Top Reads of the Year: Renovation + Home & Living Articles to Bookmark

These articles captured your interest the most!

Since January, we’ve shared over 50 articles covering all kinds of topics. While everyone seems to have their favourites, one thing is clear: kitchen guides and home renovation articles are always a big hit!

So, without further ado, here are the top 10 renovation plus home and living articles of the year, based on your views, shares, and likes.

1. Avoid THESE Rookie Mistakes: 5 Reno Regrets as Told by Homeowners

This article is the most-read this year for a good reason—it taps into first-time homeowners experiences and the renovation challenges they faced. By learning from their mistakes, you can avoid common pitfalls and make your own renovation journey a whole lot smoother.

2. The Best Places to Buy Houseplants in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor

With the rising popularity of indoor plants and gardening, it’s no surprise that this article has become a favourite among both seasoned plant parents and beginners eager to add a touch of greenery to their homes. Whether you’re on the lookout for lush houseplants, pots, or fertilizers, this guide has you covered with the best spots to shop in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

3. 10 Colourful Kitchen Ideas to Cheer Up Your Cooking Space

This article has been a hit among our readers because it offers fresh ideas on adding a splash of colour to the kitchen. With creative tips and stunning examples, this article shows how a little colour can go a long way in transforming a kitchen from ordinary to full of personality, making it a must-read for anyone looking to step away from the conventional.

4. Hong Kong Couple Transforms 2700 Sqft KL Home into Dream Holiday Space

Modern luxury has been a popular design trend this year, so it’s no surprise that this home has become one of the most-read articles this year. It offers a captivating look into the luxurious transformation of a high-end condominium in Desa Park City, owned by Hong Kong-based homeowners who envisioned it as their dream holiday retreat. With the expertise of the KL-based interior design firm Glassic Conzept, readers were inspired by how the homeowners’ vision was flawlessly brought to life.

5. Sneaky Hidden Door Ideas for a Sleek and Stylish Home

Concealed doors have become a hot interior design trend, thanks to their perfect mix of functionality and aesthetics. Not only are they great for hiding awkward entrances (due to poor layouts), but they also help create a sleek, streamlined look in any space. This article provides plenty of creative ‘secret’ door ideas that readers loved, offering stylish solutions to incorporate into their own home.

6. 10 Beautiful Laundry Room Designs That Make Chores Less Dreadful

This article became another favourite among our readers because it shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked space—the laundry room. With 10 beautiful and practical ideas, it inspired readers to transform their laundry rooms into spaces that are not only functional but also enjoyable to spend time in. After all, who wouldn’t want to make mundane tasks a little more pleasant?

7. How Influencer Nicole Chen Transformed Her Condo with RM150,000

With a background in interior design (her father owns Fella Design furniture!), social media influencer, Nicole Chen, skillfully created a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a true reflection of her personality and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for ideas on how to create a home that feels uniquely your own, or are simply curious to find out how an influencer’s home looks, be sure to read this if you haven’t!

8. An Expat's Condo with Stunning Views of KLCC Gets a Modern Makeover

This article became one of the most popular reads this year, thanks to its captivating renovation story about Jason, a Hong Kong expatriate. Jason purchased a 1,650 sqft condominium in Bangsar as an investment property and rented it out for five years. With plans to relocate to Malaysia, he decided to renovate the condo to make it his new home.

Following the makeover, he discovered his condo offered a stunning KLCC view—revealed through the ingenious addition of a floating bench, a suggestion by his interior designer, Kotak Kreatif Design Studio. What made the story even more intriguing was that the entire renovation process was communicated through WhatsApp text messages, as Jason was based in Hong Kong during the project. Jason's experience showcases how thoughtful design can completely transform a space, while also highlighting the power of creativity and trust in a digital age.

9. The Best of Both Worlds: Stylish Semi-Open Kitchen Designs

The open vs. closed kitchen debate is a dilemma many face. Offering the perfect middle ground, the semi-open kitchen concept struck a chord with readers looking for both style and practicality.

By showcasing ideas like half-walls, breakfast bars, and glass partitions, this article provides smart solutions to maintain a sense of openness while addressing common concerns like noise, mess, and cooking odours. So it’s no wonder that this article resonated with readers eager to create a kitchen that’s both interactive, functional and visually spacious.

10. Where to Shop for Japandi-Style Furniture in Malaysia

Rounding up our top 10 most read articles of this year is our Japandi furniture shopping guide. It became popular among our readers because it taps into the growing interest in Japandi design, a style known for its serene, cosy, and timeless appeal.

By providing a handy list of stores that offer items perfectly capturing the essence of this design, the article makes it easy for readers to embrace the Japandi lifestyle and transform their homes into peaceful, inviting havens.

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