About Kitchen Doors In Singapore

A kitchen door may serve as the focal point of any kitchen entrance, much like the entry door can. The type of door that would work best for the interior of your home, therefore, requires a bit more thinking. In this blog, we’ll talk more about kitchen doors in Singapore. After reading this, you’ll have an initial idea of the variety of kitchen door designs available for you.

Which Type of Door is Best for Kitchen?

A kitchen door helps make the kitchen well-ventilated. You can have an external door to have direct access to a dirty kitchen if there’s any or to your service area and outdoor space. You can also install interior doors to create a division between your dining and kitchen.

Regardless of where you want to install your kitchen door, knowing the best material appropriate to use in the kitchen is essential to make your kitchen convenient and efficient. The most common materials used for kitchen doors are glass, stainless steel, engineered wood, and solid wood. Make sure that the door you install is made of either of these materials to ensure comfortability and safety in your kitchen.

#9 Kitchen Door Ideas Singapore

Below are some of the door types that are perfect to have in the kitchen. Check them out!

1. Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding doors, whether used as an interior or external entry door, may significantly increase air circulation and ventilation. They can function as extra-large glass windows that you can open to let the natural light and air go through the space. Sliding glass doors can seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor areas as well as the interior space. It is an ideal kitchen door to have for contemporary homes with an open-plan layout.

2. Bi-fold Doors

Any kitchen would benefit greatly from having bifold doors. They may provide illumination, wide-ranging viewpoints, and a smooth transition from an indoor space to an outside one. Bi-fold doors are a great addition if you want to create a tiny bit of creativity in a minimalist setting. Bi-fold doors are playful and interesting to look at. They offer visual texture and are truly a perfect minimalist accent to an all-white kitchen.

3. Barn Doors

Barn doors are a terrific alternative for any of these rooms, including a den, dining, living, and kitchen. You can simply lock it off if the area is cluttered or you need some solitude. Barn doors may connect the various rooms in your house more easily and give your interior a contemporary feel. They are excellent in kitchen spaces, especially for walk-in pantries and big storage spaces.

4. French Doors

French doors may be an excellent entry point between adjacent rooms or outside areas and aesthetically link spaces. French doors have a number of benefits over sliding glass doors, including making it easier for daylight to move between rooms. French doors are frequently used for both indoor and outdoor environments. French doors are undoubtedly quite practical, but their aesthetic appeal is their main use. French doors may have a significant influence on your house.

5. Frosted Glass Doors

Alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and let in natural light include frosted glass doors. They greet people into the space with a cozy indoor ambiance, giving them a natural vibe.

As a result, there is a considerable decrease in the need for artificial illumination, which also lowers energy usage. Because it fosters both a sense of solitude and style, frosted glass is the material of choice for some homeowners.

A frosted glass door can also be used in above-the-counter cabinetry to hide or conceal the cookware and kitchen utensils. The kitchen can be tiring or challenging to clean and organize. You can use them as doors to cabinets and pantry. They can effectively hide clutter especially if you’re too busy to arrange and organize the spices and condiments in your cupboard.

6. Screen Doors

Screen doors give the kitchen space good natural ventilation while at the same time keeping the pests and bugs from entering the kitchen. They typically feature basic hardware and hinges and are frequently made with wood or aluminum frames.

In more temperate areas, screen doors are a great option for ventilation, especially for kitchen entrance doors, and are a natural addition to a screened-in porch. Additionally, the Singapore screen kitchen door is an excellent alternative for porch or deck entryways since they make it simple to move between each space.

7. Kitchen Sliding Doors In Singapore

Patios and backyards may be quickly and easily accessed thanks to sliding doors. They come in particularly helpful for homeowners who enjoy cooking in the kitchen since they may provide an easy link to outside areas, enabling them to host gatherings for pool parties or barbecue times in the backyard.

You can use a kitchen sliding doors in modern and minimalist spaces. You also have the freedom to style them all you want or transform them into a new piece.

8. Kitchen Door With Sliding Partition

A Singapore kitchen door can be both a door and a decorative partition. If you are installing a kitchen door to divide the space between your dining and your kitchen space, then a wooden French sliding door is your best option.

You can close the door if you want to focus more on cooking or open it during family dinners and social gatherings to allow guests to enter the kitchen space with ease. Opening up the door will also make the space look larger. This type of door is considered a classic and is commonly seen in a traditional, farmhouse, and rustic chic interiors.

The door in your interior space, whether it’s in the living room; bedroom; dining room; and kitchen, can impact the overall visual and functional scheme of your kitchen. When deciding on the kitchen door types to purchase, get the insight of a professional designer to help you guide you on the right path. If you’re interested in finding out more about weikeninterior and what we do, go through our website and read some resources. Hope you find this blog helpful!

About Kitchen Countertop in Singapore

Designing the kitchen is no easy task. It requires effort, time, and resources. More than that, it also demands extensive planning, material searching, and accurate designing to achieve the desired result.

When it comes to choosing the material for your kitchen countertop, there are a lot of things that need to be factored in. This includes the kitchen countertop height, kitchen countertop bar, cost, aesthetic, durability, functionality, and appropriateness. You don’t just select a material because of its color or design.

You also need to consider those underlying factors that have the most impact when it comes to the kitchen’s efficiency and usability. Different materials have different perks. In this article, we’re going to look at #11 most commonly used kitchen countertop materials and get to know more about their nature, as well as their pros and cons. Let’s dive right in.

Most Commonly Used Kitchen Countertop Types In Singapore

1. Marble

For many homeowners, marble is still the most popular choice for kitchen worktops. It does, however, have limits that should be considered while using it in the kitchen. If used for kitchen countertops, it is a rather delicate and porous stone that must be sealed carefully and periodically.

Marble is one of the most appealing natural stones due to its distinctive look and veined patterns. The two main downsides of a marble kitchen countertop in Singapore are it can get quickly discolored unless it is treated on a regular basis with a high-quality sealant due to its porous characteristic. Secondly, since it is a soft delicate stone, it can easily get scratched.

2. Granite

Because of its durability and natural beauty, granite remains the most preferred countertop material. Granite has the ability to transform any kitchen into a lavish and opulent space.

Is it really worth it to spend so much money on granite countertops? The answer is yes. If you choose a neutral color and design, they will last for years with minimal upkeep. When compared to marble, which may only last 20 years, experts believe they will endure 100 years if carefully managed.

Granite is expensive and is not DIY-friendly. Seek the help of a contractor or professional granite installer when installing granite countertops.

3. Laminate

Laminates are one of the most versatile of all countertop materials. Although they are not as regarded as those expensive high-class materials, laminates look nonetheless different.

It is made up of a thin layer of plastic laminate laminated to particleboard or medium-density fiberboard.

They look aesthetically good and work well in modern or mid-century modern homes. Note that when compared to other materials, laminate countertops might feel empty and light.

4. Ceramic Kitchen Countertop

For new countertop selections, ceramic tile is a good moderate option. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It can also be purchased in quantity for a reasonable price. It is durable, easy to install, and looks visually appealing in any kind of kitchen design. It’s also great for a DIY project if you want to make your own countertops.

5. Soapstone

A soapstone countertop is great for your kitchen if you often place hot things on your countertops. Surfaces made of soapstone are heat resistant. Soapstone is naturally non-porous. As a result, you won’t have to worry about staining or heat damage. Soapstone countertops are perfect for most kitchens because of this particular characteristic.

6. Quartz

If you would list down kitchen countertop materials from the strongest to the weakest, a kitchen with a quartz countertop would definitely top the list. It is harder and more durable compared to granite.  It is also not porous which means, it is easier to clean and is resistant to any form of bacteria buildup.

Quartz is an excellent choice for kitchen counters, as well as bathrooms.  Because of its durability and wide range of colors and styles, it’s a very practical material.

7. Slate

Slate is perhaps the most affordable countertop. It costs less than granite, quartz, marble, concrete, and other countertop surfaces. Slate is a heat-resistant countertop surface that can be readily sliced into thin sheets and absorbs very little moisture.

Slate tiles are ideal for kitchen and bathroom countertops because of their longevity and toughness. Slate counter surfaces are resistant to heat-generating appliances such as hot pots and hair tools.

8. Concrete

Concrete also makes for good kitchen countertops. It is a long-lasting material as long as it is sealed and properly maintained. While concrete is not impervious to scratches, it outperforms softer counter materials like solid surfaces and laminate.

Concrete countertops are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens of all types, from modern to classic.

9. Stainless Steel

You might be thinking. Isn’t stainless steel for chef’s kitchens and restaurants? Technically yes, but stainless steel also works for regular kitchens especially those with modern industrial style.

Steel countertops are not only attractive, but they are also water-resistant as well as heat and stain-resistant. Stainless steel will resist corrosion, food stains, and meat juices, as well as the strong cleaning agents used in industrial kitchens.

10. Recycled Aluminum

Contrary to what many people think, recycled aluminum is somewhat similar to engineered stone and other solid surface countertops rather than to stainless steel and other metallic materials.

It is primarily because they are a blend of solid surface waste, aluminum flake, scrap, and recycled acrylic. Aluminum countertops are one of the least common forms of metal countertops, but owing to their unique qualities, they may be utilized in a variety of applications.

11. Recycled Glass

Recycled glass countertops are made from a mixture of glass melted down to form a new slab. Similar to other countertop materials, it is durable and heat resistant which makes them a viable alternative for daily usage, although they are not as lasting as other materials.

If sharp objects such as knives scratch the surface, the glass may chip, especially around the corners.

The variety of materials available for kitchen countertops is astounding, and there are kitchen countertop materials that have not been included in this list. It seems like an endless choice. 

Each material has benefits and disadvantages that must be considered before making a purchase decision. We hope this blog has helped you in any way and assisted you in making informed choices when designing your kitchen.

Introduction About Kitchen Open Concept

It stands to reason that the most used space in any home is the kitchen. With homeowners using it three times a day for almost 365 days a year, it’s no wonder why so many designers come up with various kitchen styles and designs to suit every homeowner’s preference and style.

Traditionally, the kitchen has always been situated in separate rooms. But recently, there have been developments in kitchen design and layout wherein having it situated in one open area has proven to be more luxurious and aesthetically pleasing to look at. It also allows for more socializing and interaction within the household.

This unique concept is called the open kitchen concept. From the name alone, it is characterized by doing away with the traditional wall partitions and making use of the space. This is often seen in many contemporary and modern interiors; particularly modern HDB homes and condominiums.

With so many designs and ideas out there, you’re probably not sure where to start. Here are some of the most popular open kitchen concepts Singapore homes often employ and how you can employ them in your kitchen.

1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS

The first thing that you must consider is setting your requirements for the kitchen. First, study the area.

• How big is it?
• Is it too big or too small?
• How wide is it?
• Does it have provisions for a sink and electrical wiring?
• Is it near a window or by the main door?

The reason for this is that there are some HDB properties that are often bare when it is fully turned over. Or that some existing fixtures and provisions need to be either repaired or replaced. So, take note of your area.

Then, the next is choosing the right material for your kitchen cabinet. Remember, you will be spending a lot of your time cooking and preparing your food. This means you will most likely be working with appliances such as a stove and an oven toaster. As such, you will want to make sure you have materials of the highest quality and durability to aid you in this task.

A very popular material for cabinets is HPL Laminates or high-pressure laminates. This type of laminate is made by pressing together sheets of wood into one piece and is designed to withstand heat and steam. You can also use MDF boards or, if you are the type who has no problem spending a little, you can go for treated hardwoods like red oak. Mahogany or even maple. Just make sure the woods are treated. Regardless if you are being careful, you are still using steam and water and if any gets into wood that is not properly treated, this will eventually warp and damage your cabinet; effectively damaging your entire kitchen.

Lastly, ask yourself if your kitchen will have any special mechanisms and features and if it will affect your budget. It is a lot to take note of, no? But you need to get your basic requirements ironed out so that during the whole design process, you will be able to incorporate all of these into your kitchen design.

2. L-SHAPE KITCHEN

Easily the most popular and frequently used layout in an open kitchen concept, the L-shape kitchen is comprised of cabinets laid out in an L shape. In the open kitchen, this can be done in two ways. One is where you line the base cabinet and overhead cabinets against a wall, with the L portion sticking out. The L portion could either be more cabinets or a breakfast counter. The other option is to have the L-shaped base cabinet as an island while your full cabinets and appliances like refrigerator or oven are set against a wall.

This kind of layout maximizes the allocated space, especially for small homes. When creating this kind of layout, take note of your kitchen appliance sizes such as your sink or even your stove top. As much as you would like to include everything in your kitchen, try to choose fixtures that will fit to your kitchen’ size without wasting space. You wouldn’t want to have too big a sink or too small a stove. Everything needs to be balanced.

3. GALLEY KITCHEN

Another kitchen layout you can try, especially if your HDB flat is a little narrow, is the galley kitchen. This type of layout involves aligning the kitchen cabinets on either side of the space, creating a small walkway in between the cabinets. This kind of layout is often employed in smaller kitchen open concepts for HDB homes; particularly if the space is practically spacious than the average HDB home.

When making this type of layout or any open kitchen concept, don’t forget to employ the kitchen triangle. This is how the three main kitchen elements namely the cooking area, the washing area and the refrigerator, help with the proper allocation. Rule of thumb is that the wash area or the sink must always be in the center of the triangle and the cooking area must always be further away from the refrigerator. And the galley kitchen is the best example of this kitchen triangle.

4. U-SHAPE KITCHEN

The U-shaped kitchen layout is something of a combination between the L-shape and the galley shape type. It derives its name from the shape it makes. What makes this layout quite interesting is that it is considered the ideal open kitchen layout as it utilizes the open space of any HDB home or condo this kind of kitchen is often seen in open kitchens for BTO homes with 4 rooms. Especially, if the property in question is playing host to a large household.

When using this layout, adopt the modern minimalist style which utilizes clean and straight lines in the cabinetry. You can also go for modular cabinetry since they come in various sizes for you to choose and adapt. A very good combination of materials and palettes for U-shaped kitchens are granite countertops and neutral-toned laminates.

5. ENCLOSED OPEN KITCHEN

If you are the type who likes to separate the kitchen without completely separating the kitchen, then this incredibly unique and modern take on partitions is perfect for you. Create the sense of a partition without completely covering your kitchen by having an open kitchen with a glass door. You can have this concept in many ways. One popular way is by creating a divider that looks like a window. Another option is to place sliding glass doors that open into both the kitchen and dining room.

You might be thinking, am I simply just making a room if I do this? The answer? Not at all. What you are aiming for is simply giving the impression that it is a separate room when it isn’t. Another reason for employing this technique is to help filter out the many scents and aromas accumulated during the cooking process; especially if you happen to have guests.

Take note of the glass you are using. Most people prefer to use clear glass so that they can easily see the kitchen, but if you prefer frosted glass, that is perfectly alright. As much as possible, go for tempered glass as it can withstand heat and is quite sturdy.

6. OPEN SHELVES OR CABINETS

To keep in line with the open kitchen concept, have your overhead cabinets be exposed. This will make your kitchen look spacious and breathable. You can even place your plates and bowls and even figurines as both a decorative element and an organized setup.

Aside from exposed cabinets, you can also have floating shelves in varying heights and finishes. A popular style is having exposed shelves made entirely out of laminated wood mounted on black metal frames, creating an industrial look that is both on-trend and clean.

This kind of shelf can even make for a unique accent piece in your open kitchen. You can even have tempered glass as the shelf base instead of wood.

7. ADDITIONAL DINING SPACE

As mentioned earlier, the benefits of having an open kitchen mean more socializing and communal interaction with everyone inside the home. And what better way of having communal interaction is by adding additional dining space; specifically a bar counter, a breakfast nook, or even a built-in dining table?

• For small kitchens that use the L shape style, turn the L portion of your kitchen into a bar or breakfast nook and place at least two or three bar chairs underneath it. The counter can also serve as a divider of sorts separating the kitchen from the dining room.
• For kitchens that are a bit big, you can have a small table built into it and place 4 chairs on either side. This will make for a more communal and semi-compartmentalized look. Additionally, if you want to have a unique open kitchen, you can even convert one drawer into pull-out chopping boards, prep areas, or even a dining area.

So the question now is this? Are you ready to start having your own unique open kitchen concept? By following these examples and tips, you can be sure to have the perfect open kitchen that you will be so proud of!

Out of all the spaces inside an HDB home, there is no space that is frequently used than the kitchen. From dawn to dusk, everyone spends at least 2-3 hours in the kitchen, cooking meals three times a day. But with the rise of numerous HDB houses and space slowly getting smaller, it is safe to say that one must make the most out of the space to have a stylish and functional kitchen.

Now when creating the perfect kitchen cabinet design, you must understand that there are so many things to consider, especially if it’s in a HDB house. More often than not, the kitchens in an hdb house or flat would lean towards these options; a warm and natural look or something of the sleek and minimalist look. Below are the several things you need to consider:

1. CHECK THE AREA

The very first thing you need to consider is the area of your kitchen.

• How big is it?
• Is it near the door?
• Is it located near the dining room?
• Is it near a window?

While some HDB houses will have kitchens built in, there are some that are practically bare and open for design. The first thing is to measure how big the area is and write it down on paper. You can also take note of the location of the provision of the sink and the electrical sockets.

You can do the same for existing kitchens if you plan to improve or add to it. And if you are having doubts, you can consult a kitchen specialist and discuss with them on what kind of kitchen you would like to have. The benefits of consulting a specialist is that not only will they check the area, but they are also familiar with certain rules and regulations of the HDB property.

2. TYPES OF KITCHEN

There is no fixed look on the kitchen. In fact, kitchens are the most customizable area in the entire house. There are however types of kitchens that can work with practically any hdb house or flat.

• Wall Kitchen – This is often seen in smaller houses and is considered the most efficiently designed kitchen that doesn’t compromise both functionality and aesthetics. It comprises of upper and lower cabinets installed against a wall; with some of the appliances being incorporated with the cabinets. This type of kitchen provides various kitchen cabinet design combinations from open shelves to compartmentalized boxes.

• Galley Kitchen – This type of kitchen layout is characterized by having two rows of cabinets facing one another, creating something of a passage in between. This layout makes use of a narrow space and maximizes its overall storage potential.

• L-Kitchen – Often seen as the most feasible layout for both small and large kitchens, it takes its name from having two cabinets perpendicularly arrange to form an L-shape. This allows you to take advantage of the dead space in the corners and provides options for a bar or breakfast nook.

• U-Shape – If you have quite a huge space and would like to incorporate more storage and possibly bigger appliances, the U shape is perfect for you. Characterized by the orientation of the kitchen’s layout, this takes advantage of more

3. KITCHEN CABINET MATERIALS

Now that you have an idea on what type of kitchen you are going for, it’s time to consider the materials. Because the kitchen is the most used area of the house, it is only natural that you will invest in good quality materials in creating your kitchen cabinet design.  You would want materials that will ensure that they will last longer and can withstand both moisture and heat.

• Laminate boards are one of the most commonly used materials in making kitchen cabinets they are the most inexpensive choice and can come in a wide array of color and finish options. They come readily available with many suppliers providing them. However, one needs to be careful of spillage. If the laminates are not properly heat sealed during installation, chances are the boards will slowly disintegrate.
• Woods are also a good material as they are built to last and are quite durable. Popular wood species for kitchens include mahogany, maple, and teak, beech wood, oak and even walnuts. The use of wood gives you many options and combinations to try. However, depending on the wood, it can also be quite expensive.
• Lacquer boards are new to the kitchen scene, but they already are favored due to its sleek and smooth look. Like the laminate boards, it comes in a variety of finishes and colors and is quite easy to maintain and clean. However, just like wood it can also be quite expensive and rarely comes in wood grain options.
• Steel is also a good material as it is durable and can be antibacterial. They are usually built in commercial kitchens since it can handle heavy usage, but can also be in hdb houses, especially if you favor a more modern masculine look. However, they are limited in design options and is not as versatile as the other materials.
• Granite is quite good for kitchen countertops, especially for modern luxurious kitchens. Granite stone slabs come in various colors ranging from black to light brown and is quite easy to maintain and clean. It can withstand heat and moisture and is scratch resistant. However, granite slabs are also quite expensive and tricky to mount. You will need to hire professionals who can easily and carefully mount the slab.

4. STORAGE IS PREMIUM!

If there is a universal truth of sorts, its’s the fact that the kitchen has more utensils, tools and appliances than any other area of the house. Therefore, one must never take storage for granted. Apart from making the cabinets and shelves, take into consideration even the small niches.

Overhead cabinets are perfect for your plates, bowls and other table wares. But if you would like full maximum storage, consider having tall, cabinet units incorporated in the design. These can make for good pantries and it can further be enhanced with storage mechanism like pull out trays, baskets and even rotating carousel trays.

Apart from your standard swing door cabinets, consider also having drawers to keep your utensils and cutlery organized. To make it even more unique, have specialized compartments made for the drawers. That way, your utensils and silverware can be organized in a neat manner.

Speaking of baskets, consider having built in trash bins in one of the bottom cabinets instead of having the trash bin out in the open. For the cabinet with the sink, have some shelf compartments made so that you can store and organize your cleaning supplies.

If you will employ the L shape kitchen layout, you will notice that the corner tends to be a wasted or dead space. Take full advantage of the space by employing rotating carousel trays that maximize the once wasted space. If you have a narrow space in your wall, you can use a full pull out shelf tray for either condiments, sauces or even pastas.

You can even add more space by creating a foldable countertop that disappears into one of the cabinets when not in use .The only limit in making your kitchen cabinet design is your imagination.

5. LIGHTING

Finally and perhaps the most important thing to consider is the lighting. Especially when you are cutting ingredients or cooking a full meal. It is important to have ample and suitable lighting that not only aids in your task, but also completes the look of your hdb kitchen. Cove or recessed lightings are quite popular, especially if you have tall ceilings. This kind of lighting can make your kitchen look bright and warm. For a modern ambiance, opt for bulbs that give off a bright daylight look and for a cozier feel, go for bulbs that give off a warm white feel.

If you’re employing the L- shape kitchen or island kitchen, try hanging drop pendant lights over one section of the kitchen. This will highlight your intended focal point; especially if the section is a bar or breakfast nook.

A really unique and functional idea is to have built in lights under your overhead cabinets. That way, when you work, you have light directed towards your work space. Opt for LED strip lights or small LED bulbs.

Having a unique kitchen in your HDB house or flat makes living there even more satisfying. Especially if you employ little bits of your preferred style and personality. But perhaps the most important tip to consider when you design your kitchen cabinets is creating a look that is both timeless and can adapt to practically any period and style.

So there you have it. Having a unique hdb kitchen may seem a bit challenging at first, but like with many good recipes, all it takes is a few ingredients, some patience, a little bit of hard work and you have yourself a well-made kitchen to call your very own.