INSPIRATIONS - STYLE TIPS

How we’d unwind after a long week of toiling at work

Sit back & lounge with your loved ones as your share some breakfast on this lovely daybed.Now available at our SCANTEAK showrooms.

Sometimes, we just need to wind down & recharge after a long week’s worth of work. Nothing feels better than being able to longue in the comforts of your own bed, or recline in the coziness of a day bed. Here’s how we like to spend our weekends!

1. MOVIE MARATHON

We really love just lazing in bed on our weekends, and what better way than to put on a movie or rent one from iTunes?

One of our favourites is Forrest Gump! This classic romantic-comedy-drama film featuring Tom Hanks is definitely a go-to if you’re looking for something to give you a restful mind. With a childlike mind of his, he did not let the cynicism of the world rob him of his faith and trust. Journey with Tom Hanks through this story through love, war, and belief.

2. PICK UP A NEW SKILL

Who says we gotta get up in order to pick up a new skill? Well, we believe that with the help of technology, you too can learn a new skill even in the comforts of your own home!

From cross stitching to learning a new instrument, picking up a new skill no longer requires us to have an instructor physically in front of us! Just hop onto YouTube and search or a simple Guitar or Ukelele tutorial, & you’re bound to be occupied for the next couple of hours jamming to new tunes!

Our personal favourite includes MIKA’s Relax, Take it Easy as we give it an acoustic spin. You can even consider some classics like Somewhere Over the Rainbow & Moon River which are easy for beginners to pick up too!

3. READ

Of course, what is easier than just chilling in bed with some magazines, a cuppa & some good books.

Indulge between your sheets, and bury your head in piles or magazines and books. For something light and quirky, we would like to share with you one our favourites – Frankie Magazine!

Frankie is not just another lifestyle magazine, but it has some very amazing creative content ranging from interior designing, fashion, photography & craft tips as well! All of that with a hint of vintage, perfect for a lazy day in bed.

If you are not sure what’s a good read, or if you simply want a new book to read, we recommend Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman.

Author of the classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee beautifully writes on the life of the individuals years after. Jean Louise Finch – “Scout” – returns home to visit her father, Attitcus. A story of self-discovery, guided by her conscience, Go Set a Watchman is definitely one which intrigues and adds depth to the Kill a Mockingbird.

If you’re looking for a wooden bed frame to rest and recuperate for the weekend, SCANTEAK offer a wide range of Scandinavian inspired bedframes. From single to king, and even super-single, head down to our stores for more details! While you’re at it, do also check out our mattress galleries to complement those beds!

Have a restful weekend ahead everyone!

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Homes are where we feel the safest, but it doesn't mean that we should let our guard down completely! There are still places or items in the home that can pose a danger to us and our loved ones. Here are a few areas to watch out for, so that precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of accidents.

#1 THE BATHROOM:

This may very well be one of the most well-known places for injuries. Slips and falls in a wet bathroom are the most common types of injury in a bathroom.

To prevent serious injuries from occurring in the bathroom:

• Install safety bars in the bathtub along with raised toilet seats with safety bars.
• Have rugs in front of the showering area to ensure that your bathroom floor stays relatively dry.
• Place anti-slip/friction mats in shower areas and bath tubs to minimize the risk of slipping.

#2 OBJECTS ON OPEN SHELVES AND TABLE TOPS:

Collectibles, pottery objects, and lamps can become deadly projectiles.

Steps to take to minimize the risk include:

• Use either hook and loop fasteners on the table and display objects, or non-damaging adhesives such as putty, clear gel, or microcrystalline wax to secure breakables in place. Move heavy items and breakables to lower shelves for stability.
• For homes with young children, keep glass/porcelain items out of reach.

#3 FIRE HAZARDS:

Everything from candles to an unattended iron could lead to an accidental fire in your home, but there is a lot you can do to prevent a fire from starting.

Steps to take to minimize the risk include:

• Making sure fire alarms are installed on all levels, and regularly check and change the batteries to make sure you’ll have adequate warning in the event there is a fire.
• Never leave candles unattended or near loose cloth like drapes or throw pillows.
• Make sure that all appliances are in good working order and that no wires are frayed.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets. In fact, it’s smart practice to unplug small appliances like toasters when not in use.

#4 STOVES:

Stoves present a danger, be it an electric or gas stove both present the danger of burning yourself of your loved ones.

Steps to take to minimize the risks:

• Try to use the back burners when possible. This makes it more difficult for kids to accidentally touch a hot stovetop. Never rest tempting items like cookies or toys on (or near) a stovetop, even when it’s not in use.

#5 WINDOW CORDS:

Cords on window dressings like blinds or curtains can present a strangling hazard to small children and infants.

Steps to take to minimize the risks:

• Location: Never place a crib or bed under a window with dangling cords.
• Cut It Out: To keep children from getting tangled up, either secure all cords out of reach or trim them to a length that is only accessible to the adults in the home. Better yet, trade out window treatments for designs without cords.

#6 SHARP CORNERS:

Furniture are located all around the house and if these furniture has sharp edges they present a threat to not only your kids but yourself.

Steps to take to minimize the risks:

• Install corner protectors to all of your furniture which then will not only keep your home safe but also prevent your furniture from chipping.

#7 CHOKING HAZARDS:

The biggest household choking hazards come from small toys and hard foods that easily block airways, like nuts. The results of a toddler choking can be scary.

Steps to take to minimize the risks:

• Look Around: To keep your home choke-free, regularly inspect toys for loose parts and scour floors for small toys or other items that have rolled under furniture where little hands might easily find them.
• Keep Dangers Out of Reach: Be sure to keep small, hard foods like nuts or hard candies out of reach of children, and make sure everyone takes time to properly chew their food at the dinner table.

#8 PAINTS AND CHEMICALS:

Paints and chemicals are part of our daily lives, however they do present a risk to kids and toddlers who are yet to understand the dangers of these items.

Steps to take to minimize the risks:

• Paint: Even paint that isn’t lead-based needs to be properly stored and kept out of reach of children. And never put paint in a container other than the one it came in to prevent your child from mistaking the paint as a drink.
• Chemicals: Keep all household cleaners in a cupboard with a safety lock to keep kids from accidentally finding them. Lock up pesticides and items like turpentine in a cupboard.

#9 HANGING OBJECTS:

Mirrors, framed pictures, and other objects should be hung from closed hooks so that they can't bounce off the walls.

Steps to take to minimize the risks:

• Pictures and mirrors can also be secured at their corners with adhesive putty. Only soft art such as tapestries should be placed over beds or sofas.

#10 TIPPING DRAWERS:

Open drawers with care. Due to shifts in the centre of gravity, a chest of drawers may easily tip over with excessive drawer weight.

Steps to take to minimize the risks:

• It is advised to place heavier items at the bottom drawers.

• When opening drawers to clean or air, avoid opening more than 2 drawers at a time.

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Almost any type of material can be crafted into a piece of furniture, but wood has always been favoured for its beauty and versatility. The natural beauty of the wood adds warmth and character to any room in a home. Materials used not only affect our experience, but also how we perceive a room.

With a plethora of wood materials to choose from, here are some of the common types of wood used to make furniture:

1. Pine, a relatively cheaper and lightweight alternative. One can identify pine through its knots. Though it is less durable compared to hardwoods like Oak, Mahogany and Teak, it makes a good option for those who love to mix and match materials within the home. Although it dents easily, it is still a good option for those who are price conscious.

2. Oak, a widely used wood with two variations: Red and white. The characteristically large pores and pronounced rings of oak give it a course texture and distinctive look. It looks unique and majestic when coupled with a sweet finishing. For those who want a rustic look, oak furniture is definitely for you. With it being a hardwood, it makes it more resilient and long lasting as compared to other materials. The only downside of oak is that it does not hold up well to constant exposure of moisture and cause the wood grain to be damaged.



3.  Cherry has a fine texture and even grain. Cherry wood is very easy to carve and polish, making it perfect for manufacturing fine furniture A prevalent wood type for luxurious interior design, it also comes with a high price tag. It takes on finishes and stain and with time, this wood grows beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

4.  Walnut is traditionally used in making fine furniture such as a mantelpiece or headboard. Commanding a high price, it is a strong, hard and durable wood that carves well and holds a good shape in a long run. It is an excellent choice for people who love ornate furniture.

5.  Teak, a tropical tree, is the hardest and most durable of the hardwoods. A perfect material rich in natural oil, it repels moisture and termites, making it a perfect outdoor and indoor furniture in Singapore. Teak works as a popular choice for homeowners who are looking for elegant furniture which require little to no maintenance at all. Teak is also commonly used to make wooden dining table and wooden bed frame in Singapore, they also comes in various styles and designs. A common style is Balinese, which features more rounded lines and intricate designs. Another style gaining popularity is Scandinavian, which features clean-cut and simple lines, creating timeless designs.

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