This Instagrammer’s Home is a Place for DIY Fun

The benefits of unwinding after a long, stressful day at work are well-known. Just as important is setting up the atmosphere in order to relax, and for most, home is where the colors are. Instagrammer Geraldine Tan’s (@littlebigbell) house is her own pastel oasis, away from the hustle and bustle of the emergency department she works at during the day. Her love for unabashed hues goes beyond the walls of her apartment, into her vibrant blog. From finding the best practices for DIY work to tricks on figuring out your own interior design style, Geraldine shares her interior design know-how and gives us a glimpse of her beautiful home and her experience diving into the world of DIY.

How did you put everything together? What were the biggest challenges?

I’ve been in the same home for around 15 years now, and I’ve taken my time to update and revamp the space. My biggest challenge was being time-poor and not being able to do the work myself or find someone reliable to help. I particularly had a huge problem finding the right person to help with my bathroom revamp. Over the years, I have collected a list of good tradesmen I can now rely on to help with any painting or DIY work around the home.

What is your favorite spot in your home and why?

I love being in my workspace because that is where I retire to in the evening and on weekends to edit my photos and write my blog posts. It’s my own little space away from the bustle of the hospital’s emergency department, where I work during the day. I’ve used my favourite pastel hues for that space and love to rotate the artworks on my gallery wall, which is a constant source of creative inspiration.

When it comes to your home, what do you think is always worth investing in?

I think the kitchen is an area worth investing in. I love it as a central hub where the family congregates to eat and chat. We are lucky to have a central kitchen island to gather around, but investing in a lovely dining table there is equally as effective. Keeping the kitchen looking fresh and new with colour is a great way to revamp it. We have paintable cupboards that we can easily refresh with a coat of paint. Other easy DIY ideas include using colorful, removable decals to refresh tiles or backsplash areas in your kitchen. My husband is a great cook, and cooking is his creative outlet, so it’s lovely for him to have a beautiful space to work in. It’s a great advantage for me as well, as I get to eat the most amazing meals.

What’s your best advice for someone looking to bring their home to life? Any important dos and don’ts?

I’d say that knowing your interior design style is a key first step, then identifying what colours you love. Don’t be worried about using colors. Go with your instinct and what makes you feel happy. Find inspiration on platforms like Pinterest, and create mood boards before embarking on your décor journey. I would advise taking your time to do your home up and be careful not to invest too much on a fleeting trend. Go for a design that will stand the test of time. However, it’s not to say that you can’t experiment. You can change the look and feel of a space by changing up a few inexpensive items, such as cushions, art prints and decor accessories. 

 Do:

• Find the right people for the right task.
• Find your interior design style. 
• Have timelessness in mind. 

 Don’t:

•  Be afraid to use colors.
•  Spend too much on what might be a passing trend.
•  Be afraid of DIY. 

Whether you choose pastels for your walls and decor or you go for a darker look, remember to make your home your comfort space. Quick-passing aesthetic trends are fun and exciting, but timelessness and coziness should take priority especially when you’re short on time and money.

Thank you, Geraldine Tan (@littlebigbell) for giving us a tour of your lovely home!

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