary kitchens are the trend to follow and it is what the world is looking at right now. A minimalist layout with the simplicity of the color choices for the room defines a contemporary room. But to create a functional and modern kitchen is not as easy as it sound. Here are a few essential elements to emphasize while designing your desired contemporary kitchen. COUNTERTOPS Your countertop covers most of the surfaces in your kitchen. So it plays a big role in the overall design and the functionality of the kitchen. A high quality of countertop will not only make your kitchen chores more enjoyable, but also liven up your kitchen with style. Great countertop surfaces such as the high density quartz stones also possess intrinsic characteristics of being non-porous (thus resistant to harmful bacteria), making it a safe hygienic choice for your family, especially if you have small children. Credits: Tedid.com.sg WALLS The walls contribute the base color of the room. So the choice of color is critical, a slight change in color will leave the room with a totally different visual impact. Light colors are typically used as the base color to provide the simplicity and minimalism. But there are people who prefer to give some sophistication to the walls with the choice of wood series walls. Aside from the visual aspect, the qualities we find in kitchen walls are their resistance to stains and moisture. It is important to choose walls with a warm, appealing ambiance while being sustainable. FLOORING Like other elements in the kitchen, the qualities we desire for the flooring are also its resistance to moisture, scratches, and stains. The practical usage of the floor is important but it does not have to be dull and boring. With the right pattern and color of flooring, it will give your kitchen a refreshing and clean look. The color of the floor decides the mood of the room. Darker colors prompt a more classic presence while lighter colors achieve the effect of minimalism. In addition, the right flooring allows a smoother interconnection between the rooms in your home. Credits: Decorpad.com CABINETS Both cabinets and countertops act as the highlights of the room, bringing a strong visual impact. The choice of colors for the cabinets and countertops are usually countered to further strengthen the visual shock and create the contemporary atmosphere. Black and white are mostly preferred, but the combination of gray or dark brown wooden series and white also produces an impressive yet welcoming ambiance. Practically speaking, storage is the main purpose of installing cabinets. Although some might neglect the usage of the cabinets and care only for the appearance, but they will soon realize its importance when they want some basic parameters to separate wines from knives. SINK Any chef or home cook will know that the pre and post cooking take most of the time. So a practically designed sink will really come in handy during food preparation and cleaning. The maintenance aspect is what we should be considering while choosing a sink for your kitchen. The sink must be easy to clean and does not retain moisture, hindering the growth of algae and clotting of dirt in hard to reach spots. The appearance of the sink must also be modern to match with the whole room. A coupled marble or quartz countertop for the sink will be a perfect choice for a contemporary kitchen. Overall, the sink has to be spic and span, as well as stylish and sophisticated at all times. Before designing your kitchen, the first thing you should do is budgeting. Fridge and cabinets are what you really need. But if you cook very often, go for the best installations, and take that as an investment in yourself and your family. A feature wall or an accent wall is a wall that’s made to look unique from the rest of the house. Through the use of a wide range of materials, feature walls are an amazing way of making a space feel truly special, embodying the persona of the homeowner that few other ways can. HOW TO GET THE RIGHT WALLS FOR YOUR KITCHEN & HOME 1. WOOD VENEERS FEATURE WALL Made from thin slices of wood glued onto a core panel, wood veneers have always been a favorite with homeowners looking for a warm and natural look. The quality and durability of wood veneers vary a lot depending on the material used. Some individuals prefer wood veneers because of its low ecological impact and non-toxicity (unless treated). Credits: Wood veneer feature wall, 27estore.com 2. WALLPAPERS FEATURE WALL The most inexpensive option on our list, wallpapers are highly customizable and can be used to fit a wide variety of styles. Some wallpapers even come with textures and do a decent job at mimicking more expensive materials. Wallpapers today are made using a number of techniques including gravure printing, surface printing, rotary printing and digital printing. Exceptionally high-quality prints, sometimes called graphic panels, can look really impressive. There are a few downsides to wallpaper, however. Fancy as they are, wallpapers look pretty dull compared to other materials. To make matters worse, wallpapers don’t stand up well to moisture and hot climates and will start peeling or fading quickly. 3. MARBLE FEATURE WALL Elegant and classy, thin slabs or bricks of marble are the perfect feature wall material for kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. Marble gives off a clean but dramatic look that’s impossible to achieve through any other way. The catch? High-quality marble is expensive and requires special maintenance to keep its shine going. Goes well with ceramic bathrooms. 4. SLATE/STONE VENEER FEATURE WALL Stone veneers are made by either pouring a lightweight concrete into a polymer base which is then coloured to look like real stone, or manufactured by layering a thin piece of stone onto a composite base. They are relatively inexpensive compared to natural stone and come in a variety of designs and colours. The disadvantages? Stone veneers aren’t as tough as natural stone, and eco-conscious individuals will not be happy with the amount of waste that’s associated with its production. 5. FIBER METAL FEATURE WALL Typically made by bonding metal layers to a composite base, fiber metal panel laminates combine high durability into a shiny package and are highly resistant to metal fatigue, impact, corrosion and fire. Fiber metal panels are also lightweight which helps them stay attached to the walls better. 6. SOLID PHENOLIC PANELS Made from paper soaked in heat-resistant resins and reinforced with cellulose fibres under high pressure, solid phenolic panels are a solid choice that will not disappoint. Non-porous and resistant to damage from moisture and heat exposure and affordable, solid phenolic panels are the go-to choice for practicality. In addition, solid phenolic panels are excellent noise barriers and provide a decent level of noise reduction in closely packed apartment spaces. 7. FABRIC FEATURE WALL Often overlooked by the average homeowner, fabrics are another highly customizable option that can be super personalized. Sharing some similarities to wallpaper, fabrics vary greatly in cost, aesthetics and durability depending on its type. Keep in mind that fabrics, however, that fabrics can be difficult to clean if they get dirty and have a tendency to grow moldy if exposed to moisture and humidity (the number one reason why it’s not too popular here). 8. VENETIAN PLASTER FINISH Made from a mixture of slaked lime and marble dust, Venetian plaster finishes, when done right, look absolutely stunning. The material attaches itself well to drywall, wood, tile, cement or brick walls and dries to a solid hardness. It is also easy to maintain: plaster dries quickly and its color comes from the pigments mixed into itwhich doesn’t fade like paint does. Non-toxic and all-natural, plaster is also eco-friendly choice that’s naturally insulating and anti-bacterial with its high pH. Feel free to give us a call or email for any inquiries! Visit SevenKonzept to get services and tips of Interior Designs. HOW TO ARRANGE YOUR KITCHEN NEATLY You’ve gone through the hassle of hunting, designing, and bargaining for the perfect kitchen top. You enjoy cooking and baking for your family every day, and showing off your gorgeous kitchen to your friends and relatives during their short visits and special occasions. But we both know there’s the other side of the coin… the tiring housekeeping to keep your luxury kitchen top in perfect condition always. Well, if you’ve been spending too much time and energy daily trying to keep your kitchen spick-and-span, here are 13 nifty storage hacks to keep your kitchen top tidy and beautiful always… 1. SPICE SHELVES UNDER YOUR UPPER CABINETS If you cook frequently, one of the biggest sources of clutter on your kitchen top would be the spices. Instead of scattering them around, or just chucking them into a drawer, you can actually have a simple shelving to store them right under your upper cabinets. This way, you’re making full use of the empty space between the upper kitchen cabinets and your kitchen top. It is so much easier to reach them while you’re busy cooking — and in fact, when placed nicely, they’ll become part of your “kitchen decoration” too. 2. CURTAIN ROD WITH HOOKS FOR KITCHEN UTENSILS Now, this is a handy kitchen storage hack we love. You can DIY this very easily by repurposing an old curtain rod and some simple hooks to hang your arsenal of kitchen utensils, and even some mini pots and pans. It’s a great way to save space on your kitchen top and make full use of your kitchen backsplash. Plus, it’s definitely easier to grab the utensils you want from the hooks – than from a messy bunch in a dish basket (whether it is to rush a quick meal, to fend off a villain – or to intimidate your mischievous kids). 3. FLOATING SHELVES AT THE SIDE OF YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS This is one mini kitchen storage hack that most homeowners would not think of — the simple additions offloating shelves at the side of your lovely kitchen cabinets, whether you have a minimalist or luxury kitchen cabinet set. In fact, when done properly, these floating shelves can truly beautify your kitchen cabinet. While giving you highly useful storage space, whether it’s for your cooking pots and pans, spices, recipe books. Or even just for you to place some pots of greenery for a soothing ambience (or even some art pieces to give your kitchen more character). Now, if you’re renovating or remodeling your kitchen soon, be sure to include this in your design… and let your friends and loved ones marvel at your ingenuity! 4. PULL-OUT UTENSIL BIN Know that awkward and irritating space at the corner of your L-shape cabinet? Well, you can actually make good use of this pesky corner by building a pull-out utensil bin. No more blood-boiling moments of struggling to reach for your stuff in the dark corner, no more accumulation of dust and infestation of cockroaches… because now you’ll be happy to keep your frequently-used utensils there. 5. KITCHEN CABINET LAZY SUSAN Another alternative of fully utilizing your pesky L-shape kitchen cabinet corner is to use the Lazy Susan there to store your cookware for easy retrieval. We’ve known a number of homeowners who prefer to hide their cookware than displaying them, whether it’s placing them on the kitchen top or hanging them on hooks. Of course, instead of storing your cookware, you can choose to keep other stuff like your dry goods here (but no tidbits, please — you wouldn’t want to risk the invasion by rodents, insects… and of course, your sneaky little kids). 6. THE HANDY WIDE SHALLOW BASKET Well, sometimes keeping things stupid and simple is the best way to go. No need for fancy ideas to show your organizational prowess, or European designer racks to show off your taste for great style. That said, having a simple rattan or bamboo wide shallow basket on your kitchen top allows to you chuck your frequently-used utensils, spices, and garnishing all in one place. Besides being a quick and easy storage, this nifty basket can also add a rustic feel to your kitchen. 7. OVER-THE-SINK DISH RACKS This next kitchen storage hack can literally save your time (and your family’s lives). Besides saving you prep space on your kitchen countertop, these elegant over-the-sink dish racks can eliminate the hassle of wiping the dishes and ,of course, you’ll have fewer chances of breaking any dishes. More importantly, (now this is the life-saving part) you wouldn’t have a mosquito infestation problem (compared to chucking your dishes in a regular rack on your countertop). 8. KITCHEN WINDOW SHELVES This next storage hack is another mini ingenuity. But use this only if you have another window or a back door for fire escape ya… Because it involves installing a few shelves inside your kitchen windows to provide extra storage spacefor your cookware and dishes. This hack alone can save you tons of space on your kitchen countertop — you’ll love this if you’re a minimalist. In fact, it is a splendid addition if you have some beautiful china or fancy European cookware you wish to flaunt. If you have little kids, these simple shelves can drastically reduce the chances of them playing with your fragile dishes and causing a havoc when you’re not looking. 9. KITCHEN ISLAND WITH OPEN STORAGE If you are planning to have a kitchen island, make full use of the space by installing shelves inside the island — so you can stash your cookware, recipe books, and other kitchen items easily. You can even place your favorite tropical fruits like bananas, pineapples, watermelons, or dragon fruits there, to encourage your kids to love fruits more and also add a touch of nature (and splashes of colors) to liven up your kitchen. 10. KITCHEN APPLIANCE GARAGE If you have quite a few appliances such as the coffee maker, blender, mixer, or toaster, then you should consider installing an appliance garage. Because this mini garage will help keep your kitchen top clutter-free in no time, and it’s always wise to keep these dangerous appliances from your kids. You can choose to conceal them entirely — or if you have a small kitchen, go for the classy translucent design which will make your kitchen look more spacious. 11. OVER-THE-SINK CHOPPING BOARD This is a no-brainer for savvy housewives, but it’s worth a mention since it’s a great hack to expand your countertop space, albeit temporarily. There are a variety of designs for this type of large over-the-sink chopping board, and you can get them easily (and cheaply) online from Amazon or Aliexpress. 12. ADDITIONAL SHELVING FOR MICROWAVE OVEN This is another useful hack to free up more space on your kitchen top… the perfect placement of something that you don’t use that much (though some may say it’s something they can’t live without) – the microwave oven. As most of us rarely fill up our upper cabinets, it’s a wise move to allocate a small portion of it for the microwave oven. It looks great, you get to look smart for using this hack, and your little kids won’t have the chance to put any metal cutlers inside and blow up your kitchen! 13. MAGNETIC KNIFE STRIP Ok, we’re down to the final kitchen storage hack here – the magnetic knife strip. This is a great way to avoid bacteria infestation (compared to keeping your knives in a wooden knife block). Plus, it’ll look super cool on your gorgeous kitchen backsplash. And best of all, it’s so much easier to grab (and return) your knives. Just make sure you place them at asafe height where your children cannot reach them. Alright then, we hope you’ve enjoyed (and will be using) some of these hacks to free up more space on your kitchen top and in your kitchen cabinets. Now you can keep your kitchen clutter-free and beautiful always with much less effort (and frustrations). That means more time and energy for tender loving care ya! If you need any super cool advice on home improvement, kitchen renovation, countertop selection, marble polishing, or anything at all… feel free to contact our friendly kitchen top consultants at Stone Amperor. We’re always here for you ya! We are excited to announce the launch of our customer loyalty program that comes with some awesome perks you’ll love. Hit us up at +65 8816 4404, or visit us at Primz Bizhub #02-06 to find out more today

HI, Kelven here.. We are specialize in the supply, fabricate and installation of a wide range of Solid Surface, Quartz and Sintered Stone for your Kitchen Top, Table Top or Countertop. Whatsapp or call me for more information if u interested

We are specialize in the supply, fabricate and installation of a wide range of Solid Surface, Quartz and Sintered Stone.

You’ve probably heard a million things about the pros and cons of Quartz countertops. Some praise its virtues as if they were the physical manifestation of everything right about the world. However, on the other end of the spectrum you’ll hear enough of how bad it is that it’d paint anyone as a fool for even considering. Well, business propaganda and marketing bias aside, the truth, as always, is somewhere in between. Whether it’s quartz, granite or solid surface, choosing the right material depends on your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, so it’s prudent to understand both the ups and downs” THE PROS Although its name might lead you to think of natural stone, the quartz we’re talking about here is really an engineered composite. It combines a high percentage of crushed quartz (about 90 to 94 percent) with a binding polymer resin to create something that has the best of natural stone and synthetics (e.g. solid surface, laminates). With that in mind, let’s explore the primary pros and cons of quartz countertops: 1. NON-POROUS – HYGIENIC, STAIN RESISTANT AND EASY TO CLEAN. Unlike natural stones that contain microscopic pores over its entire surface, the resin in between the crushed quartz bits evenly fill out the gaps and surface.This makes quartz countertops very resistant to stains as liquids and pigments won’t seep in and cause a mess, unlike natural stone. It also makes cleaning easier since any mess or spills simply glide off the surface. More important, however, is that non-porous quartz countertops are highly anti-microbial, a desirable characteristic where hygiene is a concern. Without gaps or spaces (pores) for microorganisms to latch on, it significantly inhibits their ability to grow and form colonies. Many common bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus (which you can find living on your own skin!) produce dangerous toxins that are difficult to destroy. Therefore it is DEFINITELY in your best interest to not let them breed in the first place. In the worst case scenarios, pores can trap liquids in between a solid surface – making it the perfect place for many common types of bacteria to start building biofilms. This is a real problem since biofilms protect the bacteria and can make getting rid of them a gazillion times harder than it should. 2. HEAT-RESISTANT (~204 DEGREES CELSIUS). Compared to other synthetic-based options, such as solid surface and laminate, quartz will not bend and warp if it were to come into contact with hot objects. In addition, burn marks on quartz countertops can be repaired by sanding down the surface. This isn’t possible with solid surface or laminated countertops, which would’ve popped and sizzled into an unsalvageable mess and must be replaced. 3. SCRATCH RESISTANT. Composed almost entirely of hard quartz mineral, quartz countertops will blunt knives and other sharp metal objects before it scratches. But while the resin is soft and susceptible, very little of it is exposed on the surface, and is unlikely to scratch except in the most severe cases. Still, it’s far more durable than solid surface countertops are, which scratch and cut easily. 4. IMPACT RESISTANT. Quartz countertops exhibit greater durability to cracking due to impact compared to granite, thanks to the polymer resin in between the crushed quartz. Flexible and elastic, the resin serve as shock absorbers that disperses the energy from an impact before it reaches the hard but brittle stone – the same properties that makes Kevlar so resistant to high-speed projectiles. In addition, the granules of crushed quartz in the flexible resin polymer matrix provides even more “give” that further helps disperse high energy impulses which would otherwise be destructive to the surface. THE CONS If there is one often recurring theme in everything is that there’s always some give and take. While the polymer resin filling in quartz countertops contributes to many of its advantages, it is also the cause of most of the failings. Below are the main disadvantages of quartz countertops: 1. EXPENSIVE Probably the first thing anyone will notice is the price tag. Costing just a little less than granite (18% less), and significantly more expensive than solid surfaces (54% more) or laminate (270% more), quartz countertops are quite expensive. Nevertheless, its durability, ease of maintenance and hygiene benefits makes up for its price. 2. NOT SUITED FOR OUTDOOR USE. Although great at holding up in a kitchen environment, quartz countertops aren’t the best choice for outdoor use. Prolonged exposure to the elements will quickly fade as the polymer resin and colour pigments react to sunlight and chemicals in the rain and air. It is also more likely to get scratched as conditions are a little less controlled outside of an indoor environment. While that isn’t to say that quartz cannot be used outdoors, there are simply better options to choose from, such as granite, stainless steel or even concrete. 3. NOT PERFECTLY HEAT RESISTANT. While it will not melt and warp like solid surfaces countertops would, placing a hot object directly on quartz is probably going to leave burn marks or obvious discolouration. Using a pad or trivet will completely circumvent this problem, but there are times when you might just forget to use them. Also, what if your little kid started climbing out the window? There won’t be time to look for trivet… So, if you want/need AFFORDABLE quartz for your house countertop, the you should really look for STONE AMPEROR!

Choosing a surface type for your new kitchen countertop is something that, for many of us, could be lifelong decision. What are the different types of surface materials available? How do they differ? Which surface type would suit your needs? Solid Surface Solid surface countertops are made from synthetic materials, usually out of acrylic or polyester. From a practical point-of-view, solid surface materials make a lot of sense and are popular choice for new homes especially in Asia. These surfaces are synthesized specifically to address major concerns regarding durability, hygiene and design in mind. Solid surfaces are a great alternative to natural stone and typically come in acrylic and polyester. Non-porous Pores are tiny openings over a surface which can be conducive spots for bacteria and other microorganisms to grow. Being non-porous means that solid surfaces are easier to keep clean and hygienic. The absence of pores also do not trap stains and is easy to clean with soap, water and cloth. Versatile in design Solid surfaces can be sanded and shaped into a wide variety of designs. Solid surfaces can be cut and joined in various configurations, which is a designer’s dream. Can be built in different orientations; horizontally or vertically. Durability More durable to impacts compared to natural stone due to its flexibility. Its softer surface is susceptible to cuts from knives. Granite stone is more resistant to heat and chemicals than marble. Ease of repair Light scratching and surface damage can be fixed with fillers. Entire portions can be cut out and replaced with new parts, and its uniform look (unlike irregular features of natural stone) makes it easy to blend in the replacement parts. Cost Expensive and comparable to natural stone. Aesthetics Many regard solid surfaces as lacking in the looks department compared to natural stone. Natural Stone Natural stone are heavy, slabs of rock cut and fashioned from large blocks from stone quarries. Natural stone is regarded for its beauty and have traditionally been used to build solid and long-lasting countertops. Notable examples of natural stone include marble and granite. Images of the Parthenon come to mind when we think of marble works and its association with grandeur. Porous Natural stone contains small pores that, if not treated with sealant, are a hygiene hazard as it traps bacteria and dirt. It is easy to clean when properly treated with sealant. Sealant needs to be reapplied every few years, or sooner as needed. Less versatile Solid blocks of stone are, as it is, set in stone. Seams will be very noticeable where two pieces of stone come together. Durability While very hard, natural stone is inflexible and brittle making it vulnerable to impacts and massive temperature fluctuations. Its hard surface, however, makes it very resistant to cuts and scratching from knives. Ease of repair Again, set in stone, natural stone is nearly impossible to repair. Depending on the severity of the damage, entire pieces may need to be replaced. The harder the stone is, the more difficult it is to repair. Cost Expensive. More so if repairs are ever needed. Aesthetics Widely regarded for its beauty. Aside from its patterns, cool look and glow, each slab of natural stone is unique and no two pieces are ever alike. Quartz Stone Not to be confused with its naturally occurring relative, quartz in countertop design are fabricated, yet retaining some of the aesthetics and durability that we associate with natural stone, with a few minor differences. Quartz stone shares many similarities to natural stone. For one, it boasts a hardness of 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale (granite is 6-7, depending on its minerology) making it very resistant to cuts or scratching with sharp metal implements. In fact it might dull your knives instead! Quartz has a melting point of 1670°C (granite is 1215 – 1260°C) and is non-porous. Quartz does discolour when exposed to sunlight. However, with darker colours, quartz stone can be put together in such a way that the seams are minimally visible. After reading this article, YOU should know WHICH COUNTERTOP MATERIAL IS FOR YOU!

The 3 homemade cleaners we are talking about are baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to find something that is TRULY “cheap and good”… but I must say these 3 modest (yet mighty) homemade cleaners totally fit the bill as “cheap and good” home cleaning solutions. The thing is, besides being essential ingredients in your cooking and baking, the 3 non-toxic homemade cleaning agents will make your cleaning chores less strenuous… and quite satisfying too. These unassuming cleaning superheroes with gentle abrasive and deodorizing properties can truly save you lots of time, energy, and money. Without further ado, let’s get into the 30 cleaning hacks using just these 3 homemade wonders… BAKING SODA 1. UNCLOG YOUR KITCHEN DRAINAGE To clear a stubborn clog faster than your spouse can start cursing, simply pour half a cup of baking soda down the sink/drain inlet, followed by an equal part of vinegar. Cover the drain inlet with a wet cloth and do 5 minutes of burpees or squats… then flush your drainage with hot water. This works like magic every single time. 2. ELIMINATE YOUR GARBAGE BIN ODOURS Nobody likes weird garbage bin odours. Get rid of any odours once and for all by placing some baking soda at the bottom of your garbage bins, always. 3. SCRUB YOUR MESSY BBQ GRILL Love your barbeque sessions but hate the cleaning? You’re not alone. Do you know that you can easily remove all the stubborn cookout grime just by sprinkling some soda powder on your grill brush before you start scrubbing? Yes, no more vein-popping, teeth-gnashing frustrations. In fact, you can be the official hero to battle the BBQ aftermath next time! 4. BRIGHTEN YOUR GLOOMY LAUNDRY Want to make your clothes look more vibrant after laundry every single time? Then add a cup of baking soda to your laundry load along with the detergent to balance the pH… so you can preserve (and even brighten) the whites and colors like a Pro. 5. DUST YOUR KIDS’ STUFFED ANIMALS If your children have a lot of stuffed toys, chances are, you rarely get the chance (or perhaps you’re too tired to bother) to get rid of the accumulated dust. But for your kids’ well-being, be a good parent and do it once in a while. To make your job easier, place them in a large (clean) garbage bag and pour a cup of baking soda in. Then secure the top and bring them outside your house to give them a good shake. The amazing baking soda will help draw out the dust (and even soil). Next, remove the stuffed toys and just vacuum everything away. 6. SCRUB THE ARTISTIC CRAYON WALL Provided you have your kids’ permission to erase their masterpieces on your walls, you can sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and start scrubbing away their crayon art. Want the artists to be responsible for their own work? Teach them how to do this together as a fun game or mini workout after their creative art sessions. 7. CLEAN YOUR SUPER GREASY COOKWARE AND DISHES Always have a hard time scrubbing off stuck-on food on your dishes and favorite pots and pans? Just sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge along with the detergent, and voila… the stubborn food residues will be gone in no time. 8. BANISH THE FOUL SMELL IN YOUR FRIDGE No worries about pungent or fishy smells from your overnight food (especially seafood) — because you can easily absorb any lingering strong odours by placing a cup of baking soda in the fridge. This way, you can prevent the unpleasant food odours from affecting the neighbouring foods. You can also go the extra mile and clean your fridge with a damp cloth sprinkled with baking soda. 9. CLEAN THE (TOXIC) FRUITS & VEGGIES Now, this is our favorite baking soda hack — removing the toxic waxy coating from fruits, and dirt from the vegetables. Washing your fruits and veggies with water and baking soda is the perfect solution for this. That means much safer and healthier eating for you and your loved ones, always! 10. BRIGHTEN YOUR DULL JEWELRY Ok, this last hack has nothing do with your home, but it’s worth mentioning… because it has got to do with your precious bling blings. Yes, isn’t it splendid to know that you can restore the sparkle of your jewelry with just baking soda? Make a paste with baking soda and water (3:1) and apply it to your jewelry using a microfiber cloth, then rinse and dry them to remove the tarnishes. Try it yourself today… and experience the satisfaction VINEGAR 1. CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS Why spend money on window cleaning chemicals (that may still leave smudges or harm your skin) when you can use just white vinegar and water? (Use apple cider vinegar if you want something milder). Just mix equal parts of the 2 solutions and apply to your windows with a soft sponge or newspaper (avoid using paper towels because that will leave streaks on your windows). Then simply wipe your windows clean with a wet squeegee. 2. REMOVE FOOD RESIDUES FROM THE MICROWAVE If you have a pesky someone at home (or at work) who always leaves food residues in your microwave no matter how many times you remind him/her not to… fret not. Instead of cutting off the perpetrator’s ears, you can simply boil a solution of water and white vinegar in the microwave. Wait for the steam to form on the microwave window, then you can wipe away the food residues with ease. 3. CLEAN YOUR AUTOMATED COFFEE MAKER If you are using a coffee maker and having a hard time cleaning the build-up every time, then the white vinegar is your saviour. Just fill up the reservoir with white vinegar and run a brewing cycle. Then empty the carafe, rinse away the vinegar by running a round of water through another brewing cycle, and voila… now you are ready to make some hot fresh coffee. 4. RESTORE SPARKLES TO YOUR DISHES & GLASSES Want to keep your dishes and glasses sparkling clean always? Just add 2 cups of white vinegar into your dishwashing machine during a regular cycle and watch the vinegar do its wonder! 5. GET RID OF BATHTUB FILM If you have a bathtub, you’ll be familiar with the yucky bathtub film that accumulates over time. You can remove them quickly by wiping them with vinegar and baking soda. Then just rinse them off with clean water. To remove the bathtub film effectively, wipe it first with white vinegar, then with some baking soda. Rinse away the grime with clean water. 6. CLEANSE YOUR SHOWERHEAD You can also use vinegar to remove grime and mineral build-up on your showerhead. Use a small plastic container with enough vinegar to soak the showerhead. Leave it overnight and you’ll see the nasty build-up and grime dissolve the next day. Then just turn the shower on to rinse clean. 7. REMOVE PET URINE FROM YOUR CARPETS As much as you love your pets, it’s pretty frustrating when they pee on your expensive carpet. To clean the urine effectively, use some paper towels and apply as much pressure as possible on the area to blot out as much of the urine as possible. Do this a few times. Now, this is important — before you apply the vinegar treatment, be sure to test (at a less conspicuous area, like under the sofa or TV console) that the colors of your carpet do not run. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar, then apply the solution to the affected area and allow it to sit for around 10 minutes. Continue to blot with paper towels as before repeatedly. Then sprinkle some baking soda to remove the odour. You can then go watch some Netflix or do some yoga… and come back to vacuum your carpet in about an hour. 8. REMOVE THE DREADED WINE STAINS Wine stains are among the hardest to clean. And it hurts more when you stain your favorite shirt or dress. But not to worry, Mr. Vinegar is here to the rescue. To remove wine stains (from cotton or poly cotton fabrics), just be sure to sponge them directly with white vinegar within 24 hours. After the stains disappear, wash them according to your apparel care label and you’re done. 9. AVOID RUNNING COLORS Remember those unfortunate events when someone’s new jeans or T-shirt turned your whites into blue or pink? Now you can prevent this frustrating mishap by soaking the colored fabrics in white vinegar for a few minutes before washing. This will prevent the colors from running and spoiling your favorite clothes. 10. CLEAN YOUR BLINDS LIKE A PRO To clean your blinds, you can use a mix of white vinegar (half a cup), ammonia (1 cup), baking soda (a quarter of a cup) and about 3.5L of warm water. Just use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe your blinds with this powerful mixture and they will look good as new in no time. LEMON “When life gives you lemons… use them to clean your home!” 1. ENHANCE YOUR DISH DETERGENT’S DEGREASING POWER This first lemon hack will make your dish-washing much easier (and your other half more willing to help you with the dishes). Simply add a few drops of lemon juice to your dish detergent, and you’ll enjoy more degreasing power — that means less energy and time for the dreaded dish-washing chore. 2. REMOVE MINERAL BUILD-UP IN YOUR POTS & KETTLES You can solve this mineral build-up problem by boiling a few thick lemon slices in your pots and kettles. Leave this powerful lemon mixture alone for a couple of hours, then rinse and dry your cookware, and voila… they’ll be almost as good as new. 3. CLEAN YOUR GLASS SHOWER DOORS Instead of brushing or scraping the icky soap scum and hard water stains on your glass shower doors, just rub them off with a half cut lemon. 4. UNCLOG YOUR DRAINAGE Similar to the vinegar, you can unclog your drainage with a “baking soda and lemon combo”. The foaming action of this mixture will help you clear minor blockages like a breeze. Finish the power combo by pouring hot water down your drainage. 5. FRESHEN YOUR TOILET BOWL Want to keep your toilet bowl hygienic always? Then do this one-minute routine every day. Pour half a cup of lemon juice into the toilet bowl and swish it around with the toilet brush. Leave it there for 15 minutes, then flush it all away into the dark abyss… 6. CLEAN YOUR MIRRORS & WINDOWS If you can’t stand seeing smudges on mirrors and windows like I do, then you’ll love this — make a mixture of water and a few tablespoons of lemon juice in a spray bottle, then use it to clean your mirrors and windows to get rid of any smudges in just seconds. 7. REMOVE FOOD PREPARATION SMELLS This lemon hack is especially useful if you deal with seafood and meat marination a lot. Simply wash your hands in a dilute solution of lemon juice and water to remove the smells entirely. 8. CLEAN YOUR MICROWAVE & REMOVE UNWANTED ODOURS Similar to the acidic vinegar, the lemon juice is a great solution to clean and freshen up your microwave oven. Just place a cup of water with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave and heat to boiling point (put a toothpick in the water to prevent overheating). Then leave it for 10 minutes. After that, just wipe away any food residues with a clean damp cloth and dry it. 9. REMOVE THE UGLY GROUT You can easily remove the tile grout with some lemon juice and an old toothbrush. No need to buy any expensive grout removal chemicals at all. 10. KILLS GERMS & CLEAN STAINS FROM CHOPPING BOARDS The chopping board is just like a perfect hangout place for germs. Crash the disgusting party by rubbing some lemon juice onto the stains, leave it overnight, then rinse and dry the next day.

I recently met a general contractor online and decide to engage them as their office is very near my house. After their initial quote, I decide to scale down the scope of works as I can't find much independent reviews online and I have a pretty tight budget to work with. My current requirements as follows: HDB New Type BTO 4-room Need to have water heater storage tank in service yard with pipes connecting to Kitchen and common toilet pipes. Need to install Kitchen sink (600mm++), Kitchen Hob, Kitchen Hood (chimney type), Oven, Dishwasher (free standing type). Lower cabinets only. No upper cabinets. No additional walls,tiles, etc as I don't see a need for very good aesthetics. Just need a functional kitchen. Windows (privacy if possible) and grilles at service yard as the orientation of my service yard expose my kitchen to people walking pass. After signing, the contractor told me that might be additional cost which wasn't factor in: Extension of sink support to include dishwasher to prevent leaks - $300 Inlet & Drainage works for dishwasher - $120 Kitchen Hood installation - $80 Additional 15amp socket for oven/hob to be quoted by their in-house electrician - ??? Soft-hinges only for casement door (EXCEL), drawers are normal type. No BLUM. Also, there are no clauses for workmanship warranty, schedule, etc.. although the contractor did assure me 1 year workmanship warranty and provide the schedule separately. It's just quotation which I signed + pay deposit. While I wouldn't cancel as there will be penalty of 30%, if the pricing is not good, then I will probably need to get them to finish the task stated in the quotation and get another contractor to settle the rest if they are over-pricing their services. Would like to hear from the rest given that I'm not in this industry. External Image Link here: https://imgur.com/NBa5Bkg If you feel the quotation is cheap/fairly priced and want to get the contact of the contractor, I more than happy to share with you.

Hailed as the first of its kind, Corian is the brand name for a top-of-the-line solid surface countertop material developed by DuPont scientists back in 1967. Today, there are several brands in the market based on the original Corian countertops development, including Samsung’s Staron and LG’s HI-MACS. These different brands differ mainly in the designs that they come in, which presents a myriad of beautiful designs for customers to choose from (with Samsung Staron coming in patterns interspersed with metallic dust). What makes Solid Surface Countertops special? Solid surface countertops are composite of synthetic polymers (acrylic and polyester) and alumina trihydroxide (ATH). The combination of flexible polymer and the fire retardant and chemically-resistant alumina trihydroxide layer also create a non-porous layer that is resistant to stains and bacterial growth. The particulates of alumina trihydroxides are also very fine, which lends to the smoothness of its colours. They are also fairly heat resistant (100°C) and are chemically inert (i.e. resists acid etching). Left: Corian designs; Right: Samsung designs, notable for its metallic series. Solid surface countertops are made from highly formable and repairable materials. Another important advantage of solid surface materials is in how workable the material is. Corian-based solid surface materials can be sanded and polished without ruining the surface. Joints can be polished down to make seams disappear and cuts and scratches easily repaired with nothing more than a Scotch-Brite pad, or a mechanical sander. But perhaps solid surface’s most attractive characteristic, from a design and manufacturing perspective is that Corian solid surface countertop materials are thermoformable. Thermoforming is the process of heating up a material to a sufficient degree as to make it malleable and stretchable, which can then be formed into a wide variety of shapes. Thermoforming involves less complex fabrication tools, which make the process marginally cheaper than, say, injection molding. In addition to lower costs, thermoforming allows for much larger parts to be produced, which is useful for countertops. Also, you’ll be glad to know that thermoforming manufacturers reuse most of their waste plastic, which is good for the environment (and cost!). Solid Surface Countertops are safe. To ensure that their products are safe around people, solid surface countertop manufacturers like Corian adhere to strict production guidelines. Controlling the emissions of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is important because, as its name suggests, can vaporize and mix into the air that we breath. Heavy metals are also not used in solid surface countertops, either, again for health reasons. However, proper precautions should still be taken that care is taken when working around solid surfaces. Trivets and pads should always be used when placing hot objects on solid surfaces, as extreme heat would not only cause damage, but also burn and eject toxic fumes into the air. Check out our inventory for the best solid surface countertops in Singapore today and get in touch with our friendly customer service staff! We carry Corian DuPont, Samsung Staron and many other great brands! - See more at: http://www.stoneamperor.com.sg/solid-surface-countertops-singapore/

Ok Sea Horizon just gotten its TOP that's means to say I will be getting my keys in a couple of days. I have met up with 2 designers (a lot of hassle) cause you need to repeat yourself again and again about what you want. I really 佩服 (salute) those who meet up with so many designers, I really cannot do that. After 2, I already want to give up especially when you come across renowed Interior Design Firm that recruit fresh intern/green designers. My experience was quite unpleasant. 1) I don't like being serve by someone inexperience (though they are designers but they are of different level) 2) I think I have better designs than what they commonly proposed (I can faint when they show me a design of a bags showcase something you can buy ready made and its definitely more beautiful than the one they proposed) 3) You guys go try out and you will know 要吐血 (vomit blood). 1st ID go MIA, maybe I think he was not able to deliver what I wanted as he kept proposing their common package. What I wanted wasn't in their package so whenever I text him he always told me he was busy and will get back to me and eventually go MIA..... I don't want to mention which company but I do think there are many out there (just observe when you go exhibition, there's a huge group of green ID sitting near their booth just like they were waiting to be slaughter). 4) 2nd ID was really expensive even on the estimation of what I want from paper. I eventually decide on my contractor instead (recommended by my friend's sister who did her 'The Manhatten' project in Simei) Let me try posting my floor plan, don't really know how to do it.....

Choosing a countertop for your kitchen can be a tough decision as we all want the best that time and money can buy. As a result, long drawn-out discussions often ensue as customers try to decide to give in to their aesthetic desires over rational. What surprises us most is that the reason that often holds customers back is when they are presented a selection of kitchen top edge profiles to choose from. Their response are often along the lines of, “Let me think about it over the weekend…” Choosing Kitchen Top Edge Profiles – Not Simply a Cosmetic Choice. While ultimately the choice boils down to aesthetic preferences – there are a few key differences, advantages and disadvantages – that different edge profiles present. Aside from aesthetics, each style is unique in how it handles spills, safety and ease of maintenance. Let’s have a look at a few edge profiles and their fundamental differences: Types of Kitchen Top Edge Profiles: Kitchen top edge profiles fornatural stone countertopsand Quartz countertops. 1. Standard Flat Polish – Favoured for the thick-look that it gives, flat polishing is a popular choice. The flat edge helps hold liquids from spilling over and does not contain any nooks and crannies that might be difficult to clean. However, its sharp angles can present a safety hazard. The birdmouth, chamfer and miter cut share this issue, with the latter having the additional hazard of objects sliding off its sloped edge. Flat Polish edges are also more affordable on average in terms of pricing. 2. Bullnose – Probably the most popular type of edge for its pragmatism, the bullnose features a completely rounded edge all around the top and bottom of the edge. This makes it ideal if safety is a concern while the smaller angle in which these edges helps it from breaking or chipping when impacted with something hard. The smooth, rounded edges are also easier to clean. Bullnose edges are usually the most inexpensive to put on, too, making it a good choice. However, many find the bullnose edge very boring (and we agree!). 3. Groove Cutting – Groove cuts (also called drainboards or runnels) are made near the edges of countertops. Its purpose is purely utilitarian – to drain spilled liquids before they go over the edge. This makes groove cutting especially useful where water is found, namely sinks or anywhere where water is likely to be handled. 4. Lipping/OG Edge – Favoured for the incredibly sophisticated looks they can accomplish, Lipping and Ogee (OG) edges have most of the same pros and cons as the flat polish and bullnose designs respectively. However, the extra surface also means that cleaning it can be slightly more of a chore, but if you ask us we think it’s a small price to pay for perfection. And there we have it! Hopefully if you’re ever given a choice of kitchen top edge profiles to choose from you’d be able to make a more informed decision. Happy countertop hunting! Looking for a Kitchen Top in Singapore? Contact Stone Amperor for natural stone countertop options, solid surfaces and Quartz! - See more at: http://www.stoneamperor.com.sg/kitchen-top-singapore-choose-right-edge-profile/

Since it found its popularity with Victorian residential architecture, bay windows have remained a mainstay of home-style right up to today. There’s nothing quite as warm and fuzzy as idly sitting by a big window and looking out into the world around you, pondering as people go out their daily business, or taking in the view and fresh air. Unfortunately, due to a lack of inspiration or pure laziness, many homeowners completely forget about this amazing place in the house. Most only just barely notice it as they move from room to room. This isn’t surprising as people tend to spend most of their time in the living room, in the bedroom or in the kitchen where the comfortable furniture, food and entertainment are. Sadly this existential plane only allows us to spend our time at one place at a time (I know, what a bummer!). What to do about it? But what’s life without a few challenges, right? Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some excuse to get the family to spend more time with you by the bay window? Premise One: we’ve established the fact that we tend to spend a lot of our time in the living room, bedroom and dining table/kitchen. I assume that most of us tend to not like to move too far from these places. Premise Two: As much as I like to just sit down and watch the world go by; it’s only a matter of time before hunger or boredom strikes and it’s off to the kitchen or living room again (Yes, I live in a world of gratuitous distractions). Conclusion: Why not combine best of two worlds? If I were to build a circular seat around the window with, say, quartz countertops (quartz can be cut in circular shapes with the right tools and expertise, yes). Add some comfortable cushions of my choice and drag a nice table into the middle, you can turn this… into this… Voilà! Now you have the perfect excuse to spend more time around my favourite spot in the house without having to ever leave. You can also drag in a few companions into the fairy circle and make them part of your living fantasy, too! Quartz Countertops? Although you could certainly use solid surface countertops, laminate or granite for your bay window masterpiece – quartz countertops, in my opinion, are the best choice. For one, engineered quartz is easy to maintain. They are also quite durable and isn’t any real concern with wear-and-tear. However, dark-coloured quartz countertops (as well as granite) do fade when exposed to sunlight (or at least the resin and other protective coatings do, but not the stone itself) so light colours such as white are best. Some Sunlight is Good For You, Too. As an added benefit, this clever seating arrangement also puts you smack in the midst of the source of that natural light flooding into the house. Light exposure to sunlight is known for quite a few surprising benefits, like making us happier through the release of serotonin in our brain. Light exposure to sunlight also encourages our skin produce vitamin D which strengthens our bones. UV light from moderate sunlight exposure also kills bacteria, fungus and other nasties (particularly those that cause skin diseases) as well as help prevent cancer! (Too much sunlight, however, is known to cause cancer). Stone Amperor carries a myriad of brands and products that cater to needs of different homeowners, including high-quality quartz countertops, including Caesarstone and I-quartz Stone. Contact us now for a free quotation! - See more at: http://www.stoneamperor.com.sg/ideas-bay-window-quartz-countertops/

Quartz countertops are beautiful works of art and make for the perfect centre pieces in the home. Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz countertops are engineered from crushed quartz stone and resin to specifically meet the needs of everyday life. They are durable, hygienic and relatively easy to maintain. However, proper care is important to keep them in perfect condition for a long time. Read more about natural stone, solid surface and quartz countertops. 1. Use non-abrasive cleaning cloth with mild detergents for cleaning. Use a piece of soft cloth or sponge and detergent to clean loose stains. Dry with a clean, white cloth. Avoid scrubbing with steel wool and other abrasive cleaning pads and using strong base or acid cleaners (such as bleach), paint solvents, turpentine, nail polish removers or oven cleaners. Tougher stains need to be soaked the in glass cleaner, mild washing detergent or a vinegar/water dilution for about 10 minutes before being rinsed with warm water. Avoid scrubbing with steel wool and other abrasive cleaning pads and using strong base or acid cleaners (such as bleach), paint solvents, turpentine, nail polish removers or oven cleaners. 2. Liquid spills should be cleaned quickly and thoroughly. This is especially important if the spill contains acids or bases. While highly resistant to the effects of corrosive chemicals, leaving spills (e.g. fruit juice, vinegar, sauces) on for long periods of time may etch the surface. 3. Use a plastic putty knife to scrape away gum, paint or oil. Do not use hard metal tools to perform any abrasive action. Use plastic or soft tools to remove sticky or greasy mess before proceeding with warm water, mild detergents and soft cloth like in point 1. 4. Do not cut directly on the surface with steel knives and other hard, sharp objects. Cutting directly on the surface of quartz countertops will not only damage its soft resin layer, but the hardness of the quartz stone will dull and damage your steel knives as well. Always use a cutting board. 5. Use trivets and pads below hot pans and pots. Although quartz itself is very heat resistant the resin isn’t. Placing hot objects (skillets, grills, pots, pans, etc.) directly on its surface is likely to damage it. Also, sudden high changes in temperature can also cause stone to crack through thermal shock. 6. Do not stack heavy objects on quartz countertops. Excessive pressure or impacts can cause the stone to chip and crack. One microwave is fine. Ten of them on top of one another, not so okay. Quartz countertops themselves are quite heavy and may cause damage to the structure beneath it. Stone Amperor is stone supplier in Singapore known for its quality products and services. Contact us now for an in-depth discussion. - See more at: http://www.stoneamperor.com.sg/6-tips-how-to-care-for-quartz-countertops/

Hope to get some advice here. I moved in a month ago and saw this mark on my quartz countertop. Thought it was a stain but I couldn't cleaned it off. I can actually feel it and doesn't quite feel like a scratch mark. Was advised to use AMWAY metal poilsher but wasn't sure if that would be appropriate for this. Anyone has seen similar issues?