SMALL BUT SPACIOUS HOMES WITH LESS THAN 800 SQ FT
20 HACKS FOR EXTRA SPACE SAVVY STORAGE IDEAS & RENO TIPS
TRENDING
Pro-urban farming tips for apartments
S$6.00
JULY 2020
30 COMPACT ESSENTIALS FOR SOLO LIVING
CONTENTS
J U LY
NOW
DESIGN NEWS, PLACES TO V I S I T, T H I N G S T O B U Y 17 UPDATED TRADITION Luxury fashion house Brunello Cucinelli’s latest lifestyle collection combines traditional handcraftsmanship and minimalist shapes.
H OT SP OT
S HO P PING
LUX GRAND GAUBE British interior designer Kelly Hoppen gives tribute to Mauritius’s tropical style throughout the spaces of this luxury hotel.
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GREAT BUYS Our monthly roundup of the hottest new design products for the home.
N E W STO R E
23 LUX & BEYOND Discerning homeowners and designers can look forward to a wide range of globallyrenowned bespoke brands to browse from.
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FAB CINEMA This Instagramworthy cinema in Xi’an, China offers an immersive experience that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy. 26
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Sculptural Lighting Edit These lighting objects double as artworks for your space.
CONTENTS
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P EO P L E 29
WORKING WONDERS Milan-based designer Andrea Mancuso turns daily experiences into an experience worth savouring. 35
JONATHAN CHOE What sparks WOHA Architects associate, designer, artist and sky gardener Jonathan Choe’s imagination? He shares nuggets of his personal beliefs, guilty pleasures and what drives him on. 36
THE PLIGHT OF THE ID IN A BUILDENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY Keat Ong shares the key reasons for SIDS rolling out an initiative to provide accreditation for local interior designers.
FAI R R EP O R T 38
UNCOVERING THE EUROPEAN FINE ART FAIR The latest trends and greatest pieces from The European Fine Art Fair in New York.
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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Uncovering the European Fine Art Fair The latest trends include objects that straddle the realm of art and design with ease.
MOW INTERIOR
CONTENTS
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HOMES THE NEW MODERN
on the cover 46
THINK LOCAL, DESIGN GLOBAL A stunning apartment in Moscow draws on the family’s love of travel for inspiration. 52
FIT FOR ROYALTY This gem of a penthouse apartment, which marries the contemporary and the traditional, is tucked away in an old building in Kensington.
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LOOK GOOD, LIVE WELL Beyond mere aesthetics, budget and functionality are also key to the design of this home. See how this architecthomeowner balances them all. 68
ROOM FOR ALL By thinking out of the box and exploring unconventional design solutions, the designer managed to make this small apartment work for a family of five.
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HOME AND THE CITY Downsizing is always challenging, especially when it comes to storage. See how interior designer Joey Khu make room for this couple, their dog, an extensive toy collection. 82
CHIC SERENITY Soothing hues and minimalist elements in this condominium apartment are an ode to the modernist principles of Japanese interior design.
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This apartment by Akihaus Design Studio shows that you can move a family of five from a four-bedroom flat to two-bedroom flat with style. PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY STYLING NONIE CHEN
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CONTENTS
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The Legend of the Left Bank Historic Parisian elements meet contemporary sensibilities at Hotel Lutetia.
F E ATU R E 88
FEATURES T H E L AT E S T I N D E S I G N AND DECOR TRENDS
STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE There is no such thing as too much storage. Here are ten clever ways to squeeze extra storage from homes with small footprints. 92
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FLYING SOLO Living on your own comes with many joys and challenges. Here are 30 nifty appliances that make flying solo a breeze. 1 00
SMALL BUT MIGHTY Living in a compact home can be chic and functional. All you need are clever design ideas to make the most of your space. Here are 20 of them.
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HOME TO HARVEST Being able to grow our own produce right at home is an enticing idea, but how feasible is it? Urban farmer Darren Tan shares his insights.
T RAV EL 112
THE LEGEND OF THE LEFT BANK The century-old mythical Hotel Lutetia in Paris reopens after four years of renovations with a design that propels it into the 21st century.
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EDITOR’S NOTE 14
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EDITOR’S NOTE
S I Z E D O E S N ’ T M AT T E R Singapore may be just a tiny speck on the world map, but it is perhaps because of its petite stature, which has allowed the republic to quickly grow into a developed nation 55 years after its independence. Being small also brings many benefits to its citizens. It’s easier to get around the country and establish infrastructure so that the people can live and work in an orderly manner. Things get done fast, and we have come to expect a reasonably high level of efficiency among the organisations that operate here. Our homes function much like the country. Even though apartments are the
most common forms of dwelling here, it is inspiring to see the various ways homeowners think out of the box when making full use of their living spaces, and come up with creative solutions to making a compact home look good and feel just as comfortable. In this issue, we take a look at some of the most innovatively-designed homes in Singapore, and learn tips from its owners on effective space usage. At the same time, there are plenty of small space hacks and tips on essential items for those who are living alone. We hope you enjoy this read and look forward to seeing you again in August.
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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BONUS GALLERIES & VIDEOS. AN AB FAB SHOWING Who would have thought that a cinema would become an inspirational design space?
ANDREA MANCUSO Take a closer look at some of multi-hyphenate artist, designer and sculptor Andrea Mancuso’s works.
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U P DAT E D TRADITION Some of the most sophisticated luxury items are the understated ones. Italian luxury fashion house Brunello Cucinelli’s latest lifestyle collection is one of these. Convivium is a collection of tableware and table linen that lend warmth and tactility to the dining table. The ceramic dinnerware collection combines contemporary minimalist shapes and handcrafted techniques from the ancient traditions of pottery making in Umbria, Italy. Each piece is unique. Convivium tableware collection starts from US$350 (S$386) at https://shop. brunellocucinelli.com/en-sg/
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BREATHE EASY TRENDING
SET THE SCENE Not just to illuminate your space, your choice of lighting can elevate the aesthetics of your interiors. These seriously cool designs double as sculptural statements that will make your room shine with style.
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1. Tom Dixon Melt Pendant Lamp, $1,100 to $1,700, from Xtra. 2 . Shiok Lighting Sombre Pendant Lamp, $249, from Etch & Bolts. 3 . Shiok Lighting Glo Pendant Lamp, $269, from Etch & Bolts. 4. Diva floor lamp, from $3,600, from Danish Design Co.
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Keep your family safe with CleanAire, a portable sterilisation device that cleans the air around a two-metre radius using a combination of UVC rays and ozone sterilisation. Its compact size means you can pop it on your office desk, or use it in your car to kill bacteria and viruses. The CleanAire retails at $149 at www. nvc-international.com.sg/cleanaire
EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH What: The Humanity of Small Things When: Now till 12th July 2020 Where: Gajah Gallery, www.gajahgallery.com In the face of the global pandemic, online exhibition The Humanity of Small Things brings the focus back to embracing the beauty of the little and the fragile, not just in the physical sense but also as a metaphor for objects, people, places and moments that have otherwise been overlooked. The showcase features small works
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and expressions of creativity by aspiring and accomplished artists from the region and beyond, with each created in the solitude of the artists’ home or studio during this period of selfisolation and social distancing.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
SAFE SURFACES Italian tile manufacturer, Panaria Group has teamed up with antimicrobial solutions company Microban to debut the Protect Antibacterial Porcelain Tile. The series of tiles are incorporated with an antibacterial shield, using silver as the base of the technology, which the brand says will eliminate up to 99.9 per cent of surface bacteria. Available at local tile company Hafary, you’ll find designs from the marbleinspired Delight to Waterfall, which resembles slate.
ONESEO CHOI Sustainability is at the top of Oneseo Choi’s mind. The South Korea-based artist and furniture designer majored in industrial design at Korea’s Hanyang University mingles art, design and sustainability with a focus on industrial materials that are often unwanted and discarded. From plastic to metal, and cardboard to concrete, his intriguing creations blur the line between art and furniture design.
The Protect Antibacterial Porcelain Tile collection retails at Hafary, 105 Eunos Avenue 3, www.hafary.com.sg.
His designs are available at The Artling, www.theartling.com. Pictured: Pattern of Industry collection
LIGHT AND DARK Thinking of a gift for the Star Wars fan in your life? How about a miniature Darth Vader made entirely of Swarovski crystal? These collectible figurines come in Darth Vader and Stormtrooper versions, and are rendered in exquisite detail, down to the lightsaber. The Star Wars Swarovski figures retail from $449 at www.swarovski.com.
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DECOR ATIVE ART Did you know that in 1667 the Dutch handed over New York’s (then named New Amsterdam) Manhattan to the British in exchange for nutmegs? The nutmeg-rich islands that are now part of Indonesia inspired designer Mary Justice to create Flora, an exquisite, limited edition folding table and nesting trays that double as artwork.
TILE OF THE MONTH
Flora retails from US$1,750 (S$2,440) at www.maryjusticedesigns.com and select Aman resorts.
TEXTURAL PLAY The Squar tile collection by Italian designer Giovanni Barbieri aims to give designers a budget-friendly way of creating artistic installations using a single tile collection. The Squar tiles seamlessly progress from flat and square modules to irregular, three-dimensional relief. Available in ceramic, engineered marble and natural stone variants. The Square collection retails at www. giovannibarbieri.com, price by request.
COOK UP A STORM Unleash your inner chef with the Kitchenaid Digital Countertop Oven. Though it has a small countertop footprint, the generous 21L capacity means you can fit two whole chickens inside, and includes easy-to-read digital displays that lets you check on cooking progress at a glance. The Kitchenaid Digital Countertop Oven retails for $319 on Lazada and Shopee.
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
MARBLING WITH COFFEE GROUNDS The Coffire porcelain pendant lights by Chinese designer Zhekai Zhang uses recycled coffee ground as a colouring material. Combined with ancient pitfiring pottery making technique, the biodiesel and the sugar in the coffee grounds are oxidised to red matter that paints a marble-like pattern on the porcelain. Each piece is unique and aces the sustainability test. You would never look at coffee grounds and coffee stains the same way again. Coffire Lamp retails from $180 in three sizes at www.made-in-co.com. Find out more about Zhekai Zhang at www.zhekaizhangdesign.com
NEWS Virtual stylist You can virtually tap on the expertise of furniture retailer BoConcept’s interior designers for both interior design and styling services from home. Via a video call, you’ll get personalised styling advice, from how to style a sofa to your entire apartment, as well as mood boards and 3-D visualisations.
Visit www.boconcept.com/zh-sg.
Going digital Furniture brand The King Living has officially opened its first virtual showroom, presenting an immersive and interactive shopping environment for its customers. On top of a new digital consultation service with King Living’s product experts, live showroom tours and personalised product demonstrations via Whatsapp are also available exclusively for shoppers in Singapore.
Visit www.kingliving.com.sg/showroomvirtual-tour to browse the full range of products and purchase them at www.kingliving.com.sg.
New tie-up LG and Miele have entered a long-term agreement that allows the latter to produce and sell robot vacuum cleaners using patented technologies developed by LG R&D. It covers the use of LG’s patented induction signal guide and infrared-induced signals that enable the robot cleaners’ accuracy in returning to their charging stations. Other LG patents that have been licensed pertain to dust and agitator attachments.
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Add to cart
FASHION FORWARD Bring a touch of Versace’s decadence into your home with the Italian fashion house’s 2020 Textiles & Accessories collection. The collection includes velvet-trimmed throw cushions that adopt the Barocco Garden print showcased on the brand’s Fall-Winter 2020 runway - perfect for elevating any couch. Want to sip on that morning iced latte in style? Get the portable cups, decked with the brand’s iconic Medusa logo in glittering crystals. The Versace Textiles & Accessories collection is available at the Versace boutique, #B1-31 & #B2-29 The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands, prices upon enquiry.
KR I SS HOP G R E E N KrisShop has a new addition to its slew of concept stores - KrisShop Green. Centred around sustainability, the online shop will house over 100 products across 20 brands. You’ll find a curation of items that focus on clean beauty, are cruelty-free, ecofriendly, organic and recyclable - think beeswax wraps, bamboo fibre cups, reusable sandwich wraps and organic wines. In line with its green efforts, the company is also using delivery packages made from recycled, singlewalled craft paper boxes printed with water-soluble ink.
SUPREME WHITE Solid white surfaces are timeless and evergreen, but not all shades of white are created equal. Dekton Uyuni, Cosentino’s latest solid white colour is an example of a superior white compact surface. Inspired by the breathtaking Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia, it features a matte finish that is soft to the touch and a crystalline white colour with a subtle blue undertone that lends a cooling effect to any room. Available in large format for a seamless expanse of white. Call your interior designer and view Dekton Uyuni at Cosentino City Singapore, 34/35 Duxton Road. Visit www.cosentino. com for more information.
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text MICHELLE LEE, MELODY BAY AND ASIH JENIE
N E W S TO R E
L U X & B E YO N D Discerning homeowners and designers can look forward to a wide range of internationally-renowned bespoke brands to browse from.
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esigners and homeowners looking for bespoke fittings have a new option to shop from: the Lux & Beyond store. Originally a single-brand showroom in 2018, the company has since brought in more design names and expanded its offerings for customers, including custom lighting and panels. It’s not your standard showroom, either. The space features a variety of luxury living concepts, designed with the purpose of showcasing their products. Shoppers can expect to see themes like The Library, a room designed to resemble a classic Italian library but outfitted in white oak for a contemporary touch instead of the traditional dark walnut,
and the Chinoiserie Room, which features hand-carved details and exotic finishes. Within these rooms, you’ll be able to find brands that specialise in custom work, such as Serip Organic Lighting. Each of their nature-inspired works is conceived as a lighting
text MELODY BAY
sculpture, and is made by artisans using handcrafted bronze and hand-blown glass in their Lisbon-based workshop. Likewise, for those seeking wood craftsmanship, the store carries luxury Italian flooring brand Foglie D’Oro, which produces a wide range of planks, chevrons, herringbones, and refined inlay panels from sustainablysourced walnut and oak. “We know that each and every designer is different, so we wanted to make sure we could offer bespoke, made-to-order pieces. Even if what the designer has is only a sketch or just an idea, we can help to realise it because we work directly with the manufacturers,” shares Kenneth Fung, the manager of Lux & Beyond. The team, who has more than 20 years of experience in interior design, is able to advise on the products and materials that are suited to Singapore’s high-humidity climate. Just browsing? You can simply walk in and take a look. The store does carry stock for all its brands, but custom items may require a lead time of 3 – 4 months. Lux & Beyond is at 8 Burn Road, Trivex, #04-04.
TOP
The neutral textured hues of this room showcase the sculptural bronze and rose gold features of Serip’s lighting. BELOW LEFT
Hand-carved walnut and oak form the Batik wall panel from the Javier collection. BELOW R IGHT
This chandelier, from the Serip Aqua Collection, features an intricate network of gold branches intertwining to form a dome.
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H O T S P OT
FA B C I N E M A Located in Xi’an, China, this 1,150-square-metre project offers movie enthusiasts an immersive experience where the boundaries between reality and fantasy disappears.
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an the cine experience be reinvented? The X+Living team tackled this challenge with FAB Cinema in the Chinese city of Xi’an. All the traditional characteristics and needs for such a space were contemplated and taken into account. Wall coverings and ceilings are equipped with sound-absorbing devices. Customised carpets reduce noise, providing the ideal acoustic environment. Meanwhile, comfortable seats ensure every person has the best viewpoint and sound quality. But that’s not all. “The usually boring waiting area became an emotive space,” says Li Xiang, chief designer at X+Living. For the team, cinema design is meant to awaken the public’s emotions and imagination, even before the movie begins. To achieve this objective, X+Living created an avant-garde space, starting with the main hall, which features visual effects. “The black and gold palette looks dramatic”, say the designers. The box office and ticket sale areas are decked with fashionable props that
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One of the screening rooms that pairs bold colours with arches and graphic stripes. B OTTOM , LE FT
The highly instagrammable common areas ensure that the waiting time is far from boring. B OTTOM , R IGH T
The amenities at FAB Cinema include pool tables with quirky design.
mimics a movie set, treating everyone like movie stars. A quirky billiard table with duck legs, oversize floor lamps fashioned after stage lights and director-style folding chairs are some of the many surprises in the space. Every element contributes to connecting the audiences with the world of cinema. The movie theatre offers four screening rooms, each with its own distinct style. The first is inspired by a European study with classic bookcases and black and red seats. The second refers to a fun artist’s living room with pure colours and geometric patterns. The third screening rom is characterised
by elegant arches — typical of classic architecture — green ceiling and walls, and yellow seats. Black-and-white strips on the floors and some of the seats lend a graphic touch to the space. With its bright neon and rich colours, the fourth screening room is a surrealist’s dream comes true. With these new spaces at FAB Cinema in Xi’an, audiences don’t have to wait until they are inside a screening room to start the experience. The show starts as soon as they step inside the world that X+Living has created. Visit www.xl-muse.com to find more about X-Living
R IGH T
A wall decorated with neon signs transport audience to a cinematic realm.
good to know How will movoe theatres evolve to the pandemic? Experts have predicted that movie theatres will reduce their capacity, which translates to a more exclusive cinematic experience.
text KARINE MONIE photos SHAO FENG
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H O T S P OT
Interior designer Kelly Hoppen was inspired by the hotel’s location, its light, smell and foliage to create the tropical atmosphere.
L U X G R A N D G AU B E British interior designer Kelly Hoppen gives tribute to Mauritius’s tropical style throughout the spaces of this luxury hotel.
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ocated In the middle of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a paradise for lovers of both leisurely and aquatic activities. Designed by architect Jean-Francois Adam, the Lux Grand Gaube hotel reflects a timeless vision of the tropical lifestyle. In charge of creating the interior spaces, Kelly Hoppen strove to honour this aesthetic. To achieve it, the Cape Town-born British designer drew from her childhood in South Africa. Kelly was also fascinated by the
hotel’s dream locale, natural light, aromas and surrounding vegetation. As an avid traveller, she knows the importance of comfort in accommodations, and made that priority. Every detail was carefully taken into account to provide the best possible experience. Kelly not only spent a lot of time on the decoration of the rooms and restaurants, but also on designing all the other elements such as the path that leads from the hotel to the beach. The tropical gardens,
ABOVE
All rooms, suites and villas open out to airy verandas. L EF T
The interior is designed to complement Jean-François Adam’s vision of timeless Indian Ocean living style.
TO P
The natural landscape was the main source of inspiration for the interior, as apparent in this inviting corner. A BOVE
The exceptional natural landscape was the main source of inspiration for the decoration.
two pools and breathtaking views of the bay, lagoon and islands are an invitation to relax. For the interior spaces, Kelly used a neutral palette and layered it with diverse textures and colourful accents. In the ensuites, geometric tiles add a graphic touch. A feeling of absolute tranquillity pervades the entire property. The rooms, suites and villas open up to the ocean panorama; some offer an outdoor bathroom and a terrace. Details such as plants, hand-woven African baskets and wicker tables contribute to the warm ambience. Located on a private peninsula, the three Lux Villas—which feature a pool and private beach—blend indoor and outdoor living. The six restaurants and seven bars—each distinctly designed—provide unique culinary experiences. In Palm Court, for example, the glass
good to know ceiling allows diners to admire sunny blue skies or the stars at night. In Inti, guests savour Peruvian and Argentinian cuisine. Meanwhile in Bodrum Blue, the menu features Turkish flavours. Nestled in an idyllic landscape, the Lux Grand Gaube’s retro-chic style keeps nature at its heart. “For me, when designing a project, especially a hotel, my love for the end result and how people will feel is what I love most”, Kelly confesses. She adds, “An experience is the strongest feeling to have.”
Fan of gin and tonic? Head to Lux Grand Gaube’s G&T 100 Club, where they have collected some of the world’s best gins and elevated them.
Visit www.luxresorts.com to find more about the LUX Grand Gaube Visit www.kellyhoppen.com to find more about Kelly Hoppen.
text KARINE MONIE photos COURTESY OF KELLY HOPPEN AND LUX RESORTS
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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
WO R K I N G WO N D E R S Enchanting the world with playful objects, furniture, lighting and installations that unite fantasy, wonder and imagination, Milanbased Italian designer Andrea Mancuso turns daily experiences into an experience worth savouring. Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle takes a deep dive into the designer’s oeuvre, his creative processes, and his beautiful childhood in Rome to find out what makes him tick, and how he has cultivated a knack to craft narratives with objects that evoke emotional responses from his audience.
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SPOTLIGHT
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“BEHIND EACH BRAND,, THERE ARE STORIES THAT HAVE NOT
ndrea Mancuso inhabits a whimsical and dreamy universe, transporting audiences through time and space with his designs that offer surprises and convey feelings. Take, for example, the Rhyton series of five surreal, hybrid ceremonial drinking vessels made by master glassblowers in Murano. Half goblet and half mythological creature, they metamorphose into characters to populate the rituals taking place in the dining room. Then there is The First Supper table in concrete and steel that pays tribute to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, by transforming the “last” into the “first”. Carving out traces of familiar objects like plates, forks and nutcrackers on the surface of a table, Mancuso leaves behind signs of a banquet that are visible depending on the way light strikes it, thereby allowing the user to imagine the story. With the Glacoja vases and centrepieces hand-carved out of blocks of plexiglass, he reveals
their hidden raw side, treating them with pigments that give them a strange, primitive appearance resembling geological formations. Lord of small things Andrea is recognised for his playful objects, furniture, lighting and installations that alter reality, marry the past with the present, evoke emotional responses from users and arouse curiosity. He describes his creative process, “The first approach to a new project is research. I look for books related to the subject I want to study. Every project is an opportunity to learn. The materials or manufacturing I favour are those I have never explored before. When I acknowledge the manufacturing limits of certain materials, I somehow start limiting my imagination. Production is certainly a complex part of the process. Even though I work with very skilled artisans, there are often problems to be resolved in the passage from paper to life.”
YET BEEN TOLD. I TRANSLATE THOS STORIES WITH MY OWN STYLE.” 1 . Andrea Mancuso sculpting one of the champagne glasses in the Metamorphosis collection. 2 . Rebus sideboard designed for Fratelli Boffi in 2016.
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3 . A 2014 collaboration with ceramicist Alessio Sarri, the Booming Vases were created by detonating gunpowderfilled wet-clay forms before firing.
4 . The Metamorp installation Perrier-Jo presented Design Mia 2019 featu 11,000 mo ceramic p that recall bottles ma in the cella
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METAMORPHOSIS FOR PERRIERJOUET 3
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Exploring the metamorphoses of nature, Perrier-Jouet’s Art Nouveau heritage and the way in which the house converts Chardonnay grapes into elegant, floral champagnes through knowledge learnt over the past two centuries since its founding in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adelaide Jouet, Andrea designed the Metamorphosis collection of six champagne glasses and champagne bowls made in collaboration with Murano-based
Berengo Studio using the complex lost-wax casting technique. Each taking a week to handcraft, the six glasses with intricate vegetal designs in muted shades reflect the flavour profiles and personalities of six distinct Perrier-Jouet cuvees, following Andrea’s long talks and tastings with the house’s Cellar Master, Hervé Deschamps, in Épernay. While the conventional upper bowl of a champagne glass remains, the stems adopt surreal forms as if overrun by plant life, encouraging users to embark on a new artistic champagne drinking ritual. There are glass bases in the guise of a curved plant stem with two green leaves, climbing roots and ribbon-like petals in rose pink, and bubbles rising upwards or intertwining stems in amber. Andrea remarks, “My encounter with Maison Perrier-Jouet is an ongoing conversation, a wonderful, inspirational dialogue about wine, of course, but also a shared vision of reenchanting the world with reinvented nature.”
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5 . The Dome light designed for Italian luxury lighting brand Slamp in 2017 features scales inspired by Medusa.
7. The First Supper Table designed in 2013 was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic paintingThe Last Supper.
6. The Metamorphosis champagne glasses designed for PerrierJouet.
8 . The Glacoja Vases designed in 2019 are carved from blocks of plexiglass.
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Born thinker Born in Rome in 1982, Andrea grew up in the narrow, serpentine streets and small lively squares of Trastevere, a picturesque and charming neighbourhood where history coexists with the quotidian. His mother was a psychologist and his father worked in advertising, and when his grandfather retired and transformed his garage into a workshop to make wood models, the young Andrea spent time with him learning how to use tools and to bring ideas to life. In his early 20s, harbouring a passion for cinema, he worked as a film editor for short movies and documentaries while studying design. Obsessed by the possibility of changing the perception of reality by inverting sequences and associating them with sound, he thereafter discovered that he could use design to craft a narrative.
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“I describe myself as an observer,” he states, “I like to investigate the relationship between the familiar and the unexpected. Everyday spaces and objects represent ourselves, our past, memory, history and culture. Through objects, installations and interiors, design can be a medium to tell stories and create emotions.” Forging a career After meeting Emilia Serra at the Royal College of Art in 2008, they cofounded a design studio, Analogia Project, in Milan three years later. Their big break came in 2012 at Milan Design Week, where they presented Analogia #003, a temporary, site-specific installation that challenged conventional spatial relationships and the frontier between reality and unreality, where visitors saw life-size charcoal sketches of common household objects brought to life through the meticulous placement of black
KEY DESIGNS
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wool wrapped around a maze of transparent fishing lines fixed to walls and ceilings, as if one were living inside a drawing. A few weeks afterwards, Hermes commissioned them for the window displays of its Ginza store in Tokyo, and Bulgari came knocking the following year. Andrea explains how he interprets the identity of each brand he works with, “Behind each brand, there are stories that have not yet been told. I translate those stories with my own style.” In 2016, when Fendi asked them to design a permanent installation for its headquarters in the Palazzo della Civilta Italiana, they recreated the palace’s iconic repeating arch facade, which protrudes from the interior walls in multiple spots, emerging and disappearing as if they belonged to a lost memory. Today, Andrea’s studio is located in Milan’s Navigli district, characterised by the presence of numerous artisan
workshops and artist studios now converted into bars and restaurants. Having inherited one of these spaces that was about to shut down eight years ago – a small atelier with a window looking out onto the street – he uses half as a studio and the other half as a workshop to construct maquettes and prototypes, tackling up to 10 projects at a time with the help of two assistants and a few external collaborators that join the studio when required. “Nature and sustainability are indeed important considerations, as well as tradition and culture,” he says about his creations, “Most of my projects are developed with local artisans in limited editions and are objects made to last over time. People are becoming more sensitive to climate change problems, and I hope that the design world will respond accordingly. We are urged to change our attitudes, and I believe that design has the ability to do so.”
ANALOGIA WOOL INSTALLATION Questioning the relationship between objects and spaces by transforming rooms into a three-dimensional sketchbook, Mancuso brought drawings to life by using 3D software and suspending merino wool – treated to obtain different thicknesses and lengths so it resembles charcoal strokes – on a net of fishing lines stretched from floor to ceiling and from wall to wall.
BOOMING VASES Produced in collaboration with Italian master ceramist Alessio Sarri, they examine two essential elements that comprise our existence: air and matter. Pure geometrical shapes in ceramic have been exploded while still fresh, fixing the moment of explosion in the material, following experimentations testing new cause-and-effect relationships.
GOLDFISH TABLES Playing with varying shades of marble and the age-old technique of inlay, Mancuso transforms the tabletop into a pond crossed by slow-moving goldfish, matched with a base composed of overlapping brass plates that echo their movements.
STORYWALL TILES The white ceramic tiles accurately reproduce archaeological fragments and ruins stemming from Italian museums, which were created by using virtual digital models of the artefacts, thereby exploring the presence of history in our everyday lives.
RHYTON VESSELS Taking its name from an ancient drinking horn made of pottery or metal with a base typically in the shape of an animal head, these five Murano glass goblets taking on the guise of a snail, a chicken foot, a dolphin tail, a hedgehog and a ram with long horns are a study of the ritual of antique drinking vessels.
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U P C LO S E
JONATHAN CHOE What sparks WOHA Architects associate, designer, artist and sky gardener Jonathan Choe’s imagination? He shares nuggets of his personal beliefs, guilty pleasures and what drives him on.
mobility devices, as well as prioritising people over cars - I have never driven one before in my life! Name one style that you hate and never want to see again… Any style that is not representative and expressive of the time and place in which it was created.
What is your personal design style? I like to let each design challenge present its own style, depending on the unique circumstances. Generally, I like to keep things quite simple and use natural materials, including lots of plants. Describe your fondest memory as a child Some of my fondest memories are running around in the forest playing with wild plants and animals as a young kid, and exploring the urban cityscapes of Singapore after moving here later in my childhood. Name one of your favourite pets I’ve had many pets over the years and loved all of them dogs, lizards, frogs, hamsters,
turtles, snakes, rabbits, and even quail! What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? To keep your options open. What is your guilty pleasure? I love any preparation of beef, and anything that is sweet and salty. What natural element inspires you the most and why? I’m inspired by plants. The amazing natural diversity and atmosphere that they create by growing seemingly out of nothing is just incredible. Name one cause you will fight for and why I am passionate about remaking our cities to be friendly for pedestrians and users of active
text MICHELLE LEE
What would you like to have as your last meal on earth? I’m half Korean so it would have to be Korean barbecue; our family has had it for special occasions since I was a kid and it’s still my favourite. I even designed a custom BBQ table for the roof terrace at my apartment. Which room in the house do you spend the most time in and why? I love hanging out on my garden roof terrace. I don’t like to be indoors! What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try but have never summoned the courage to? Put on an art exhibition. What is one thing you have had to learn the hard way? How to handle the complexities and insane pace of managing a building project from start to finish.
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vo i c e s
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The plighT of The iD in a builDenvironmenT inDusTry Keat ong shares the key resons for sIDs rolling out an initiative to provide accreditation for local interior designers.
he interior designer is perhaps one of the most highly underrated professions in the world today. In the Singapore’s buildenvironment industry, most of the roles of the professions are relatively clear, ranging from the architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and so on, except for a few. The interior designer is one of them. It is always one of the last groups to be considered and mostly to “fill in the blanks in a halfwritten article”, with some exceptions of course. There are other issues that lead to the disrepute of the profession as well. There are sizable untrained or undertrained people out there who have given their clients the false impression of their training and experience and have fallen short of what is expected of them as a professional interior designer. Often, because of this, the interior designers who specialise in home design were mistaken for renovators. Distinguishing types of ID The idea of professionalisation for the ID is not new. Two decades ago, the industry was discussing how to differentiate the trained and untrained interior designers. However, with the rise in technology and information, all professions must evolve. Today, we need an accreditation system to be simultaneously exclusive and inclusive. The exclusivity calls to differentiate the trained from the untrained while the inclusivity is asking the industry to accept a broader range of the interior design professions that has emerged to address the increasingly complex building design.
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photo sarah choo
We need to be able to differentiate the interior architects, the interior designers and the interior stylists. SIDS has been working with National University of Singapore (NUS) to develop the Interior Architecture undergraduate course as well as a course that caters to the aspired interior stylists at the NITEC level. Meanwhile, the polytechnics and private institutions are doing fine in churning out the diploma holders in interior design. An accredited profession With the Industry Transformation Roadmap Development for Interior Design Industry in Singapore Final Report 2018 initiated by DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), prepared by Frost & Sullivan and tasked to SIDS, the latter has been charting the trajectory to elevate the ID profession in Singapore. One of the most arduous but necessary tasks is to create an accreditation scheme for the local industry. SIDS has since taken on the leadership to steer this industry transformation. This year will be seen as Year Zero to discuss and align on the programme. The Singapore ID Accreditation Steering Committee will consist of representatives from government agencies, relevant professional associations, academic institutions, and professional practitioners. A series discussions will take place before the implementation of the accreditation scheme in 2021. I hope that laying out the framework for the industry will elevate the quality of interior design talents in Singapore and help homeowners to better appreciate of the work that an interior designer does.
Keat Ong President Society of Interior Designers, Singapore (SIDS)
H E H O R L G A S I N EC A SP
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composite material made from quartz and resin. And not just any quartz, but only rounded quartz particles, resulting in an extremely durable surface that is not only resistant to stains, UV, heat and scratches, but also food-safe, easy to clean and pleasant to touch. You can leave your red wine glasses and hot pans to cool in the sink while you multitask without worrying they will leave permanent marks. Designed by awardwinning Stuttgart-based studio Phoenix Design, the SilicaTec range presents a minimalist look - linear lines, broad rim surface and concealed overflow. The range is available as a built-in or undermount fixture. It is also offered in
different sizes to cater to homeowners’ needs. Choose a single bowl sink for a compact kitchen, or opt for the double sinks if you have a heavier load, and consider adding a draining board if you would like to have more workspace. The options are plenty and possibilities are endless, but the result will be a universally, effortlessly elegant kitchen working area - a backstage that everyone wants to be invited to. Hansgrohe Singapore pledges five per cent of all online and retail sales proceeds from 1 June to 31 July 2020 to support HealthServe Singapore, in line with the brand’s commitment to give back to the migrant community.
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design report
Uncovering the European Fine Art Fair There is no doubt that the Big Apple is one of the world’s artistic capitals and for this reason, The European Fine Art Fair, or TEFAF, takes place in the city twice a year, first in Spring and then in Fall.
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ew York is arguably the most important global centre—historically, artistically and commercially—for the field of modern and contemporary art”, says Sofie Scheerlinck, managing director of TEFAF New York. “We are delighted to be part of this dynamic art landscape, offering an unrivalled platform for exhibitors in New York. In turn, the fair offers art lovers, collectors, museum curators and design professionals an exceptionally strong lineup of leading international galleries, and a revelatory art experience in the city.” Held for the third time, from May 3-7, at the Park Avenue Armory, the Spring edition gathered 93 exhibitors, including 13 new participants such as Kamel Mennour (France), Pace Gallery (United States), and Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac (U.K.), among others. Here are five trends that we identified at this Spring’s event.
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trend 1
At t H e C r o s s r oA d s oF design And Art
With beautiful and functional pieces made by creative minds who can be described equally as designers or artists, some galleries promote a dialogue between different disciplines. Founded by French duo Julien Lombrail and Loic Le Gaillard, Carpenters Workshop Gallery is one example. Among the gallery’s most iconic artists and designers are Maarten Baas, Vincenzo De Cotiis, Mathieu Lehanneur and Studio Job, just to name a few. Founded in 1979 in Milan by Nina Yashar, the Nilufar Gallery also took part in the fair, showcasing the Palm floor lamp by Michael Anastassiades and the Atollo table by Massimiliano Locatelli, among other stunning pieces.
F lo o r l A m p C o n C r e t e b A s e 1 1 by n AC H o C A r b o n e l l
Concrete base, welded texturize metal branches, metal mesh cocoons sprayed with layers of paver pool with pigments, LED lightbulb with Silicone covers. Exhibited by Carpenters Workshop Gallery. www. carpentersworkshopgallery. com
photo Mark NiederMaNN
I n s ta l l at I o n by n I l u fa r g a l l e r y
www.nilufar.com
photo Mark NiederMaNN
p o l a r b e a r s o fa by a n r oy e r e
ol fabric. Exhibited Laffanour Galerie wntown, Paris. www.galeriedowntown.com
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trend 2
A N O D E TO WO M E N
Several renowned galleries decided this year to showcase some of the most important and visionary female artists and designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Hauser & Wirth presented works by Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010), Maria Lassnig (1919-2014) and Alina Szapocznikow (1926-1973), which explored themes related to identity and the body. Galerie Georges-Philippe and Nathalie Vallois exhibited “Tir Avion” by acclaimed French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Axel Vervoordt highlighted the iconic piece “Work” by Japanese avant-garde artist Yuko Nasaka, who joined the Gutai art group in 1963 and rarely exhibits outside her home country. One of the UK’s leading ceramic artists, Kate Malone, was represented by Adrian Sassoon with “A Pair of Striped Magma Vases”, a piece in crystalline-glazed stoneware.
“ T i r AV i O N ”
NAsAkA.
Synthetic paint, plaster and glue on cotton, mounted on wooden board. Exhibited by Axel Vervoordt. www.axel-vervoordt.com
“A PA i r O f
by N i k i D E s A i N T
s T r i P E D M Ag M A
PhAllE.
VA s E s ” by k AT E
Mixed media, paint, plaster and various objects. Exhibited by Galerie Georges-Philippe and Nathalie Vallois.
M A lO N E .
www.galerie-vallois. com/en/
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“ WO r k ” by y u kO
Crystalline-glazed stoneware. Exhibited by Adrian Sassoon. www.adriansassoon. com
trend 3
L e g e n da r y m a e s t r o s
Pace Gallery exhibited the works of iconic 20th-century artist Jean Dubuffet (19011985, including paintings and sculptures from the 1960s to
the 1980s. Organised by the gallery Friedman Benda—a TEFAF first-timer – the exhibition “Wendell Castle: A New Vocabulary” was a tribute
“ g u i ta r e s u r u n e ta b L e ” by J ua n g r i s ( 1 8 8 7/ 1 9 2 7 ) .
Oil on canvas. Exhibited by Helly Nahmad Gallery. www.hellynahmadgallery. com
to the late (1932-2018) American designer’s sculptural approach to design. Artworks by pioneering modernist Paul Klee (1879-1940)—presented by David Zwirner—and by Spanish cubist painter Juan Gris (1887-1927)— exhibited by Helly Nahmad Gallery—also reminded observers of how these creatives shaped the history of art. Thanks to Bernard Goldberg Fine Arts, visitors (re)discovered the visionary group The Eight (Robert Henri, William J. Glackens, Everett Shinn, Maurice Prendergast, Arthur B. Davies, Ernest Lawson, George Luks and John Sloan) who established one of the most notable movements in American art history.
“ s c e n e e t s i t e ” by J e a n dubuffet (1901/ 1985).
Acrylic on canvas-backed paper (four sections). Work of art by Jean Dubuffet. Exhibited by Pace Gallery. www.pacegallery.com
“H appiness” by WendeLL castLe (1932/2018)
Stained Ash. Exhibited by Friedman Benda. www.friedmanbenda.com
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“reClaimed b a r r e l s ” by ta h e r asad-bakhtiari.
Metal and resin. Exhibited by Hostler Burrows. www.hostlerburrows.com
“ e x pa n s i o n ” by C e s a r b a l daC C i n i .
Resin. Exhibited by Demisch Danant. www.demischdanant.com
trend 4 F o u r Va s e s b y m a n u FaC t u r e
m at e r i a l e x p lo r at i o n
n at i o n a l e d e s e V r e s .
Through objects, sculptures and jewellery, artists and designers are experimenting with different materials, from resin, metal and brass to porcelain, glass and precious stones. Born in Iran in 1982, Taher Asad-Bakhtiari explored his heritage with “Reclaimed Barrels” presented by Hostler Burrows: “Cleaned and all spruced up, the finished products are a cross between recycled art, environmental art and upcycle,” he describes.
Glazed and enameled porcelain. Exhibited by Oscar Graf. www.oscar-graf.com
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“Each one is unique in style and colour and continues to be multifunctional. Rescued from a fate of total destruction, the barrels tell a story of diversion, barter, overcoming resistance, metamorphosis and recovery. As such, they stand as a testament to Iran’s modern and torturous history: from riches to dust, from shiny new to battered and barely surviving, from frivolity to austerity and then slow re-conversion. [A] subtle reminder… in a city of extremes.”
TREND 5
L AT I N A M E R I C A N F L A I R
A champion of Latin American art, Leon Tovar Gallery—which represents artists such as Carlos Cruz-Diez, Julio Le Parc and Jesus Rafael Soto—sold three artworks on the opening days of the fair. The three were “Topologia Erotica” by Cuban artitst Zilia Sanchez (b. 1926), “Paper Shape” by another Cuban artist Agustin Fernandez (1928-2006) and “Untitled” by Uruguayan artist Carmelo Arden Quin (1913-2010). These sales underscore the dynamism of the Latin American art market. Meanwhile, Sergio Camargo (1930-1990) for the Gladstone Gallery and Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) for R & Company represented Brazil.
SIDE CHAIR WITH U N D U L AT I N G A R M R E S T S BY J OAQ U I M T E N R E I R O .
Ivory wood. Exhibited by R & Company. www.r-and-company.com
“ PA P E R S H A P E ” B Y AG U S T I N F E R N A N D E Z .
Exhibited by Leon Tovar Gallery www.leontovargallery.com
“ U N T I T L E D # 2 2 4 ” BY SERGIO CAMARGO.
Painted wood. Exhibited by Gladstone Gallery. https://gladstonegallery.com
“NEW YORK IS ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT GLOBAL CENTRE—HISTORICALLY, ARTISTICALLY AND COMMERCIALLY—FOR THE FIELD OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART” 43
S TO P OV E R S I G H T S
A trip to New York City promises adventure. The fastpaced city is fascinating and vibrates with energy. Hotels, restaurants, museums, art galleries and shops: There is an infinite list of activities, and here are three of our favourites. T H E T I M E S S Q UA R E EDITION
“The golden age of Times Square elicited the feeling that anything was possible,” says hotelier Ian Schrager. “The Times Square Edition is the embodiment of this storied past, resurrected for the present, providing hope for the future.” The hotel—created in partnership with Marriott International—welcomes guests to a long ivory hall with Venetian plastered walls and ceiling. Dark timbers, velvets, leathers, and marbles adorn the interior spaces, which comprise 452 minimalist guestrooms, suites and a penthouse, as well as six dining experiences by Michelin-starred chef and a live performance venue on its seventh floor.
photo NICOLAS KOENIG
www.editionhotels.com/timessquare/
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photo COURTESY OF THE SHED photo NICOLAS KOENIG
Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Rockwell Group, the 18,500-square-metre arts centre took 11 years to complete. It features a telescoping outer shell on the base that can form a canopy over the plaza, creating an iconic space for large-scale performance. “I see the building as an architecture of infrastructure—all muscle, no fat, and responsive to the ever-changing needs of artists,” says Elizabeth Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. “The Shed was conceived as an adaptable and structural palette that will allow an diverse group of creators to incorporate the building into their work,” adds David Rockwell of Rockwell Group. “It’s an exciting addition to the long lineage of institutions that have kept our city on the cutting edge of the arts. Ultimately, it is a testament to the energy of New York City.” www.theshed.org
photo COURTESY OF DI AN DI
THE SHED
DI AN DI
Di An Di is a Vietnamese restaurant in Brooklyn that serves modernised version of pho. It is accessible through a discreet entrance that leads to a tropical space with a fresh atmosphere. “The interior is meant to reflect the food and the culture of the restaurant —fresh, bright, and driven by community”, says design studio Huy Bui, who designed the place in
collaboration with NY_based interior designer Michael Yarinsky. Plants hanging from the ceiling complement the pastel colour palette. Di An Di is rooted in tradition with a New York twist. Its name refers to a phrase in Vietnamese that friends and families use to say that means, “Let’s go eat”. www.diandi.nyc
text KARINE MONIE images COURTESY OF TEFAF
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Think local, design global A stunning apartment in Moscow draws on the family’s love of travel for inspiration. MIRANDA TAY finds out more.
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n the heart of Moscow, an apartment in the Barrikadnaya area takes the visitor on a design journey around the world. Each room is different, influenced by the culture of the country that inspired it. The owners are a couple in their 40s, with two children – a boy and a girl – eight and four years old. The parents are business people and seasoned globetrotters. “Their passion for travel was reflected in the interior design of this apartment which they recently purchased,” says interior designer Anna Kovalchenko. “The colour schemes were the key design element inspired by the travel.” Each room is dedicated to their favourite destinations – Africa for the living room, Greece for the kitchen and balcony, tropical islands in the Indian Ocean for the kids’ room and the bathroom, and an urban hotel style for the bedroom. Located on the 12th floor, all rooms in the apartment presented a challenge in terms of size, with relatively low ceilings and small dimensions. “Every centimetre of space needed to be carefully thought about to make sure that all rooms are ergonomically friendly,” says Anna. “Since all the rooms are either east or north-facing, we decided to ‘warm them up’ with a strong,
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th is pag e The kitchen features leather and wood furniture paired with a blue-andwhite colour scheme that is a tribute to Greece. opposi te The living room features a warm material and colour palette inspired by the continent of Africa.
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right The entryway is adorned by accesories the owners collected during their trips around the world. B E LOW Paintings from Cyprus add visual interest to the otherwise plain wall. Op p Osi t E A feast of texture in the bedroom comprises tropical wallpaper, knitted bedcover, plants and custom sideboard made with MDF and solid oak inserts.
rich and bright colour palette.” It suited the clients’ taste, as they perceived pale tones as wishywashy, gloomy and lifeless. The clients had a lot of belongings, and needed plenty of storage. Anna’s solution was to customise all the furniture. “The sofa has a large compartment for storing pillows and throws, the stairs in the kids’ room are also the drawers for storing toys, all rooms have large floor-toceiling wardrobes.” Cupboards in the living room were made to order, as was a folding writing desk covered with natural wood veneer. In the bedroom, a large bespoke headboard, with panels upholstered in Italian Alcantara, is the focal point. 48
The clients wanted their home to have predominantly natural materials – stone, wood, metal – to create a rustic feel, but without the home looking like a country house. Furniture is made of painted MDF and solid oak inserts. Natural oak floors were hand-treated for an authentic rustic look. The interior’s global influences are apparent from the get-go. “The clients brought many paintings from their recent trip to Cyprus and we used them for decoration in the entryway and kitchen,” says Anna. Also at the entryway is a custom wardrobe and chest of drawers made with American walnut veneer with handmade brass handles.
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As busy business people, the parents treasure their weekends when they take time off to spend with family and friends. “That was the reason they wanted a large chillout area in the living room with big corner sofa and fireplace, as well as a big dining table in the kitchen,” says Anna. For the kids’ room – anchored by a spectacular feature wall featuring tropical leaves wallpaper found on Etsy – the clients wanted bunk beds on different levels. Anna took the idea further with a playground area on the second level with the built-in hammock. “The clients really loved the idea,” shares Anna, “They also requested [the hammock] to be super durable and strong to withstand not only the weight of the children but also the weight of the adults.” The hammock, like the beds, has a metallic frame fixed to the floor and ceiling. Made of strong yacht net that is usually used for catamarans, it can take
a load of more than 200 kg. Anna explains, “Overall the idea was to create a Robinson Crusoe-style in this room – fun, adventurous and carefree.” The kitchen has modern lacquer cabinets, complemented by solid teak dining furniture. “This makes it look more relaxed and cosy, balancing the cold, ‘industrial’ feel of steel,” says Anna. Bathroom walls are covered with composite material made of ground natural marble, the same material used for the washbasin. “The furniture here is also made of solid teak,” Anna says, pointing out, “This wood is not afraid of moisture.” Out on the balcony, walls and ceiling are covered with artificially aged oak floorboards. Differing lengths and widths create an interesting three-dimensional effect. Since the furniture has a distinct colour and texture, the walls are simply painted white to create a neutral backdrop.
top The master bedroom boasts a custom panelled headboard upholstered with suedelike material Alcantara. top left The bathroom features marble wall, marble washbasin and solid teak carpentry. op pos ite The children’s bedroom features a wall with bold tropical print and a secondlevel playground area with a builtin hammock.
text MIRANDA TAY photos OlgA ShANgINA Interior styling EkATERINA NAuMOvA
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An arched doorway with a pair of timber double doors leads through to the living area. OPPOS ITE
The stately yet cosy living room.
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FIT FOR ROYALTY This gem of a penthouse apartment, which marries the contemporary and the traditional, is tucked away in an old building in Kensington. MELODY BAY finds out more.
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ABOVE
Delicate moulding above the arched doorway lends a classical flair. RI GHT
Laura Hammett, the founder of the design studio, has garnered multiple design awards.
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OPP OSIT E
The neutral tones of the space create the perfect backdrop for sculptures and art pieces.
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estled in the quiet street of Vicarage Gate in Kensington, London, is a hidden oasis of luxury that blends the contemporary and the traditional. Beautifully restored by design studio Laura Hammett, the historic building – which dates back to circa 1877 - 1880 – is now home to four sumptuous residences that include a penthouse, a threebedroom split level apartment, a two-bed duplex, and a studio.
While the interior was reconfigured to house these apartments, Laura Hammett took care to retain features of the original building, including the grand staircase and stainedglass windows found in the stairwell. “The spaces feel sumptuous, liveable and work harmoniously within the period style of the building,” shares the founder of the design studio, whose signature contemporary style and bespoke approach
“
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The interior of the historical building was reconfigured to house the four residences, but retains some of its original features.
have garnered multiple design awards and been featured all over the world in cities like New York, Cannes, and Paris. A private lift takes you directly to each floor in the penthouse. As is with each of the other apartments, the penthouse features bespoke accents at every turn, crafted with a generous expanse of Italian marble and hardwood. Decorative panelling and cornices also lend a regal air to the apartment. In the hallway, visitors are greeted by chevron oak flooring and a cocktail cabinet display area in Statuario marble, while a visually arresting pair of arched oak timber double doors leads through to the spacious living area. The home itself is decked out in neutral colours. A striking Noir Saint Laurent marble fireplace takes pride of place in the living room, flanked by bespoke shelving and custom joinery doors that feature a cracked gesso surface and a bronze inlay running along the shelves. To balance out the look, the space also features plenty of plush fabric, including a linen sofa and bespoke upholstered armchairs in Holland & Sherry wool. These are all done in amber and bronze tones that lend warmth to the room. Upstairs, the master suite is decked out in similar warm shades of sand. The suite occupies the entire top floor, 56
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and features a generous skylight that lets in plenty of natural light during the day. At night, the space is lit with a mixture of bespoke lighting and midcentury lamps from Bert Frank, creating a cosy atmosphere. The adjacent dressing room and master bath are no less sumptuous – lined with bespoke leather wardrobes and Statuario marble respectively, and featuring custom-made accents such as bespoke handles, they were designed to the highest standards with plenty of attention and detail. “The apartment showcases the signature classic contemporary design style and utmost elegance that is now synonymous with our brand,” says Laura Hammett.
AB OVE
The exterior of the building. R IGHT
The chevron oak flooring and bronze tones continue into the kitchen. O PP OSIT E, TOP LEFT
The master bathroom features Statuario marble and a cantilevered under-vanity unit.
OPP OSI TE, TOP RI GHT
One of the guest bathrooms is done in darker marble. OPP OSI TE, BOTTOM LEFT
Detailed panelling and cornices are found throughout the apartment. OPP OSI TE, BOTTOM RI GHT
Contemporary art pieces blend seamlessly into the decor.
text MELODY BAY photos JULIAN ABRAM
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LOOK GOOD, LIVE WELL Beyond mere aesthetics, budget and functionality are also key to the design of this home. The architecthomeowner shares with LYNN TAN that at the end of the day, it is not just about creating a home that looks good, but also one that he can live in.
The home comprises a mix of designer furniture, as well as pieces from Ikea. The dining table is a vintage Danish piece, complemented by Randers dining chairs from Noden.
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BE LOW
The white door and black metal gates evoke a colonial colour palette. Christian retained the original windows and grilles to instil a sense of familiarity and comfort.
H
ome owner, Christian Lam, collected the keys to this 44-year-old flat in January 2019. The walls and flooring were in their original condition since 1975. The unit was old and dark, and it had been used by the previous owner as a storeroom. As a former oil trader who went back to school and made the career change to become an architect, it was natural for Christian to take on the interior design himself. “I knew what I wanted, and it was easier to communicate my ideas
directly with the contractors,� he says. With a clear design intent, it took him just a week to come up with the interior design, which involved mainly material sourcing. Working with a firm budget and a team of experienced and honest contractors, the renovation took just over a month, with a slight delay due to the Lunar New Year public holiday and was completed in March 2019. For Christian, the advantage of designing his own home was that he had almost absolute control and clarity over what
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BELOW
The terrazzo flooring flows from the living room to the dining and kitchen area. RI GHT
The use of frosted glass helps bring in light to smaller enclosed spaces such as the toilet in the kitchen, while maintaining privacy. O PPOSI TE TOP
The terrazzo flooring is an expression of Christian’s love for the material.
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he wanted and there was little disparity between his original design intent and the final outcome. WHAT WAS THE EXTENT OF WORKS CARRIED OUT?
I set myself the challenge of renovating the flat without any alterations in terms of layout and zero cover-ups. There were no hacking of walls and no boxing-up of exposed pipes or wires to conceal them. This was partly due to budget and time constraints and also because I wanted to showcase the HDB as it was meant to be. I believe that it can still be beautiful.
WHO LIVES HERE H OME
An architect in his 40s A three-room HDB in Marine Parade SIZ E 700 sq ft
LEFT
The living room is a light-filled space with seating that has been laid out to best frame the views of the surrounding greenery.
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"I SET MYSELF THE CHALLENGE OF RENOVATING THE FLAT WITHOUT ANY ALTERATIONS IN TERMS OF LAYOUT AND ZERO COVER-UPS... I WANTED TO SHOWCASE THE HDB AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE."
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The second bedroom is a play room that also doubles up as a guest room.
WHAT IS THE OVERALL INTERIOR DESIGN CONCEPT?
The design centred on materiality and light. I wanted to bring light into the small flat in contrast to its former dark life. I love terrazzo and wood and wanted to create a canvas to showcase the furniture I have collected over time. HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT CONCEPTUALISING THE WHOLE SCHEME?
The concept begins with material selection, followed by the lighting scheme and furniture layout. The flow of light and air is key in ensuring that the spaces are lightfilled and functional. TELL US MORE ABOUT THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS AND THE COLOUR PALETTE.
The key materials are terrazzo flooring, Burmese teak parquet flooring laid in a chevron pattern, and Italian porcelain tiles. The colour palette is neutral. White is the predominant colour, complemented by other neutrals such as shades of grey and black in the background. Primary colours such as deep marine blue, blood red and plant green are used as accent colours. HOW DOES YOUR HOME REFLECT YOUR TASTE AND COMPLEMENT YOUR LIFESTYLE?
The minimalist look reflects my lifestyle. I am also an organisation freak, so simplicity works for me. I love Danish design and I have incorporated some of the pieces that I have collected over the years. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE SPACE IN THE HOME.
The kitchen is my favourite space. I am very much taken by the Italian porcelain tiles with an organic finish. They were very reasonablypriced because most home owners prefer a whiter and cleaner finish, which is a shame because the 65
RIGH T
A pop of red stands out against a monochromatic backdrop. BOTTOM L E F T
Christian adopted a minimalist approach when designing the bathroom and toilet due to their small sizes. The white tiles with white grout are a cleaning nightmare, but they make the spaces appear larger than they actually are. BOTTOM R IGHT
The alcove between the bedrooms is one of Christian’s favourite, with a terrazzo wall lit by a brassplated bulb.
off-white colour and irregular surface is what makes it special and natural. Each tile gives the impression that it is hand finished. Together with the black grout, it creates a gridded space where everything is framed and flows together in a very organic fashion. It turned out surprisingly better than what I had imagined. One of the most shocking things to most of my visitors is that the kitchen has no builtin cabinetry, just a standalone La Germania cooker as the centrepiece. This is consistent with my approach that all furniture pieces should be able to fit into any space rather than be custom- made for it. It is not easy keeping the kitchen clutter-free without any built-in cabinets, but it works for me.
OPP OS ITE
The deep blue wall in the master bedroom adds a sense of calm.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF DESIGNING YOUR OWN HOME?
Budget is often the most challenging aspect. Even with a clear design intent in mind, it is hard to exercise absolute control over the budget. SHARE SOME OF THE LESSONS THAT YOU LEARNT FROM THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE.
Do not agree with any changes or additions unless the cost implications are presented upfront. Be prepared for design changes due to unforeseen site conditions, even if the intent is clear. WHICH ASPECT OF THE PROJECT ARE YOU MOST SATISFIED WITH?
I think the standard of the workmanship delivered by the various disciplines is very good and it brings out my design intent and the qualities of the materials. The actual execution is very close to what I had conceptualised in the beginning. That, to me, is quite satisfying. 66
photos FINBARR FALLON
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ROOM FOR ALL By thinking out of the box and exploring unconventional design solutions, the designer managed to make this small apartment work for a family of five. LYNN TAN finds out how.
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As the built-in appliances provided by the developer were brand new, they were dismantled and incorporated into the new kitchen to manage cost.
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D
ownsizing is always a challenge, more so if it involves moving five people from a four-room HDB flat to a two-bedroom condominium. This is exactly what pilot, Steven Eu, did, together with his wife, Gelene Lim, who is a cabin crew, their two young daughters aged seven and four, and a domestic helper. They enlisted the help of Lawrence Puah, design director of akiHAUS Design Studio, after coming across one of his projects at The Sorrento, which
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was featured in Home and Decor. “The home is small like ours and we like its monochromatic colour palette and the use of space,� shares Steven of the inspiration. The Sorrento home had one of its bedroom walls removed and replaced with a series of sliding-folding panels so that the room could be opened up to create more space or closed off when desired. Steven and Gelene had wanted a similar movable wall concept for their home, but Lawrence advised
WHO LIVES HERE
A couple, their two daughters and a helper H OM E A two-bedroom condominium in Bartley S IZE 550 sq ft
ABOVE
The recliner sofa from King Living is perfect for watching movies in the living room. OPPOSIT E B OT TOM
Built-in storage ensure that any clutter is kept out of sight.
R IGHT
As Steven and Gelene travel frequently, the whiteboard along the entrance foyer is especially useful for messages and reminders for the girls and their helper.
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"IT’S LIKE BEING INSIDE AN AIRCRAFT. EVERYTHING HAS TO BE STOWED AWAY BEFORE LANDING.”
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AB OV E
Lawrence put much thought into the design of the bedside table to address both aesthetics and function. The bedside table slides forward to reveal electrical sockets and wires neatly hidden away. LE FT
The headboard in the master bedroom adopts a similar design language as the rest of the apartment.
against it for a few strong reasons: “Unlike The Sorrento, which is home to a bachelorette, the design considerations for a family home are entirely different. The site conditions are also dissimilar. One less wall also means one less vertical surface for storage or other fixtures.” Instead, Lawrence proposed that the existing kitchen be relocated to free up space in the centre of the home, both physically and visually. The new kitchen is now directly beyond the main entrance, separated by a full-height wall that not only screens off the kitchen and defines the entrance foyer, it also provides a backdrop for the kitchen on the other side. More importantly, it incorporates valuable built-in storage cabinets. Even a recess along the wall beside the main entrance has been put to good use to accommodate the refrigerator and more storage. The open-concept kitchen is small but packed with drawers and cabinets below and above the kitchen counter. “The kitchen counter is very versatile. It not only doubles up as a dining table, my elder daughter also does her homework on it, while Steven and I sometimes use it as a work desk as well,” says Gelene. The couple initially wanted a marble countertop but took Lawrence’s advice and settled for quartz due to its easy maintenance. The white backsplash tiles were selected for the same ease of maintenance and continue all the way across the living room wall to tie the two adjacent spaces together. “As it is an open kitchen, the choice of materials must take into consideration
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their ease of maintenance,” Lawrence emphasises. As with the rest of the home, every conceivable surface of the living area has been designed to maximise the usable space. The television set and more storage have been built into the feature wall. By opting for a sofa with an integrated side table, the homeowners can dispense with a coffee table, thereby freeing up room within the living area for the girls to play. The master bedroom has a clean and uncluttered design language that is consistent with the rest of the apartment. A queen-size storage bed makes good use of the space underneath. The attached bathroom is also the common bathroom, which can be accessed via a second door along the corridor. “We have a bathroom-sharing roster, so the five of us take turns, but since Steven and I are travelling for work half the time, it really isn’t that much of an issue,” Gelene points out. The girls share a room with the helper and it has been designed to be practical, yet fun. The existing built-in wardrobe was removed and replaced with one that wraps around the sleeping area like a portal frame. “This not only maximises the built-in storage, but also creates a cosy sleeping nook,” Lawrence explains. Bunk beds with a pull-out bed at the bottom would have been the obvious choice, but Lawrence’s rationale is that the bed occupies space even when not in use. This was why he convinced the clients to go with futons instead. “This frees up space within the room as the futons are rolled out only at bedtime,” he says.
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The design and renovation took about four to five months and cost $70,000. Since moving in in September 2019, the family has gotten accustomed to living in a small space. “It has taught us to be more disciplined and organised. The girls have also learnt to return their toys to their original storage cabinet when they are done playing,” Gelene comments. “It’s like being inside an aircraft. Everything has to be stowed away before landing,” Steven adds with a chuckle.
TOP L EF T
The full-height wall separating the entrance foyer from the kitchen is more than just a spatial divider.
TOP RIGHT
Sensible design, space planning and the decision to do away with a double-decker bed frees up the usable area within the children’s bedroom. BOTTOM
The girls’ study desks fold away when not in use. Electrical sockets are concealed below the desks.
photography VERONICA TAY art direction NONIE CHEN
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This art work from a Thai artist was selected for its colour. The pop of red provides an accent within the dark interior. OP P OSIT E
Storage has been cleverly incorporated into the feature wall in the living room. 76
HOME AND THE CITY Downsizing is always challenging, especially when it comes to storage. LYNN TAN finds out how Joey Khu not only made room for this couple and their dog, but also the homeowner’s extensive toy collection.
R
eal estate agent, Victor Seah, and his analyst wife, Joey Wong, initially purchased this Beach Road apartment with the intention of renting it out. However, they both fell in love with the Kampong Glam neighbourhood and decided to make this their home. They moved in in mid-2019, after a three-month renovation period. Moving from a 1,400 sq ft maisonette, one can imagine the gargantuan task of creating sufficient storage within an apartment that is slightly more than a third of the maisonette’s floor area. It is like trying to fit the contents of a suitcase into a shoebox. Needless to say, this was one of the top priorities in their brief to Joey Khu, director of Joey Khu Interior Design Pte Ltd. One of the homegrown designer’s projects that were featured in Home and Decor first caught the couple’s eye. “We like his style and the way he mixes-and-matches various elements and colours. We also share similar tastes, including love for toys,” says Victor. Most designers would instinctively go for a lighter colour palette to make the small interior feel more spacious. Never one to conform
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to the norm, however, Joey did just the opposite. This was partly in response to the homeowner’s preference for darker colours, but it was also a deliberate play of contrasts. “I wanted to heighten the experience of entering into, and moving through a dark space, which subsequently opens out to a bright balcony with views of the city beyond,” Joey explains. “The key to working with dark interiors is to play with different textures to make the space feel cosier. A few statement pieces and accent colours also help to enhance the interior,” he elaborates. The main entrance leads to an open kitchen that has been entirely redone. The existing kitchen counter has been replaced with a quartz top. Even the shelves above the counter were fabricated from quartz, which was chosen for its durability. Joey designed full-height, built-in storage that extends from the main door across the kitchen all the way to the living room, terminating just before the balcony. These include not only kitchen cabinets above and below the countertop, cabinets that conceal the refrigerator and washing machine, but also open shelves for displaying Victor’s toy collection. Joey designed another set of floor-to-ceiling storage along the wall facing the kitchen. It also doubles up as a pantry cum display for more toys. Together with the kitchen counter and cabinets, they form a sort of galley layout that is wellorganised and makes efficient use of limited space.
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WHO LIVES HERE
A couple and their pet dog HOME A two-bedroom condominium at Beach Road S IZE 560 sq ft
Much thought has been put into the small but tastefully put together living room. A Won design sofa in royal blue with a plush, velvety texture adds a pop of colour, along with a rose-coloured rug. “The unusual shape of the rug was intended to break away from the rectilinear layout of the space and soften the overall effect,” Joey points out. The master bedroom exudes an understated elegance, which forms the perfect backdrop for an artwork by none other than Joey himself. The multitalented designer sometimes takes to the canvas to create art pieces for his clients. This
TOP
A wall lamp with circular shapes is also an interesting piece of art. OPP OSITE
The new kitchen cabinets extend out further than the existing ones in order to conceal the washing machine.
ABOVE
Homeowner, Victor, appreciates Joey’s attention to the little things. For Joey, it is the little things that give the home a soul. L EFT
Every piece of art that adorns the walls of the home was carefully selected by Joey to complement the interior.
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particular piece is a collage that drew inspiration from another artwork along the hallway by Jesus Perez. “I took reference from his colour and style. I avoided colours that are too strong because it is to be hung in front of the bed,” Joey shares. The renovation cost between $80,000 to $90,000 and most of the original builtin furniture and fixtures were stripped out. The loft platform in the second bedroom was retained. As the couple has no need for an additional bedroom, the platform can serve as extra storage. Even the steps leading up to the loft can double up as storage and display for more toys. In the hands of a skilful designer, this small apartment has been transformed into a cosy, efficient and well-organised space that epitomises city living. 80
ABOVE LEFT
Some of Victor’s toys are casually displayed around the apartment to convey a relaxed ambience. ABOVE
The balcony serves as a dining-cumwork pace. Even the clothes hanger resembles an art installation. LEFT
The use of large format wall and floor tiles gives the bathroom a luxurious touch.
An existing door in the second bedroom was sealed up as there was no need for too many alternative circulation routes within a small apartment.
photography VEE CHIN art direction KRISTY QUAH
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RIGH T
Originally a small study area, KNQ Associates converted this into a tranquil tatami room. OPP OS ITE
A sliding screen, often found in traditional Japanese interiors, separates the tatami room from the rest of the living area. 82
WHO LIVES HERE
A bachelorette working in the healthcare industry HO ME One-bedroom condominium apartment at Farrer Road S IZ E 786 sq ft
CHIC SERENITY Soothing hues and minimalist elements in this condominium apartment are an ode to the modernist principles of Japanese interior design. MICHELLE LEE takes a look.
J
apanese decor often champions clean lines and a stripped-down simplicity - and this condominium apartment with a footprint of 786 sq ft is evocative of just that. A professional in the healthcare industry who goes by Ms Khoo, the home owner tapped KNQ Associates to recreate a home that mirrors her fondness for the pared-back aesthetic of Japanese decor. “It’s a dramatic change from what she liked before, when she approached us a decade ago to do up her previous home in a colourful, retro style” shares interior designer Stanley Tham of KNQ Associates. The living area is dressed in a light, airy palette of white, light greys and natural wood textures
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with hints of stone finishes, creating a serene atmosphere with nature-inspired elements. The timber flooring, an existing feature of its previous home, complements the decor. Against this backdrop, the owner’s existing furniture, including a brilliant blue loveseat, oriental accents and bright art pieces lend unexpected pops of colour as well as touches of eclecticism and individuality. Tatami rooms are a hallmark of Zen-inspired architecture, and made the top of Ms Khoo’s decor list. Outfitted with shoji or sliding screens, and a tatami mat sourced by her, this tranquil spot in her abode further plays up the theme. Storage space is a challenge in any small apartment, but KNQ Associates created ample storage with cabinetry cleverly concealed behind panelled walls, like at the kitchen area. The design team also did away with the kitchen’s original partition walls, and in their place sits a long peninsular clad in a grey laminate, which doubles as a dining area and storage unit. It is topped with a matching compact surface countertop that blends seamlessly with the laminate. A sliding door separating the kitchen and dining counter can be opened for a sense of spaciousness and continuity, or closed to keep out the grease and fumes.
TOP
Floor-to-ceiling doors that lead out to a balcony let in an abundance of light and play up the light-coloured interiors. RIGH T
The small kitchen is outfitted with plenty of hidden storage thanks to clever and stylish design strategies. O PP OS ITE
The kitchen walls are covered with cement screed and coated with paint to save on cost, while areas that easily get wet or grease splatters are installed with a coloured glass backing for easy maintenance.
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Borrowing inspiration from traditional Japanese bath houses, the walls and floor of the bathroom are laid with stone-look homogeneous tiles and wood-effect porcelain tiles. Contemporary furnishings like an illuminated mirror and metal fittings give it a degree of chic modernity.
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Unlike the rest of the home, the master bedroom veers away from the Zen aesthetic. Instead, it focuses on a simple white, grey and black colour scheme with a classic-meetsmodern sensibility. In all, the renovation cost roughly $55,000 and took about six weeks to complete.
R IGHT
A sliding door keeps cooking smells and grease in when closed, while the screen conceals countertop appliances. B ELOW RIGHT
Stone- and wood-effect tiles blend harmoniously, and allude to a sophisticated space. O PPOS ITE & B ELOW L E F T
The master bedroom’s largely white interiors with touches of grey, black and wood tones make for a restful ambience.
photos KNQ ASSOCIATES
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F E AT U R E
STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE
design CHOO CHIN NIAN
There is no such thing as too much storage. Here are 10 clever ways to squeeze extra storage from homes with small footprints.
A
mple storage space tops the ranks of the most desired features for homeowners, especially in Singapore, where living spaces are always at a premium. Afterall, the residential interior design is, basically, all about creating a proper storage space for your life.The best home storage solutions are always tailored to the homeowners’ needs and habits. In the hands of resourceful homeowners and designers, a home with a small footprint is an opportunity to get creative and discover innovative ways to incorporate storage spaces that maximise the nooks and crannies. Here are ten ways to get extra storage in your small home. 88
R A I S E D P L AT F O R M S TO R AG E Raised platforms are excellent to gain extra storage space, and to demarcate areas in your home without having to build walls, leaving the space open to feel more spacious. Depending on how high is your ceiling, you can bump the platform up by 15-20cm to get drawer-size storage for linens and documents, or up to 60-75cm to store bulkier items like suitcases.
T WO - DI M E N S IONAL STO R AG E Just like you stick notes to the wall or corkboard and magnet to the fridge, you can stick small and twodimensional items onto designated vertical surfaces. Turn a whole wall into a pegboard for extra versatility or install a magnetic board or strip for small metal items. Montana magnetic board. Price by request. www.pomelo.com.sg and www.danishdesignco.com.sg
CEILING-MOUNTED S TO R AG E The ceiling is often dubbed as the fifth wall, which is often underutilised. Ask your interior designer for custom ceilingmounted storage. Make it opaque to hide the content or take a cue from the overhead racks in bars and make it open to display its content. You can also DIY ceilingmounted storage with items like Ikea’s Mulig clothes bar. Hide it from plain sight with curtains. Ikea Mulig clothes bar, $7.90. www,ikea.com
S TA I R C A S E S T O R A G E
F U R N I T U R E - C U M - S TO R AG E Furniture with solid bases like benches, sofa and bed frame are good to pull double duty as storage spaces. This is a well-known strategy in retail to store some inventory on the shop floor. At home, this type of storage eliminates clutter and keeps items within reach. Domo foldable storage bench ottoman. $39.90, www.hipvan.com.
The staircase presents the biggest opportunity for storage. The triangular space beneath it is a classic example of awkward angle storage while its risers can double as pull-out drawers. And this applies not only for full-fledged stairs in multi-storey homes, but also for the fewer steps in split level homes or mezzanine platforms. This home in Japan designed by architect Kotaro Anzai of ADX takes it up a notch with its custom carpentry staircase drawers. 89
photo ABEAUTIFULMESS.COM
AW KWA R D A N G L E S T O R AG E Leftover spaces happen, and sometimes they are not cleancut, perpendicular spaces you can easily slot something in. Custom carpentry is a great way to visually tidy up these spaces, rounding off the room nicely while turning the awkward space into storage for small items. You can also find storage spaces designed specifically for awkward angles in the market. Kesseboehmer Tandem Diagonal storage, price by request, available in Singapore Q1 2021. www.hafele. com.sg.
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Ikea Brimnes bed frame. $699. www.ikea.com.sg.
P O P - U P S T O R AG E Like those pop-up books that wowed you in your childhood, some storage systems come with an extended structure that pops out and presents its content to you for easier access. This mechanism is especially useful when dealing with cramped or deep storage space. Kesseboehmer LeMans kitchen trays. Price by request, www. hafele.com.sg.
ID UPSTAIRS_
P E R I M E T E R S TO R AG E Imagine your eye level as a radar. Keep the area near this ‘radar’ free and open to create a breathable room and use the areas below and above it for perimeter storage, which is a storage that runs the length of the wall. Perimeter storage includes shelves along the wall above door height like this living room by Emma Chapman, the bay window nook, and the area closest to the floor.
B E D H E A D B OA R D S TO R AG E Your bed headboard can be more than a decorative element. Ask your designer to integrate some storage compartments into your headboard. This will eliminate the need for sideboards and free up the space in your bedroom. Or simply choose one of bed frames with built-in storage headboard that are available in the market.
ID SPATIAL ANATOMY
F E AT U R E WA L L S T O R AG E The storage space that hides in plain sight, feature wall storage serves as a storage, space divider and architectural centrepiece of the home. The Crate Apartment by Upstairs_ (above) places its feature wallcum-storage as the centrepiece of the design. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the cue from the Corridor Apartment by Spatial Anatomy (left) and ask your interior designer to do away with all your non-structural walls and replace them with storage walls. text ASIH JENIE
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F E AT U R E
FLYING SOLO Living on your own comes with many joys and challenges. Here are 30 nifty appliances that make flying solo a breeze.
The number of people who choose to live alone is skyrocketing globally. The Department of Statistic Singapore states that in 2000, there were 75,400 one-person households in Singapore, comprising 8.2 per cent of all resident households on the island. This figure almost tripled in 2019 to 208,000 households. Sociologist Angelique Chan had attributed this trend to the growing affluence and preference for privacy that applies to all age groups in The Straits Times article in 2018, when the single household number was 167,900. Safe to say that this trend is here to stay.
F O R T H E L I V I N G S PAC E
The living space is all about com and style. And these appliances are all about keeping the space comfortable, clean, and stylish.
1 DYS O N V 8 S L I M C O R D - F R E E VAC U U M C L E A N E R from $549
At 2.15kg, V8 Slim is Dyson’s lightest cord-free vacuum cleaner to date. It is engineered for compact Asian homes like HDB units, and comes with accessories like Light-Pipe Crevice Tool and LED light to reach deep and dark crevices.
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Living solo comes with many joys and challenges. Picture this: a quiet weekend spent on a plush sofa, surrounded by the things you love and doing whatever you like, whenever you want with the space. You can freely be as introverted and obsessive about cataloguing your items and decorating your home. But having total control of your living space is a two-edged sword: it also means you really have to do everything yourself. Thank god for technology, this is easier than ever with the help of some nifty appliances. Here are 30 of our picks of the best machines for solo living.
2 BEOSOUND SHAPE MODULAR WA L L S P E A K E R SYS T E M from $6,500
This modular, wall-mounted architectural speaker system is both an art and a superior sound system that can improve the acoustics in your space. Comes in a preselected set of six modules. Customers can also customise a unique set.
5 D E V I A L E T P H A N TO M R E AC TO R from $1,890
Iconic French audiophile brand Devialet’s smallest sound system comes in stylish white and matt black versions. It delivers the best size to power and sound performance ratio.
6 LG P U R I C A R E M I N I AIR PURIFIER $349
3 SAMSUNG THE
RAM
QL D
from $2,582
TV when it’s on, art when it’s off. Available in three sizes, this TV range is all you need to decorate your entertainment space. It comes with 20 art selections with over 1,200 more available via Samsung Art Store.
Weighing just 530 grams (that’s less than the weight of a small water bottle), this wireless portable air purifier can freshen the air up to eight hours at low speed and two hours at high speed with its battery alone.
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4
VAC U U M C L E A N E R
LG H O M - B OT
$1,099
$1,499
Comes with multiple accessories to clean all dirt from the floor to the ceiling and even in your car. Fast charging exchangeable battery to ensure a smooth and continuous cleaning process.
BOSCH CORDLESS
This robot vacuum cleaner sweeps and mops at the same time thanks to its detachable water tank. You can control the robot remotely with LG ThinQ app so it can make sure you arrive home to sparkling clean floors. CONSIDER THIS
SAMSUNG M U LT I S P L I T INVERTER AIR CONDITIONER $4,399
Boasting the highest energy efficiency rating thanks to its Digital Inverter technology, this aircon unit features an air-purifying technology which works like an ionizer, trapping microscopic dust particles and also allergens in the air.
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10 SUB ZERO 24-INCH
Choosing big-ticket appliances for solo living can be tricky. Size may not matter so much compared to performance, so start by thinking about what works for you and prioritise and invest wisely.
B O S C H WA S H E R D R Y E R
UNDERCOUNTER WINE
$2,199
S T O R AG E
Can wash up to 8kg and dry up to 5kg. It also has a function that washes and dries 1kg laundry load under an hour with efficient energy and water. Perfect for solo daily use.
Price by request
BIG TICKET ITEMS
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At just 61 cm wide, this wine storage can fit inside the kitchen carpentry (or elsewhere). It features dual temperature so you can store both reds and whites properly, and six slide-out racks that can hold up to 46 bottles so you can have your stash and build an investment collection too.
8 SAMSUNG QUICKDRIVE FRONT LOA D WA S H I N G M AC H I N E $1,199
Reduces washing time by up to 50 per cent using up to 20 per cent less energy without compromising its performance. It also features a handy small door to pop in any forgotten piece when the cycle has started.
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WO L F 1 5 - I N C H I N D U C T I O N C O O K T O P Price by request
This 38-cm-wide glossy black ceramic cooktop features magnetic induction technology that evenly distributes heat to cookware while remaining relatively cool to the touch. It also responds 40 per cent faster to temperature than gas or electric hobs.
9 HAFELE DOMINO RADIANT HOB $588
Takes up a compact area of 30 x 52 cm. It features two radiant cooking zones with timer control, childproof lock, residual indicator heat, and overflow safety device system.
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IMAGINE COMING HOME TO DISCOVER WILTED VEGS AND FREEZER-BURNT MEAT. IT’S A HASSLE TO MAKE A TRIP FOR GROCERIES AFTER A LONG DAY,, SO INVEST IN A FRIDGE THAT KEEPS YOUR FOOD AT OPTIMUM FRESHNESS.”
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D I S H WA S H E R
D I S H WA S H E R
$1,099
$998
At 54.5cm-wide, 59.5cm-tall and 63cm-deep, this dishwasher is perfect for small spaces simply put it on the counter. It offers six modes of washing, hushed operation, and glass protection technology.
For those of you who are looking for a built-in dishwasher, this one measures 55.5 x 45.8 x 55cm (width x height x depth), which will fit comfortably in your standard kitchen carpentry.
B O S C H C O M PAC T
KAREN GONZAGO & YAM CHURN MENG, NG, SUB-ZERO & WOLF ASIA
H A F E L E B U I LT- I N
16 SAMSUNG TWIN COOLING PLUS TOP MOUNT FREEZE $1,169
Features two independent cooling systems. The freezer can be converted into a fridge with a push of a button. Measures 72cm in width and 178.5cm in height with 79cm depth.
CONSIDER THIS
BURPURR BASIC PET FEEDER $99
15 S U B -Z E R O 3 6 - I N C H R E F R I G E R ATO R / F R E E Z E R WITH GLASS DOOR Price by request Sanitises the air every 20 minutes using NASA-based air purification technology, for your bragging rights. Features slide-out glass shelves with adjustable gates so you can keep tabs
So maybe you share your solo life with a pet or two. A pet feeder with a schedule function will make feeding them easier than ever. This one has a four-litre capacity and can set up to six meals per day. Suitable for cats, dogs and rabbits.
of everything inside it with ease.
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F O R T H E K I TC H E N & D I N I N G S PAC E
One of the most common pitfalls of living solo is managing your diet and rationing the right amount of food. Eating out is an option for busy individuals, but it may not be healthy for both your body and wallet in the long run (also, think about the amount of trash you’re generating from all those takeout packages!). These appliances have the right capacities and features to manage it with style.
18 SMEG DRIP COFFEE M AC H I N E D C F 0 2 from $238
A fuss-free stylish coffee machine that produces up to ten cups in one go and keeps the coffee hot for 40 minutes - should be enough for the coffee addicts.
19 T E FA L F 2 2 0 0 M I N I F R Y E R $79.90
Fries up to 600g of food with less oil and energy. Features an adjustable thermostat with 150-190°C temperature. Comes with a two-year warranty.
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S M E G B R E A K FA S T S E T K E T T L E K L F 0 3 A N D TOA S T E R TSF01 offered as a bundle for $368 (UP $228 each) until 31 July 2020
Smeg is always reliable to add pops of colour and a touch of retro to the dining and kitchen area. Both are simple, fuss-free appliances with just the right capacity for one person (and maybe a guest).
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W M F K I TC H E N M I N I S 2-EGG COOKER $99
One of those peculiarly specific appliances that is proven to be super handy for solo living. Measuring 19.8 x 6 x 13.2cm (length x width x height), it cooks two eggs to perfection by adjusting the water to the size of the eggs.
21 K I TC H E N A I D P R E C I S I O N G O O S E N E C K D I G I TA L K E T T L E from $367.50
A kettle for serious brewers, this precision one-litre kettle offers one-degree temperature increments ranging from 140-212°F, with the option to hold for 30 minutes.
22 23 W M F K I TC H E N M I N I S S M O OT H I E -TO - G O $79
A must-have for busy smoothie lovers, it turns solid ingredients, including ice cubes into 600ml smoothies at 23,000 rpm.
24 KITCHENAID 830ML MINI FOOD CHOPPER $129
The holy grail of time-saving kitchen appliances, this compact and lightweight chopper has the capacity of 830ml and is ideal for everyday use - perfect for making your favourite salsa and sambal.
25 P H I L I P S V I VA C O L L E C T I O N MINI RICE COOKER $109
K I T C H E N A I D A R T I S A N 3 . 3 Q UA R T T I LT- H E A D S TA N D M I X E R $649
Mini footprint, mighty power - this stand mixer features ten optimised speeds and tilt-head design for easy accessories switch and access to the bowl. Its three-litre bowl can make around five dozen cookies.
What’s an Asian kitchen without a rice cooker? Touted as one of the most stylish rice cookers in the market, this 0.7-litre cooker holds four cups of rice and offers five cooking functions - no need to worry about leftovers!
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FOR THE MASTER SUITE
The most private inner sanctum of a bachelor/ette pad is the master suite, which ideally comprises the bedroom, the ensuite bathroom and the walk-in wardrobe. It is a place of wellness, a place to recharge your energy. Here are some of the items to enhance the master suite.
26 T E FA L T W E E N Y 2 I N 1 $159
A hybrid of steam iron and garment steamer that mercifully does not require any setting. Simply plug in and use at yo scretion to r ases from ts, vertically y.
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LG S T Y L E R $3,299
A must-have walk-in wardrobe fixture, The Styler is a clothing care system that refreshes your clothes in just 20 minutes. This slim cabinet steams your clothes and eliminates 99.9 per cent allergens and bacteria. Say goodbye to dry-clean runs!
2ND-GEN
t portable Bluetooth eaker in the market to integrate Alexa voice assistant that makes it easy to access music, drop in on a loved one or try out a new recipe. Dustproof, waterproof and featuring 18 hours of playtime, you can take this smart little thing to the shower and bath.
DYS O N L I G H T C YC L E TA S K L I G H T $799
It’s easy to lose track of days during the WFH period, especially with no one around to remind you. This task light is not only suitable for the study, but also in the bedroom, where it can help to regulate your circadian rhythm via the Dyson Link app.
CONSIDER THIS
30 OSIM UMIST DREAM HUMIDIFIER
GOOGLE HOME
$79
$169
Featuring ultrasonic technology, this delightful small (21.2 x 20 x 13.3 cm) humidifier creates the ideal humidity level in the air to provide a hydrated, comfortable and healthier indoor environment for a good night’s sleep.
The OG home assistant, this hands-free, voicecommand smart speaker does everything from playing music to setting up alarms for your schedule and serves as the control centre for the smart features in your home.
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text ASIH JENIE
Inspiring Women
To celebrate 60 years of HER WORLD, we present
#Her World Her Story
60 suc pas
inspiring real-life stories women sharing their allenges, 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
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
ID BOWERMAN INTERIOR PLANNER
Living in a compact home can be chic and functional. All you need are clever design ideas to make the most of your space.
F LO O R TO C E I L I N G C U R TA I N S
ID EIGHTYTWO
Dwelling in constrained physical boundaries doesn’t mean you can’t live big with the help of clever space planning and furnishing tricks. However, your home design should ultimately be centred around your living habits and serve functional purposes. Here are 20 ideas to get you inspired.
Hang curtains from the ceiling and let them flow down to the floor, instead of where your window begins and ends. This visual trick helps to emphasise the height of the room, making the space appear larger.
V E R T I C A L S PAC E
When every bit of floor space is a precious commodity, storage should take up as little room as possible. Opt for floating shelves, wall lights, and other items that can be mounted vertically to save room. 100
L I G H T C O LO U R S
ID THE MERRY MEN INTERIORS
ID SPACE SENSE STUDIO
Bright and light colours reflect light around a space, making it appear visually more expansive. It doesn’t have to be white — pastels work just as well. As a bonus, they’re easier to maintain than dark colours.
M U LT I - P U R P O S E APPLIANCES The Thermomix TM6 retails at $2,528 and a complimentary virtual cooking demo can be arranged. Visit www. thermomix.com. sg for more information.
ID APRIL ATELIER INTERIORS
Appliances with dual or multiple functions not only save space, but also time and effort on cleaning and maintenance. The Thermomix TM6, for instance, is a versatile workhorse that can replace a slew of appliances that would otherwise occupy your countertop. Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and a large touchscreen, it combines over 22 cooking functions including chopping, grating, sous vide, slow cooking, kneading and steaming.
MIRRORS
Mirrors instantly double the size of a space without much effort. They reflect not only the room’s interior, creating the illusion of a wider space, but also bounce light around a room. Opt for generous full-height mirrors for maximum impact, or simply lean one against the wall as a stylish, functional accent. 101
THINGS ON WHEELS
ID FUSE CONCEPT
When you have a compact home, it’s essential to have a setup that can be tidied and rearranged in a snap when guests are coming over. Wheels can come in handy on tables, kitchen island, and storage boxes when they need to be moved around or put away.
DESIGN JASON CHANG
BRIGHT & BOLD
While light colours widen a room, those looking to dip their toes into a bolder palette can go with vividly-hued accessories, appliances or upholstery. Darker tones on the walls can also impart a sense of intimacy and a dramatic jewel box effect. Balance and brighten the space with light-coloured accents. S C R E E N P L AY
K E E P I T LOW
Low-profile furniture (ones that sit lower to the ground) like a sofa or TV console with shorter legs gives you more wall surface and the appearance of a higher ceiling. But that’s not to say it applies to every piece in the room. Mix it up with regular-height pieces with a streamlined design; think stools with narrow legs or a sleek floor lamp to avoid monotony and add balance. Seb TV Console, $859, from Castlery. 102
No room for a home theatre? Replicate one in your bedroom with a handy compact projector and a blank wall or pull-down screen. You can even do away with a TV, especially if you rely on streaming services for entertainment. The ViewSonic M2 is a smart portable LED projector that offers connectivity via Wi-Fi, and is outfitted with dual Harman Kardon speakers, a 1080p resolution as well as a Cinema SuperColor+ Technology for true-to-life colours. ViewSonic M2 retails at $1,299 on Lazada and Qoo10. For more information, visit www.viewsonic. com/sg.
ID ETHEREALL
DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Room dividers or screens can give a semblance of privacy, lend decorative personality to a room, define new areas in an open space and offer additional storage. Use them to separate your living and dining areas, carve out a study nook, or even partition a bigger bedroom into two.
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L I G H T W E I G H T FA B R I C S
ID SYNC INTERIOR
ID AKIHAUS DESIGN STUDIO
Avoid dense fabrics like velvet when choosing upholstery as they absorb light and can visually weigh a room down. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics instead, like linen sheers at the window that can let partial light in.
E M B R AC E AW K WA R D CORNERS
Awkward spaces or nooks don’t have to be the bane of those dwelling in petite abodes. Put them to good use with shelves, dedicate it as a cosy home office or use it as your vanity. Bring in an extra dose of personality with plants, art pieces or framed quotes.
A lack of square footage doesn’t mean you have to go for tiny furniture. Conversely, a hodgepodge of small items can create visual clutter. While you should still get furniture that’s proportionate to the space, stick to a few prominent pieces for a well-curated and uncluttered look.
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ID ATELIER INTERIORS
GO FOR LARGERSCALE FURNITURE
SLIDING DOORS O R G L A S S WA L L S
Want better spatial flow, but need to keep your walls intact? Opt for sliding doors that can be left open when not in use, or glass walls – perfect for the kitchen if you want to let in more natural light but don’t want the fumes to escape into the living space.
ID FUSE CONCEPT
Furniture pressed up against the wall wastes the space in the middle and emphasises the size of the room. If your layout allows for it, creating space behind furniture offers visual flow and makes your room look wider than it is. Ensure enough space in between each to allow “breathing space”, and keep them away from windows so they don’t hinder natural light streaming in.
DESIGN JASON CHANG
F LOAT F U R N I T U R E AWAY F R O M T H E WA L L S
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FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
ID WOLF WOOF
Get functional decor and furniture that can double up as storage or can fold away easily. For example, plenty of ottomans and dining benches have a seat that can be lifted to reveal hidden storage beneath, and some coffee tables have a nesting system where you can tuck them out of sight or pull them out for extra space as needed.
STRIKING ART PIECES
ID WOLF WOOF
An eye-catching art work creates a focal point and sets the tone of your room decor. Largescale pieces, especially ones that extend to the ceiling, can give the illusion of a larger space.
ID SPACE SENSE STUDIO
FURNITURE WITH SLIM PROFILES
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Heavy furniture is a no-no in small spaces because they take up too much visual room. Opt for furniture with sleek, minimalist profiles, such as floating shelves or a coffee table with hairpin legs that look like they’re barely there.
WA L L PA P E R T H E CEILING
Draw the eye upwards and add an unexpected design element to a room by having wallpaper on the ceiling. When choosing one, consider the furniture in the room as well as the lighting. We love this cartographythemed one in a home by Design Intervention — it complements the reading nook well.
GET LIT
A hero decor piece such as a dramatic chandelier or pendant light can pack a punch in a petite space. Plus, it won’t take up precious real estate, too. Keeping your rooms well-lit and bright also makes them feel larger. Heat Pendant Lamp, from $1,184, from Danish Design Co.
text MICHELLE LEE & MELODY BAY
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F E AT U R E
ABOVE
HOME TO HARVEST Being able to grow our own produce right at home is an enticing idea, but how feasible is it? Urban farmer Darren Tan shares his insights.
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Rows of Japanese Caixin grown in a hydroponics system. FAR LEFT AND BELOW
Purple komatsuna and garland chrysanthemum. LEFT
Darren Tan, education and outreach manager at Comcrop.
Since there’s a lot less mess compared to soil, a hydroponics system can be placed just about anywhere in the home as long as you have adequate lighting, whether natural or artificial. It can even be housed in an airconditioned room – which means you’ll be able to grow more exotic plants such as strawberries, blueberries and kale. Darren cautions homeowners to do their research first, though. “Growing berries is possible, but G R OW I N G AT H O M E it requires a bit more research Apart from the practical aspect, and understanding of the growth growing your own vegetables has cycle, how to adjust the nutrients other positive effects on your and the lighting to encourage the wellbeing. Your little patch of greenery doesn’t only add aesthetic fruiting process. Typically, the flowers of these plants tend to value to your home; it helps you to be more focused on the present and wilt quickly when exposed to heat. They’ll need a carefully-controlled establish a much-needed sense of climate in order to reach the control despite the uncertainty of fruiting stage.” today’s turbulent world. You get bragging rights, too, especially if you post pictures of TRA NSI TIO NI NG TO your homegrown strawberries or H YD R OP ONI C S kale on Instagram. Yes, it’s now While setting up a hydroponics possible to grow varieties beyond system may sound intimidating, the usual herbs and leafy vegetables it’s an investment that pays off. that flourish in Singapore’s hot A hydroponics system takes up a and humid climate, thanks to the lot less space – where one square advancement of hydroponics. foot would typically be enough space for only one plant in a traditional soil-based system, the S O I L O R WAT E R ? same square foot can take three While soil is the more common or four plants in a hydroponics choice, a hydroponics system has its benefits: it’s easier to clean, and system. This means you can grow plenty more vegetables even in the allows for more control over the limited space of a small home. growing conditions.
good to know
photo HORTICUS LIVING
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et’s face it, agriculture is not an industry we’ve given much thought to in urban Singapore. But if you’re one of those who decided to start growing your own vegetables during the circuit breaker, you’re not alone. “Growing food at home gives you that feeling of self-sufficiency,” says Darren Tan, the education and outreach manager at local rooftop farm Comcrop. “After the experience that a lot of us had during the outbreak – going to the supermarket and finding that the produce is out of stock – most people have realised that growing vegetables at home that they can eat is quite a practical solution.” Growing your own produce isn’t a new trend. It’s been around for some time, but it’s been dramatically accelerated by the disruption of supply chains during March and April this year, and a subsequent increase in public awareness of food security issues.
Growing your own herbs is possible even in a small space, with vertical solutions like this modular steel frame from Horticus Living.
By growing your own produce, you’re helping to contribute towards Singapore Food Agency’s goal of growing 30 per cent of our own food by 2030.
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BIOBOMBOLA BY ECOLOGICSTUDIO The brainchild of London-based architecture and research firm ecoLogicStudio, the BioBombola allows you to cultivate your own domestic spirulina garden, a sustainable source of vegetable protein. This indoor cultivation setup includes a harvesting kit, nutrients bag, and a starter batch of spirulina cells. Stood next to a source of light, the setup can produce up to a teaspoonful of spirulina a day, the daily recommended intake for a family of four.
“AFTER THE EXPERIENCE A LOT OF US HAD DURING THE OUTBREAK – GOING TO THE SUPERMARKET AND FINDING THAT THE PRODUCE IS OUT OF STOCK – MOST PEOPLE HAVE REALIZED THAT GROWING VEGETABLES AT HOME THAT THEY CAN EAT IS QUITE A PRACTICAL SOLUTION.” - DARREN TAN, COMCROP
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educate the community on food security and sustainability via outreach efforts, is also developing an online stepby-step guide that takes you through the basics of growing your own produce at home. It comes together with a kit that homeowners can use to kickstart their growing journey. The post-setup maintenance is relatively easy. After setting up, all you need to do is regularly check that the pump is running and do occasional cleaning of the container. It’s also essential to look out for pests when growing produce at home. Common ones include aphids, mealybugs and caterpillars. However, if your setup is in an enclosed room, the chances of these pests finding their way to your plants are greatly reduced.
The BioBombola retails at £350 ($616) for early adopters at www. ecologicstudio.com. photo ECOLOGICSTUDIO
It’s also easier to control the nutrients. You can purchase nutrient formulations that have already been mixed in the right ratio for plants, so there is less opportunity for excessive nutrient buildup (which can potentially be harmful to health) as is the case for soil. These days, hydroponics systems come in all shapes and sizes. You can purchase off-theshelf kits online, or even build your own as a home project. “Look for videos on YouTube on how to make simple hydroponic systems. All hydroponics systems essentially use the same concept. The most basic and accessible form would be one where you’ll have a container that holds water and nutrients, with the plants suspended in it. More common ones include a pump that circulates the water throughout the system,” shares Darren. Comcrop, which aims to
For more information, visit www.comcrop.com.
text MELODY BAY
I N S TO R E
BEAUTY IN SI MP LI CI TY Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa blends Far East with Northern Europe with the Ayana series for B&B Italia’s 2020 Outdoor collection. Reinterpreting wood with an oriental touch, depths and heights are a nod to traditional South-east Asian designs while backrests recall Swedish wall bars. Individual seat cushions upholstered in waterproof fabrics rest on minimalist yet sturdy teak wood frames, and each is crafted with comfort and functional design in mind. The armrest of the armchair is positioned higher for a more ergonomic seat, for instance, and the sofa armrest can be fastened with detachable cushions for extra comfort when lying down. The collection also includes accompanying tables and dining chairs. The Ayana Collection for B&B Italia is available at Space Furniture, prices upon enquiry.
GUARD U P WIth the threat of the pandemic and the age of physical distancing, open-plan offices are relooking design strategies to double up on safety measures. One such consideration? Screens in between workstations. The Sneeze Screen (118cm by 70cm) by Ipse Ipsa Ipsum is a protective acrylic divider that helps reduce droplet transmissions. With rounded edges and sleek stands in a brass finish, which can also double as bookends, it offers security without compromising on style. Contact hello@ipseipsaipsum. com or 9021-0437, or visit Ipse Ipsa Ipsum, #11-02 Tan Boon Liat Building to purchase the Sneeze Screen, price upon enquiry.
BETTER SCREEN TIME A computer screen that is positioned too low can pose problems for your back, neck and eyes. To get your laptop or desktop monitor at optimal viewing height, check out 3M’s Adjustable Monitor Stand with legs that can be adjusted from one inch to 5 inches. Able to withstand up to about 36kg, it has a non-skid base to keep it in place, and there’s ample room for stashing supplies under the platform. The 3M Adjustable Monitor Stand retails at $55 at www.1homeshop.sg
text MICHELLE LEE
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t r av e l
r ight
The four-year renovation of Hotel Lutetia involved more than 100 experts and specialist to make sure it does its historic architecture justice. Cen tre
The hotel enjoys a view of the Eiffel Tower, which served as an inspiration to many famous writers and artists who stayed at the hotel. far right
Restored old details meet sleek new design elements at the lobby and reception.
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tHe leGeND Of tHe left BANK The century-old mythical Hotel Lutetia in Paris reopens after four years of renovations with a design that propels it into the 21st century.
S
lef t
The facade of the hotel features a well-preserved Art Nouveau carvings by French sculptor Leon Binet and Paul Belmondo.
ince the beginning of the 20th century, the Hotel Lutetia – located midway between the Saint-Germain of existentialism and the Montparnasse of jazz and artist studios – has been the HQ of the literary and artistic crowds. A building brimming with stories, Jean Cocteau, Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Ernest Hemingway, Josephine Baker, Serge Gainsbourg, Catherine Deneuve, David Lynch and Brad Pitt have all resided there. With an aesthetic straddling the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, it was also a place where artists like Arman, Philippe Hiquily and Takis left their mark. The late French sculptor Cesar Baldaccini decorated his own suite while another eminent sculptor Leon Binet animated the iconic undulating stone facade with depictions of birds, angels, vines and bunches of grapes. By the time the hotel closed in 2014 for renovations, it owned nearly 280 listed artworks. It’s no coincidence that the hotel overlooks Le Bon Marche, the world’s first modern department store created by French entrepreneur Aristide Boucicaut, as it was initially built in 1910 to house the shop’s
clients and suppliers during their visits to Paris. Just as Le Bon Marche jostled the codes of the retail trade and introduced novel marketing concepts, the avant-garde Lutetia ushered in the era’s most innovative luxuries: hot water, telephones for calling reception, air conditioning and rolling shutters activated from inside the room. Henri Tauzin and Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, whose father Louis-Charles Boileau was the architect of Le Bon Marche, constructed the hotel using pioneering processes and materials at the time: concrete, glass and hot-riveted steel pillar foundations developed by Gustave Eiffel (the engineering genius behind the Eiffel Tower completed in 1889). Fast forward a century and French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte has masterminded the latest four-year, $310 million overhaul of the Lutetia owned by The Set Hotels, in association with Perrot & Richard, experts in the restoration and respect of heritage. Jean-Michel totally redesigned the hotel’s layout, tore down and revamped each room. He reduced the total number of the rooms from 233 to 184 to carve out space for 47 exquisite suites, seven of which are signature suites, elevated the hotel to “palace” standards
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(an official French government rating for hotels that are considered better than fivestar), ensured it met current regulations, and upgraded its energy efficiency and wastewater recycling measures. Approximately 100 different crafts companies including specialists in the restoration of stained-glass elements, decorative paintings, mosaics and sculptures were involved in the refurbishment. The difficulty lay in striking a delicate balance between history and modernity. “We were so fortunate to find ourselves before a true myth,
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and to renovate this decor from the past by projecting it into the 21st century,” JeanMichel says. “In this particular case, two separate elements are at stake: designing a hotel and designing the Lutetia, which is undoubtedly one of the Paris Left Bank’s grandest hotels. Bringing it up to code and reviving it was vital. Our challenge was to rejuvenate a place while respecting its roots, its identity, its originality and its personality.” Bringing the past back to life, a whole series of friezes and bas-reliefs in the lobby were
unearthed and resurrected. Nearly 17,000 work hours were needed to restore Adrien Karbowsky’s emblematic fresco that was hidden beneath six coats of paint in Bar Josephine. Paying homage to the Abbayeaux-Bois convent’s garden – on top of which the hotel had been built – it portrays wheat, grape clusters, fruit trees, animals, harvesting and hunting. A major facelift was also carried out at the heart of the Lutetia since it was the only Parisian grand hotel lacking a garden – a requirement for an establishment of that level
“EvEry ElEmEnt was custom-dEsignEd and producEd ExclusivEly for lutEtia. wE fought throughout thE EntirE projEct to avoid Ending up with standard furniturE from a cataloguE.” - architEct jEan-michEl wilmottE
Left
Bar Josephine features a painstakingly restored fresco painted by Art Nouveau artist Adrien Karbowsky in 1910. beLow
The Josephine Barker suites takes guests to the glory days of 1930s Jazz Age in Paris.
PresidentiaL suite Stepping inside the Lutetia’s largest suite is like entering the home of an antiquarian. Ranging from classicism to ultra-modern influences, 16th-century Italian ceramics, a Renaissance chest, a Kangxi era Chinese vase and a white Carrara marble bust rub shoulders with 19th-century porcelain objects and contemporary paintings and sculptures. The decor of the Presidential Suite was entrusted to a couple of art collectors who created a very Parisian space echoing
the refinement of the art galleries and antique stores of the Carre Rive Gauche (Paris’ Left Bank art and antique dealers’ association established in 1977). Offering a unique panorama of the best of the 6th and 7th arrondissements, this intimate, exclusive and museum-quality selection will rotate regularly.
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Salon SaintGermain offer a culinary experience below a 100sqm colorful glass roof by artist Fabrice Hyber. b e low
A stunning view of the Eiffel Tower seen from the terrace of one of the hotel’s signature suites.
of prominence. Therefore, an existing windowless grand salon was demolished and an internal courtyard patio created to permit daylight to flood the interiors. Over at the once stuffy Brasserie Lutetia, where French chef Gerald Passedat – known for his three Michelinstar restaurant Le Petit Nice in Marseille – is reinventing the codes of Parisian brasserie cuisine with his take on the best of the Mediterranean, the original double-height ceiling of the 1910 building was rehabilitated. French artist Fabrice Hyber was enlisted to paint the Salon Saint-Germain’s newly-rediscovered 100-squaremetre glass roof, imagining a fantastical watercolour populated by strange creatures like his signature green man, the Michelin Man, Pac-Man, astronaut and teddy bears.
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The contemporary guestrooms feature Art Deco-style furniture pieces designed by Jean-Michel and manufactured exclusively by Poltrona Frau for the hotel while the 700-sqare-metre Akasha spa with six treatment cabins, gym and hair salon bathed in natural light showcases a 17-metre-long pool surrounded by marble walls and floors, portholeshaped decorations, Lalique vases and works by haute couture textile artist duo, Céline Alexandre. Jean-Michel comments, “Every element was customdesigned and produced exclusively for the Lutetia. We fought throughout the entire project to avoid ending up with standard furniture from a catalogue. The reinterpretation of the
Q&A with JEAN-MichEL wiLMottE
fA r Ab ovE
The luxurious bathroom clad in chic white and grey Calacatta marble. A b ovE
The material palette is centred around eucalyptus wood, and features accents in navy blue, as shown in this bedroom.
furniture was particularly exciting. We started off with the old furniture, but used different materials. For instance, wing chairs are back, but we replaced canework with leather straps. We also used perforated metals. It feels like a dialogue is beginning between restored traces of the past, recreated new elements and these brand-new 1910-styleinspired pieces of furniture. We also carried through a strong wood theme to add warmth to the entire project. The year of 1910 was the time of the big transatlantic adventures. Our idea was to draw in some of the atmosphere from those big old yachts by using varnished wood in every circulation pathway. Hence, they are similar to passageways on a boat. The goal was to bring about a strong contrast with the very bright rooms.”
tELL ME AboUt thE MAtEriALS YoU USED for thE iNtEriorS. The main material is eucalyptus wood that is varnished like a Riva yacht. It is used in every circulation space. The wood is tinted in all the rooms: it is blue in some suites, and sand/mastic colour in others. We have worked intensively on woodwork details to carve ridges. These ridges build up a leitmotif of stripes that we also screenprinted on glass in the bathroom. In addition, the other recurring materials are Calacatta marble and stone. The marble is used in all bathrooms, as well as in the spa and the pool. Finally, bronze is a material we used to complement and
text Y-JEAN MUN-DELSALLE
enhance the navy blue colour in the rooms. We chose to be rather monochromatic instead of using too many materials. whY DiD YoU chooSE NAvY bLUE? Blue is the colour often associated with France – they say “French Blue” or “Imperial Blue”. The sand/mastic shade is the colour we chose for smaller rooms to brighten the place and to prevent navy blue from asphyxiating the space. how iMportANt iS LightiNg? Lighting is a leading factor in the comfort of a place. We played thoroughly on indirect or occasional lights. For example, the spotlights hardly brush the woodwork in order to highlight the threedimensional motif. Indirect lights cut out and draw the volumes of the woodwork. In the rooms, we created a bronze fixture that projects small beams of light. We chose bronze so that this decor element would be somehow precious and not only technical. There are also Takis-like glass light fixtures, carved to project striped shadows on the wall.
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WHERE TO BUY
BANG & OLUFSEN
HIPVAN
SUB ZERO WOLF
ANNA KOVALCHENKO
#01-05 Grand Hyatt 10-12 Scotts Road Tel: 6737-7500 www.bang-olufsen. com
www.hipvan.com
(SOUTHEAST ASIA)
INTERIORS
31 McNair Road, Townerville Tel: 6386-9335 www.szwasia.com
www. annakovalchenko.com
IKEA
www.ikea.com/sg Kitchenaid Singapore www.kitchenaid.sg
CASTLERY
#02-06 Jit Poh Building, 19 Keppel Road Tel: 3138-1999 www.castlery.com COURTS
TEFAL SINGAPORE MOUNTAIN TEAK FURNITURE GALLERY
#07-02 315 Outram Road Tel: 6224-7176 www.mountainteak. com
www.courts.com.sg LG DANISH DESIGN CO
#06-03 Century Warehouse 100E Pasir Panjang Road Tel: 6270-8483 www.danishdesignco. com
OSIM
#03-09 Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Road Tel: 6339-3201 sg.osim.com
www.abeautifulmess. com JOEY KHU INTERIOR
#01-03 Starhub Green, 67 Ubi Avenue 1 Tel: 6634-2016 www.thermomix. com.sg
DESIGN
VIEWSONIC SINGAPORE
Tel: 6494-4878 www.viewsonic.com/ sg
www.dyson.com.sg/ stores
www.philips.com.sg
WMF SINGAPORE
POMELO HOME
www.wmf.sg/whereto-buy
#02-01, 1 Jln Pisang Tel: 6440 7920 joeykhu-id.com KNQ ASSOCIATES
#06-60 Oxley Bizhub, 73 Ubi Road 1 Tel: 6222-0966 www.knqassociates. com LAURA HAMMET
www.laurahammet. com SPATIAL ANATOMY
#04-01 to 06 Funan Mall Tel: 6336-6046 www.grafunkt.com
#13-02 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road Tel: 6226-4663 www.pomelo.com.sg
HAFELE
SAMSUNG
#01-27/28 Enterprise One No.1 Kaki Bukit Road 1 Tel: 6848-9075 www.hafele.com.sg
shop.samsung.com/ sg
AKIHAUS
smegshop.sg
EMMA CHAPMAN
SINGAPORE
PHILIPS
SMEG SINGAPORE
www.christianlam. com
THERMOMIX
DYSON
GRAFUNKT
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www.lg.com/sg
www.tefal.com.sg/ consumer-services/ where-to-buy
CHRISTIAN LAM
INTERIOR DESIGNERS
4B Lorong 32 Geylang www.anatomy.sg
ADX
UPSTAIRS_
adx.jp
8 Changi South Street Tel:6299-0650 www.upstairs.sg
#04-02 Raeburn Park Blk A Tel: 6221-2808 www.akihaus.com
BUYING GUIDE
YOUR ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
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SCANTEAK
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60 Sungei Kadut Drive www.scanteak.com.sg
HARVEY NORMAN
SPACE FURNITURE
Level 4 29 Mayo Street Tel: 6441-3345 www.haireliving.com
#01-59 to 63 Millenia Walk Tel: 6311-9988 www.harveynorman. com.sg
77 Bencoolen Street www.spacefurniture. com.sg
ACORN
#02-09 512 Chai Chee Lane Tel: 6445-6144 www.acorn ceilingfan.com BRANDT ASIA
#02-51/52 Oxley Bizhub 65 Ubi Road One Tel: 6508-4639 www.brandt.sg
FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS
#06-01 1 Kallang Way 2A Tel: 6747-2742 www.efenz.com.sg
#01-01 Concorde Hotel Tel: 6468-6333 www.davincilifestyle. com HOME 2 U GALLERY
ELECTROLUX S.E.A.
#07-10 Galaxis 1 Fusionopolis Place Tel: 6727-3699 www.electrolux.com. sg FISHER & PAYKEL
#03-01A Ubi Biz Hub 150 Ubi Avenue 4 Tel: 6547-0100 www.fisherpaykel. com/sg
1 Pasir Panjang Road Tel: 6273-2522 www.starliving. com.sg XZQT
DA VINCI LIFESTYLE EFENZ CEILING FAN
STAR LIVING
#02-719/720 Suntec City Tower 4 Tel: 6737-7838
#01-05 8 Pandan Crescent Tel: 6774-8031 www.xzqt.com.sg
INTERIOR DESIGNERS DESIGN INTERVENTION
MUJI
#02-198 Vivocity Tel: 6376-8023 www.muji.com/sg ROCHE BOBOIS
#01-02 Boon Siew Building 75 Bukit Timah Tel: 6513-1918 www.roche-bobois. com
75E Loewen Road Tel: 6506-0920 www.design intervention.com.sg
IMAGINE BY SK66
#01-22 UB One 81 Ubi Avenue 4 Tel: 6604-8330 www.imaginebysk66. com MOW INTERIOR DESIGN
#08-02 Tai Seng Point 11 Irving Place Tel: 6246-6614 www.mowinterior.com NEU KONCEPTZ
#03-11 Bizhub 28 28 Senang Crescent Tel: 6746-3723 www.neukonceptz. com.sg THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE
24 Eng Hoon Street Tel: 6293-8001 www.three-dconceptwerke.com
CAESARSTONE S.E.A.
#08-06 The Spire 10 Bukit Batok Crescent Tel: 6316-1938 www.caesarstone.sg COSENTINO
34/35 Duxton Road Tel: 6713-9543 www.cosentino.com DURAVIT ASIA
(Singapore Branch) 63 Tras Street Tel: 6221-9315 www.duravit.com HAFARY
105 Eunos Avenue 3 Tel: 6250-1368 www.hafary.com.sg NATURAL FOREST
#10-01B Keck Seng Tower 133 Cecil Street Tel: 6238-5920 NOVITA
DWELL INTERIOR DESIGN
11 Kim Yam Road Tel: 6883-1005 www.dwell.com.sg
RENOVATION MATERIALS
LIGHTING
#04-00 Techniques Building 8 Tagore Drive www.novita.com.sg
LIGHTCRAFT
131 Jalan Sultan Tel: 6297-6658 www.lightcraft.com.sg SOL LUMINAIRE
395 Guillemard Rd Tel: 6612-1221 www.solluminaire. com.sg
TIMPLEX
#01-13 18 Sin Ming Lane Tel: 6898-1120 www.timplex.sg
I
WHAT’S TRENDING & WHAT WE THINK
GOOD MORNING TO YOU
120
t may only be a distant memory now, but I remember I used to be quite proud of my morning routine. I would be awakened by the soft light of my table lamp switching itself on at a pre-programmed time, brush my teeth, do some light exercises, and check my calendar and tasks for the day. Then I’d shower and get ready. It’s a far cry from the slapdash approach I take these days. Now, my routine – if you could even call it that – consists of simply rolling out of bed and stumbling the nine or ten sleepy steps to my dining table, where my laptop awaits. Is the same thing happening to you? A morning routine used to be as necessary as breathing. But with the suspension of normality that is the workfrom-home situation, it seems that not only have physical boundaries been blurred; time boundaries have ceased to exist as well. One’s day is no longer neatly divided into segments – morning emails, lunch break, afternoon meetings, commute home – and with that, we now get to govern our day instead of having it govern us. So that begs the question: do we really need that morning routine for maximum productivity, or is it just something we do to feel in control? I once read an article that detailed the morning
routines of CEOs. They would get up at 4 in the morning, do a 5km run, drink a green smoothie, and catch up on the news before going to the office. It sounded like a superhuman effort, but perhaps it wasn’t purely productivity-centered – perhaps it was a way for them to carve out time for themselves that they wouldn’t have otherwise. Looking back, I now realise that my own morning routine did something similar for me: it allowed me to establish some form of control, and therefore peace of mind. The more packed my days became, the more elaborate my routine, as though it were a solemn pre-war ritual where I dressed myself up in mental armor and prepared to face the day. Perhaps it was the same for you too. But maybe that level of detail is no longer necessary, now that the work-from-home situation has given us back some control over our schedule and allowed us to have more time for ourselves and family. Instead, we can elect to keep the habits that truly help us – like meditation and exercise – and save time on the ones that don’t. In a way, this disruption has helped us to question the way of life we have always taken for granted, and helped us to be more mindful of what we do on a daily basis.
photo 123RF.COM
HARD TRUTH
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