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SMARTER FEB 2019

ISSUE 166 S$5.50/RM10

living

HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR HUMBLE ABODE INTO A SMART HOME

SMARTHOME

CONNECTED

living

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN THE DIGITAL AGE IS THE ABILITY TO STAY CONNECTED. HERE, WE BREAK DOWN HOW SMART APPLIANCES IN OUR HOMES ARE BENEFICIAL TO OUR EVERYDAY LIVING TEXT Germaine Cheah & Jasmine Ong

EXTERIOR Creating a smart home is not limited to just the interior of your home. As a front door is the most frequently used spot, it is beneficial to start thinking about how you could digitise your exterior with a smart device. Probably known as the best alternative to the dated lock-and-key method, digital locks promise to grant safety and convenience to homeowners while offering them peace of mind. Since the mechanism is based on established security protocols, they would prevent unauthorised access from strangers at all times.

As it is unlikely for the lock to be broken or hacked into, the risks involved with a faulty system is extremely low. Some locks even come with an

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additional function that notifies the homeowner of any failed attempts to enter the premises, by key or pin code.

Simple and functional, the idea of a smart lock is meant to grant you keyless access to your home and lessen the troubles that come with physical keys. Instead of rummaging through your bag, or worry about losing them when you’re on-the-go; going digital creates an easy solution that uses your smartphone, fingerprint or pin code to unlock your home. Plus, smart locks eliminate the worry of forgetting to lock the door each time you exit or enter your home as it automatically locks when the door closes.

To complete your basic smart exterior, you could also consider investing in a smart doorbell which usually comes equipped with a camera and can be integrated with a smart lock. Instead of having to make your way to the front door to see who’s at the door, a video doorbell gets rid of this step and instead allows for you to view the live feed from your smartphone. The doorbell is also known to function as a safety wall which lets you speak with an unknown stranger through two-way communication to determine the reason for their appearance at your doorstep. Even if you are not at home, the conversation can still be conducted remotely without the other person knowing.

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TOP 5

SMART

DEVICES FOR THE

exterior

YALE INTELLIGENT BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT DIGITAL DOOR LOCK Available online at Lazada Equipped with a security alarm and an easy scan technology, this digital door lock conveniently provides quick access with a smart touchpad that prevents passwords from being unintentionally exposed via residual fingerprints.

R ING VIDEO DOORBELL 2 Available at Gain City Outfitted with adjustable motion sensors, the video doorbell sends an instant mobile alert to you whenever motion is detected. With 1080HD video quality and two-way talk, you will still be able to find out who’s at the door without physically being there.

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IGLOOHOME SMART PADLOCK Available for purchase in the second quarter of 2019 The Smart Padlock is a versatile and remotelymanaged security solution that provides you with an easy way to manage access to your home. Through the unique

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A UGUST DOORBELL CAM PRO Available online at Lazada and www.opulence.sg

access option using a pin code or a Bluetooth key, you will be able to grant guests immediate entry into your home via any communication mode such as text or Facebook Messenger.

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With the ability to detect motion, the cam is able to identify people at the door and send an instant alert to your smartphone. The motion-activated August HindSight also provides additional protection for your home as it records footage from the time a person approaches your front door to the moment they leave.

SAMSUNG DOOR LOCK (SHP-DP728)T Available at major department stores and home appliance stores As the world’s first Push Pull model for door locks, it is designed to be safe and robust. The lock is integrated with Bluetooth and the mobile app, sHome Doorlock, which gives the homeowner real-time alerts whenever the IR Sensor detects motion.

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SMARTHOME

LIVING ROOM Where interior design is concerned, creating a home with a particular style that “speaks to you” is every design-savvy homeowner’s dream. But what if your home could, quite literally, talk to you? Inspired by the success of internet-enabled smart speakers like the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant that provide hands-free help around the home, the latest releases of home appliances are certainly doing much more than just sitting pretty, and this is especially evident in the living room.

Home hubs like the Google Home offer the management of all smart home devices from one connected interface. Instead of using the traditional wall switch, you can ask the Google

Assistant to turn on the lights as you enter each room – a nifty trick for when your hands are full from carrying shopping bags.

In terms of the multimedia experience, there are now also a plethora of smart features that the devices under this category can offer, transforming a once passive activity into a highly active and involved one. With a smart television, users can not only channel-surf, they can also use the set as a web browser – perfect for when you want to update your social media accounts or order food delivery but your laptop’s in the other room.

Entertaining friends and family also becomes a much easier process when you have a smart living room. For example, when you’re busy in the

kitchen with food prep, you can easily instruct your connected home theatre and audio system to play the desired movie or music tracks without you having to physically search for the specific channel or playlist. And if you find yourself too tired to clean after your guests, you can employ the help of a smart robot vacuum that will make tidying up as easy as 1-2-3.

There’s no denying that smart home automation enables homeowners to now tap into high-tech functionality and luxury that wasn’t possible in the past. And as automation continues to develop, so will the effectiveness of appliances, which will in turn help in making our home life that much more easier and enjoyable.

TOP 5

SMART

DEVICES FOR THE

living room

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LIFX WI-FI LED SMART LIGHTS Available at www.lifx.com A new player in the smart lighting game is LIFX, where its bulbs come in a variety of different shapes and sizes that make it suitable for all areas of the home.

Besides automating the bulbs with a simple tap on the accompanying smartphone app, the system’s compatibility with all major voice assistants means that you’ll be able to control temperature and brightness of the bulbs by simply speaking to it.

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KLIPSCH THREE WIRELESS SPEAKER Available at TC Acoustic A smart speaker is the hub of any good smart home, and the Klipsch Three wireless speaker combines the best of form and function with top-notch acoustics and built-in smart functionality. With Google Assistant at your disposal, not only will you be able to play music and audiobooks easily from your favourite streaming apps, you’ll also be able to control your home with voice command.

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FURNIQI WIRELESS CHARGING SIDE TABLE Available at www.fonesalesman.com Messy charging cables equate to a cluttered living space and a cluttered mind but the FurniQi wireless charging side table is here to save the day. Simply place your Qi-enabled devices – which includes iPhone, LG, Samsung and Sony models – on the laser engraved spot and it’ll start charging up without having to be plugged in. And with the option to add an audible notification, the table is easy to use even at night when the lights are off.

4 GOOGLE CHROMECAST Available at Google Store and home appliance stores Yes, you could buy a brand new smart TV but why would you when the Google Chromecast is available? Simply plug this into your existing setup, connect it to your home network, and your existing television will now have all the smart features you desire – including mirroring what’s playing on your smartphone to the TV. And if you have Google Home, you can even use your voice to command Chromecast to play your desired programmes on screen.

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SAMSUNG CYCLONE FORCE POWERBOT Available at major department stores and home appliance stores It’s not easy keeping a house clean, but the Samsung Cyclone Force POWERbot can certainly help. Slimmer but more powerful than its predecessors, it cleans difficult-to-reach places effectively and thoroughly. But what’s most impressive is the Intelligent Power Control, allowing the vacuum cleaner to automatically detect the type of flooring it’s cleaning – from hardwood floor to carpets – and change the suction power accordingly.

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STYLE

A NEW SPIN FRESH TAKES ON POPULAR HOME DECOR THEMES TO DRESS UP YOUR COMMUNAL AREA – JUST IN TIME FOR THE NEXT BIG GET-TOGETHER WITH YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST

IMAGE COURTESY OF CRANMORE HOME

TEXT Fidz Azmin

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Nordic glamour

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE DESIGN HUNTER

The Scandi-luxe interior retains the effortless simplicity and practicality that is signature to the Nordic style – but this time, it’s all dressed up. Think details such as metallic finishes and luxurious accent pieces weaved into an easy and airy space. Gold, copper or brass highlights – in the form of lighting, furniture detailing or hardware like cabinet pulls – bring sparkle to its modest personality.

FOR THE LONG RUN We love how this new take on the Scandinavian interior celebrates sustainability in design. Owners of Nordic inspired homes can simply give their pad a fresh look by changing up certain furnishings and accessories that can be rotated for use anytime – no wastage incurred and no major overhaul required.

IMAGE COURTESY OF DANISH DESIGN CO

IMAGE COURTESY OF NORSU INTERIORS

MATERIALS MATTER We recommend incorporating marble, particularly paler stones the likes of the Carrera, into the domicile to bring about an upscale aura.

The rock’s ivory base will never feel out of place in a place enveloped in muted hues – plus, the ribbons of grey cascading through the stone create visual interest. Since Nordic homes have a penchant for fabrics that give a fuzzy feeling, don’t scrimp on textiles. Upgrade to sumptuous velvet pillow covers or lay a fluffy shaggy rug at the sitting room for the luxe factor.

KEEP IT LIGHT This room has got its seating game on. Not only do their delicious dusty pink and caramel hues imbue warmth into Scandi’s pale landscape, these fully upholstered chairs provide unrivalled comfort for those precious catch-up sessions over mealtimes.

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STYLE

The new industrial

IMAGE COURTESY OF HOUSE DOCTOR

The industrial-themed interior is one that’s not typically associated with refinement, but this year sees it shifting gear towards a cleaner and more modern aesthetic.

The new industrial is a grown-up version of its tough and rugged younger self. Don’t fret – we’ve salvaged all the best bits that give it its trademark swagger.

IMAGE COURTESY OF HOUSE DOCTOR

IMAGE COURTESY OF DANISH DESIGN CO

NEW EDGY The updated rendition of the popular industrial theme is just as atmospheric, as it utilises a rugged mix of textures comprising aged wood, steel and rustic fabrics like jute.

Likewise, masonry materials make a great base – but keep it toned down this time. When it comes to the walls and floors, don’t be overzealous with surfaces and colours. Try to stick to one type of finish or colour family – for example, solely concrete or cement-like tiles – to garner impact without going overboard.

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LEAN IN While core materials stay dominantly the same, the style’s overall silhouette becomes svelte. Furniture profiles lose their bulk and take on a leaner shape – thus, resulting in a space that appears polished. What’s more, the moody palette that is synonymous with this theme is now making way for lighter colours and making interiors feel breezier.

White on white

IMAGE COURTESY OF LIGHTS4FUN

IMAGE COURTESY OF SWEETPEA & WILLOW

IMAGE COURTESY OF LIGHTS4FUN

What the white-on-white look lacks in colour, it compensates with texture and depth. This interior look is far from sparse and is in fact brimming with beautiful surfaces, from wood, brick, tiles and marble to cotton, silk, linen and wool. In fact, it is more intimately connected to the eclectic design where layers of textures that have been distilled to their purest form come together to heighten a room’s tactile quality and help dial up its cosy levels.

SOFT FOCUS Infuse hints of soft grey hues, natural textures or a pop of high-contrast pattern into a snowy landscape for subtle definition.

BLANK CANVAS To build your snow-white palace, start from ground up. White’s versatility is illustrated in a spectrum of hues from crisp wintry whites to warmer sandy tones and pale flaxen. Even a nuance makes a mile of a difference particularly when the shade is swathed across a larger section of wall space, so it is best to practice prudence and take time to pick a tint that speaks your style. With floors, finishes such as wood saturate the area with warmth, while polished tiles or marble help to forge a modern facade.

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SURFACE

SHIMMER AND SHINE ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD – ESPECIALLY WITH THESE HIGH-SHEEN SURFACES THAT WILL MAKE DARK OR SMALL ROOMS APPEAR BRIGHTER AND LARGER TEXT Disa Tan

ARTISAN MOSS GREEN TILE from Hafary

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TILES Tiles are revered for their hardwearing nature and in terms of selection there is a wide plethora of glossy designs. From glass tiles that emit a mirror-like sheen to glossy ceramic tiles that give off a nearly reflective effect, there is also the trendy subway tile which is well-loved by many urban dwellers.

ARTISAN ROSE MALLOW TILE COLLECTION from Hafary JEWELS TILE COLLECTION from Hafary

CALACATTA GLOSSY TILE COLLECTION from Hafary

APPLICATIONS Flooring and wall coverings are some of the more common tile applications but it also depends on certain factors. High-gloss flooring tiles tend to be more slippery than matte surfaces when it is wet. As such, avoid using it for bathroom floors, especially in households with the elderly and young children.

Scratches will also be more prominent on high-gloss flooring when there are pets in the house, so consider these factors too.

Tile file Here’re some tips on how to keep your glossy tiles looking brand new.

Use floor mats at all points of entry to prevent sand and grit from spreading onto tiled flooring.

When mopping, change the water frequently to minimise the spread of dirty water around the floor.

Avoid using highly abrasive materials such as metal scouring pads on glossy tiles.

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SURFACE

6313 TURBINE GREY from Caesarstone

ENGINEERED QUARTZ Boasting both design and colour versatility and the natural beauty of stone, engineered quartz is a lowmaintenance natural stone lookalike that is available in many dynamic tones.

APPLICATIONS According to Sally Liang, Head of Marketing & Communications, SEA, Caesarstone, quartz surfaces should be used mainly indoors. This surface is best used on kitchen countertops, islands, vanity tops, flooring, wall panelling and custommade furniture.

Unlike most stones, marbles and granite, quartz surfaces from Caesarstone are more durable and require less maintenance.

Thanks to its manufacturing process, Caesarstone surfaces are impervious to stains, scratches and cracks. Sally adds, “They re also highly resistant to heat.” Best of all, Caesarstone surfaces do not require sealing, treating or polishing. “All it needs is a simple wipe with regular detergent and water,” she adds.

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6046 MOORLAND FOG from Caesarstone

LAMINATES The chameleon of all materials, laminates can take on practically any look in terms of colour, print and texture. The ones with a glossy finish reflect light well so these budget-friendly options are the optimum surfaces to offer a visual upsize to small spaces. A glossy laminate also presents a more vibrant colour, as compared to its matte counterpart.

TERRA LAMINATE from EDL

LAVANT-G LAMINATE from EDL

DESIGN BY UPSTAIRS_, FEATURING TERA MARBLE LAMINATE from EDL

DESIGN BY UPSTAIRS_, FEATURING TERA MARBLE LAMINATE from EDL

APPLICATIONS From wall coverings to decorative finishes for carpentry works, the versatility of laminates knows no bounds in the living space. Director Eleanor Lim from EDL advises to select the correct surface for the type of usage. For instance, the kitchen will encounter grease and grime, so she suggests a flat (nontextured) finish. In terms of maintenance, the upkeep for glossy surfaces is easier than matte surfaces as the glossy surface itself is very flat, it traps little grime or dust within the surface as compared to embossed finishes.

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SPACES

OVERALL

While most of the unit is decked out in carpentry works, it does not diminish the visual appearance of the space. Through the use of tinted mirrors and a cohesive material palette, the home feels much bigger and brighter.

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beyond

MODERN Dressed in a modern luxe style and a good dose of practical design, this family abode shines in all aspects TEXT Disa Tan PHOTOS Richfield Integrated

AT A GLANCE

SPACE

3-bedroom condominium unit

LOCATION

Punggol

RENO PERIOD

2 months

HOME TO

3 adults

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SPACES

ENTRANCE

The angled placement of a display nook reduces the visual bulk of full-height cabinetry and tricks the eye into believing the entrance is much more expansive.

DISPLAY NOOK WALL

Woodgrained laminates from Lamitak

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G

reat style doesn’t quite equate to practicality but the designers from Richfield Integrated have struck an impressive balance between both.

This brand new condominium unit is a prime example of their prowess in melding form with function. The design team engaged a precise and thoughtful approach to the scheme where

the modern aesthetic belies clever functionality.

According to project manager Risan Sun, the project “was all about keeping things modern, clean and sharp”.

Indeed, this family home to three excels in all these aspects and goes the distance to provide a comfortable and timeless environment for its occupants. The designers did little modifications

LIVING ROOM

A linear ceiling feature which is neatly integrated with overhead cabinets anchor the living space. The custom-built design elements are paired to good effect with a bespoke coffee table designed by the Richfield Integrated team.

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SPACES

DINING AREA

Brimming with modern elegance, the dining space is adorned with a custom-designed dining table, which is paired with a contemporary chandelier. The designers were aware that the homeowners entertain and so they designed a plush booth seat for them to entertain in style and comfort.

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Classic Edition armchair from Walter Knoll S T U DY

Echoing the material palette in the communal zones, the home office comprises a minimal setup of woodgrained laminates paired with white surfaces.

to the original floor plan and even utilised the existing marble flooring and timber flooring to great effect.

As one enters the unit, a row of full-height cabinetry fills the wall of the walkway into the main communal zones. A soothing yet spaceenhancing ensemble of woodgrained laminates and tinted mirrors spark off a spacious and modern living space. Even with the strong-looking wood textures, the tinted mirrored strips offset the bold patterns for a sleek effect. Each design element shines in its own right and this proves to

be a winning style combo which sets the modern aesthetics in motion.

Behind the cabinetry is hidden storage which conceals the distribution board as well. That’s not the only ingenious part about it; the designers created an open display shelf with an angled placement. “This creates a larger entrance,� Risan explains. This certainly plays up the visual expanse of the space right from the start.

There is an attention to detail in the shared living and dining zones and this is evident in the design continuity in both zones. A significant visual

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SPACES

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LIVING ROOM

Besides adding to the home’s tranquil atmosphere, the pristine white walls also create an ideal backdrop that allow the homeowners’ collection of pictures and artwork to stand out.

upsized

LIVING In this jumbo HDB flat, the principles of functionality and spaciousness are enhanced with an underlying clean-lined look TEXT Germaine Cheah PHOTOS r file

AT A GLANCE

SPACE

Jumbo HDB unit

LOCATION

Marsiling Rise

RENO PERIOD

12 weeks

HOME TO

2 adults, 3 children

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SPACES

OVERALL

Minimal tones of wood and white are generously employed thoughout the jumbo flat to create a spacious and airy vibe.

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B

efore build-to-order flats were the new normal in Singapore, blocks of HDB units were actually built before they were sold. As a result, there was a massive oversupply of flats during the 1980s, which were mostly concentrated within the Woodlands estate. The Housing & Development Board responded to the oversupply by combining

many of the unsold units into jumbo flats. These new accommodations were created by knocking down the wall between two adjacent 3-room and 4-room units.

Of late, these jumbo flats have increased in popularity amongst family units, and needless to say, there are a very limited number left in the market. As such, when this family of five

KITCHEN

Other than provide additional countertop space, the island unit also comes equipped with cabinets that add more storage solutions to the utilitarian zone.

came across this rare jumbo flat in Marsiling, they decided to seize the opportunity to make the space their home, and engaged Cadine Lim from design firm Prozfile to help with the renovation process.

With an affinity for a clean and simple interior concept, the designer employed the use of woods and whites for a bright and airy look. With the owners wanting to retain most of their furniture pieces – which were clad in soothing greys and earthy tans – from their previous home, the neutral hues ensure that all pre-existing and any new furniture will blend in well together.

In the living room, thoughtful design fixtures offer the family plenty of storage space to keep all of their necessities. For example, along the home’s entryway, a series of newly constructed full-height cabinets help keep shoes and other bulky household accessories hidden from sight.

Meanwhile, on the opposite end of the room, the television wall is fitted with a mixture of open shelves and closed cabinets that provide a landing spot for personal trinkets and knick-knacks.

The dining zone was furnished simply with just the essentials of a wood-accented dining table and accompanying chairs, creating a calm and stress-free eating experience. However,

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SPACES

DINING AREA

The homeowner favours neutral tones which lean towards a masculine colour palette and this is reflected in most of the apartment.

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think

BIG

Tiny can be mighty too – as attested by this studio apartment and its creative use of space TEXT Disa Tan PHOTOS Versaform

AT A GLANCE

SPACE

Studio condominium unit

LOCATION

Sims Avenue

RENO PERIOD

4 weeks

HOME TO

1 adult

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SPACES

OVERALL

A mild steel structure in powder-coated black frames and bi-fold doors was constructed to create a Manhattaninspired loft. The designers preferred mild steel over aluminium because of its slim build.

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V

enturing beyond the boundaries of walls, the Versaform design team has proven their prowess in creating more room out of less in this petite living space. Home to a bachelorette and her dog, the team was tasked to maximise the space usage in this studio apartment unit. That they did, and they managed to stretch it further in terms of both form and function.

First and foremost, they capitalised on the double volume ceiling by creating a bedroom loft. They also reconfigured the wardrobe space and reworked the layout to accommodate an semi-enclosed walk-in en suite. All these spaceenhancing strategies work well in creating a large expanse of space while keeping things functional.

The setup of the en suite appears straightforward enough but there is more than

Bebo wire side tables from Artisanti LIVING ROOM (right)

Bespoke pieces like the dining table with customised dimensions are a perfect fit within the limited floor area.

TV CONSOLE (below)

The dual-sided TV console has a smart swivelling feature that allows the homeowner to access the TV either from the living area or from her walk-in en suite.

meets the eye. Fronting it is a custom-built TV console that lends additional support to the loft level. “To introduce a strong focal point, we utilised wood-effect laminates and laid the laminate strips in a chevron pattern,” says the design team of the custom-designed TV console. Bi-fold doors in glass and a mild steel powder-coated structure outline the space. “It also segregates the private spaces from the communal zones for better air circulation; in terms of air-conditioning,” the design team adds.

Elevating the functionality of the space is the dual-sided TV console which allows the homeowner to access the TV either from the living area or her walk-in wardrobe. “The TV

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SHORTCUT

BOXED GREENS All you need is a small section of a wall to grow your very own vertical garden IMAGE COURTESY OF Furniture Choice

If you fancy yourself a budding gardener but don’t have the dedicated space to cultivate one, this idea is perfect for you. All you need are a metal wall grid, box crates, some leather straps and available wall space. Mount the wire grid, secure the leather straps on either side of a crate and loop them through the wire grid. Then, simply start gardening!

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