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junE
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design news, places to v i s i t, t h i n g s t o b u y
15 Sleek & Slide Ever wished the digital tablet you are holding in your hands could magically transform into a largesized television? 16 Colour of the month We all could use some soothing calm in this trying times. And few can match the versatitlity and soothing effects of pastels.
s ho p ping 18
great buyS Our monthly roundup of the hottest new design products for the home.
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living Our picks of perfectly imperfect handmade elements all come together in these African-inspired pieces.
h ot s pot 24
Chaumet Steeped in heritage and history, luxury jeweller Chaumet’s newly reopened store at the iconic Place Vendome in Paris bridges the present with the jeweller’s storied past. 26
JW marriott Qufu This new luxury hotel in Qufu, China, is a study in cultural elegance.
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hotel lou Pinet Designed by Charles Zana, this hotel reflects the boho chic spirit of the legendary small village of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera.
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rubio Store Colourful and interactive, this Spanish shop designed by Masquespacio is surprising in every corner. 32
domeS zeen Chania In addition to sophisticated design and idyllic surroundings, this family-friendly hotel offers a variety of activities for both adults and children.
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Botanical Glory
Inspired by the art of ikebana, this vase looks good from every angle.
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peop l e
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The CuriosiTy reflex It is thanks to his insatiable sense of curiosity that influential Brazilian artist, Vik Muniz, has been reaching out to others for the past three decades, repurposing a broad range of nontraditional materials — from magazine collage and grape vines to peanut butter and jelly — to recreate artworks that change the way people see things.
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A frAgrAnT legACy Pernette PerriandBarsac talks about preserving her mother Charlotte Perriand’s legacy with perfume.
homes
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The long Journey To eurekA
the new modern
Yvonne Tan, Dyson’s Digital Motor engineering Manager, Singapore talks about what it means to become a modern-day inventor. 44
Design shoulD be forever Design luminary Patricia urquiola talks about the need for designers to be mindful of how their works affect and are affected by the environment. 47
up Close Founder of Paper Carpenter Adrian Chua gets candid about his personal style and a perilous situation that shaped his view on life.
design
i d e a s a n d i n s p i r at i o n f r o m those in the know
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A gArDen of olD AnD new At floral designer Dylan Tripp’s home in Rome, houseplants grow unmanicured and the furniture is a mix of designer pieces and handmade mementos. 54
uTTer MoDern This apartment tells the story of its owner through a quirky collection of furniture, furnishings and art. 4
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fAMiliAr TerriTory It’s always a compliment to designers when a homeowner reengages their services and requests that her new home looks just like the previous one.
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iT All sTACks up The homeowners and interior designer focus their efforts and budget on key spaces within the four levels of a strata terrace home. 76
vinTAge vigneTTes Years of accumulated design references were lovingly woven into this couple’s first home.
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viCToriAn MoD Con This couple realised their vision of a modern Victorian home that is cosy and unique, and which incorporates smart home features.
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june
f eatu r e 92
features T h e L aT e s T i n D e s i g n anD Decor TrenDs
MAKe IT WORK Keen to style up your work area in the house? Here are ways to set up a home office for every budget. 98
Get It Done Procrastination - it gets to the best of us. If you often struggle with managing your tasks, here’s how you can beat the thief of time. 100
Personal suPPort Set your productivity stage with these chair and task light picks.
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on the cover
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This apartment tells the story of its owner through a quirky collection of furniture, furnishings and art. PHOTOgRAPHY veronica tay ART dIReCTIOn nonie cHen
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FlexI-room Add versatility to your spatial planning by adopting the traditional japanese concept of Washitsu. 110
sHaPe sHIFters Cop these brilliant design ideas that bridge the gap between style and versatile function. 114
reFresH your Home Health and wellness is a focus of concern today. You’ll want to invest on these innovative appliances to keep your home a safe haven.
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eDItor’s note 11
H&D.com.sG 12 DIGItal eDItIon exclusIves 117 wHere to buy 119
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Editorial
PhotograPhy
Editor-in-chiEf Young Lim (younglim@sph.com.sg)
chiEf PhotograPhEr Veronica Tay (verontay@sph.com.sg)
assistant Editor Asih Jenie (asihj@sph.com.sg)
ExEcutivE PhotograPhErs Frenchescar Lim (frenchl@sph.com.sg)
WritErs Michelle Lee (michlee@sph.com.sg)
Tan Wei Te (tanweite@sph.com.sg)
Melody Bay (melodyb@sph.com.sg)
Darren Chang (darrenc@sph.com.sg)
crEativE sEnior art dirEctor Nonie Chen (noniec@sph.com.sg) art dirEctor Kristy Quah (krisquah@sph.com.sg)
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PhotograPhErs Phyllicia Wang (wanglx@sph.com.sg) Vee Chin (veechin@sph.com.sg) vidEograPhEr Alicia Chong (achong@sph.com.sg) sEnior administrativE ExEcutivE Wendy Wong (wwong@sph.com.sg)
Editorial SuPPort
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editor’s note
plenty of possibilities Many homeowners have had to work from home during the recent Circuit Breaker period, and while this sounds like a good move for those who prefer to operate remotely from the comfort of their living room or study, a fair amount of working executives encountered difficulty adjusting to the new routine. One of the reasons could be because not all homes are designed with spaces conducive for getting work done in, since the social norm here is to head into the office most days of the year. Yet as the world begins adapting to the new changes it has been confronted with lately, we are also realising the need for creating versatile
living spaces that allow us to be productive and feel comfortable at the same time. What happens if there is no space in your domain for a dedicated home office? That’s where the beauty of a flexible interior design lies, because with some careful planning, a dining area can be easily converted into a cool hotdesking station. An open-concept kitchen can transform into a sleek space for checking your electronic mailbox while making tea at the same time. This is the new challenge faced by homeowners today, and I hope the other ideas we’ve shared in this issue will give you the perfect start to designing your own flexi-space.
photography AngelA guo art direction nonie chen
yo u n g l i m e d i to r - i n - c h i e f
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a n a ll-new onl ine e xp er i enc e!
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official launch of h&D TV wiTh ViDeo playlisTs & more The laTesT sTyle Tips, TrenD sTories anD Designer feaTures exciTing giVeaways anD exclusiVe offers
aVailable on DeskTops & all mobile DeVices.
make www.homeanddecor.com.sg your one-stop design destination today!
real-Time design updaTes www.facebook.com/ homeanddecor.singapore The latest content on home decor and shopping scoops.
sighTs & inspiraTion check us ouT aT @homeanddecor_sg
how the pandemic will shape the way we renovate Local brands share their observations on the renovation market. tinyurl.com/pandemic-renovationsingapore
Zen-inspired condo with a dark hues Dusky tones and natural materials combine for clean bold interiors. tinyurl.com/zen-condo-dark-colours
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Check out popular blog posts of the month more inTerior sTyles from our online image library
This monTh on our “chic bed rooms” board… www.pinTeresT.com/ homeanddecorsg
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In the june dIgItal Issue‌ Hotel lou Pinet Check into this lovely hotel with a classic design and fall in love with its charm.
boNus galleries & viDeos Man of tHe MoMent View more of controversial artist Vik Muniz’s artworks and things that inspire him.
SuPerbly Swanky Get a close up look at this posh bachelor pad with a sleek and cool colour theme, designed by Three-D Conceptwerke.
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d e S i g n n e w S , p l a c e S T o V i S i T, T h i n g S T o b u y
Sleek & Slide Ever wished the digital tablet you are holding in your hands could magically transform into a large-sized television? Well, the tech gods at Samsung just made that dream come true with the Sero, its first TV equipped with an automated rotating display that allows users to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations. The landscape format can be used for viewing conventional television content, while the portrait mode provides enhanced viewing for social media content, streaming services as well as gaming content by seamlessly mirroring from a compatible mobile device. The Sero is available in 43-inch size at $3,499, from major electronics stores. Visit https://shop.samsung.com/sg for more information.
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c o lo u r o f t h e m o n t h
c o lo u r o f the month pantone 7632C
s o ot h i n g nourishing pa s t e l s We all could use some calmness and serenity in these trying times, and few can match the versatility and soothing effects of pastels. The colour beige may sound bland and boring by itself so Copenhagen-based colour designer Margrethe Odgaard calls them by another name, like mushroom, truffle and oyster, a trio of bespoke shades of beige she mixed for Danish furniture brand Montana. Each features a different undertone (pinkish, bluish and reddish) that will set a what Margrethe calls the “colour temperature” of a space. These pastel tones have a nourishing effect for the eyes and body - perfect for the kitchen and dining area. Pair them with darker brown area for a tone-on-tone oasis of calm, or dress them up with statement finishes like rose gold, copper and brass or stronger shades like maroon, burgundy and wenge in the bedroom, study or home office for a fancier effect.
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pantone 4755C
pantone 420C
This soothing pastel colour palette works not only for the kitchen and dining areas but also for a study and home office.
the expert says
m ar g r e the odg aa r d Textile and colour designer, margretheodgaard.com
“Some colours are designed to grab attention, and some are designed to be easy to live with. Don’t judge a colour by its tone; but by how it reinforces a colour theme of a space when paired with other colours and materials. Don’t be afraid to mix colours from different cool or warm spectrum to create a new one, the result may surprise you.”
y r e l l t ia s c a e c sp
solid wood for the wiN For investment-worthy solid wood pieces, homegrown furniture brand Castlery’s contemporary designs make it a favourite for both style and price.
sTyle wiTH subsTAnce
TOP The gleaming accents of the Hudson collection turn up the shine without detracting from the warmth and beauty of acacia wood.
Take for instance, the new Hudson collection. Antiqued brass accents luxe up solid acacia wood, which is known to be highly durable and easy to maintain. It delivers the mid-twentieth century aesthetic with a hint of glamour. More understated with a utilitarian-chic appeal is the Carrie collection,
RigHT The Seb collection has a rustic midcentury modern feel to it and infuses interiors with a sense of home.
characterised by recessed handles and tapered legs, as well as sturdy mango wood in a rich walnut-stained finish. The rounded edges aren’t just synonymous with the mid-century modern movement, they are also great if you have little ones around. Then there is the Seb acacia wood series for pieces that are strong, and resistant to wear and tear. Stained in a subtle honey hue, it imbues a rustic or Nordic-style home with laidback warmth. What makes Castlery’s pieces undeniably appealing is the versatility of their clean, streamlined designs that fit right in with modern tastes as much as they would in a more traditional setting. Best of all, the brand subscribes to a direct-to-consumer retail model, which translates to a seamless buying experience and more cost-savings.
If you’re on the search for well-made furniture that is also easy on the wallet, online furniture retailer Castlery’s chic range will leave you wanting to click “Add to Cart”. Accessible design
While quality solid wood furniture is usually associated with a hefty price tag, Castlery’s ethos for competitive price points with reliable craftsmanship is reflected across its range of tasteful investment pieces that last. Take note though, that it’s easy to lose yourself in its wide range of products that marry high-functionality with sleek design. Many of its collections reimagine the nostalgic mid-century modern style with a fresh perspective, offering plenty of ideas on ways to style your interiors.
Ab OVe
Solid mango wood, a dense hardwood that is strong and fairly water-resistant, is used in the Carrie collection.
Visit www.castlery.com for more information or visit its studio at #02-06 Jit Poh Building, 19 Keppel Road.
trending
Bold As BrAss
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Not only do brass accents luxe up furniture or home accessories, they are versatile too; pair them with neutral or vibrant colours to weave a touch of elegance into your abode.
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1. Rivet coffee table, $750, and end table, $650, from Jotter Goods. 2. Shield Mirror, €4,130 (S$6,336.94), from Maison Valentina. 3. Fruit and nut platter, $50, from Singapore Trading Post 4. Darian Bathtub, €12,690 (S$19,475), from Maison Valentina.
spAce-sAving fitness
COOKING MADE EASY Samsung has rolled out the Colour Series Microwave Ovens that don’t just look chic but boast innovative features, too. Choose from a solo microwave (in black and pink) or a grill microwave (in white and
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mint), both of which have a glass control panel and six intuitive buttons. For the healthconscious, the Grill Fry function fries food evenly with just a dab of oil, while those with a sweet tooth can whip up desserts using pre-set recipes.
The Power Defrost and Bread Defrost are time-savers for busy home cooks, and cleaning up is painless too, thanks to a non-stick ceramic enamel interior that is certified to have up to 99.9 per cent antibacterial properties.
The Samsung Colour Series Microwave Oven retails at $249 (solo microwave) and $319 (grill microwave), available at the Samsung Online Store and major consumer electronics & IT stores.
Italian brand Ever Life Design produces chic home accessories designed to address our evolving needs at home. Its latest product, Tape, is a multifunctional belt with a series of loops that can be installed on any flat vertical surfaces, including doors, to store your things. The Tape Fit version pictured is a space-saving fitness kit that comes with a yoga mat and weights made of cork, and beechwood handles for suspension training. All of Tape’s elements are made with sustainable materials. The Tape series retails at www. everlifedesign.it. Price by request.
GARDEN of EDEN Scent your home with the Thann Eden Breeze diffuser, which is formulated with jasmine and rose notes to uplift your spirits and soothe the senses.
Pleasantly floral and light, the scent recalls a lush garden in full bloom. The Eden Breeze Aroma Diffuser Greek Bottle retails at $80 at www.thann.com.sg.
IN A NEW LIGHT The iconic teddy bear is reimagined as a table lamp by Italian designer Stefano Giovannoni. Available in a myriad of colours and embracing a small luminous sphere, the Teddy Girl Rechargeable Lamp brings both playfulness and an endearing touch to your bedroom. The Teddy Girl Rechargeable Lamp retails at €169 (S$258.70) at www.qeeboo.com.
STREAMLINED & SLEEK
Love the look of a seamless kitchen countertop? Put Fenix’s integrated kitchen sinks on your shopping list. They are designed to match and blend with worktops made of Fenix NTM, a smooth and matte nanotech material. The sinks are fabricated from a composite material that is resistant to impacts and thermal shocks, has a smooth surface for rapid water flow, as well as UV protection that guards against discolouration. To skip the lead time and shipping cost, head to local laminate company EDL to both purchase directly and have it installed in your home.
Pretty in Pink Choose from two models and 12 sink colours. Visit www.edleuro. com for more information on the Fenix Integrated Solutions.
This edition of the Ruhens V water purifier, with its sleek contours and baby pink hue, is a far cry from its boxy impersonal counterparts. It offers five different temperature controls, so you can get iced water for a cold brew, or warm water for making tea. At just 16cm wide, it’ll fit easily even into the tightest of spaces. The Ruhens V retails at $2,599 at Ruhens’ showroom.
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Exhibition of thE month What Non-Aligned Where NTU CCA Singapore Block 43 Malan Road, Gillman Barracks When Now till September 2020*
tile of the month
Non-Aligned showcases three moving-image works by artists, filmmakers, and writers that enquire into the transition periods from colonial rule to the independence of nations. The featured installations
by John Akomfrah, Naeem Mohaiemen and The Otolith Group ponder not just the new possibilities for progressive social and independence movements but also the inherent struggles that define the postWWII period.
*Accurate at time of print. Opening date subject to government measures regarding the reopening of galleries.
editor’s ChoiCe
natural inspirations One great way to add visual interest to a neutral scheme: Throw in a mix of different materials and textures. The Pearl Gray Quad tile from Ceramiche Piemme’s Bits and Pieces collection features woodeffect inserts that add nuance
to a sand-hued stoneware porcelain background. It is just right for playing up the earthy feel of modern country, rustic or coastalstyle interiors. The Pearl Gray Quad tile retails at Hafary, 105 Eunos Avenue 3, www. hafary.com.sg.
just add water Love plants but hate dealing with dirt? Terraplanter is made with propietary porous ceramic that diffuses water and allows plant to grow directly on its surface - no dirt involved, simply add water. Its parametrically-designed surface holds seeds and goes well with contemporary interiors. It is also reusable. Back Terraplanter at Kickstarter, early bird price starts from US$59 (S$83.6). Visit www. terraplanter.com for more information.
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botanical glory
360-degree purification Indoor air quality is more important than ever. LG’s award-winning air purifier PuriCare features a six-step filtration and an ingenious conical shape with super tiny air holes that can deliver clean air even to low areas that toddlers crawl, ensuring fresh air in every corner of a room. A taller version, LG PuriCare Double, will be available in Singapore later this year.
LG PuriCare retails from $1,099 and available from Best Denki, Courts, Harvey Norman and Mega Discount Store.
Jaime Hayon’s Ikebana vases for Danish brand Fritz Hansen have become a staple for chic interiors of many styles. Now Fritz Hansen has followed up the collection with Ikeru vases, which features a series of forest green metal flutes on a disk base encased in glass to display both dry and fresh flowers in their full botanical glory. The design looks good from every angle, perfect for centrepieces. The Ikeru vases are available in two sizes - tall (right, $290) and low (left, $190) from the Fritz Hansen Lounge Singapore.
news
Down Memory Lane Axor’s latest campaign delves into the memories of design partners like JeanMarie Massaud and Barber & Osgerby, who share their personal “Places of Memory” Aerial photography by Tom Hegen connects these places with the personalisation offered by Axor’s MyEdition faucet collection.
Top View For the 19th consecutive year, Epson has once again been named the number one projector brand in Southeast Asia as well as globally by Futuresource Consulting. It continues to innovate with the launch of its retail, education, corporate and home projectors, at the heart of which is its proprietary 3LCD technology.
Head West Come 2021, Swedish furniture giant will be opening its third Singapore store. The first to be established as a tenant within a shopping centre in this region, the new and smaller store will be spread across three floors in JEM, spanning a 6,500 sqm. Customers can expect to shop the full Ikea range, and enjoy bistro favourites like Swedish meatballs and chicken wings.
Siri House Goes Digital If you have an eye for artisanal and unique home goods, direct your browser to The Collective Market by Siri House. The multi-concept Siri House at Dempsey has brought its retail arm online, where you’ll find traditional and contemporary handcrafted homewares from Thai and international brands like Thingg, Neighbour Crafts, and Sur And Everything. Visit www.bit.ly/ ShopatSiriHouseSG.
Read on www.axordesign.com/places.
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The perfeCT Brew Bring out your inner barista with the La Specialista, De’Longhi’s latest espresso machine that enables you to precisely handcraft your coffee just the way you like it. You’ll get a great brew every time, thanks to its sensor grinding technology and smart tamping station that deliver consistent results and less mess. Plus, there are separate heating systems for the water and milk, so you won’t have to wait for a cuppa!
SUSTAINABI MEETS STYL Cork gets a new lease of life with the furniture pieces and bow designed by Jasper Morrison for Vitra. Lightweight and fashioned from recycled pure cork that is left untreated for a natural and lively look, the former are suited for use as side tables or
The La Specialista coffee machine retails at $1,199 at all leading departmental and electronic stores.
stools. Two new designs join the original three created in 2004, set apart by their round, convex profiles. Cork Family, $758, available from www. vitra.com and Vitra Store Singapore.
Add to cart
The CasTlery app
arTisT of The MonTh yeo shih yun Known for reinterpreting the act of ink painting, Singaporean artist Yeo Shih Yun fuses traditional forms of ink paintings with contemporary mediums like new media or performance art. Her works, including a commissioned piece from the Singapore Art Museum, have garnered much acclaim. She also won the Sovereign Asian Art Prize People’s Choice Award in 2012 and the UOB Painting of the Year competition in 2007. Yeo, whose works have been exhibited both locally and internationally, is the
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founder of local independent art space “Instinc”, where she currently lives and works. Catch her upcoming shows in July: Chance Encounterss at the Esplanade tunnel and My Inkcredible Adventure e at the National Gallery (subject to gallery opening), or visit www.shihyunyeo.com.
text michelle lee, melody bay and asih jenie
Going beyond online shopping, homegrown e-commerce brand Castlery has unveiled a new app with plenty of nifty features - including augmented reality (AR) capabilities that allow you to virtually outfit your home with true-to-scale 3D models, right down to details such as fabric and leather textures. Right now, it has an inventory of 250 ARenabled products from its bestselling collections - think sofas, dining furniture and bed frames that you can mix and match to create your ideal space. You can also browse the rest of its catalogue, read customer reviews, shop your favourite pieces and make payment via the app. The Castlery App is available on the Apple App Store (iOS 11 and above). For more information, visit www.castlery.com/app.
1. Dana Round Basket Wall Art, $619, from Crate and Barrel. 2. Hand-knotted using 100 per cent hand-spun bamboo silk yarn, $5,800, from Jehan Gallery. 3. Gervasoni CROCO 95 Suspension Light, $1,634 nett, from The Beuro. 4. Remus Abstract Sculpture, $329.95, from Crate and Barrel.
6 . Expormim Pepe Sofa, Designed by Benedetta Tagliabue, $7120, from Made & Make. 7. Green palm flicker lights, $30, from Singapore Trading Post.
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8 . Thomas Bina DANICA Side Table, Bowl, S$1,268 nett from The Beuro. 9. Intarsia Black C Table, $999, from Crate and Barrel.
5. Oliowood Lungo Wood Marquetry Feature
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tribal influence Natural materials, vibrant colours, lush textures and the irresistible charm of perfectly imperfect handmade elements all come together in these African-inspired pieces. 23
h o t s p ot
F
C h AU M E t Steeped in heritage and history, luxury jeweller Chaumet’s newly reopened store at the iconic Place Vendome in Paris bridges the present with the jeweller’s storied past.
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ollowing a year-long refurbishment, French jewellery house Chaumet recently unveiled its flagship boutique at 12 Place Vendome in late February. Past the gilded doors at the entrance, guests are greeted by the ground-floor boutique. The redesigned and expanded space seamlessly blends 21st-century modernity with Chaumet’s heritage; the brand’s traditional wheat motif is exquisitely embroidered on upholstered walls, engraved in walnut panels and gilded on stone surfaces. The grand staircase with engraved panels, a nod to the love story of French emperor Napoleon and his first wife Josephine, leads to the upper levels that house six intimate salons - the Salon des Joyaux, Salon Malmaison, Salon des Dessins, Salon des Diademes, Salon des Perles, and the illustrious Salon Chopin. The Salon Chopin, once the renowned musician’s living room and where he composed his last mazurka, is saturated with elegant opulence. This historic monument was conceived by lead architect Francois-Joseph Belanger and a team of artisans prized by King Louis XVI and Queen MarieAntoinette at the request of Baron Baudard de Sainte-James in 1779. Lining its walls are the paintings of Lagrenee le Jeune and the Rousseau brothers’ sculpted panelling depicting anchors, shells and tridents. Formerly a dining room, the Salon des Perles with its Napoleon III-style panelling is refreshed in the maison’s signature royal blue, played up with touches of gold. On the floor, a carpet painted
good to know by a highly skilled craftsman portrays two of the maison’s most important themes - tiaras and nature. Chaumet’s history of creating tiaras is illustrated in the Salon des Diademes, where hundreds of nickel silver tiara models stand out against a blue background. These threedimensional renderings, which have been carefully detailed right down to the hand-painted stones, are rare and precious creations in their own right. A stroll through the halls of Chaumet’s new home will fill design and jewellery lovers alike with plenty of decor ideas and inspiration on classic European splendour.
The original location of Chaumet was at 15 Place Vendome, now the address of the Ritz Paris hotel, instead of number 12.
to p
The Salon des Perles embraces a rich blue and gold palette that contrasts with its painted ceiling. ab ov e
The Chaumet flagship boutique is at 12 Place Vendome, Paris, France. Visit www.chaumet.com for more information.
Engraved panels of the grand staircase are a homage to the love story of Napoleon and Josephine.
righ t
Sculpted reliefs of High Jewellery workshop’s original ceiling were uncovered during the restoration work. o pp os ite
Salon Chopin boasts a Pleyel piano, Frederic Chopin’s favourite brand of pianos.
text Michelle lee
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J W M a r r i ot t Q u f u This new luxury hotel in Qufu, China, is a study in cultural elegance.
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olidaymakers in Qufu, the birthplace of renowned philosopher Confucius, will be forgiven for not spotting the JW Marriott hotel the first time round. With its sloping roofs and timber columns, the new luxury hotel blends seamlessly into its neighbourhood, which includes the UNESCO-protected Confucius Temple it sits next to. Designed by award-winning studio LTW Designworks, the hotel takes inspiration from the ancient heritage of The Analects. The result is a hospitality concept that retains modern minimalism while paying tribute to its historical surroundings – a true study in cultural elegance.
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Inside, the first floor resembles the scholar hall in Confucius Temple, with allusions to nature peppered throughout the decor. In the lobby, a gold accent wall, engraved with ginkgo leaves blowing in the wind, stands behind a marble-clad reception desk. These are possibly the only concessions to grandeur; the rest of the atrium is clad in earth and stone hues that evoke quiet austerity, ensuring that visitors’ eyes are drawn to the central art installation that is the real focal point. On a raised stone pond in the centre of the lobby, an abstract statue of Confucius is depicted kneeling beneath a seven-
above
An art installation depicting Confucius kneeling beneath a ginkgo tree greets visitors at the lobby. left
A stone relief wall in the lobby narrates the tales of Confucian history. oppos it e right
The guest rooms are modern and minimalist, but with touches that pay tribute to the area’s heritage.
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The iconic circular opening of the moon gate – an architectural feature traditionally found in traditional garden passageways – offers a peek beyond the atrium into the lounge space. a Bove R iGHT
The gold accent wall behind the reception desk features falling ginkgo leaves. R iGHT
A sumptuous private dining room in the restaurant.
good to know The hotel’s design was inspired by the Confucian-based educational philosophy of the Six Arts, including music, rituals, and calligraphy.
metre-tall ginkgo tree, its trunk and branches intricately-woven with metallic scriptures. Light pours through the glass roof set into the dark timber ceiling, spotlighting the art installation against the backdrop of the moon gate. Beyond, the atmosphere is reminiscent of a scholar’s study: ancient Chinese scrolls and traditional stitch bound books fill the shelves, anchored by the earth tones of the timber furniture and rattan chairs. Next to it, the tea house is a tranquil retreat where guests can relax and enjoy a steaming cup from exquisite tea sets. Those who find themselves in search of a meal will enjoy the all-day dining area, which offers a generous view of the courtyard, as well as Residence, the two-storey Chinese restaurant. Framed by stone walls that echo the tiles of the courtyard and adorned with intricate bronze latticework that serves as both partition and decor, the space is a contemporary take on the majestic Chinese banquet halls where imperial feasts were held. Here, the allusions to art and culture continue; in the private dining rooms, artwork depicting historic structures of the region lines the walls. Guest rooms are designed in a similarly restful palette: shades of deep brown and white represent the yang and yin respectively, alluding to the steadfastness of the mountains and the fluidity of water. Together, the dark walnut of the tiles, the ripple design of the carpet, and the embossed headboard in the room evoke a sense of meditative calm, embodying the well-known Confucius saying: “the wise find pleasure in water; the virtuous find pleasure in hills.”. Each room has its own private courtyard or veranda, offering a slice of naturefor reflection or study – a modern comfort within a greater cultural experience. JW Marriott Qufu is located at No 99, Banbi St, Lucheng Subdistrict, Qufu, Jining, China. Visit www.marriott.com.
text Melody Bay photos SeTH PoWeRS PHoToGRaPHy
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hotel lo u p i n e t Designed by Charles Zana, this hotel reflects the boho chic spirit of the legendary small village of Saint-Tropez, located on the French Riviera.
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rigitte Bardot, Francoise Sagan, Boris Vian, Juliette Greco, Picasso, Matisse and Calder – among many other celebrities and artists – fell in love with Saint-Tropez for its beautiful natural light, Mediterranean vegetation, beaches with crystal clear water and vibrant nightlife. Today, the coastal town’s charm still attracts travellers from all over the world. Hotel Lou Pinet, member of Maisons Pariente, opened its doors last summer and was inspired by the authentic SaintTropez from the 1950s and ’60s. Located only five minutes from the main Place des Lices, the property allows guests to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere but with restaurants, bars and shops within reach. In this hotel, which feels like a private house, time seems to have stopped. Architect and interior designer Charles Zana – who has enjoyed vacationing in SaintTropez – focused on the natural light and regional tradition of decorative arts (including
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Hotel Lou Pinet takes guests to the glory days of ‘50s and ‘60s French Rviera. bot tom, lef t
The interior is dominated by warm tone and playful splashes of colours. bot tom, righ t
The guest bedrooms are decorated with vintage and handmade objects.
glass and ceramic works) to create refined and intimate spaces that pay tribute to the natural beauty and cultural legacy of the south of France. A native of the world’s perfume capital, Grasse, France, and internationally acclaimed for his Mediterranean gardens, landscape expert Jean Mus designed the exterior areas of Hotel Lou Pinet with typical plants from Provence as seen in the miniature lavender field and the herb garden. The pine –“Lou Pinet” in Provencal dialect – was the source of inspiration for the hotel’s visual identity. The peaceful landscape preserves the effervescence of SaintTropez and highlights its breathtaking light and shadow play. Featuring a large terrace,
the biggest hotel swimming pool in town, a meat connoisseur restaurant called the Beefbar, and an intimate wellness spa, the hotel transports guests to a paradise-like setting. The hotel’s interior spaces, including its 34 rooms and suites, flaunt the warmth and beauty of the handmade with vintage objects, sculptures and furniture with round shapes. The colours are mostly soft and combine with natural stone, linen, wood and terracotta, among other materials. The cosy, discreet and bohemian atmosphere of Hotel Lou Pinet invites visitors to travel through time, and proves that the magic of Saint-Tropez is still alive. To learn more about Hotel Lou Pinet, visit www.loupinet.com.
righ t
The cosy interior of the Beefbar restaurant features organic shapes and natural materials.
good to know Hotel Lou Pinet is operated by a family-owned group Maisons Pariente, which also owns boutique hotels Crillon Le Brave and Le Coucou.
text Karine monie photos matthieu Salvaing
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RUB Io stoRe Colourful and interactive, this Spanish shop designed by Masquespacio is surprising in every corner.
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alencia, Spain, has been home to Rubio – publisher of Spanish educational workbooks – for over 60 years. It came as no surprise that the city is where the firm also opened its first concept store last June. Led by Ana Milena Hernandez Palacios and Christophe Penasse, creative consultancy Masquespacio was in charge of reflecting the essence of Rubio throughout the interior design of the 200-square-metre space. “When they contacted us, they told us that they wanted the store to blend the publisher’s lauded past with its expected future”, Hernandez Palacios says, “And that’s just what we did. We have created a futuristic identity for Rubio using neon and methacrylate signs with bold colours that allow us to travel through time without loosing the essence of the firm. We managed to achieve this with the overwhelming sensation of being grounded by one of their workbooks, thanks to the coating that we have used throughout the store.” Framed by yellow and blue neon signs, the entrance sets the tone for the kaleidoscopic decor. A large counter leads visitors to the mathematics, writing and reading workbook area, before discovering the workshop training area.
a bov e
The grid-like pattern on the walls and flooring make the store feel visually larger than its 200sqm size. be low
Interactive displays throughout the space add to the quirky nature of the decor.
While each of RUBIO’s collections is on display in a different nook, everything was made to encourage interaction. “The back of the rotating shelves in the mathematics area are used as blackboards to practise mathematical concepts”, says Hernandez, “Another area nearby has a methacrylate board that visitors can use to improve their handwriting.” Created for both children and adults, the shop features a futuristic and fresh aesthetic with a strong personality. Among some of the most surprising elements are a peephole in the window, a
“tunnel of colour” with a time machine and augmented reality goggles, a roulette station that allows visitors to discover Rubio’s history, a speaker that tells tales, and a projection room. “In the end, our store tells our history, the life we lived and where we will continue to live”, Rubio’s CEO Enrique Rubio says, “That is how we leap into the future.” In this wonderland, learning becomes fun and bold design is the main tool for showcasing it. To learn more about Rubio, visit https://cuadernos.rubio.net.
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Bright flourscent tubes and clear acrylic panels tinted in a variety of neon shades make the store feel vibrant and fun.
text Karine Monie photos luis beltran
good to know The city of Valencia is also home to wellknown ceramics brand Lladro and the famous City of Arts & Sciences Museum.
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Dappled lights, timber furniture and carpentry soften the brutalist architecture shell.
Domes zeen chania In addition to sophisticated design and idyllic surroundings, this family-friendly hotel offers a variety of activities for both adults and children.
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he Greek concept of “parea” means the celebration of people coming together and sharing good moments together. Opened in May 2019 and located on the coast of Crete (the largest of the Greek Islands), Domes Zeen Chania naturally pays tribute to this concept. Surrounded by vegetation, the hotel features views of the Mediterranean Sea and 106 rooms, which are nestled in villas clad in concrete and timber. The peaceful boutique hotel project is a colaborative work of architectural firm K-studio, interior design studio Lambs and Lions, and stylist Annabell Kutucu. “The design approach was to use modernist-inspired architecture and to create a ‘village’ layout”, the K-studio team says. Inside, the spaces combine mid-century references and sustainable design. They are filled with natural light thanks to the sliding glass doors that create a permanent connexion between interior and exterior. The colour palette is dominated by beige and brown, and the accessories are rich in texture. Materials such as linen and rattan lend warmth to every nook where pure lines prevail. Each room features its own terrace; an invitations to admire the beautiful landscape; some rooms also boast a pool (private or shared). “The resort is a choreographed interplay of light, shadow and texture”, says Michael Schickinger, founder and creative director at
fa r left
The main pavilion blurs the boundary between the indoors and outdoors, taking full advantage of the breathtaking panorama. left
The view interior design is a tribute to mid-century movement that is articulated with sustainable materials. BelOW
good to know The name of the resort refers to ‘ef zeen’ - an ancient Greek living concept that favours simplcity and wellness over bells and whistles.
Lambs and Lions. “The smooth concrete forms gradually separate and transform into more brutalist structures that seem to emerge, almost mythically, from the sand.” Designed for contemporary families, Domes Zeen Chania was developed in collaboration with experts in education and family travel, as well as with a group of 25 children. Several areas were designed for kids to learn and explore in a natural way through various activities, including cooking classes and painting workshops. In the evening, children can sleep in a tepee while their parents enjoy free time at the tropical beach club. One of the main objectives of Domes Zeen Chania is to celebrate the Cretan traditions, as evident in the restaurant next to the main
text Karine MOnie photos COurtesy Of Casa COOK HOtels
Shadows of swaying trees fall on timber, concrete and the still surface of the private pool - a very picture of tranquility.
pool. Open from breakfast to dinner, the restaurant offers the opportunity to savour delicious and healthy local cuisines. The hotel’s overall atmosphere is warm and laid-back. And the icing on the cake? The wellness programme organised at the hotel’s main pavilion, which include yoga sessions and body treatments that pamper and rejuvenate guests with products made with natural ingredients. With its unique blend of brutalist architecture, sleek interior design and Mediterranean ambience, Domes Zeen Chania is the perfect destination to spend a memorable vacation. To learn more about the hotel, visit www.domeszeenchania.com.
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i D e a s a n D i n s p i r at i o n f r o M t h o s e i n t h e k n o W
The CuriosiTy reflex
spotlight
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ik Muniz, 58, is an artist who dislikes working in his studio. To be productive, he needs to learn new things and meet people. “I am not good at anything, except that I am very curious,” he confesses, “I am the most curious person I know. I’m constantly trying to work with people who are experts in what they do, be they scientists, bioengineers, astrophysicists, psychologists, perfume makers or winemakers. It’s a risk when you work with people who have their own creative skills because they tend to be protective of what they do and know.” Nonetheless, that has never stopped him and he relishes the opportunity for collaboration, saying, “As part of my practice, I work on several fronts, and one of these fronts consists of not just sharing my work with people when it’s done, but also sharing the work process. I find that [by sharing both] you don’t end up with something that you expect; you end up with something much bigger.” Living by the minute So on one day you might find Vik creating portraits with people scavenging in garbage dumps, or conspiring with the staff of the National Museum of Brazil to make works from the ashes of historicallysignificant archaeological and anthropological collections that had gone up in flames. On another day, he’ll be working on a commission for the Vatican as they hold a synod for the Amazon reflecting on ecology, drawing with Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, or making art with a French luxury brand. 36
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Recently tapped by Ruinart – the first established champagne house that has been partnering with artists since 1896 – to be its artist for 2019, he produced six photographs inspired by the winegrowers and vineyards and the challenges they face, thereby capturing the strong relationships between humans and nature. “A lot of what I do as an artist has more to do with ignorance than knowledge,” he discloses. “I am very drawn to the things that I don’t know. The idea of being open is very
“i tend to work with well-known images and very mundane materials, but the connection between the two gives contemporaneity to it.” – vik muniz
photo Lucas BLaLock
1. Vik Muniz in his workspace.
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important, and I love to be part of projects like this, when you have a chance to do this.” Vik is recognised for his artistic approach using unconventional materials like dust, linen thread, ketchup, cayenne pepper, spaghetti, caviar, fake blood, junk and flowers to form photographic images of famous art historical paintings. He was the artist who recreated Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper out of chocolate syrup, Andy Warhol’s Double Mona Lisa out of peanut butter and jelly, portraits of black Caribbean children out of white sugar, Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night out of pictures from magazines, Jean-BaptisteCamille Corot’s Le Songeur out of yarn and likenesses of old Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor out of diamonds. Like an illusionist, he obliges viewers to do a double take – they believe they know what they’re looking at, only to realise moments later they’ve been deceived – thus exploring our collective memory in order to question it more effectively.
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2 &3. The making of Chardonnay Leaf in 2018, made with actual grape leaves, shoots and bunches from the Sillery vineyards. 4. Double Mona Lisa (Peanut Butter and Jelly), After Warhol, 1999. 5 . Vik, 2 Years Old, Album, 2014.
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6. Glyptoteket (Reclining Tahitian Women), after Gauguin, Repro, 2018. 7. Flowers, after Redon I, Metachrome, 2016.
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“I have worked with many materials for many years because each material forces me to adopt a different process,” Vik states, “I’m not interested in materials; I’m interested in processes. I tend to work with well-known images and very mundane materials, but the connection between the two gives a contemporaneity to it. It makes it something different. When you stop and think about an image, that’s art. That image has an effect.” Street smart to street art Growing up in a working class family, Vik recalls his childhood in Sao Paulo: “I was raised in a very poor household, so there was no art around. My parents worked all the time and it was during the military dictatorship, so I went to public schools. I never thought I would become an artist; it’s not something that somebody who comes from my background would plan. But one thing led to another, and I was always very interested in drawing. 38
I was picked to represent my school in a kids’ contest when I was 13 or 14, and I won first prize. Then I had the chance to learn academic drawing for two years. Around that time, I started becoming interested not only in the idea of drawing but why people draw, how you get to see something that makes you think of reality in the picture.” After working in advertising in Brazil redesigning billboards for greater legibility, he spent several months in Chicago in the ’80s learning English. “When I was about to come back to Brazil, I went for a weekend to New York, and that changed everything,” Vik notes, “The weekend lasted 25 years. It was very cosmopolitan: I could get in touch with people with completely different life experiences than my own and learn a lot just by being there. There was so much culture around and it was so accessible; you didn’t have to look for it.” Soon he started doing odd jobs: working in the theatre, bartending, restoring artworks
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and designing children’s t-shirts. Although never having attended art school, he began hanging out with the art crowd and thinking about how he could make a living as an artist. He rented a studio, made and sold sculptures, and quickly had his first show at Stux Gallery in New York in 1989. After seeing others photograph his pieces for
promotional or documentation purposes, he eventually snapped his creations himself to ensure that the photos represented as closely as possible the way he had imagined his works to be before making them, and decided that those images, instead of the originals (which he discarded), would be his art. The need for sharper and better pictures then compelled him to study photography, and today his pictures are prized for their technical virtuosity using large-format cameras. Vision with a cause Conveying the social and political slant of his work, Vik spent three years with the catadores (people rummaging through waste to find recyclable materials) to produce his Pictures of Garbage (2008) series made from thousands of objects found in the world’s biggest landfill in Rio de Janeiro, photographing trash pickers as figures from emblematic paintings that he reproduced, such as Woman Ironing by Picasso or The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David. He also shot an awardwinning documentary about the project called Waste Land to raise awareness about urban
8. Marat (Sebastião), Pictures of Garbage, 2008. 9. Wine packaging collaboration with Ruinart featuring the artwork Flow Diptych, 2018. 10. Flow Diptych was created from blackened wood and charcoal.
poverty and established an audiovisual school for youth in a Rio favela to help them to enter the job market. When questioned about how his social activism (he’s a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador) impacts his art, Muniz replies, “I think my work does not necessarily speak about it. I am not really fond of art that starts with a political idea. Art should not be concerned about saving the world, but people, independent of what they do, should have such concerns. I have a range of interests as a
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person that I sometimes try to make part of my work, but normally they come diagonally and don’t inspire me to do things. But I think everything you do has political value. In the case of Waste Land, it was about creativity and the practice of art making, something that makes you see things differently, and the effects of that, even for people who have no experience of art, where they change the way they look at themselves. For me, it was very instructive because I’m a mid-career artist and need to remind myself of the value of what I do or how it works. It actually encouraged me to do more. I try to make my work as open as possible so you don’t have to know about art history to be able to enjoy it.” “When I have a museum retrospective, I want to communicate ideas with the director or curator and also to share something with the people who clean and care for it. I don’t have a specific audience because I try to do things that are very perceptual but also primitive. I deal with basic sensorial input and you don’t need any preconceived knowledge about what art is or what I do to be able to look at it,” he concludes.
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text Y-JEAN MUN-DELSALLE
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designer’s trailblazing career in a world dominated by men. Rozu was created in partnership with perfumer Barnabe Fillion and Pernette Perriand-Barsac, Charlotte’s daughter and the sole custodian of the Perriand estate and intellectual property. Pernette was born in Vietnam, where Charlotte lived after her time in Japan was cut short by World War II. She worked closely with her mother for decades. We asked Pernette to share more.
A FrAgrAnt LegAcy Pernette Perriand-Barsac talks about preserving her mother Charlotte Perriand’s legacy with perfume.
Your initial thoughts of the idea of turning Charlotte’s legaCY
photo julien t hamon
into a perfume
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rench modernist Charlotte Perriand was famous for many incredible things. She was a close collaborator of legendary architect Le Corbusier. She has designed some of the world’s most celebrated chairs, some of which — including one chaise longue that is so comfortable that it has become the most popular prop in the adult film industry — are still in production today. She’s also known for her love of Japanese furniture and craftsmanship, having lived there while serving as an official advisor for industrial design to France’s
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Pernette Perriand-Barsac at Charlotte Perriand atelier in Paris. be Low
Rozu eau de parfum was inspired by Charlotte’s time in Japan.
Ministry for Trade and Industry in the ’40s. It’s been 80 years since she embarked on a steam ship to Japan and more that two decades since she passed away at the ripe old age of 96, but her legacy has continued to inspire. Aesop is the latest brand to pay tribute to Charlotte’s time in Japan. And it is the first to do so with a fragrance. Described as “an intense yet tender fragrance” that appeals to all genders, Rozu eau de parfum was inspired by the variety of Japanese rose named after Charlotte, as well as the
Charlotte Perriand created spaces you could see. A fragrance is also a form of space, but one you can see with another sense—smell. This perfume conveys a way of life, much like her architecture. The homage that is paid by Aesop through this fragrance is deeply touching. It is an invisible portrait of my mother. the importanCe of preserving her legaCY
Charlotte Perriand was born in 1903—in a way, she is the ancestor of the contemporary woman. She had to conquer her freedom, her financial and professional independence in the 1930s. She is a role model for modern women. Today, it is crucial to show that she stood on an equal footing with men because she was the best in her profession. One must preserve this legacy and highlight it, for the sake of all contemporary women. WhY do You think aesop Chose Charlotte for this projeCt?
Perhaps it is because Charlotte Perriand was a free woman, a pioneer of the contemporary
“Charlotte Perriand Created sPaCes you Could see. a fragranCe is also a form of sPaCe, but one you Can see with another sense—smell. this Perfume
Tokyo Chaise Longue in bamboo by Charlotte Perriand. r ight
photo julien t hamon
Charlotte Perriand collaborating with Japanese craftsmen.
photo aesop
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photo aesop
photo julien t hamon
Conveys a way of life, muCh like Charlotte Perriand’s arChiteCture. ”
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Charlotte Perriand working in Japan in 1940s. far right, b ot tom
LC7 Armchair designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1927.
text Young Lim and asih Jenie
world, whose work meshes well with Aesop’s functional and aesthetic spirit. Aesop and Charlotte Perriand share certain values: the same relationship with nature and with natural materials; the high aesthetic standards based on the essential rather than the superfluous or the anecdotal; a certain form of purism with a human face. What are Your memories of asia?
If you add up all the years I’ve spent in Asia, it’s quite a lot! I was the first girl to perform Kabuki in 1954—I was 10 years old. No woman had ever had the audacity to do so… Japan and its geography allow me to have this double culture, but without actually feeling Japanese.
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The Long Journey To eureka Yvonne Tan, Dyson’s Digital Motor Engineering Manager, Singapore, talks about what it means to become a modern-day inventor. many hats. Aside from her dayto-day job as Dyson’s Digital Motor Engineering Manager in Singapore, which sees her managing a multidisciplinary team in developing products, she is also an educator and a student. She teaches at Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) College of Engineering . She is also currently pursuing a Doctorate of Engineering at the Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD). She is also one of the jurors of James Dyson Award ( JDA), Dyson’s annual programme that challenges undergraduates and recent graduates of engineering and design to invent something that solves a problem. We chatted with her about what it means to become an inventor today, and why the world needs inventors now more than ever. Why does the World 1
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hat comes to your mind when you hear the word ”inventor”? Blame pop culture if you picture an Einsteinlooking person in a labcoat, who makes things go “bang!”. Things can explode sometimes, but modern-day inventors don’t always wear labcoats, and they prefer their inventions to solve reallife problems. Yvonne Tan is one such inventor. She wears
need more inventors?
The world will always need inventors for one simple reason – there will always be problems waiting to be solved! To be an inventor is be a problem-solver; someone who applies their knowledge in design and engineering to solve everyday problems. The world is going through one of its greatest challenges in decades. The changes in our lifestyle habits and practices present opportunities to create new solutions to enhance our daily routine.
could you Share Some of the greateSt ideaS and productS that have come out from the
are relying on food and grocery delivery services to get their essentials. This invention could not have come at a better time.
JameS dySon award?
There are two that come to mind. The first is the Selfsanitising door handle, which is a door handle that sanitises with advanced photocatalytic and blacklight technology, invented by students from The Chinese University, who were struck by the spread of SARS in Hong Kong in 2003. The second is last year’s Singapore National Winner, Wheelson, by SUTD students. It is a versatile storage unit attachment for bicycles, that allows the user to maintain a stable position when riding. It can be detached and used as a grocery shopping cart. Today, more people than ever
1 . James Dyson working on prototypes of world’s first bagless vacuum cleaner.
what are Some of the moSt common miSconceptionS about inventorS?
The process of invention is never easy. The number one thing that inventors must prepare to face is failure. It is natural in the iterative design journey to experience failure. It tells you that you are one step closer to the solution. It is how you learn what is not working, so you can try and find a way around it. Encountering a difficult problem reflects that you are genuinely trying to find a different and better way. Sticking to conventional approaches is always easy, but you are not going to
arrive at something that performs radically better. Many of the world’s greatest inventions weren’t discovered by chance or a “Eureka” moment. Often, it’s the result of long hours, months, and even years of commitment to engineering and testing. It took James Dyson 5,127 prototypes – that’s 5,126 failures – to come up with the world’s first bag-less vacuum cleaner. what are Some of the unique challengeS Singapore haS that need help from inventorS?
I feel strongly about Singapore’s rapidly ageing population. This comes from my own personal experience of caring for my ageing parents. Monitoring their
daily intake of medication, being able to keep a watchful eye on them while away, ensuring safeguards are in place should they encounter any mishaps, improving their mobility if they’re physically infirm, ensuring their mental health and well-being are well looked after – these are just some of the areas which I think are ripe for solutions. Any kind of support in these areas would also have run-off benefits on caregivers. The use of technology and automation can go a long way in helping care givers do a better job and reduce the risk of care-giver burnout. I’d just like to close with an open question to all the budding inventors, designers and inventors out there: What problem will you solve today?
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2 . Yvonne Tan is passionate about nurturing the next generation of inventors. 3. Afflo, an AI-enabled wearable device that monitors asthma. 4 . The young inventors from SUTD who invented Wheelson. 5 . The sKan, a device that detects melanomas by creating a thermal map on the skin.
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“The process of invenTion is never easy. The number one Thing ThaT invenTors musT prepare To face is failure.”
text Asih Jenie photos Dyson
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people
Design shoulD be forever Design luminary Patricia Urquiola talks about the need for designers to be mindful of how their works affect and are affected by the environment.
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atricia Urquiola’s design portfolio reads like a ‘who’s who’ in the world of designer furniture labels. The Spanish designer has collaborated with some of the most established furniture and homeware brands in the world, from furniture icon Cassina to the hip Glas Italia, as well as designer bathroom label Axor by Hansgrohe. Brillo, her collection for Atelier Swarovski, is one of her latest projects and one she is excited to share with homeowners in Singapore. In an exclusive interview with Home & Decor, she talks about the process of creating the collection and the issue of sustainable design. How important is tHe topic of sustainability to you as a designer?
It is a matter that pervades most of my projects, because it affects not only the choice of materials, but also the whole production cycle and the work of suppliers. Today, we are living an important moment of transition
for design and architecture. In the future, I believe that the system of objects will continue to evolve and diversify first of all towards new forms of production, distribution and sharing above all, also of spaces! We will have to move within increasingly complex systems, in which our role as designers, as technicians and humanists, will be primarily to ask questions, interpret the evolution of needs and the potential of research. wHat was tHe inspiration beHind tHe brillo collection?
When examining Swarovski’s history and the company archives we found a fabric normally used for fashion, which is made of crystals applied on a net. It’s called Crystal Mesh; it’s a fluid, metal material covered in small crystals which has a flexible nature as a sparkling, draped fabric. From this we started thinking about vases made with the same system that permit us to obtain different geometries, a soft surface
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With Brillo, Patricia manages to add a sense of softness to her crystal creations. le ft
Patricia’s sketches of the Brillo collection during the design process.
“It’s called crystal Mesh; It’s a fluId, Metal MaterIal covered In sMall crystals whIch has a flexIble nature as a sparklIng, draped fabrIc.”
that minimized the geometry of the crystals. That was how Brillo collection was born. tHis is your first collection for atelier swarovski, Have you Had previous experiences witH designing crystals?
I’ve designed Variations for Baccarat, a collection of crystal sculptural objects. For Glas Italia I created the Shimmer tables, which is characterised by their iridescent multicolored glass, and Credenza, a sideboard in stained glass, inspired by the windows of holy sites and designed together with Federico Pepe. comparing between designing furniture and Home accessories, wHicH do you find easier and comes more naturally?
It really depends from project to project. My double profession as architect and designer helps me to imagine an object inside a space and when I create an interior, I look for the sense of
place each time is different. The process is similar yet it only changes scale and the professions involved. In the studio we’re continuously looking to find solution and resolve challenges with design ideas. The importance is to solve a problem or to see something interesting in the brief. If I think I can bring something new then it is not important whether it is an architecture, a furniture, an object or an interiors project. wHat is one item in your Home tHat you can never live witHout?
I have many, my house hosts not only pieces of furniture but also some prototypes that I am particularly affectionate of. If I had to choose, I would pick the Nuvola Rossa bookcase designed for Cassina by Vico Magistretti, who was my mentor together with Achille Castiglioni. I felt it was important to own one of his pieces: it sits in front of the table where I have lunch.
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ADriAn ChuA Founder of cardboard carpentry company Paper Carpenter Adrian Chua gets candid about his personal style, childhood musings and a perilous situation that shaped his view on life.
Name one cause you will fight for and why? Global warming, which is a major aspect of climate change, and will be detrimental for our future generations. I advocate awareness about reducing carbon footprints and using sustainable materials as much as possible. I have partnered multiple organisations to use my cardboard products for their events.
What’s your design style? Minimal, clean and organic, and which retains much of Mother Nature’s gifts with the scent of wood, natural stone and lots of foliage - think tropical styles. It not only relaxes the mind and body but also evokes freshness. Describe your fondest memory as a child When I was about seven years old, I picked up a cardboard box and sled down a grass slope in it. I had so much fun that I asked my friends to find their own cardboard boxes and join me. Eventually, it became a weekly downhill race against the kids in my neighbourhood. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received? It will be to “believe in my belief”. When I experience any self-doubt, procrastination, or even anxiety, this helps me overcome any obstacles and has contributed in helping me
achieve significant things. If I don’t believe in myself, who else will? The sky, ocean, mountains and animals – which inspires you the most? The mountains. They are like life’s line graphs, full of ups and downs. Even at my lowest points, I know that I will bounce back up again. I experienced a life and death situation five years ago when I was trapped in Nepal during an earthquake. I had no food and only drank dirty pool water from a guest house I was seeking refuge in. I did not know if I would survive, and nothing else mattered more than seeing my family again. It is a constant reminder that life can be unpredictable and fragile. I want to make full use of my precious time with loved ones and to create products that improve lives. My inspiration comes from the adventures and challenges that I have faced in life. text MiChelle lee
Which room in the house do you spend the most time in and why? My master bedroom. It has an adjoining balcony with trees and lots of plants. I’ve installed a bird feeder there and I watch wild birds up close from behind a glass door. They even built a nest there and my daughters learnt about a bird’s life cycle. They’re almost like pets, but with the freedom of being uncaged. What would you like to have as your last meal on earth? A piece of A5 grade wagyu steak and chocolate lava cake prepared by my wife, Irene (who is the marketing director of Paper Carpenter). What is one thing you’ve always wanted to try but have never summoned the courage to? Scuba diving. It is a different world down there and I feel like a trespasser intruding on marine life. The open sea makes me feel helpless. If I’m in danger, there is no way of communicating with the sea creatures. Being on land with people makes more sense to me.
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A gArden of old And new At Floral designer Dylan Tripp’s home in Rome, houseplants are allowed to grow unmanicured, the furniture is a delighful mix of designer pieces, fine antiques and handmade mementos, and anywhere you stand, you have a connection to the garden. Asih jenie finds out more.
Furnishing the living room are 1950s vintage sofa and armchairs from Porte de Clignancourt market in Paris. The floral tapestry on the wall is an 1860s trompe l’oeil curtain from an old estate in Provence. 49
“It Is very relaxIng to touch the earth, to caress petals and plants, to establIsh a strong bond wIth nature, It Is lIke beIng a part of an ancIent world.”
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F
loral designer Dylan Tripp’s home in Rome is something out of a fairy tale. Nestled between the arches of the city’s historic Felice aqueducts, the cosy abode opens up to a garden more than triple its size. Formally trained as a fashion designer, Dylan has worked for luxury fashion houses Fendi and Valentino and opened a lifestyle concept store before branching out into floral design in 2012. These days he spends his time making floral artworks for discerning clients. Dylan shares the home with his partner and their daughter.
He renovated the interior of the 900 sq ft home himself. The property’s vast, 3,200 sq ft garden serves both as his atelier’s workshop, and an outdoor space for entertaining family and friends. “It is very relaxing to touch the earth, to caress petals and plants, to establish a strong bond with nature, it is like being a part of an ancient world,” he says. He has reinforced the indoor-outdoor connection by enlarging the main entrance, adding windows on both sides of the door to create a square opening that frames the garden.
a bove
The minimalist design of the sink juxtaposes nicely with the original cement floor tiles and many decorative mirrors. r ight
Living plants have been allowed to flourish unmanicured inside, echoing the garden outside. far right
Floral designer Dylan Tripp shares the home with his partner and their daughter. o ppos ite
In the kitchen, Tom Dixon’s Etch lights are paired with antique frames and paper pulp vases from Serax.
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below, lef t
A red vase by Gaetano Pesce sits on top of a red table by Maarten Baas, adding a delightful pop of colour into the room. below, rig ht
The master bedroom snug, cosy and dressed simply in soothing colours. op pos it e
Antique chalices filled with moss, fruit and garlic bulbs are paired with industrial style pendant light in the alfresco area overlooking the lush garden.
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The ground floor is basically one rectangular large open space containing the living, dining and kitchen areas. Anywhere one stands on this floor, one can always get a glimpse of the garden outside. The interior of the home is a charming mix of old and new. The interior’s curated content speaks of a homeowner wellversed in the world of design. Yet, there is an exuberant mishmash of things and an organic quality to the home that renders it warm and approachable. Designer furniture pieces exist harmoniously with fine antiques and handmade souvenirs acquired from trips around the world. Houseplants have been allowed to flourish unmanicured, so has the book
collection, which runs the gamut from heavy design tomes to well-thumbed children’s books. Here and there, the original architectural feature are juxtaposed with fresh finishes. This is most apparent on the floor, where old decorative cement tiles meet the new, seamless resin-coated concrete floorings. The same old-meetsnew approach applies in the garden, where existing trees and shrubs grow lush between furniture, their leaves and branches peeking, poking and intruding. Dylan delights in the gentle, playful invasion, taking the inspirations and letting the flora inside the interior as a guest and a leitmotif that gives the home its distinct characteristic.
photos Serena eller Vainicher
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This two-seater chair from Taylor B will form part of the dining ensemble when the dining table arrives. op p os ite
The cofferedlike ceiling is a blend of European and Oriental influences, which involved a lot of calculations and detailing work.
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Who lives here
A bachelor and his two cats hom e A five-room HDB flat in Balam Road s ize 1,474 sq ft
utter Modern Hidden behind the aging facade of this over two-decade-old block of flats is an apartment that tells the story of its owner through the interesting, sometimes even quirky, collection of furniture, furnishings and art. Lynn Tan unfolds the story.
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top left
The apartment has been furnished with many interesting pieces that have been repurposed, such as this sewing machine table. top r ight
The interior design takes into consideration the needs of his cats, including this concealed cat litter. bot tom
An Indian door finds a new lease of life as a television console.
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T
ucked away in a quaint estate along Circuit road is Mark Wong’s bachelor pad. He purchased this five-room flat in 2017 after selling his previous home- an industrial loft- style maisonette in the Sin Ming area that was featured in Home and Decor. It was also designed by Three-D Conceptwerke. Having worked on Mark’s maisonette eight years ago, the design team is familiar with his preferences. “This is a project where the client’s taste and personal touches really made a difference to the end result,” comments the designer. While the basic style can be considered modern European, with the wall beadings and coffer-like ceiling, and the kitchen has a distinctly Hamptons style feel to it, the interior was largely inspired by American interior designer Julia Buckingham’s signature Modernique style. Defined as a “blend of modern and vintage that boldly mixes styles, periods, colours, patterns, textures and even some bling”, it is basically a decorating approach that allows homeowners to create one-ofa-kind spaces that nobody else has. According to Julia: “Start with what you love. The concept of Modernique is to acquire over time. Start with a few anchor pieces and then you consider scale and how you can put them all together.” This was exactly what Mark, who works in hospitality, and the Three-D Conceptwerke design team did. They started by stripping the old apartment bare and reconfiguring the layout such that the spaces are as open as possible. The existing master bedroom with an attached bathroom has been converted into a walk-in wardrobe. The
Cat-friendly safety features include invisible grilles that prevent Mark’s cats from jumping out of the windows when they are opened.
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room next door is now the master bedroom, which opens out onto a semi-circular balcony that is shared with a third bedroom. The doors are usually left open. “I want the spaces to flow throughout the entire apartment. There is no need to close up the rooms because it is just me and my cats, Freddie and Sofia,” says Mark. To the left of the main entrance is the open-concept kitchen that was designed around the Smeg hob and oven. It was something that Mark fell in love with and knew he had to have. He did not hesitate to buy it because it was the last piece. The red Smeg refrigerator and other Smeg appliances add a pop of colour against the grey cabinets and white Dekton counter tops. Since moving in just before the lunar new year in 2018, Mark has already made some changes to the interior, something that he is used to doing every now and then in the homes that he has lived in. He says jokingly: “I have a short attention span, so I get bored easily.” The original sofa and armchairs in the living room have been replaced with a pair of chaise loungers that can be placed separately or rearranged to form a large daybed among other configurations.
L FET
This multipurpose kitchen island is also a worktable and it incorporates storage below. Mark sourced the cabinet handles from the United States and it has the same white Cosentino Dekton counter top as the kitchen counters.
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This portrait in the master bedroom bears a resemblance to one of his cats, Freddie.
“The concepT of modernique is To acquire over Time. sTarT wiTh a few anchor pieces and Then you consider scale and how you can puT Them all TogeTher.�
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TOP
A semi-circular balcony straddles two bedrooms and provides an inviting semioutdoor space. A B OVE
The master bedroom, walkin wardrobe and master bath are interconnected to create an open-concept master suite.
RI GHT
Mark buys most of his art from the Affordable Art Fair. The wood carving of a London Bus on the wall is by a British artist.
The latest revamp also saw the incorporation of some metallic elements, such as wood carvings from an antique Chinese bedframe and bits of metal ornamentation salvaged from a Queenslander home, both of which Mark spray-painted silver himself. Art also features prominently throughout the apartment. Mark does not go for any style in particular. Instead, he is drawn to mixed media art pieces with unique
details. The latest makeover also saw him adding handpainted wallpaper from the UK within the existing wall beadings. Together, they form an interesting frame and backdrop for some of his art collection. Even the television set resembles a work of art. The Frame by Samsung offers customisable bezels that makes the television look like a picture frame. The original door to the new master bedroom was sealed off and is now accessed through 61
be low
The walk-in wardrobe adopts a dressing room concept. The doors to the living room and the master bedroom are usually left open but can be closed if desired.
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the attached walk-in wardrobe. Despite the seamless flow of the circulation, the sleeping area feels extremely private. The choice of furniture and furnishings in the bedroom and in other parts of the apartment reflect Mark’s penchant for salvaging one-off pieces that people cast off as junk. He reveals: “I like the idea of reusing old stuff and incorporating some new elements to create interesting details.” Mark commissioned a set of three male figures by local artist Chye, two of which are hung in the master bedroom and the
third can be found in the walk-in wardrobe. The monochromatic colours complement the hand-painted snakeskin wallpaper in the bedroom. In another corner beside the bed is a portrait of an angel and a cat that resembles Freddie. The master bathroom has been extended to create a larger shower area that Mark prefers. The controlled colour palette of greys, whites and blacks is consistent with the rest of the interior. The neon pink and glittery silver of an art piece depicting the Times Square hung on the wall beside the wash
basin adds a pop of colour. Mark firmly believes in using only quality materials and fittings such as the Spanish tiles, Italian wash basin, American cabinet handles and Cosentino compact surface worktops. The renovations set him back by about $150,000 (excluding furniture and furnishings). For the design team, this project was about creating a versatile interior that the homeowner can add his own personal touches over time. “It reflects the bond between the client and his home,” says the team.
far left
Mark has added personal touches to his home, such as these metal ornamentations salvaged from a Queenslander home, which he spray-painted silver himself.
left
The Spanish tiles in the master bathroom were painstakingly laid piece by piece. below
The wash basin is from Italy, in compliance with Mark’s brief that there should not be any made-in-China fixtures or tiles.
photography Veronica tay art direction nonie chen
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familiar territory It’s always a compliment to designers when a homeowner re-engages their services and requests that her new home looks just like the previous one. Lynn Tan finds out how the designer went about creating a similar feel while turning constraints into unique features.
ri gh t
Concrete recessed lights above the dining table take their cue from the raw concrete column. le ft
A suspended shoe cabinet at the entrance foyer is visually appealing yet practical. The materials offer a hint of the mood and theme of the interior.
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Who lives here
A couple and the husband’s mother h ome A three-bedroom condominium in Kembangan s ize 1,300 sq ft abov e
The living room was kept open and spacious as the designer already managed to carve out sufficient storage spaces within the dining and kitchen areas. le ft
Tinted mirror panelling makes the entrance foyer feel more spacious, while allowing the homeowners to check their appearances before leaving home.
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b eloW
The raw concrete and wooden laminates contrast starkly yet coexist harmoniously.
W
The corridor leading to the bedrooms transcends its utilitarian function with trench spotlights that add to its character and ambience.
hen the homeowner, Mrs Ng, purchased this apartment, she instinctively knew that she wanted an open concept kitchen and a concealed household shelter door. She also wanted to have the same “mood and style” as her previous home, which was designed by Distinct Identity. Having established a good rapport with the team, it was natural that she entrusted the project to them once again. For Ambika Chowdhry, interior design executive at Distinct Identity, the challenge was in coming up with a design that would make the apartment feel as spacious and luxurious as the landed home that the family had moved from. “Besides hacking the kitchen walls and integrating it with the dining to create an open living concept, the interior has been designed in a modern luxe style with clean lines and a cosy feel,” says Ambika. The family loves to host, especially during festive seasons, so the main living, dining and kitchen areas have been designed with this in mind. “Back in our previous home, we had a wet and dry kitchen and we spent most of our time at the dining table in the dry kitchen, either working from home or catching up on each other’s day,” says Mrs Ng, an accountant who shares the home with her husband and mother-in-law.
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They wanted something similar in their new home. The integrated dining and kitchen are the main features of the home. With the existing kitchen walls removed, the kitchen counter and dining table form a linear element that extends across both spaces, with a slight variation in height between the two as a dining table is typically lower than a kitchen countertop. Dekton is used on the kitchen counter and backsplash and it follows through to the custom-made dining table, establishing a continuity that ties the two spaces together. A series of full-height, built-in cabinets behind the dining area provide valuable storage space for the family, conceals the shelter door, and serves as a feature wall. One of the challenges in designing the kitchen and dining areas is the structural column right in the middle of the two spaces. “I wanted the column to stand out on its own, which was why I opted for a raw concrete finish to add a different texture to the space and give it more character,” Ambika explains. The raw concrete column, the wooden laminates of the feature wall and the solid grey kitchen cabinets create a visual composition that is well-articulated, yet harmoniously balanced. The colour scheme is also similar to that of their previous home. Another challenging but interesting aspect is having to incorporate fengshui into the built-in carpentry, television console and dining table. “I not only had to check that the various measurements complied with fengshui requirements, but also bear in mind their proportions, as well as ensure that they
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were appropriately-sized for their respective spaces and functions,” Ambika highlights. The clean lines of the master bedroom are consistent with the rest of the interior. Ambika reconfigured the layout such that the bed is now positioned with the headboard against the floor-to-ceiling window. This arrangement takes advantage of the length of the room so as to accommodate a king-sized bed and proper bedside tables. “It gives an interesting twist to the room and provides me with more storage space, as well as a clean wall for the television set and console,” comments Mrs Ng. Replacing the original swing
door to the attached master bathroom with a sliding door also helps to fully utilise the space within the room. After eight weeks of renovation that cost around $100,000, the family moved in just before the lunar new year in 2019. Mrs Ng is full of praise for Ambika: “She understood my tastes and preferences well and was able to incorporate my ideas and fit our lifestyle into the design.” For Ambika, the project not only addressed the client’s brief, but it also achieved the aesthetics that they wanted while “keeping the design practical and functional for the homeowners”.
LEFT
Bold tiles give the master bathroom a strong character. OPPOS IT E
The custommade leatherupholstered bed incorporates a metal structure. It is positioned against the floor-to-ceiling window, so it needs to be able to withstand the weight of someone leaning against it.
photography vEE chIn art direction krISTy quah
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It All StAckS Up The homeowners and interior designer may have focused their efforts and budget on key spaces within the four levels of a strata terrace home, but the overall result is harmonious and cohesive, as Lynn Tan discovers.
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oving from their previous industrialstyled home, Luke Cheong and Janice Sim wanted something more modern and timeless for the strata terrace house which they purchased at the end of 2017. Luke’s cousin is a project manager at Icon Interior Design, so naturally, they entrusted the project to the firm. Typical of many cluster homes, the footprint is not expansive, but the ceilings are high and the spaces are stacked across four levels, including a basement. Interior designer Max Lee wanted to take full advantage of the height, proposing a light-coloured backdrop that reflects the light from the central air well and the exterior to make the interior feel spacious and lofty. This was also in response to the couple’s brief. “Our previous home had dark walls, so we thought we would go for white walls for a change. As we are planning to start a family, we also feel that a lighter colour scheme would be more familyfriendly,” says Luke, who works in finance. The white walls act like a canvas against which Max selectively introduced natural elements such as stone and
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Who lives here
A couple and their Pomeranian h ome A cluster home at Chancery Lane size 3,229 sq ft
Luke and Janice love hanging out in the living room together. 71
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timber, as well as some black, grey and gold accents to create a modern luxe concept. The living room is simply but tastefully furnished with a grey L-shaped sofa and timber television console from the couple’s previous home. “We did not want to do too much built-in carpentry. This would allow us the flexibility to make modifications when our needs change,” explains Janice, who is a co-owner of a beauty business. On the other side of the air well, across from the living room are the dining room and kitchen. The existing kitchen walls were hacked to create an open-concept kitchen that would make the space appear larger and more conducive for entertaining riends and family. The addition of an island integrated with a sink,
drawers and cabinets is not only practical, but also makes for a great focal point around which guests can mingle over drinks and food preparation before sitting down to dinner proper. The dining area is a lightfilled space surrounded by floor-to-ceiling fixed glass panels and glass doors. Max pairs a gold-legged timber table stained almost black with black dining chairs and black pendant lights. “The black in the dining area echoes the railings of the staircase and the gold accent accentuates the luxe factor,” he points out. The original powder room was dark and crammed. The existing cabinets were stripped away and a new monochromatic palette comprising white marble walls, white sanitary fittings, black tap and mirror with a L EFT
The grey laminates of the kitchen cabinets and island share a similar shade as the living room sofa and tie the two spaces together even though they are located on opposite sides of the air well. opposiTE
The dining chairs echo the black, half-domed pendant lights above the dining table.
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ABOVE
The Dekton compact surface for the island and kitchen counter provide a hardy solution while adding a touch of luxe.
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black frame lend a touch of elegance and sophistication. Three of the four bedrooms, including the master bedroom, are located on the second storey. The white, grey and wood tones of the master bedroom create a restful ambience that makes it feel like a sanctuary to retreat to at the end of the day. The bed frame from their previous home is a perfect fit inbetween two of the bedroom windows. The grey fabric also blends in seamlessly with the colour theme. Max added a freestanding element that not only provides storage, shelves and a backdrop for the television set, but also serves as
a divider between the sleeping area and the rest of the bedroom. The renovations cost $80,000 excluding furnishings and lighting, and the couple moved in in mid-2018. The interior design reinforces the distinct zoning within the home, both horizontally and vertically, creating a variety of different spaces where the homeowners can hang out. It also allows them to maintain a certain degree of privacy even when they have guests over. “We plan to enclose the air well in the future. This will create a lovely semi-outdoor space connecting the living and dining areas,� the couple shares.
faR left
An open shelf by the side of the dining room complements the floor-to-ceiling glass enclosures without blocking out the natural light. left
The existing powder room has been transformed with a black-andwhite theme. bottom
The freestanding partition that separates the sleeping area from the rest of the bedroom was carefully dimensioned to ensure that it does not compromise the circulation.
photography tan wei te art direction KRiStY QUaH
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Vintage Vignettes Years of accumulated design references were lovingly woven into this couple’s first home. They let Isabelle Tow in on the elements that make their cosy abode.
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b elow
The homeowners made use of what available sources of natural light the home receives by turning space beside the windows into an indoor garden. o ppos ite
The use of subdued lighting in the home helps to create a cosy and ambient mood.
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or owners Marvin Liang, 34, and Chong Lingyi, 32, their home on Depot Road is a labour of love. Though they bought the HDB unit just two years ago, their vision for their home started long before. Years of bookmarked references and design inspiration gave the married couple a pretty solid idea of their first home together. The organised and creative pair, who both work in advertising, even collated their design brief and wishlists into a multi-page
mood board as they scouted for a suitable interior designer. They found a kindred spirit in Mikael Teh of Monocot Studio and entrusted the renovation into his hands. In their brief, the couple outlined their interior inclinations – a mid-century modern vibe invoked by a dusky colour palette of dark wood and navy blue, filled in with tropical plants, rattan furniture and wall-hung art for a comfortable lived-in feeling. “We
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knew we wanted things like rattan and certain colours, but we couldn’t visualise it cohesively,” shares Lingyi. Luckily Mikael was able to bring the disparate details together in his 3D renders, which both Marvin and Lingyi agree, helped bring their vision to life. Off-white walls, arched doorways and concrete screed floors form a muted yet elegant backdrop in the living room that allow the eclectic style of the home to really pop. Vintage Scandinavian furniture like their sideboard exist alongside a royal blue velvet sofa and an outsized rattan lounge chair close to the windows. Judging by the lush garden of indoor plants in their living room’s “mini balcony”, one wouldn’t expect that the flat actually receives little natural light. Facing Telok Blangah Hill means the couple gets to enjoy verdant views all year round, but with the sun obscured, their interiors are kept fairly dim. Instead of overcompensating for the lack of light, Marvin and Lingyi chose to embrace it, pressing on with the dark colour scheme and keeping artificial illumination to a minimum.
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The bold use of dark-coloured colour along the corridor helps to draw focus to the beautiful artworks on the walls.
Who lives here
A married couple in their 30s, and wife’s sister home A four-room HDB apartment in Telok Blangah siz e 1,000 sq ft
top lef t
The couple opted for furniture that can be easily transported when they move in future. top rig ht
The vintage light switch adds to the rustic nature of the home's design. ri g ht
Not ones to shy away from the unconventional, the owners used different styles of dining chairs for an eclectic look. lef t
Memories abound in the accessories found around the home.
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above
The farmhouse sink and plain mouldings along the cabinetry bring the look of the kitchen together.
left
An antique wooden lounder becomes the highlight in the corner of the living room. oppos ite
far l ef t
The owners paid attention to details around the home, such as this rattan holder.
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A simple wallmounted shelf is used as a handy display case next to the indoor garden.
Judging by the lush garden of indoor plants, one wouldn’t expect that the flat actually receives little natural light.
For instance, the walls of their hallway were painted a shade of forest green and warmly lit with a trio of delicate pendant lamps. Nicknamed their “floral corridor”, it is decorated with frames of vintage pressed flower art and paintings of orchids by Lingyi’s grandaunt, the artist Lim Chu Suan. They reserved one bedroom as a guest room and converted another into a study. Both bookworms, their favourite tomes sit on shelves built along the length of the navy-blue wall in their study, while mismatched chairs flank a handsome wooden desk they got second-hand. The bookshelves, along with the rattan wardrobes in the bedrooms and dusty blue kitchen cabinets are just a handful of built-in furniture one will find around the house, as Marvin and Lingyi mostly wanted loose pieces that they could take to their next home in the future. They also found that instead of hiding their possessions behind storage units, displaying items
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opp os ite
The dark-blue accent wall was converted into a space for books and ornaments in the study area.
contributed better to the lived-in look that they desired. “Our logic with storage was, the more storage space you have, the more you will buy and stash inside them, and the accumulation of stuff goes unnoticed,” says Marvin. “So by keeping everything on display it has influenced us to think our purchases very carefully and to get only the things we absolutely need.” After moving in in August 2018, the house-proud couple created a lifestylecentric Instagram account (@ ourseaofgreen) to share images of the many picturesque corners of their home and their efforts on living more sustainably. They spent around $65,000 on renovation which took four months to complete.
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Instead of overcompensatIng for the lack of lIght, marvIn and lIngyI chose to embrace It, pressIng on wIth the dark colour scheme and keepIng artIfIcIal IllumInatIon to a mInImum.
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Vintage-style bathroom fixtures add a chic twist to design of the master bathroom. opposi te
The bedroom exudes a sense of serenity and wamth thanks to the jade green accent wall.
photography veronica tay art direction kristy quah
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The Timothy Oulton coffee table complements the rustic look of the Chesterfield sofa. Sheryl’s father added a rubber strip around the edge to make it childproof. Op pOs it e
The dining table sits up to eight persons when extended into an oval shape.
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Victorian Mod con This couple realised their vision of a modern Victorian home that is cosy and unique, and which incorporates smart home features. Lynn Tan finds out how.
a
n avid traveller who works in the travel industry, Seann Chua, has come across numerous examples of beautiful European homes with Victorian interiors during his overseas trips. “I find the wainscoting, wall beadings and cornices rather enchanting and wanted to emulate these in our home,” he shares. However, his wife, Sheryl Kang, had some initial reservations because she did not want their apartment looking like some old-fashioned Victorian abode. “I did some research and realised that we could go for a modern Victorian style, which is more subtle and classy,” she says. The couple shortlisted and interviewed a few interior designers who had expertise in designing homes with wainscoting, and decided on interior design consultant James Kong from Carpenters Design Group for his “attention to detail, openmindedness and can-do attitude”. It proved to be the right choice as there were some issues along the way- delays in the shipment of bathroom fittings, broken lights and
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incorrect electrical wiring, all of which were attended to promptly by James and eventually resolved satisfactorily. It also helped that Seann and Sheryl were very hands-on and worked very closely with James throughout the entire process. They sourced most of the furniture and fittings themselves despite having no prior experience. “We knew exactly what style and colour we were looking for in order to complement the modern Victorian theme, so we were very focused in our search and zeroed in on the suppliers who carried the products that we wanted.” Having established a modern Victorian theme with a blackand-white colour palette for the main living and dining spaces, they went about sourcing for elements that fit into the scheme, starting with the wainscoting on white walls that are as much of a backdrop as they are the star. They went for a slimmer profile in keeping with a more modern look. Instead of wood, the wainscoting is made from a special type of European foam that can achieve a more seamless joint against the wall surface to minimise unsightly gaps. “We had seen some shoddy examples where wooden wainscoting left blunt edges and crevices along the walls and this was a definite no-no,” Seann points out. Sheryl adds: “The wainscoting alone cost us$10,000 (around s$14,200), but the results are beautiful.” The living room may be sparsely furnished, but the lone Chesterfield sofa makes a bold statement with its handdistressed Vagabond black leather. This piece is Seann and Sheryl’s favourite, reinvented for 88
The gold fittings extend to the kitchen cabinet hardware.
Left
Who lives here
A couple in their 30’s and their two children home A three-bedroom condominium at Paterson Road size 1,459 sq ft
The couple loves art and their apartment is filled with art pieces, some of which are self-drawn. This piece in the living room behind them portrays a ballerina waiting to dance and it is by a street artist in Munic. Be Low, Left
The wainscoting adds visual interest to white walls and they are as much of a backdrop as they are the star. Be Low, r ight
The wainscoting also frames the artworks on the walls.
the 21st Century by Timothy Oulton, but with the same classical proportions. The marble flooring in the living and dining areas was retained, but as the homeowners wanted a seamless transition into the dry kitchen, they tracked down the company who supplied the original marble for the development 14 years ago and managed to procure the same marble to be used in the dry kitchen. Apart from the existing floor tiles, the old kitchen cabinets were also stripped away. The new ones are clad in simple white laminate and adorned with gold handles and knobs in keeping with the modern Victorian language. 89
The built-in refrigerator and wine chiller was a bit of a technical challenge. Seann had his heart set on the Liebherr models and James had to ensure that the dimensions of the surrounding built-in cabinets and kitchen counter could accommodate them. “We also had to make allowance for the pipes at the back, so it was essential that all the parties involved, including the plumber, electrician and carpenter coordinated closely with one another,” James emphasised. The existing bar counter between the dining area and kitchen was replaced with fullheight cabinets for additional storage. Seann’s suitcases are stowed away in the lower cabinets and the shelves facing the dining area are where they proudly display photos of their journey from a nelwy married couple to proud parents of fouryear-old Summer and twoyear-old Scott.
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The master bedroom also underwent quite a transformation. The cabinets stacked above the bay window were removed. The bay window was reinstated with the addition of a timber top that also serves as a display ledge. The existing bathtub were removed and the wall between the bathtub and the master bedroom was reconfigured to create a small walk-in wardrobe for Seann. Seann and Sheryl wanted to have a smart home that leverages on technology to seamlessly operate the lights, blinds, television and other household appliances, James was able to design for it and integrate the various requirements into the home. Seann and Sheryl agree wholeheartedly, “Our home reflects our modern lifestyle, our aesthetics and smart home preferences. Most importantly, it is cosy and comfortable.”
“i did some research and realised that we could go for a modern victorian style, which is more subtle and classy.�
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Gold bathroom fittings reinforce the Victorian theme and go well with the white colour palette. oppos ite
The distressed headboard in the master bedroom was selected to match the Chesterfield sofa.
photography veronica tay art direction kristy quah
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f e aT u r e
$50 T h e B u d g e T Wa r r i o r
Yes, it is possible to build a home office with a $50 budget - we need only look back to our school days, when space and cash flow were modest. And get creative, your budget home office can borrow its elements from other rooms too! Then you can decide which element to prioritise.
photo Montana
Chair
MAKE IT WORK
Portable chairs and legless chairs go well with these working surfaces - just make sure to get up every few hours to stretch your muscle. You can also consider getting a comfortable gaming chair, most of which are legless chairs with an adequate cushion that can be paired with a low or a folding table.
Keen to style up your work area in the house? Here are ways to set up a home office for every budget. So, most of us are working from home now. For most, WFH might be a temporary situation, but for others, it might turn into a permanent or semi-permanent arrangement. Experts have predicted that, moving forward, as we learn how to live with and mitigate the worst of the pandemic, employers are considering more flexible working hours and locations for their employees. Many business owners have also discovered the benefits of WFH, and would likely retain the arrangement even after the
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circuit breaker measures are lifted. So it’s high time you create a more permanent, conducive home office. And it’s simpler than you’d think. Fundamentally, outside of the electronics and wi-fi connection, a home office needs just three elements: a working surface, a comfy chair, and good lighting - other elements are optional. Needless to say, these three essential elements must be designed ergonomically to promote a healthy working condition. We’ve curated some great finds to fit every budget.
ZaiSu Chair
$28, ShopOnlineLah via www.lazada.sg
laZy Sofa
$20.60, First-Sen Furniture via www. ezbuy.sg
Lighting
Wo r k S u r fac e
Consider getting a portable working surface like folding table, lap desk, or get creative by repurposing a breakfast tray for example
Find a spot with good natural light in your home to work during the day. The average artificial lighting in homes is about half the intensity needed for a workplace, so you do need a desk lamp to complete your budget home office. Choose one with an adjustable arm. Or, in the case of a lap desk, get a USB LED light that you can plug into your laptop. Ikea has excellent choices with the slimmest price tags.
Dormitory laPtoP table
Starts from $6.20, various sellers, www. ezbuy.sg
byllan laPtoP suPPort
naevlinge leD Work lamP
$29.90, Ikea, www. ikea.com
$15.90, Ikea, www.ikea.sg
Wo r k S tat i o n
Once in a while, we’ve got an nnovative product that hits ll the marks. Poppidesk is a esk made of cardboard by ocal brand Paper Carpenter. he desk is sold flat packed, etails for $25 and is entirely ecyclable. Complete the workstation with the Hexa ardboard stool, which retails or $20. Available from www. apercarpenter.com.
JansJo leD usb lamP
$4.90, Ikea, www.ikea.sg PhiliPs lever light essential Desklight
$39.00, Courts, www.courts. com.sg
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“To minimise disrupTions, Work areas should have some flexibiliTy
$500
of being separaTed, aT leasT
T h e C au T i o u s s p e n d e r
A larger budget offers plenty of possibilities. With $500, you can get all the three essentials (a desk, a task chair and a desk lamp) and additional supporting elements like storage units. Don’t be afraid to mix lifestyle brands with office furniture brands.
aCousTiCally, from oTher areas of The house When required.” si Jian xin, Wynk CollaboraTive
Wo r k s u r faC e
You have some options to choose from depending on how big the space you have for your home office is. A dedicated desk with wheels is a smart choice if the home office doubles as a living space as it facilitates quick room reconfiguration. A wallembedded shelf is a sound space-saving alternative while a folding desk is always handy.
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fjaellbo laptop deSk
Montana Skyline Shelf
$79, Ikea, www.ikea.com
Starts from $210, Danish Design Co www. danishdesignco.com.sg and Pomelo Home
oak folding low table
Montana gueSt Stool
$289, Muji, www.muji.com/sg
$410, Danish Design Co www.danishdesignco. com.sg and Pomelo Home
Lighting
A decent budget can get you classic pieces you’ve seen in pop culture, and even some of the limited edition. Opt for one with a moveable arm to direct the light to where you need it the most.
Forsa Work lamp artEmidE tolomEo miCro Bi-Colour
$39.90, Ikea, www.ikea.com
Start from S$392, Million Lighting, millionlighting. com
typE 75 paul smitH Edition dEsk lamp
ÂŁ175.00 (S$301), Anglepoise, www. anglepoise.com
Chair
There usually is a staggering price gap between dining chairs and office chairs, even from the same brand. The good news is, as our home life and work life are getting increasingly intertwined, plenty of brands have begun to produce chairs that can traverse both living-dining and workspace with ease, with equally comfortable price tags.
Storage
Hay ElEmEntairE CHair
$270, Grafunkt, www.gxafunkt.com
Leave room in your budget for a handy storage element that would look at home anywhere in your home. The Montana Mini storage unit, for instance, is available in a myriad of colour options and it will add a splash of colour to your home office setting. Starts from $250, available from Pomelo Home.
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$5000 T h e S av v y I n v e S T o r
Now is the time to get that investment piece you’ve been dreaming of! But take your time to research each piece. A serious home office must have serious technology to promote a healthful working posture as well as durable and sustainable materials. Needless to say, they also look fantastic.
Herman miller nelson Desk
US $2,375.75 (S$3,383), store. hermanmiller.com
S u r fac e
A proper home office desk should be functional, yet handsome enough to pair well with the rest of your home. Opt for a slim timber desk to save space and express lightness, and choose ones with a built-in drawer. If you’re a restless worker, a portable laptop stand would do the job and add a pop of colour to brighten the space.
ariake sagyo Desk witH sumi ink finisH
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Ac o u s t i c
Spending more time working from home, have you noticed the noises around you more? Acoustic panels and partitions work wonders in blocking them off in the office, and they can work their magic in your home office too!
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Woven Image’s hanging acoustic solutions create a cocoon of calm and can be slid away when not needed. Pendent Splay retails for $603.5 per kit, which includes panels, wires and ceiling mount components. www. wovenimage.com
$2,533, P5 Studio, www. p5studio.com.sg
home offiCe Wisdom from the experts
“Softer elements, like music, and greenery, can be much more powerful than the actual physical setup, and are also more easily available without having to incur much cost.” Dennis Cheok, Upstairs_.
Chair
If you can afford to splurge on one thing for your home office, let it be an amazing task chair. Take your pick from the many legacy office furniture brands. Some of their designs have been around for a while, featured prominently in pop culture, and have been continuously tweaked to better fit the human body and our evolving working habits.
ThoneT S64 VDR ChAIR
€1,495.00 (S$2,305), Xtra, www.xtra.com.sg
“Wake up early, work efficiently and productively, and stop working when you’re supposed to so you can distinguish work from play and take the opportunity to enjoy the time you have on hand.” Cherin Tan, LAANK. “If the home office space has little or no view, consider adding plants and mirrors. Mirrors are the next best thing to real windows.” Quck Zhong Yi, Asolidplan.
heRmAn mIlleR AeRon ChAIR
From $2,199, Xtra, www.xtra.com.sg
oKAmURA lUCe ChAIR
$769, Okamura, okamura.com.sg
oCChIo SenTo leTTURA
hAY CloChe lIghTS
€1,222.86 (S$ 1,885), Occhio, www.occhio.de
loUIS PoUlSen AJ TAble lAmP,
$550, Grafunkt, www.grafunkt. com
From $1,528, Louis Poulsen, www. louispoulsen.com
Lighting
The adequate light you need for an optimum workspace is 500 lux, while the average home lighting hovers around 250-300 lux. So get that luminaire boost - do your research and ask your favourite lighting dealer on the best light to mimic natural daylight.
text Asih Jenie
“It’s ideal to allocate a dedicated room for a home office to avoid cluttering to the rest of our home and for privacy and the ability to concentrate better. Especially with children at home.” Chan Chia Gunawan, Studio Jia. “Good lighting is the number one priority for a home office. If having permanent lighting fixtures installed is not possible, do invest in a floor or desk lamps – great if they have up-down lighting features so that you can have both ambient and task lighting.” Goy Zhenru, Goy Architects. “It’s important to understand your own work habits and set up a space that fits those habits. For most people who work from a computer, you really only need a comfortable chair and a table.” Leong Hon Kit, Wynk Collaborative.
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project PIU DesIgn
photo 123.rf.com
f e at u r e
Get It Done
1. Prioritise yo u r to - d o l i s t Evaluate and set just one or two bigger, high-priority tasks to tackle for the day, and don’t add too much to your list. Ensure that each is something relevant and can be achieved realistically.
Procrastination - it gets to the best of us. If you often struggle with managing your tasks, here’s how you can beat the thief of time.
W
hen was the last time you left a project to the last minute while fiddling with miscellaneous things like thumbing through Facebook? Not too long ago, we’ll bet. We all procrastinate. There are a myriad of reasons why, but it is far from what is commonly thought to be plain laziness. “Whilst it is easy to see them as the same, it is important to make a distinction between the two. Procrastination has little to do with doing nothing. Instead, it’s about doing everything else but the task at hand,” says psychologist Dr Joel Yang of Mind what Matters Psychological Consultancy. “A key contributing factor is doubting one’s competence. No one likes to fail and that belief can likely lead to avoiding the task.” To get your productivity on track and save you valuable time whether in the office or if you work from home, read on for our tips.
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abov e
Dr Joel Yang, clinical psychologist at Mind what Matters Psychological Consultancy.
2 . B r e a k i t d ow n Facing a monumental assignment can feel overwhelming and leave you wanting to throw your hands up and deal with it later. If you often struggle with this, break your workload down into manageable, bite-sized chunks instead. Create a specific timeline and allocate a period for the completion of each portion.
3. effective Planning Establish a practice of planning out your to-do list for the week or day ahead, and ink it in your notebook or in a task management app, whichever resonates with you the most. Be specific about the tasks as well as the timeline in which you plan to finish each task. 4. cut out the d i s t r ac t i o n s Social media (like that “quick” Facebook check) and instant messaging apps are obvious culprits but e-mails and even multi-tasking can also derail productivity. Not only do distractions waste parts of the day, you’ll also need time to get your focus back.Ways to minimise temptation: Disable notifications from your e-mail, social media and messaging apps. Also close the 20 tabs you have open on your browser, except for those you’re actually working on. Instead, schedule pockets of time to check on them every half an hour or after a certain part of your work is done.
6. Set reminderS and lo c k i n a d e a d l i n e f o r yo u r S e l f “Keep yourself accountable. Write it down and place it somewhere you will always see. It could be on your bathroom mirror, your mobile phone wallpaper, or on your refrigerator door,” Dr Yang shares. For tasks without a deadline, set it on your calendar or book an appointment in advance, like that spin class you’ve been putting off.
5. deSign a Smart and e n j oya b l e wo r k S pac e Declutter your area to minimise unnecessary distractions. Think about having plants, the surrounding colours and find a spot with natural light. “Productivity is variable depending on the type of home office one may work in. If a brand emphasises boldness and confidence, then red is a good match,” says Dr Yang. “But generally speaking, light pastel tones are found to be more soothing to the eye and can help to boost periods of attention.”
project Wolf Woof
project Studio Super Safari
7. r e c r u i t e x t e r n a l Support Tell your work buddy, partner or family members about a goal you’re trying to attain and ask them to hold you to it. You can also hold each other accountable for your plans, and check in on the other’s progress regularly. 8 . r e c o g n i S e yo u r productive periodS a n d u S e yo u r t i m e e f f e c t i v e ly For instance, if you don’t feel creative most mornings, start with something else like administrative work so your plate is clear for when your creative juices are flowing. But if you possess more energy in the first few hours of the day, this is the time to complete tasks that are the most challenging.
9 . r e wa r d yo u r S e l f p e r i o d i c a l ly Celebrate each small win along the way as you advance towards your ultimate goal, be it a good cup of coffee, or a date night out with your partner after a tough project. “This conditions your brain into making a positive association with the change and reward, and makes you less likely to veer towards procrastination,” Dr Yang shares. In the same vein, combine a mundane chore with something that’s more enjoyable, like a pumped-up playlist or filling in that spreadsheet in a nice cafe. 10. let go of perfectioniSm Obsessing over perfection is fuel for procrastination. Simply dreading the thought of performing a task poorly can put some people off taking it on entirely. While you should certainly strive to perform to the best of your abilities, recognise that accomplishing a task can take time, and will more often than not, be imperfect. In other words, lower the bar and take that first step towards your goal. 1 1 . S i m p ly g e t S ta r t e d Ultimately, it boils down to taking action. It may sound easy but it’s often the hardest part. But once you commit and get into the momentum of it, you may find that you don’t want to stop until you’re done.
“there Seem to be benefitS to low-level procraStination, like StreSS-reduction, in the Short term. however, reSearch indicateS that chronic procraStinatorS Suffer more and perform worSe than otherS. - dr joel yang
text Michelle lee
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f e at u r e
Personal suPPort Set your productivity stage with these chair and task light picks.
W
ith home offices in the spotlight, outfitting your work-from-home setup properly is more important than ever. Working from the dining table might do for a brief period, but is definitely going to cause health problems like backaches and eye strain in the long run. Here’s what you should consider when shopping for your home office setup.
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L i g h t u p Yo u r L i f e
While most of us think of task lamps as soulless, fluorescent white lights, the good news is that they don’t have to be. Task lighting can come in the form of table lamps, standing lamps, or overhead – as long as they fulfil their purpose of providing sufficient light for your work needs. When purchasing a task lamp, consider the following factors.
Dimmability
Are you using this solely for work, or will it function as a reading lamp or ambient lamp as well? A multi-tasking lamp should have a dimmable function, so that you can adjust the level of lighting to your needs. It’s also important to consider the kind of work you do: those who do detail-oriented visual work, like illustration for example, may need a brighter light. Direction
Again, this depends on the type of work you do. Focused lighting, the kind provided by swing arm lamps for instance, is great for working on a desk. However, if you work mostly on a screen, a lamp with diffused light is less harsh on the eyes. c o lo u r
Bright white LED lighting (4,600 – 6,500K) has been said to provide the same benefits as natural light, helping to improve your focus. However, the blue light present in this colour temperature range can impede your body’s natural circadian rhythm because your body is tricked into thinking it’s in the middle of the day. If you’re using the task lamp to work mostly in the evenings, consider getting a warmer colour instead (like warm white) so you can unwind more easily afterwards.
1. Sayl and Eames Molded Fibreglass Chairs, $1,369 each, from Xtra. 2. Muuto Beam Lamp, $395, from Grafunkt. 3. Muuto Leaf Table Lamp, $495, from Grafunkt. 4. Colebrook Bosson Saunders Lolly Table Lamp, $420, from Xtra. 5 . House Doctor Desk Table Lamp, $1,100, from Journey East. 6. Kelvin lamp by Antonio Citterio, price upon enquiry, from Space Furniture. 7. Edgar Orbis Table Lamp, $298, from Journey East.
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Style
Ta b l e l a m p s
These offer portability and are the most common option for task lamps. Choose one with a slim profile, so that it doesn’t take up too much space on your desk. 8
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8 . Orb Table Lamp, from $445, from Boconcept. 9. Hay FiftyFifty Mini, $590, from Grafunkt. 10. Northern Birdy Table Lamp, $448, from Danish Design Co.
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F lo o r l a m p s
Standing lamps make a much bigger style statement since their height makes them visually dominating. These are better for more diffused lighting, or if you want to brighten a dark corner.
11. Muuto Post Floor Lamp, $1,190, from Grafunkt. 12. Time&Style Botan no Hana, price upon enquiry, from Grafunkt. 13 . AI2O3 lamp, from $209, from Sol Luminaire.
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14 . Petite Potence wall lamp, $1,670, from Vitra.
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Wa l l l a m p s
While wall lamps are spacesaving, their fixed nature means that you have to plan your space and activities well. These are great for bedside reading lamps, especially when nightstand room is limited.
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S i t B ac k a n d R e l a x
More than just a seating option, a good chair should support you comfortably at the right height and prevent problems such as slouching and shoulder aches. Here’s what to look out for when purchasing one. a dj u S ta B i l i t y
Most office chairs will have height and arm adjustability, but the best ones also offer flexibility when it comes to angle and tension control. Your ideal office chair should sit at a height that doesn’t cause you to slouch to see your laptop screen, or raise your arms and shoulders too much when you type. B ac k S u p p o R t
Having great lumbar support can prevent back strain. Some chairs come with adjustable lumbar support that lets you fit it to your lower back. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate back rest if your dream office chair doesn’t have an adjustable one. c u S h i o n i n g a n d Fa B R i c
When purchasing an office chair, consider the fabric that makes up the cushioning. It should be breathable enough so that your chair doesn’t become hot and uncomfortable after sitting in it too long, and can be cleaned easily. ot h e R F e at u R e S
Some other features to consider are the wheel base and swivel, which allow you to move freely around without strain, and whether the chair has armrests. These entirely depend on user preferences and habits, so it’s up to you!
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17 15 . Allstar office chair, $1,553, from Vitra.
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16. Viccarbe Copa chair by Ramos&Bassols, price upon enquiry, from Space Furniture. 17. Gubi Beetle Meeting Chair, from $838, from Danish Design Co.
a good chair should support you comfortably at the right height and prevent problems such as slouching and shoulder aches.
text Melody Bay
18 . Herman Miller Mirra 2 office chair, $2,259, from Xtra. 19. Poliform Stanford chair by Jean Marie Massaud, price upon enquiry, from Space Furniture.
An office chair may be the most important feature of your study or home office, but other elements should come into play when considering which one to purchase. Firstly, take a look at your desk, since it’ll be used in conjunction with the chair. Is it at the right height? Will you have to move around a lot to reach things? Secondly, consider the configuration of your workspace. Will you be working on your own? If you’re using a shared space, a chair with a slimmer profile and a roller base might work better.
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f e at u r e
Flexiroom Add versatility to your spatial planning by adopting the traditional Japanese concept of Washitsu.
Portable Pieces
Consider loose and compact furniture pieces that can be stowed away or collapsed to clear the room for the next activity.
T
he pandemic has forced many of us to reconsider the way we use our space at home. With our work life transplanted into our domestic life and our nearest and dearest are now also our coworkers, we may not have the luxury of having spaces dedicated to just one specific function all the time. A living room may have to be the office during the day, the dining room may have to be the kids’ classroom outside of makan time. The Japanese are ahead of us when it comes to spatial multifunctionality. Having to deal with frequent earthquakes, their traditional houses are filled with portable, light and loose design elements that can be reconfigured or cleared with ease to suit the dwellers’ needs. In fact, the central feature of a traditional Japanese house is an open room without a specific function called the Washitsu, which translates to a generic “Japanese room”. Washitsu’s function depends on the needs of its occupants. In its default state, it is an empty space with tatami flooring, shoji doors that can be slid open to let the fresh air and natural light inside, and, if the homeowner can afford to be a bit fancier, a tokonoma, or an alcove to display ornamental or precious things like a potted bonsai or ikebana arrangements. This philosophy seems particularly relevant to our times. So here are some elements to help you put your own spin on Washitsu.
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SuMMit Chair A classic Scandinavian chair reimagined with the compact Japanese spatial proportion. Available from P5 Studio, price by request.
Muji Bead S o fa A Japanese take on a bean bag sofa. $169 for the sofa and $49 for the knitted cover. Available from Muji
tata M i 9 - i n -1 S o fa B e d Made with genuine tatami from Japan and can be used in nine different ways and stowed away neatly when not in use. Retail starts from $1,175 from www.tatamishop.com
Convertible systems
Opt for furniture systems that can be expanded in size or converted into other functions, like a work desk that flips into a bed, or a retractable dining table.
KitChoo K6 PoCKet KitChen An ingenious Swisstechnology pocket kitchen that requires only 1.54 sqm to function. Starts from â‚Ź4,600 (S$7,080) from www. kitchoo.com
SlumberDeSK A desk that transforms into a bed, instantly converting a home office into a bedroom. $3,900 from www.spaceman.com
D e lta D i n i n g ta b l e A 2.9-metre dining table that can be retracted into a 40cm-wide console when not in use. Starts from $2,888 from www.spaceman.com
m u r P h y S t u Dy DeSK & Shelf A cosy workstation that flips into a bed frame with a complimentary mattress. $2,599 from www.ti-furniture. com
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Access to Air, light And view
Consider sliding doors to let natural light and air in. If privacy is needed, or the view is less than ideal, use screens and partition. Don’t forget the artificial lighting to set the mood.
ShoJi DoorS Authentic shoji made to order in Japan. Price by request, available from www.tatamishop.com
M a i S o n l ac r o i x Finition onYx large Screen Featuring six 25-mm-thick plywood panels with stainless steel edges etched with an exquisite motif on both sides.
Blink Screen Add a little industrial touch with this modernist piece designed by Yabu Pushelberg.
$19,800 from Roche Bobois Singapore.
Price by request from P5 Studio www.p5studio.com.
You Are Allowed to be A bit fAncY
Most Japanese living rooms are designed with a Tokonoma (alcove) to display precious things. Consider a modern interpretation like this.
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k u M i ko c a B i n e t Featuring a built-in screen that casts a playful shadow when you put a light inside.
i k e B a n a Va S e S The Jaime-Hayon-designed vases interpret Ikebana for modern times.
Retails from $8,505 at P5 Studio www.p5studio.com.sg.
Starts from $295 from Fritz Hansen Lounge Singapore.
text Asih Jenie diagram AlAm mulYAnA
Inspiring Women
To celebrate 60 years of HER WORLD, we present
#Her World Her Story
60 suc pas
inspiring real-life stories omen haring their llenges, bitions
Every month from March to August, we’ll be featuring 10 women in print and online. Read about their struggles and triumphs, and watch their videos on wwww.herworld.com/herworldherstory/ and our IG account @herworldsingapore
BE A PART OF #HERWORLDHERSTORY
We want to hear your story too. Tell us about it on your IG profile, and add the hashtag #HerWorldHerStory so we can find it and share it.
f e at u r e
the write touch The Segreto desk by Israeli designer Ron Gilad gives the traditional “secretaire” or writing desk a modern reinterpretation; a sleek triangular unit that can be mounted on the wall at a height that’s perfect for you. Its bottom section can be opened up to reveal small shelves and drawers for documents, stationery and books. Thanks to a system of stay rods, it can also moonlight as a work top for writing or to support a laptop or tablet. It is outfitted with modern multimedia connections, and comes with a eucalyptus or American walnut finish.
Shape ShifterS Cop these brilliant design ideas that bridge the gap between style and versatile function.
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rban lifestyles are getting increasingly fluid and flexible, and it’s only sound to think outside of the proverbial box when it comes to our dwellings. Not only do multi-functional furniture and fixtures take up less space, they also transform and adapt to suit everchanging needs.
Molteni&C Segreto desk by Ron Gilad, price upon enquiry, available at P5.
inveSt in a Murphy bed Beds are clunky and take up plenty of space. Especially in guest rooms where it isn’t often utilised, a Murphy bed that can be folded up and hidden frees up space when it is not occupied. Folding it up in the day also keeps dust and dirt from gathering underneath, and makes cleaning the floor a breeze. Design: Suhaimi Lazim
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seTTee meeTs shoe cabineT The entrance foyer of this executive maisonette flat is turned into a welcoming and savvy space; a shoe cabinet is thoughtfully combined with a cosy settee that allows everyone to sit while putting on and taking off their shoes. Design: Distinct Identity
s e aT i n g T h aT wo r k s d o u b ly h a r d If you love having friends and family over, a built-in dining bench could prove ideal for squeezing in extra guests while taking up less space than regular chairs. Make it pull double duty with additional storage, as this chic industrial design does. Design: Studio Zync
smooTh TransiTion Segregating areas of your apartment with sliding doors allows it to be converted into an open living area when the doors are opened. Design: Wee Studio
c r e aT e a f u n c T i o n a l f e aT u r e wa l l Use vertical space like shelves and cubby holes to display your knick knacks, or even large objects like a bicycle. This movable chevron-panelled design is a feature wall, a display case and storage space all at once. A nifty sliding door allows its contents to be hidden from sight for a sleek, clutter-free look. Design: Ching Hei 111
Make rooM for p l ay f u l n e s s Turn your child’s room into a whimsical haven for both work and play. Circu’s quirky and exceptionally designed collection, including a Dream Desk, an adorable cloudinspired stool and a swing sofa that draws on Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland, turn a child’s study space into an inspiring and fantasy-like playroom. Dream Desk, Cloud Puff stool, and Booboo Suspension Sofa, prices upon enquiry, available at www. circu.net.
C e n t r a l sys t e M There are plenty of ways to utilise a kitchen island: Use it for food prep, as a storage unit, or as a breakfast bar. It also makes for a cosy spot for intimate gatherings, especially if you have an open kitchen layout. Pair it with a dining table to form a continuous surface for food preparation and dining. Design: Distinct Identity
W r i t i n g o n t h e Wa l l Coating walls with chalkboard paint creates a writable surface for notes and messages, or a canvas for doodling when inspiration strikes. Design: Wei Yi International Design Associates
n oW yo u s e e i t In a brilliant design move that alludes to a sense of openness while offering privacy, “smart glass” or electrochromic glass is used extensively throughout this walk-up apartment. These demarcate the living spaces and turn opaque with the flick of a switch. Design: RYHT and ZYNC 112
Multi-tasking, foldable and Mobile furnishings don’t just Make prudent use of precious real estate, they also allow you to change up your interiors in a jiffy.
text Michelle lee
wa l l s t h at wo r k f o r yo u Pave the way for a layout that is kept open and free-flowing with flexible spatial configurations. In this living room, a movable wall that divides the main living hall and the dining area can be swung open for extra room or closed for more privacy. Design: Wei Yi International Design Associates
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f e at u r e
full Steam ahead
photo 123.rf.com
If you aren’t a fan of the amount of chemicals used to achieve a sparkling clean home, consider LG’s suite of appliances enabled with its proprietary TrueSteam technology. From its dishwasher range to the Styler clothing care system, and washing machines, they rely less on chemicals and detergents and instead, utilise high-temperature steam to penetrate fabrics and cut through dirt and stains while tackling germs. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the LG Styler, which reduces allergens, odours and creases in fabrics. Likewise, the TWINLoad Smart Washing Machine launders and dewrinkles clothes while eliminating bacteria and allergens. LG’s range of dishwashers uses steam to remove caked-on food residue, while effectively sterilising dishes with a natural sanitary solution.
RefResh YouR home With health and wellness a focus of many people’s concerns right now, check out these innovative appliances you’ll want to invest in to keep your home a safe haven.
diSinfeCt on the go
Plug this nifty portable device into a USB port and turn normal tap water into electrolysed water that purportedly disinfects and deodorises surfaces. Activating chloride ions in tap water, the Heyo Water Electrolytic Steriliser promises to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria, including E.Coli and Salmonella, and can even be used on food. There are three levels of intensity available: Low level for use on food, a medium level for cleaning surfaces, and high level for areas like toilets or for deep cleaning. The Heyo Water Electrolytic Steriliser retails at $150 and is available online at Lazada via its sole authorised distributor Amconics Singapore.
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The LG Styler retails at $3,299, the TWIN Load Smart Washing Machine at $3,499 and the LG dishwashers from $2,299. For more information, visit www.lg.com/sg. Photos: LG Electronics Singapore
m a x I m u m e F F I C I e n Cy
Cleaning up is a cinch with Samsung’s new lightweight Jet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner. Boasting a five-layer HEPA filtration system, a Digital Inverter Motor and multi-cyclone system, it ramps up suction power while trapping up to 99.999 per cent of ultra-fine dust particles and allergens. Pick up fine dust on hard floors with a detachable soft brush that’s easy to maneuver; the 200W model also has an attachment that doubles as a mop. It can run for up to 60 minutes before you need to pop it back on the charging station, which can be wall-mounted or used on its own. A click and twist mechanism as well as washable components make cleaning the device fuss-free, too. Reach for its additional tools to help with cleaning bedding and fabric furniture, or to reach crevices and elevated areas. The Samsung Jet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner retails at $669 (150W) and $869 (200W), available at the Samsung Online Store and major consumer electronics & IT stores.
It’S a Breeze
tip To help protect against viruses in your home, mop the floor and wipe down frequently touched areas and toilet surfaces with an appropriate disinfectant or bleach, then allow it to dry.
CleanIng WhIzz
Want to offload the cleaning to a robot vacuum cleaner? Consider the Ecovacs Deebot 710. Its Smart Navi 2.0 Mapping technology maps your layout, plans an efficient cleaning path, and keeps it from skipping or repeating areas. Tricky messes or areas with different surfaces can be handled using the Max Mode, which doubles up on suction power. Other modes include Auto for general cleaning and Spot for edges and specific areas. Antidrop, anti-collision sensors and soft cushion bumpers help it clean around stairs, and avoid obstacles and furniture. Fully charged, it delivers up to 110 minutes of cleaning time. The Google Home and Amazon Echo-compatible gadget can also be remotely controlled via the Ecovacs Home App. You can set up a cleaning schedule for daily cleaning, toggle between cleaning modes and monitor the robot’s progress.
More than ever, you’ll want to be breathing in clean air. One common home pollutant: formaldehyde, a colourless gas that can trigger skin, eye and other irritations. It can be released from household items, including pressed wood products, paint and cleaning agents. The Dyson Pure Cryptomic purifying fan tackles this with a new technology that continuously eradicates and converts formaldehyde into water and carbon dioxide. That aside, its advanced HEPA and carbon filtration system captures 99.95% of potentially harmful and ultra-fine pollutants, domestic fumes and gases, according to the company, and delivers purified air throughout the room. Keep cool with the fan mode, or turn on the diffused mode for less noise and energy consumption. An LCD display shows airborne particle and gas readings in real time, as well as the filter’s lifespan before it needs replacing. Remotely control your device or monitor indoor and outdoor air quality with the Dyson Link app, available on iOS and Android devices. The Dyson Pure Cryptomic purifying fan retails at $999 on dyson. com.sg and at the Dyson Demo Store – Owner Centre.
The Ecovacs Deebot 710 retails at $429 and is available at authorised Ecovacs retailers and online flagship stores such as Lazada, Shopee and Qoo10. For more information, visit www.ecovacs.com/global. Cool aId
Outfitted with WiFi capabilities, LG’s ArtCool Plus Air-conditioners allow you to effortlessly control and monitor them via the LG SmartThinQ app on Android and iOS smartphones, even while you’re away from home. On top of that, they are built with the Plasmaster Ionizer+. This projects ions that sterilise and get rid of aerial bacteria and microscopic contaminants for fresher air that LG says is 99.9 per cent cleaner. Plus, they operate at a low noise level, come with an auto-cleaning function and a four-way swing feature that cools every part of your room.
ArtCool Plus Air Conditioners start from $2,588 for a System 2 solution and are available at Audio House, Best Denki, COURTS, Gain City, Mega Discounts Store and Harvey Norman.
text Michelle lee
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i n s to r e
HigH functionality Storage space tops the list of concerns when it comes to kitchens. For space-maximising kitchen solutions, make your way to customised home furniture company SP Homes. Getting your space tidy is a cinch thanks to stylish cabinet designs with compartments for efficient storage and organisation of appliances like the refrigerator and stove. Integrated with smart kitchen accessories, you’ll be able to easily organise ingredients, tools and wares. Pull-out baskets make optimal use of awkward corners so you can easily retrieve items, and underutilised walls can be turned into functional spaces, too - the company’s hanging cabinet designs are ideal for storing cooking tools like knives and paper towel rolls.
ta k e i t o u t s i d e Aptly named “Hybrid”, the new sofa collection by Italian architect Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor living. The design is evocative of the padded comfort and aesthetics of indoor seating, with a construction and functions that are made to weather the elements. A modular seating system allows for a number of configurations to suit your preferences. Customise yours with a myriad of outdoor fabric options, and a platform that is available in eight sizes and two depths. The armrest and backrest come in two heights.
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Visit SP Homes at 12 Tai Seng Link, or find out more at www. sphomes.com.
sleek style Featuring the same chic design and a body crafted from an anti-rust ABS material, fan specialist Efenz’s Kith ceiling fan now comes in a limited-edition Black Dutch Cocoa colour that adds sophistication to any modern space. You can choose between the Original Downrod or Hugger Version, and from three sizes: 46, 52 and 60 inches. All come with a three-year on-site warranty.
B&B Italia’s Hybrid collection is available at Space Furniture, price upon enquiry.
text MICHELLE LEE
The Black Dutch Cocoa collection currently retails at soft launch prices, while stocks last: from $598 for a 46inch Downrod fan (No Light) to $738 for a 60-inch Hugger fan (with LED light). Visit www.efenz.com.sg.
where to buy
boconcept
Fritz hansen
Mahota
prooF liVing
spaceMan
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lounge singapore
809 French Road Level 3 Kitchener Complex Tel: 6295-8809 www.mahota.sg
#04-16 Ion Orchard Tel: 6509-0555 www.proof.com.sg
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roche bobois MuJi
heYo circu
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Tel: 9476-9794 www.facebook.com/ heyowatersteriliser
courts
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#03-08 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road Tel: 6334-4333 www.jehangallery. com JourneY east
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ecoVacs robotics
ezbuY
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occhio
oKaMura
www.okamura.com.sg p5
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Kitchoo
www.lg.com/sg #04-01 150 Ubi Ave 4 www.ecovacs.com/sg
#07-02 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road Tel: 6224-7176 www.mountainteak. com
Jehan gallerY
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#01-02 100 Pasir Panjang Road Tel: 6338-2488 www.danovel.com
Furniture gallerY
www.occhio.de
crate anD barrel
Danish Design co
Mountain teaK
iKea
www.ikea.com/sg/ #04-21/22 ION Orchard 2 Orchard Turn Tel: 6634-4222 www.crateandbarrel. com.sg
www.muji.com/sg/
MaDe&MaKe
#04-00 Jubilee Industrial Building 6 Genting Road Tel: 6908-5908 www.madeandmake. sg
poMelo hoMe
#13-02 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road Tel: 6226-4663 www.pomelohome. com.sg
#01-02 Boon Siew Building 75 Bukit Timah Rd Tel: 6513-1918 www.roche-bobois. com
InterIor DesIgners
carpenters Design the beuro
group
#03-10 Tan Boon Liat Building Tel: 6222-4500 www.thebeuro.com
#01-01, Oxley Bizhub 2 62 Ubi Road 1 Tel: 6443-1123 www.carpenters.com. sg
WooDVibesonlY
#01-06 Zervex 8 Ubi Road 2 Tel: 8186-2186
#01-2674 81 Geylang Bahru Tel: 9816-9906 www.woodvibesonly. com
shoponlinelah
the DYson DeMo
#08-03 Nordcom One, 3 Gambas Crescent Tel: 6100-6835 www.lazada.sg/ shop/shoponlinelahtrading-llp
store - oWner
icon interior
centre
441 macpherson Road Tel: 6285-1817 www.iconinterior. com.sg
ruMens
#01-15/16/24/25 Capitol Piazza 13 Stamford Road www.dyson.com.sg
traDing post
#07-01 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road www. singaporetradingpost. com
235 East Coast Road Tel: 6336-6018 www.tatamishop.com
35B Seah Street Tel: 8522-7222 www.monocotstudio. com
ti Furniture
three-D
#02-20 EPL Building, 1100 Lower Delta Rd Tel: 9324-5243
conceptWerKe
Vitra saMsung
www.samsung.com/ sg
#01-02 LTC Building B, 12 Arumugam Road Tel: 6846-0033 www.distinctidentity. com.sg
the Monocot stuDio the tataMi shop
singapore
Distinct iDentitY
24 Eng Hoon Street Tel: 6293-8001 www.three-dconceptwerke.com
#01-01 and #03-01 201 Henderson Road Tel: 6270-8828 www.vitra.com
sol luMinaire
395 Guillemard Rd Tel: 6612-1221 www.solluminaire. com.sg
WoVen iMage
1A Club Street Tel: 6338-6619 www.wovenimage. com
space Furniture potta planta
#1-57 55 Lor L Telok Kurau Tel: 8749-9931 www.pottaplanta.com
77 Bencoolen Street www.spacefurniture. com.sg
Xtra
#02-48 Marina Square Tel: 6336-0688 www.xtra.com.sg
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hard truth
A
what’s trending & what we think
Brave New world
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re you one of the eight in 10 employees who want to work from home after the Covid-19 situation is over? Well, I can’t say I’m surprised by the numbers. Working from home – and in fact exercising and socialising at home as well – has become the new normal. And even as we re-emerge from our shells and look cautiously around at the post-Covid landscape, we can’t deny that this period of isolation has helped us to slow down and spend time on the important things. It’s like a picture on Instagram that I saw the other day. An artist had drawn two worlds: one depicting preCovid normality as we know it, and the other filled with trees, animals, and people connecting with each other. The caption was: “What if we moved forward instead of going back to normal?” Can we even go back to what we were before? There are definitely some who would say yes, but truth be told, I quite like this idea of a tentative new world where we adopt an improved way of living. I can see a new reality where we can immediately spend time with family after knocking off at 6, catch up with friends more often over video calls, and treat everyone’s time mindfully and respectfully at work. It’s a new ideal where the restrictions of the pre-Covid world don’t quite apply as much as before. Already, meeting online is becoming the norm, and companies are conducting surveys to see
if flexible work-from-home arrangements are feasible. For us, this shift means that the correlation of function and space in the home will change. Our homes will have to be more flexible than ever, and for those of us without the luxury of space, the concept of allocating rooms to specific purposes will no longer work. A living room is no longer merely for recreation, nor a study room solely for office work. More than ever, we need to be creative in reimagining the layout of our home. This is where the importance of planning our furniture comes in. Loose furnishing instead of built-in may become more popular since it grants us the flexibility of rearrangement. Open-plan concepts and extra storage, already popular design requests, are also going to be more in demand than ever now that fluidity of space is essential. Demand for functional and stylish home office furniture, and better IT infrastructure like fast Wi-Fi, is also going to rise. As more companies look to flexible working arrangements, the idea of working from home will no longer be a temporary measure, but a permanent lifestyle change. These changes may take place very slowly, but they’re definitely already starting to happen. One thing’s for sure: the Circuit Breaker has altered our perception of norms that we’ve never had reason to question before. It’s now up to us to decide whether we want to swing back into the way things were, or bravely move forward into a new era of possibility.
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