Luxe minimalist with a hint of organic and a little bit of unified patterns around the space” – for Shini, putting the perfect home together is very much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle: it is as much a logical exercise as it is a creative one. 

 When it comes to Shini’s favourite place in her own home, it comes down to the kitchen island where her guests are entertained while they are over. In her alone time, however, her favourite space to find inspiration is instead out on the patio, where the floor is decorated with Niro Granite tiles in a black-and-white checkered scheme that lends a Parisian touch to the surroundings.  

Here are Shini Petrina Raman’s three tips to designing a perfect home:

Shini Petrina Raman’s Perfect Home Tip #1: Be Mindful About Textures and Palettes 

In a time when most are opting for neutral shades and lush fabrics for their colour scheme, Shini contends that they may not be the best choice for family homes with children. Instead, you might want to give preference to materials that are easy to clean and maintain, as spills and scribbles are bound to happen when children are about.  

Shini Petrina Raman’s Perfect Home Tip #2: Prioritise Your Budget in the Right Spaces 

When one moves into a new space, the tendency is to spread the budget to cover every room – in this aspect, Shini’s advice is to prioritise spending the budget in the spaces where you expect to do most of your living in, such as the living hall, the master bedroom, the kitchen, and the bathrooms. In particular, she recommends spending your budget on permanent works, such as the ceiling, plumbing, and electrical wiring – basically, all the things that “box up” your home while making it look pretty. 

Shini Petrina Raman’s Perfect Home Tip #3: Tell a Story with Your Design 

Shini’s advice for those designing their space is to “always try to marry every single space together”. From the living hall to the kitchen, and from there to the next room, a well-designed space tells a story of its inhabitants through its motifs. To achieve this, think about a cohesive theme that resonates with your personal style and values. Consider how each room can contribute to the narrative, blending colours,  textures, and decorative elements to create a harmonious flow throughout your home.