Malia in Singapore

This e-mail came from my sister-in-law- who- with my brother and their two darling little boys just moved to Singapore for two years.

Hi Christine!

We made it! We're all here in Singapore and trying to adjust to life. It's been crazy, but we're slowly working at it. I was wondering if you had a minute to help us? We currently have rental furniture and I am dying to get something more permanent in our town home. Do you have any suggestions of what to get and how to arrange it in these rooms? I'm totally open! I think you know my style. I'm a modern girl. :) Please don't mind the mess everywhere! The curtains and lights are part of the town home and can't be replaced. We will probably be going shopping on the weekends to see what's available. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks so much!

Love ya,

Malia

Malia,
I think what you really need is an onsite consultant. A note to all listeners: I am now officially accepting donations for my Singapore trip. :)

Since you are only going to be there for two years- I would do two things. #1- not spend too much money. #2- spend the money you are going to spend right away so that you can enjoy your improvements as long as possible.

Your place is great- it has nice floors. Your room is asking for an L-shape furniture arrangement. I put an off white sectional at the top of the post. To me- going so light is bold and fun for a mother of two. Very modern- very sleek. Go bolder than you might typically- this is your chance- as you know it is a short term purchase. It is clean and simple- a perfect look for a modern girl. I would focus on four things:

Area Rug
Plants
Pictures
Splash of Color

An area rug will warm up your space, soften the harshness and make it more inviting. It will also add texture- which I think is the most missing element in your place. I loved the Zebra rug...

Plants. Imagine your apartment with some nice large plants in the corners of your rooms. Get something with large leaves and a tropical feel- large plants in large posts. Then add uplights on the floor- put the lights on the timers- and your home will have ambiance when the sun goes down. Don't skip this step. Go get yourself some plants!

Wall décor. Choose a prominent wall for a photo collage- that will make it feel like home instantly. Then go with some alternative wall décor to bring your other walls to life.

I would finish the place with the smallest splash of color. A bright green- a funky orange- an intense blue- pick a color- slip it into your wall décor- add a table runner and a couple of throw pillows- and you are done. You could even purchase some blank canvasses and paint them solid colors.

The furniture, rugs and art in this post are form overstock.com. Do you think they ship to Singapore? I checked on my little map and I've had 164 hits from Singapore- so- any Singapore readers out there? Help Malia out- where should she shop?

Comments

[Steven]

Thanks for the time Cricket--you've got Malia giddy. You've got the 'before's, we'll send the 'after's once complete.

[Christine]

My name is not Cricket- it is Christine. And you're welcome.

[malia]

Thank you so much CHRISTINE! I loved all of your suggestions. Now I have to find the stuff! :)