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TIPS FOR A CHIC COASTAL LOOK TRENDING

China is the new design powerhouse

NEW KITCHEN ESSENTIALS 15 SMARTEST COOKING GADGETS

S$6.00

SEP 2020

NEXT-GEN COUNTERTOP MATERIALS SLEEK CABINETRY HACKS

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER

17 BESPOKE SUSTAINABILITY Local talents join forces to create a furniture brand that exists in the intersection of art, design and sustainability.

NOW DESIGN/NEWS/PLACES TO VISIT/THINGS TO BUY

18 COLOUR OF THE MONTH It may be a while until we can frolic freely on the beach again, so why not bring the beachy vibes indoor?

S HO P P IN G

H OT SP OT

GREAT BUYS Our monthly roundup of the hottest new design products for the home.

CAMP SARIKA

BY AMANGIRI This luxury encampment combines the comfort of modern living with the unforgettable experience of camping in the desert.

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LIVING Brushed, mirrored or textured, these pieces with a silver accent instantly add a luxe touch to any interior.

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CASA LOEWE LONDON Spanish fashion house Loewe has a chic new home in the heart of the affluent Mayfair neighbourhood.

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Lounging in style 26

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With these playful chaise longues.

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER

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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

P EO P L E 33

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African-American portraitist Kehinde Wiley on subverting the power relations embedded in certain art traditions.

We asked British furniture manufacturer Very Good & Proper’s company director Ed Carpenter to share his childhood, one guilty pleasure and his thoughts on pushing for sustainability as a designer.

A NEW BRAND OF PORTRAITURE

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THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

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Florence Ng, founder and creative director of glass art studio Synergraphic Design, reveals the intricacies of working with this beautiful, fragile and versatile material.

UP CLOSE

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A DESIRE TO TAKE CARE Interdisciplinary artist Quek Jia Qi shares her journey of and lessons from caring for houseplants during the pandemic.

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Inclusive Art Kehinde Wiley paints glamorous portraits of people of colour.

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER

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NEW STRAITS TIMES Interior designer Raymond Lee’s transformation of a Penang shophouse juxtaposes heritage and modernity with sensitivity, flair and refinement.

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on the cover

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MOW Interior shows how to live elegantly in a home with four small children.

PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY STYLING NONIE CHEN

LIVING IN JEWEL TONES Interior and furniture designer Geraldine Prieur opens the doors to her recently renovated Parisian apartment to Karine Monie for an exclusive interview with Home & Decor.

66 A MODERN CLASSIC

This five-room Choa Chu Kang home to a couple and their four children sports a look that’s not only both contemporary and classically European, but also has plenty of concealed storage space.

74 FRENCH FLAIR

The owner-designer’s carefully curated collection of all things French and European transforms this home into a chic Parisian maison.

HOMES THE NEW MODERN

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MARK OF A FAMILY This five-bedroom family home was built on good architectural bones and a great relationship between the owner and the designers.

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three-d conceptwerke pte ltd communicating space through design

interior design l design consultancy l interior styling l a & a works 24 eng hoon street singapore 169774 URL: www.three-d-conceptwerke.com l

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tel: 6293-8001

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fax: 6294-8001

email: enquiries@three-d-conceptwerke.com

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER

FEATURES T H E L AT E S T I N D E S I G N AND DECOR TRENDS

FEAT U RES 82

MADE IN CHINA, NOW The “Made in China” stamp may have had a less than appealing connotation before.

That’s not the case anymore. Here are the top 10 trends shaping the country’s soft power of design.

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COOKING UP A STORM Today’s smart kitchen appliances let you view the contents in the fridge from your phone, monitor the cooking progress from an app and even prep food based on your unique body composition.

COUNTER INTELLIGENCE The kitchen countertop has seen more action than any other surface in our homes. Brands around the world continue to develop next-generation materials to be more durable, sustainable and beautiful.

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H&D.COM.SG

MOD KITCHENS One major design component that impacts the overall look of your kitchen design? The cabinetry. Here are the ideas to cop for maximum style and function.

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EVERYTHING ’BOUT THE KITCHEN SINK What do you need to consider when purchasing your kitchen sink and faucet? We dish on all you need to know.

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VISUAL DELIGHTS Want to make homebaked treats that look as pretty as they taste - and which you can flaunt on your social media pages?

Read on.

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EDITOR’S NOTE 14

15 DIGITAL EDITION EXCLUSIVES 1 16 IN STORE 1 18 WHERE TO BUY 1 19

BUYING GUIDE 1 20

THE HARD TRUTH

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Design is China’s soft power See the country’s latest design trends, objects and destinations.

EDITORIAL

PHOTOGRAPHY

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Young Lim (younglim@sph.com.sg)

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Veronica Tay (verontay@sph.com.sg)

ASSISTANT EDITOR Asih Jenie (asihj@sph.com.sg)

EXECUTIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS Tan Wei Te (tanweite@sph.com.sg)

WRITERS Michelle Lee (michlee@sph.com.sg) Melody Bay (melodyb@sph.com.sg)

CREATIVE SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Nonie Chen (noniec@sph.com.sg) ART DIRECTOR Kristy Quah (krisquah@sph.com.sg)

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Phyllicia Wang (wanglx@sph.com.sg) Vee Chin (veechin@sph.com.sg) SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXECUTIVE Wendy Wong (wwong@sph.com.sg)

EDITORIAL SUPPORT

INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS

SENIOR MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION & EDITORIAL SUPPORT UNIT Juliana Chong (julianac@sph.com.sg)

HOME & DECOR INDONESIA MPG MEDIA PUBLISHING Jl Palmerah Utara 55 Slipi, Jakarta 11910 Indonesia

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Jashnijothirani Nadarajah (jrani@sph.com.sg)

AD SALES ENQUIRIES Tel: +62 21 5366 7777 E-mail: info.homeanddecor @mpgmedia.co.id

HOME & DECOR PHILIPPINES Cainta Green Park Village, Rizal Philippines Tel: (632) 9392-0141-18 E-mail: inquiry@homedecor.ph AD SALES ENQUIRIES Edmund Palisoc E-mail: edmund.palisoc@ homedecor.ph

MEDIA SOLUTIONS DEPUTY HEAD Diana Lee (leemld@sph.com.sg) TEAM LEAD Raphael Chong TITLE LEAD Chelsea Lam BANKING, INSURANCE & INVESTMENT Ellen Lee CONSUMER ELECTRONICS & DEPARTMENT STORES Martin Boey MALLS Sean Chen PROPERTY Stella Yeo

PRODUCT & I N N OVAT I O N

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Eugene Wee (eugenew@sph.com.sg)

HEAD, INTERNATIONAL SALES & TECH PARTNERSHIP Joseph Lee

GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Caroline Ngui (nguislc@sph.com.sg)

DIRECTOR, PRODUCT & INNOVATION Faith Yoong

GROUP EDITOR Joanna Lee-Miller (jolee@sph.com.sg)

PRODUCT MANAGER Serene Ong

O P E R AT I O N S TEAM HEAD Alice Chee (siewyuen@sph.com.sg) ASSISTANT MANAGER Lin Feng (fenglin@sph.com.sg)

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Ignatius Low GROUP MARKETING HEAD Sharon Cheong CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS HEAD Chin Soo Fang VICE-PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Irene Lee

Home & Decor is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd, 1000 Toa Payoh North, News Centre, Annexe Block Level 8, Singapore 318994, Tel: 6319-6319, Fax: 6319-6345 SPH Magazines registration no: 196900476M MCI (P) 057/08/2020

For sales enquiries, please contact Maggie at magadpromo@sph.com.sg

Distributed by Circulation Department, Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Printed by timesprinters, Singapore registration no.: 196700328H.

GROUP M AR K E T I N G

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

The views and opinions expressed or implied in Home & Decor are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

TEAM HEAD, MAGAZINES Lin Shaomei SENIOR MANAGER Vicky Yong MARKETING MANAGER Patricia Ong

For back issues, e-mail: circs@sph.com.sg.

Subscribe online: www.homeanddecor.com.sg.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

HEART OF HOME The kitchen holds a special place in my heart, because it’s where I remember having the best conversations with my mother when I was a child.

The fond memories of me sitting by her side, as she goes about preparing meals for the family, is so indelibly etched in my mind that I can still recall the piquant aroma of the spicy vegetable soup she likes to make, and the steam rising from a large bowl of freshly cooked rice.

It was in that setting, that I boldly told her about my dreams of becoming an editor of my own magazine some day. I’m pretty sure our talks in the kitchen have contributed

much into making me the person I am today.

I believe everyone has their own personal stories of their kitchen, and sometimes it doesn’t even have to involve cooking or food at all. It’s amazing that this once functional and utilitarian space has evolved into a room where relationships are forged while stomachs are being fed.

In this issue, we take a look at the latest updates in kitchen design and appliances, and see how technology has changed the way we cook, serve and store.

Enjoy your time with this magazine in your kitchen, and we’ll see you again soon.

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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E H T F O T R A P E B

y jo n e o h w s r e v lo Meet fellow food . g in k a b d n a g in k o o dining out, c

, ts n e v e to s e it v in e iv s lu Join us now for exc eals and discounts! giveaways, dining d

TA ST E S O C I E T YS G

REAL-TIME DESIGN UPDATES WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ HOMEANDDECOR.SINGAPORE The latest content on home decor and shopping scoops.

SIGHTS & INSPIRATION CHECK US OUT AT @HOMEANDDECOR_SG

Locally made, locally grown Where to buy sustainable made-inSingapore timber furniture. https://tinyurl.com/woodfurnituresg

Hidden tropical oasis with wabi-sabi aesthetics This tropical home celebrates natural beauty and an eco-conscious lifestyle. https://tinyurl.com/tropicalhomewabisabi

HOMEANDDECOR .COM.SG

Check out popular blog posts of the month MORE INTERIOR STYLES FROM OUR ONLINE IMAGE LIBRARY

THIS MONTH ON OUR “KITCHEN” BOARD… WWW.PINTEREST.COM/ HOMEANDDECORSG

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A N AL L-NE W ONLINE EXP ER I ENC E!

W W W. H O M E A N D D E C O R . C O M . S G

YOUR ENHANCED DESIGN JOURNEY INCLUDES:

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF H&D TV WITH VIDEO PLAYLISTS & MORE THE LATEST STYLE TIPS, TREND STORIES AND DESIGNER FEATURES EXCITING GIVEAWAYS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

AVAILABLE ON DESKTOPS & ALL MOBILE DEVICES.

MAKE WWW.HOMEANDDECOR.COM.SG YOUR ONE-STOP DESIGN DESTINATION TODAY!

Inspiring Women

To celebrate 60 years of HER WORLD, we present

#Her World Her Story

60 suc pas

inspiring real-life stories omen haring their llenges, bitions

Every month from March to August, we’ll be featuring 10 women in print and online.

Read about their struggles and triumphs, and watch their videos on wwww.herworld.com/herworldherstory/ and our IG account @herworldsingapore

BE A PART OF #HERWORLDHERSTORY

We want to hear your story too.

Tell us about it on your IG profile, and add the hashtag #HerWorldHerStory so we can find it and share it.

D E S I G N N E W S , P L A C E S T O V I S I T, T H I N G S T O B U Y

BESPOKE S U S TA I N ABILITY With so much waste generated by unsold items in the furniture industry, do we really need yet another new brand? In the case of LAAT, the answer is a resounding yes. The brainchild of Cherin Tan, co-founder of architecture firm LAANK, and Alvin Tan, co-founder of art and design collective PHUNK, the bespoke label turns waste materials into one-of-a-kind lifestyle objects of desire. LAAT’s inaugural collection is a tribute to German countertenor Klaus Nomi, whose highly stylised aesthetics have inspired legends such as David Bowie and Lady Gaga. Customised editions in different colours are available upon request.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of pieces will be donated to Action for Aids.

The inaugural collection ranges from $380 to $1,850 and is available from Art Now at www.artnow.sg.

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C O LO U R O F T H E M O N T H

C O LO U R O F THE MONTH PANTONE GARDENIA 11-0604 TCX

WAV E O F ELEGANCE Summer is here, but it may take a while for us to be able to go to the beach like we used to. So why not usher some of that beachy summer vibes into your space instead?

Pantone’s Gardenia colour mimics the perfect shade of sand, featuring a golden undertone, that keeps the room bright while adding warmth and cosiness.

Pair it with shades of blue to create a Hampton-inspired seaside summer feel, and darker shades of browns for a nice contrast. Portuguese lighting brand Delightfull pairs Gardenia with solid white surfaces, pale wood, golden marble, white, and metallic accents to create a luxurious setting that remains welcoming and approachable.

Gardenia goes well with all metallic finishes, as seen in this living room. Fashioned after the shape of trumpets, the Botti floor light elevates the sandy beige with a gold metallic sheen. Meanwhile, rose gold trimming makes the royal blue velvet stools pop and the hammered copper finish of the ornate mirror and small accessories add an opulent, old-world glamour to the room.

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PANTONE GARDENIA 9244C

PANTONE 2746C

The restrained use of velvet helps to elevate a casual beach-side cottage look into an elegant and convivial space.

the expert says

WONG L I A NGYUA N Colour Specialist, Haven Lifestyle

“Pale earth tones evoke a calming and inviting atmosphere. Colours paired with them appear softer and more subdued.

I would use this Gardenia hue in the kitchen as well, and contrast it with a darker wood texture.”

TRENDING

LOUNGE IN STYLE

Flaunting sensual curves and a s quality with a continuous line, th longue is as much a statement pi is an ergonomic seat. Here, the st options you’ll yearn to cosy up on 1. La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames, $14,620, from Vitra Store

by W. Atelier.

2 . Repose sofa, from US$8,450 (S$11,619) excluding fabric, from Okha.

3 . Cassina Wink armchair-cum-chaiselongue by Toshiyuki Kita, $7,455, from W. Atelier.

4 . Adams Right Chaise, $699, from Castlery.

JOSEON ROMANCE

Cave is available in two colours, Bordeaux and Dove Grey.

Luxury handmade wallpaper atelier de Gournay has co-created a collection inspired by the Joseon dynasty with Seoul-based interior designer Teo Yang. The two designs, titled The Art of Learning and Steps for the Flowers, drew from the architectural and stilllife painting of the celebrated dynasty.

The former features a composition of book piles and rock formation symbolising the dynasty’s chaekgeori (“books and things” – a school of still life that highlighted the importance of learning) while the latter depicts the royal hwagye e (terraced rock garden) populated with peonies, butterflies and frogs. The artworks are hand-painted on antiqued rice paper.

The Cat Cave can be ordered at www. qeeboo.com, price upon request.

In Singapore, de Gournay is exclusively distributed by Tatum www.tatumcompany. com. Visit www.degournay.com to find out more about the collection.

COSY COMFORT Qeeboo, together with pet product specialist United Pets, has unveiled the Cat Cave, a sleek, sculptural and snug hideout for feline friends.

Designed by Qeeboo

founder Stefano Giovannoni, The floor of the bottom chamber is fitted with a scratcher for a spot of clawsharpening, while the top is hung with a ball. The Cat

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SCENT-TILATING Chlorine is used in tap water to combat bacteria and germs, but it can also leave behind chemicals that result in skin irritation, dry skin, and brittle hair from daily showering.

Ruhens’ new scented shower head is here to combat that with a filter that doesn’t just remove 99.9 per cent chlorine and harmful particles, but also infuses the water with Vitamin C. Choose from three essential oil filters: lavender, rose and lime. Depending on the frequency of use, each can last from three to six months.

Each showerhead offers both high pressure and a fine mist.

TILE OF THE MONTH

Ruhens Scented Shower Head with Vitamin C filter comes in three individually packed scents and retails at $129 per unit (showerhead and one filter). To purchase, visit www.facebook.com/ ruhenssingapore/shop.

FANCY TEA PARTY Tea drinkers will love the Tisaurea

by Ludovica Mascheroni, a trunk designed specifically for the enjoyment of the tea-making and drinking ritual.

Hand-crafted from bleached ash, with a Michaelangelo marble top and Nabuk leather details, the trunk is the perfect place to display

your prized tea collection.

“Tisaurea is an invitation to enjoy time, the most precious one, that is, the one dedicated to ourselves,” brand founders Fabio Mascheroni and Roberta Caglio share.

The Tisaurea retails at www. ludovicamascheroni.eu, price upon request.

GRAPHIC IMPACT A mix of geometric shapes and patterns make an appearance in the Mutina Numi tile collection dreamed up by porcelain tile manufacturer Mutina and German designer Konstantin Grcic.

Glossy patterns are paired with matte, dusty-hued surfaces, making it perfect for those after a subtle yet graphic presence in their homes.

The Mutina Numi tile collection retails at Rice, 213 Henderson Road #01-03. Visit www.ricefields.com, price upon request.

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Add to cart HEALING GARDENS

PHOTO WWW.WALCKHOFF.COM

Renowned in the creative industry as the creative director of Christian Lacroix Maison, French designer Sacha Walckhoff has been branching out and exploring his signature style through various collaborations with international brands. One of his latest creations is Magic Garden, a porcelain tableware collection with German brand Rosenthal. Inspired by the apothecary gardens, which feature plants with healing properties, Magic Garden mixes classic delicate floral design with Bauhaus geometry with a surprisingly versatile result.

Magic Garden retails at www.rosenthal.de from £10.75 ($18.80). In Singapore, Rosenthal is available from Da Vinci Lifestyle www.davincilifestyle.com.

SUBLIME SOUND British Hi-Fi brand Ruark Audio has dropped the R3, a wireless compact speaker. Covered in a woven grille fabric and a rich walnut veneer or soft grey lacquered finish, it’ll sit on shelves like a sculptural accent. Thanks to a highfidelity two-channel Class A-B amplifier, audiophiles can be sure of outstanding sound. You can also stream music from platforms like Spotify, Tidal and Amazon Music via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth aptX. Its Smart Radio function can be used to tune into the internet, digital audio broadcasting (DAB/DAB+), or FM stations.

COOL BEANS

Elevate your home coffee game with freshly roasted beans right from your kitchen with the BeanBon home coffee roaster by Taiwan-based startup Avigo. The smart countertop gadget allows for raw beans to be used, so you’ll get to experiment with creating different flavour profiles and blend your own combination of beans to suit your taste. Settings can be adjusted via the BeanBon app in three modes: Smart mode with pre-set roast profiles for novices, Creator mode for more hands-on control and Guru, which allows users to recreate flavour profiles crafted by experts.

The BeanBon coffee roaster is priced at US$699 (S$960.80) via Kickstarter. Visit www. beanbonroaster.com for more information.

EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH Materials & Design What: A Passage Through Colours Where: Now until Sept 30, 2020 When: Visit www.mulangallery.com.sg for the link to the virtual exhibition Presented by Mulan Gallery, A Passage Through Colours showcases the abstract works of Japanese artists Kaz Orii and Yokomizo Miyuki, as well as Shanghai-born artist Mao Lizi. Evoking brilliant movement

through exuberant yet controlled strokes, as well as intense colours, many of the contemporary artworks in the exhibition reflect the artists’ expressions of freedom simply with the use of colours.

The Ruark R3 retails at $1,299, available at Musica Boutique, #04-26 Ion Orchard.

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NEWS

The Suite Life The newly redesigned La Reserve Eden au Lac Zurich in Switzerland takes visitors into an imaginary yacht club dreamed up by renowned architect and designer Philippe Starck. For its bathroom fittings, the five-star hotel and Starck tapped Hansgrohe’s luxury line Axor. Fittings include washbasins, bathtubs and showers under the Axor Starck series. Also co-created with the French designer, it draws inspiration from the beauty of nature and water.

SLIM AND MIGHTY Cosentino has added five new colours to its Dekton Slim collection. With just 4mm thickness, the ultracompact surface collection is ideal for customising cabinetry, doors, walls, backsplash and furniture to match your kitchen countertop without adding significant extra weight.

The five new collections are Helena, Laurent, Rem, Eter and Aeris, which present subtle patterns in various neutral shades.

Samples can be viewed at Cosentino City Singapore at 34/35 Duxton Road. Call 67139543 for a private viewing. Find out more at www.cosentino.com/en-sg.

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Treasure Trove Playful and energetic, Crate and Barrel’s new Trove collection injects a breath of fresh air with its vibrant colours and sleek shapes.

Designed for today’s modern apartments, the pieces in this collection work even in the smallest of spaces.

These include smaller tables for the kitchen nook, office furniture that adds storage, and modular furniture that can fit different room configurations.

For more information, visit www.crateandbarrel.com.sg.

Fresh & Clean Japanese sanitary giant Lixil has devised the Sato Tap for households without access to basic handwashing. Aiming to improve hygiene in the emerging economies, Sato can be used without running water. Its nozzle can be fitted with plastic bottles to minimise direct contact while its trickle action reduces water usage.

Visit www.sato.lixil. com/satotap for more information.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

THAI STREET STYLE Ikea has launched Sammankoppla, a collection co-created with Thai fashion brand Greyhound Original. Inspired by the Thai street style, it has been designed to be affordable, multi-functional and adaptable. “Thai street style is ‘anything goes’, and nothing goes to waste,” says Greyhound Original founder Bhanu Inkawat, citing plastic jerrycan upcycled into lampshades as an example, which made it into the final collection as the Sammankoppla LED Multi-Use Lighting. The collection includes rugs and bags made with woven PET waste, shelving units inspired by scaffolding and a literal jacket for chairs, a wink to Greyhound Original’s fashion root.

Sammankoppla collection retails at www.ikea.com, prices range from $1.90 (zip case) to $129 (shelving unit).

Inspired by the picturesque mountains of Japan, the Yama series is a range of sleek, conical pendant lamps whose streamlined shapes lend themselves well to minimalist interiors. The series was unveiled as part of Shanghai-based Stellar Works’ first lighting collection, and created in collaboration with Space Copenhagen. “We try to be attentive and respond to the little ways these typologies evolve overt ime, how uses might morph or change, while also working towards the piece having a certain sculptural quality,” says Space Copenhagen on their lighting design.

Stellar Works is availble in Singapore from P5 Studio, price upon request. Visit www.p5studio. com.sg for more information.

SIGNATURE SCENTS Perfume house Creed has launched two new scented, handpoured beeswax candles, housed in tulip-shaped glass containers. Bestselling perfume Aventus now comes in the form of Creed Aventus Scented Candle, which combines a heady mix of blackcurrant, French apples, dry birch and oakmoss notes for a woody and fruity scent. The fragrance of the Love In White candle will

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

transport you to a garden in bloom. Its fresh and powdery scent has delicate top notes of hyacinth and magnolia, which leads to a heart of French daffodils, white iris and tonka bean.

The new candles retail at $179 (in 200g glass candles), available at the Escentials stores and counters at Paragon, Tangs at Tang Plaza and Ion Orchard.

KASS KOH Emerging Singaporean interdisciplinary artist Kass Koh delves into the complexities of myths set in metamodernism, working with mixed media that include acrylic, gouache, ink and holographic stickers on wood.

Taking her cue from speculative themes of science fiction, ancient mythology, video games, board games and comic books, she creates alternate realms that expand the imagination, and explores dialogue centred on personal myths and archetypes.

text ASIH JENIE, MELODY BAY & MICHELLE LEE

Kass is currently exhibiting at The New Now IV: Tension/Creation exhibition at Gajah Gallery, which runs till Sept 6, 2020.

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LIVING

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1

2

1., 7. & 8 .

Tom Dixon Form Tea Pot (stainless steel), Etch Tea Light Holder (steel) and Melt Pendants (chrome).

4 . Pivot silver leaf pendant, $799, from Crate and Barrel.

2 . Bella Plisse Silver Cap lamp by Marcel Wanders for Ramun.

6. Teddy Boy Lamp Metal Finish, $650, available exclusively in Singapore at Journey East.

5 . Cabe armchair, $529, from Castlery.

3 . Strings Cabinet Silver Gold, $26,033, from Scarlet Splendour.

9. M Nuance Mir08 Mirror large landscape hand-bevelled mirror, $1,120, from Journey East.

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9

5

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S T E R L I N G TA S T E Brushed, mirrored or textured, these pieces with a silver accent instantly add a touch luxe to any interior.

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7

H E H O R L G A S I N EC A SP

BE DIFFERENT Say goodbye to the days when chrome is your only option for faucets. Two of hansgrohe’s most popular faucet lines are now available in five exquisite colours.

A little metallic accent goes a long way in elevating and personalising your space.

This is especially true in the bathroom, where the sheen of brushed bronze or the stark contrast of matte black fittings can instantaneously turn ‘boring’ into ‘bespoke’.

Say goodbye to the days when chrome was your only finishing option for faucets – hansgrohe FinishPlus allows you to create a bathroom or kitchen ambience that reflects your unique style.

FinishPlus is available in three metallic shades for those seeking alternative metallic sheen. Choose Polished Gold Optic for warm, luxurious gold, Brushed Bronze for an

exquisite antique look or Brushed Black Chrome for a stately gunmetal accent. Matte Black and Matte White round off the offerings, creating contrasting accents and elegant simplicity to both bright and dark material palettes.

These five finishes are now available for two of hansgrohe’s most popular faucet lines: hansgrohe Metropol and hansgrohe Talis E. Featuring a precise geometric design and clean lines, the Metropol faucet (pictured) paints a distinctive minimalist silhouette, while the Talis E presents a timeless, graceful look with its tapering shape and perfectly coordinated lever handle and spout. Pair these faucets with FinishPlus and you will never have to choose between style and functionality ever again.

For more information on hansgrohe FinishPlus, and Metropol and Talis E faucet lines, call 6884-5060 or email info@hansgrohe.com.sg to make an appointment to visit the Hansgrohe Aquademie.

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H O T S P OT

LEFT

Each private plunge pool offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

CAMP SARIKA

BY AMAN GIR I This luxury encampment combines the comfort of modern living with the unforgettable experience of camping in the desert.

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N

estled in the midst of the Utah desert is every modern escapist’s fantasy come true. Surrounded by 600ha of nature’s wild beauty, Camp Sarika by Amangiri is the proverbial oasis for those seeking refuge from urban living.

Inspired by the Sanskrit word for “open space” and “sky”, Camp Sarika is a luxury retreat that offers solitude and

FAR LEFT

Guests can enjoy the Utah desert while cocooned in their tent.

LEFT

Situated in the main pavilion, the restaurant’s menu offers Southwestern Native American cuisine.

BELOW

The luxury encampment enjoys the most spectacular sunset views.

good to know Camp Sarika is surrounded by the Navajo Nation Reservation and five national parks, including the Grand Canyon.

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A BOVE, RI GHT & OPPOS I TE

The private suites are clad in natural hues and materials that echo their surroundings.

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B ELOW

Guests can relax on their private terrace, complete with a firepit and a telescope.

adventure under the boundless skies of the Utah desert. The encampment – a mere speck against the surrounding vermilion rock formations – houses just 10 tented pavilions, each with an outdoor deck and a private plunge pool.

These open onto the outdoors, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the wilderness while still enjoying privacy.

Of course, you won’t be completely untethered from the comforts of civilisation.

The encampment also has a main pavilion with two spa suites, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a sun deck and a restaurant so you can enjoy all the perks of modern

living while experiencing camping outdoors.

For those who must have more, you have full access to the facilities at sister resort Amangiri that’s just a five-minute drive away.

Adventure seekers will also find plenty of things to do such as canyoneering and horseback riding.

Designed for sustainability while offering an experience that’s the first of its kind in North America, Camp Sarika was created to be in harmony with the surrounding natural environment all year round.

The material used for the tents, for instance, is covered in a soft canvas woven from recycled bottles and can handle up to 11 tonnes of snow. The interior decor also includes details like etched timber headboards, open fireplaces and earthy materials that reflect the tones of the surrounding rock formations.

What’s more, the design of the private pavilions creates a cocoon of intimacy, offering respite from the vastness outside and the adventures of the day. Outfitted in natural materials that echo the beauty of the landscape, each includes a living area, a dining area, a bar and a private terrace with a firepit. And, in a nod to Aman’s trademark appreciation of a destination experience, the brand has also included thoughtful additions like a telescope – a seemingly small detail, but perfect for a night of camping under an endless starry sky.

INSPIRED BY THE SANSKIT WORD FOR “OPEN SPACE” AND “SKY”, CAMP SARIKA OFFERS BOTH SOLITUDE AND ADVENTURE IN THE UTAH DESERT.

For more information, please visit www.aman.com/camp-sarika.

text MELODY BAY photos AMAN

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H O T S P OT

M C A S A LO E W E LO N D O N Spanish fashion house Loewe has a chic new home in the heart of the affluent Mayfair neighbourhood.

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ayfair is the place to go for luxury shopping in London. And Loewe, founded in Spain in 1846, has chosen the iconic New Bond Street as the address for its new and larger flagship store that was previously at Mount Street.

Situated in a gazetted heritage building, the store opened its doors at the end of April 2019 after a year-long renovation.

Designed by creative

director Jonathan Anderson, who has – since he joined the company in 2013 – put craft and culture at the forefront of the brand, and built with sustainability principles to reduce its negative environmental impact, Casa Loewe London’s business is spread over three levels.

The 1,270 sq ft basement is dedicated to menswear while the ground and first floors (each 1,938 sq ft) showcase women’s

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good to know Some of the artworks at Casa Loewe London were created by Loewe Craft Prize winners.

bags and accessories, eyewear, silks, the ready-to-wear collection, shoes and jewellery.

The entrance’s open area serves as a pop-up space to exhibit collections and art projects. The cylindrical, sculptural panoramic lift with brass detailing as well as the curving central staircase – inspired by the Georgian period and hand-built with Campaspero stone from Spain’s Valladolid region – connect the three levels.

Combining luxury and intimacy, Casa Loewe London is styled like the home of an art collector. Paintings, sculptures and photographs by artists such as Ernst Gamperl, Alair Gomes, Nicholas Byrne, Giorgio

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Griffa, Grayson Perry, Caragh Thuring, Magali Reus, Sara Flynn and William Turnbull are paired with fashion products and contemporary furniture.

These include Lambert chairs from French designers Berger&Berger, handwoven rugs by Jason Collingwood, benches and vessels by woodworking master artisans Jim Partridge and Liz Walmsley, an easel lamp by Angelo Lelli and a table from Axel Vervoordt.

Some of the art and furniture pieces will rotate to make Casa Loewe London a living gallery where fashion, art, craft and design meet.

Visit www.loewe.com to find out more about Loewe.

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1. An elegant staircase and a cylindrical lift connect all three levels.

2. Oak vessels

by Ernst Gamperl sit by the staircase.

3. The blown glass Vulcano Table sculpture

by Anthea Hamilton is a playful touch.

4. Classical architecture meets contemporary interiors.

text KARINE MONIE photos COURTESY OF LOEWE

5 . Giorgio Griffa’s painting series Polittico con tredici colori serves as a backdrop to this striking blue Rietveld Easy Chair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld.

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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

A NEW BRAND OF PORTRAITURE Known for his larger-thanlife, hyperrealistic and richly detailed portraits that substitute depictions of aristocratic Europeans bearing symbols of power and status in paintings by artists between the Renaissance and 1800, with good-looking AfricanAmerican men and women in modern-day clothes – T-shirts, sweatpants, jeans, sneakers and bandanas – striking confident, heroic poses, Kehinde Wiley has been subverting the power relations embedded in certain art traditions.

The Los Angeles-born, Yale-educated portraitist confronts and critiques historical traditions that do not acknowledge the black cultural experience, thereby bringing Old Master paintings by the likes of Velazquez, Rubens, Titian, Van Dyck or Holbein face to face with contemporary popular culture.

photo TONY POWELL

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SPOTLIGHT

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ortraying dark-skinned people from all walks of life, Kehinde – the first African-American artist to paint an official portrait of an American president (Barack Obama) for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery – has painted everyone from Michael Jackson and rapper LL Cool J to the ordinary man in the street and Tahiti’s Mahu third-gender community through the prism of Paul Gauguin’s masterpieces, which he presented in a 2019 solo show at Galerie Templon in Paris.

Harnessing the power of art to shift perception and to make visible history’s forgotten figures, Kehinde began his career by exploring African-American notions of masculinity and how black men were perceived in public and private spaces before adding women wearing flowing gowns and headpieces in empowering stances to his repertoire in 2012.

In his unique way, he has been correcting the lack of non-white faces in Western museums, where people of colour have been typically excluded from representations of power.

His instantly recognisable subjects might be crossing the Swiss Alps on horseback in a nod to Jacques-Louis David’s equestrian portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte or seen as a haloed saint set against a stained glass window in place of JeanAuguste-Dominique Ingres’ portrait of the Holy Roman Empress in his investigations of religious iconography.

Each body glows, permitting audiences to witness a state of

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“I KNOW THAT MY WORK HAS HAD AN EFFECT ON PEOPLE’S LIVES; I HEAR IT.” – KEHINDE WILEY

photo COURTESY ROBERT PROJECTS

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grace for people rarely viewed in that way. They contrast with his unique backdrops of heavily ornamented patterns of flowers, leaves and vines representing the landscape, which are based on Victorian wallpaper, Baroque textiles or Renaissance tapestries.

When I ask Kehinde why he chooses to place his subjects in a pose and history that are not their own, he replies: “Are they really, though? There is a swagger, a self-empowered knowing that you see in old European paintings. I love hijacking that language even though it exists already for many people I know and love; people who look like me. Many times, I’m able to simply show a type of truth that may not be public but personal – a type of poetry that is true.”

So is he paying tribute to or protesting against old Western chefs-d’oeuvre? “You’ve asked me a very important question about my relationship to history, to empire, to conquest and to art history, and I’m at once critical

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and accepting. It’s a beautiful and terrible history. What do I do with it? This new way of thinking about what the past was and how we move forward has to do with practicality. Artists are here to record the stories of our hearts, not our political stories but rather our interior stories, so we’re apolitical.”

He continues: “We’re looking up and down at the same time, we’re saying yes and no at the same time, we’re saying I love Gauguin, but it’s messed up at the same time. I’m trying to use my life – what I feel, what I like and what I’m drawn to – as an indicator of what’s important in the world, and if I feel something there, perhaps the audience will feel something as well.”

Dispelling preconceived notions about black people in America being reduced to 2-D caricatures that have nothing to do with the life he has lived, Kehinde – having grown up in poverty in South-Central Los Angeles as the son of an AfricanAmerican mother and a Nigerian father he never knew as a child – is keenly aware of the cliches surrounding them. “It’s easy to go into stereotypes about the

1. Portrait of Moerai Matuanui (2019).

2. Three Girls in a Wood (2018).

3 . Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps (2005).

4. Kehinde filming in Tahiti.

5. His stained glass artwork Saint Adelaide (2014) was modelled after French artist Jean-AugusteDominique Ingres’ 1842 Saint Adelaide at Saint-Ferdinand Royal Chapel in Paris.

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photo BERTRAND HUET/TUTTI

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ghetto and to talk about SouthCentral Los Angeles as this dark place, but it was not,” he admits.

“There were aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, meals and celebrations. My self-image was shaped by my mother in many ways because, from a very early age, she found situations to place me in where I started thinking about myself differently. She demanded I go to Russia at the age of 12 to make paintings in the forest of Leningrad. I think if you look at most studies around childhood development, the existence of books in a family or house makes a huge difference in terms of the future outcomes of children’s

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lives, so I’m a perfect example of that. There’s something about what my mother was doing that was strangely different from the outcomes you see from many families in that community,” he adds.

Naturally gifted in art, Kehinde knew since he was young that he wanted to be an artist. “A lot of kids could draw,” he recalls. “We would compete with each other to make drawings of cars and comic book characters. My twin brother was a better artist than I was at the time. I think that what made it for me was a desire to stick to it; there was a passion. Is being good at something about talent or is it about time and just sticking to it? Not just the ability to say ‘I like this’, but rather ‘I’m obsessed with this, I’m doing this all the time’. I’m knocking my head like an autistic child against the wall every day doing the same thing. Why? There was no guarantee, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, that you would be a successful artist.”

He elaborates: “I knew that I was throwing my life away when I decided to move to New York

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photo HUMBERTO CONTRERAS

photo MAMADOU GOMIS

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and become an artist. I didn’t care. I wanted to be successful at being myself and I think that honesty is what people saw.”

Now Kehinde has launched a multidisciplinary artist-inresidency programme – Black Rock Senegal – in Dakar. Since artist residency in Africa is uncommon, his manner of giving back and supporting new artistic creations that are multigenerational and cross-cultural provides young artists with a luxury retreat to make art while experiencing Senegalese culture.

It is, in some way, a reinvention of the experience he’d had when he first arrived as an artist-in-residence at Studio Museum in Harlem in 2001, while simultaneously creating a space to work outside of a Western context and in line

with his heritage. “Maybe I have survivor’s guilt. I don’t know why I care so much, but I think it would be nice to do something cool, to work not in some ideational way but side by side.

“Black Rock stands as the direct answer to my desire to have an uncontested relationship with Africa; the filling in of a large void I share with many African-Americans.

With this project, I wanted to explore my personal relationship with Africa while inviting artists to do the same, and to galvanise the growing artistic and creative energies that exist in Africa in an increasing measure with the addition of diverse, international, creative possibilities. I want it to get into the bloodstream, into people’s minds like a meme.”

At the end of the day, has

Kehinde’s work somehow changed how black Americans are perceived? “It’s a big question. I know that there’s been a vibration. I know that my work has had an effect on people’s lives; I hear it. Social media is amazing because, in real time, people will tell you how your work has affected their lives. People have sent me stories about how they feel inspired to approach art or to see themselves differently.

I think the short answer is yes, but I don’t want to make grand sweeping statements.

“I think art can function as a way of saying that no matter where we come from and no matter how different our lives or backgrounds are, there’s a way through; there’s a way to make contact. It’s a means by which we can reach each other.”

6. His 2019 exhibition at Galerie Templon.

7. An interior design cocreated by Kehinde and Senegalese designers Aissa Dione and Fatiya Djenne.

8 . The Virgin Martyr Saint Cecilia (2008).

9. The artist at work.

text Y-JEAN MUN-DELSALLE artwork photo COURTESY OF TEMPLON PARIS & BRUSSELS

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PEOPLE

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Florence Ng, founder and creative director of Synergraphic Design, which specialises in glass art and design, reveals the intricacies of working with this beautiful, fragile and versatile material.

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ith its many styles and forms, glass has long been favoured for its visual lightness, structurally sound qualities and versatile beauty in both art and interior design. Modern visionary and a pioneer in Singapore’s glass-making field, Florence Ng sheds light on its evolution and new possibilities.

HOW DID YOU START WORKING

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WITH GLASS AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU?

I first encountered glass in 1984, when I supplied and installed glass in windows. Trained in advertising arts and as a graphic designer, I wanted to discover more ways to create art with it. In 1990, I flew to Europe’s biggest glass trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany, and later to Seattle to learn the art of fusing and blowing from American glass artist and designer Roger Nachman.

I’ve had an innate passion for art and creative work since I was a child. I believe it is a gift from God. While the unique beauty of glass, its qualities and versatility inspire me, I also explore other mediums and materials to create innovative glassworks. The world is filled with inspiration. I get little sparks from everywhere – walks in the park, watching the fishes in my pond, sitting under a tree as the world goes by, and the works of others.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SYNERGRAPHIC’S NEW COLLECTION, THE EARTH TALES VOLUME II?

Earth Tales Volume II offers the beauty of stone with the benefits 38

of glass for limitless applications – from backlit feature walls and translucent doors to tabletops.

While beautiful, stone has limitations. It’s heavy, there is no control over its grain, it’s porous and susceptible to bacteria, and it can’t cover large-scale designs. We photographed or scanned various stones with different characteristics to create high-quality digital prints that can be scaled up to span large surface areas. Each is unique and grouped into different ‘souls’: French, Greek and Italian.

Bold prints make for distinctive feature walls, while subdued palettes and lines blend in with most design themes. You can also select the preferred grain sections. In keeping up with the latest technologies, we ensure high-quality products

and hope that the beauty of stones in such a format will bring joy, pride and peace of mind in homes and spaces.

HOW IS GLASS AS A MATERIAL EVOLVING WITHIN THE INTERIOR DESIGN INDUSTRY?

Interestingly, many collections, like the patterned and laminated art glass of our Jaipur, Mache and Shoji series offered in the early 2000s, are gaining popularity again.

The introduction of direct printing on glass has uncovered possibilities for both interiors and architecture. In the past, graphics were printed onto film and laminated between glass layers, and could only be applied using traditional and manual techniques such as stained glass, sandcarving or kiln forming.

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1. A stone print from the Italian Soul series from Earth Tales Volume II. 2 . & 3 . Florence coldworking glass and focusing on a custom chandelier for a private residence.

4 . An artwork at the Macau Theme Park Resort.

5 . A wall feature at the Yellow Pot Restaurant at the former Six Senses Duxton Hotel.

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3

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“GLASS ART IS UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE OF THE MATERIAL. GLASS CAN TRANSMIT AND REFLECT LIGHT TO PERFORM FUNCTIONS OF TRANSPARENCY, TRANSLUCENCY, OPACITY AND REFLECTIVITY. WOOD, METAL AND STONE CANNOT DO ANY OF THESE.” – FLORENCE NG, SYNERGRAPHIC DESIGN

With new printing technologies and inks, the sky’s the limit! Larger creations, economies of scale and less material usage can also be achieved, making it more accessible for all kinds of projects and applications.

The handmade quality of art glass is making a comeback through cast and kiln-formed glass, as well as gilding, for use as feature walls, furniture, lighting and wall installations.

We recently produced many of these for hospitality projects in Singapore and Macau.

What’s wonderful about glass is its wide range and versatility.

Whether you’re after minimalist, highly customised or ornate and luxurious designs, you’ll be able to find something that fits your taste.

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DO YOU CONSIDER GLASS A FRAGILE MATERIAL? IF SO, WHAT MAKES IT SO APPEALING?

Glass is fragile but we often fail to realise how strong it is, too. For example, stained glass windows can withstand outdoor weather conditions, and last for centuries without major deterioration.

Despite its fragility, it is highly functional and has qualities that many materials such as stone, wood or metal do not have. It is smooth and non-porous, which makes our living spaces sterile and safe, is impervious to water and dirt, and, unlike acrylic, is resistant to harsh cleaning agents, Also, unlike other opaque materials, glass can be transparent, translucent or reflective. It can be used to

physically separate spaces while retaining a sense of openness.

Mirrors reflect spaces and can make a room appear larger.

Advances in technology, such as tempering and lamination, have resulted in stronger glass, like bulletproof and fire-rated glass.

IS IT A SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL?

Glass is inherently sustainable.

It is made from sand, soda ash and limestone, all of which are natural materials. This makes it 100 per cent recyclable.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF WORKING WITH GLASS?

It is unpredictable and fragile.

You can spend a lot of time preparing the design and materials, only to have it break during or after fabrication.

This tends to happen during processes that involve heat.

However, many happy accidents have been discovered through this, too. Because of its transparent and reflective qualities, the appearance of glass is affected by the lighting conditions of a space. We are experienced in pre-empting such issues and often test the glass pieces in-house with various lighting conditions, but the final installed piece could still look different from what was initially expected.

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6. An artwork commissioned by illustrator Sara Chong was digitally printed and sandcarved on this 16m feature wall at Gardens by the Bay. 7. The marble’s monochromatic beauty lends itself to this glass feature with the Argos print from the Earth Tales Volume II line-up.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT GLASS?

Many often associate glass with the usual windows, tabletops or glassware. But there is so much more that can be created with this material, as seen through our collections and projects.

It is often thought to be very expensive, too. But glass can be cheaper and perform better than acrylic, which attracts dust, is easily scratched and warps when produced in large formats.

more of its existing limitations.

We will soon launch a new product with antibacterial properties that is great for both private and public places, especially in the light of Covid-19.

Technology aside, the artistic part of the equation is also important in transforming spaces. Our desire is to combine modern technology with traditional methods of glass working to create new possibilities.

THERE IS AN INCREASING USE OF TECHNOLOGY WITH

WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE

GLASS, LIKE SMART GLASS AND

PROJECTS SYNERGRAPHIC IS

ANTIMICROBIAL COATING. IS THIS

WORKING ON NOW?

THE FUTURE OF GLASS?

We are working on highly decorative crystal cast glass features with palladium leaf backing for Apex Gaming at the 2020 Macau Gaming Show at The Venetian Macao. These

Glass is simply irreplaceable for various reasons. Hence, it makes sense to develop technologies to widen its possibilities, and to overcome

showcase sculptural birds with flora and fauna in a chinoiserie style.

We are also attempting something bold for a local church project, which we are very excited about. Traditional stained glass panels will be laid over digitally printed glass for four facade windows.

It is incredibly challenging as the overall look has to be cohesive despite the limitations of each technique. They also have to look good during the day and the night. The project is slated to be completed by the end of this year.

By the way, we recently completed a unique dome for a private residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, that was meant to resemble a large crystal gemstone but was cleverly executed with stained glass.

text MICHELLE LEE

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U P C LO S E

ED CARPENTER We asked British furniture manufacturer Very Good & Proper’s company director Ed Carpenter to share his childhood, one guilty pleasure and his thoughts on pushing for sustainability as a designer.

it to the ocean. It was such a big part of my life when I was growing up in Devon in southwest England. I feel a deep connection to it.

What is your personal design style?

I believe in keeping things simple, useful, beautifully made and true to their materials with a sense of playfulness.

What is your fondest memory as a child?

Heading out with my father for a late summer swim in the sea after school. Living in Devon meant we could get to the beach in about 20 minutes. During the late summer evenings, they were almost always empty, which was extremely special.

Of these four elements, what inspires you the most and why: the sky, the ocean, the mountains or the animals?

It’s a tough one as I love the mountains, but I’ve got to give 42

What is one cause you will fight for and why?

Tackling the environmental changes caused collectively by all of us is worth fighting for. As designers, we are responsible for bringing new products into the world, which, on the face of it, doesn’t help at all. However, we can help by designing products from environmentally-friendly materials that are built to last, and to address the full life cycle of a product.

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try but have never summoned the courage to do so?

I’m not much of an adrenaline junkie, but I do love the idea of paragliding. Watching paragliders glide gracefully down the side of a mountain last year made me think about how it must be the closest a human can get to flying. I’m sure we all dream about this.

Which room in the house do you spend the most time in and why?

I’d say the kitchen because I love to cook and find it the most sociable and creative part of the house. I also love my kitchen gadgets! text MICHELLE LEE photo NICOLA TREE

What is your guilty pleasure?

Cheeseburgers. During the lockdown in the UK, I spent many an hour trying to perfect them.

What is one style that you hate and never want to see again…

I know it’s having a bit of a revival, but I’m not a fan of postmodernism. It’s fun and I can appreciate the thought behind it– but it’s not quite my cup of tea.

What is one movie that you have watched more than once?

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. I love the soundtrack

by Ennio Morricone and the cinematography is amazing. I never tire of watching it.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

‘Measure twice, cut once’. It has become our company tagline!

What is one thing you have had to learn the hard way?

As a designer, making mistakes is part and parcel of learning. Fear of failure can hold you back from jumping in. In my experience, it’s often more the failures than the successes that shape and define your business and who you are as a designer.

What would you have as your last meal on earth?

I’d probably go for a high-quality, medium-rare ribeye steak served with a simple green salad and rosemary roasted potatoes.

VO I C E S

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A DESIRE TO TAKE CARE Interdisciplinary artist Quek Jia Qi shares her journey and lessons from caring for houseplants during the pandemic.

s feelings of distress simmer in times of collective grief, we are called to create new routines for resetting and reflection.

From Zoom to Google Meet, the affordances of digital platforms have allowed us to stay connected while being apart. Yet when screens become overstimulating, I am learning to divert my attention offline.

With a longing for green spaces, my houseplants become my new companions. There is an emerging obsession with houseplants, and I take this rising trend in my stride to connect with the houseplant community and grow my knowledge. Care takes the form of receiving a gardening tip from a stranger halfway across the globe after posting “What’s wrong with my plant?”

They say you create more green thumbs when you share plant tips. Surely, I am learning something new every day – be it moisture control, root systems, plant species, or making my potting mix, organic fertilisers, and pesticides. It is uplifting to witness how we can grow a community when we share our knowledge generously or simply, anecdotes about everyday life.

Living to grow Caring for plants brings wonder.

The process is both rewarding and revelatory as I watch them thrive. Growth is distinctively made visible during plant propagation by leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, air layering, root division, and more. Each plant requires differentiated care, which forces me to pay attention and embrace their unique traits.

There is something cathartic about this enduring process as I journal and await new growth.

Moving towards growth, relationship & regeneration Through routines of gardening, tending, and pruning, these green companions remind me that we can grow as we find our flow. Grounding in nature, Adrienne Maree Brown’s writings in Emergent Strategy have been timely, bringing wisdom to both my gardening and life’s work. Particularly compelling is her chapter on Intentional Adaptation as she meditates on how we can stay purposeful to adapt for the better in constant change.

She reminds us that we are part of nature; urging us to be intentional about where we channel our energies and let go of what no longer supports our visionary work. While easier said than done, the resilience of plants is humbling in showing us how we can work towards this possibility. We repot when plants outgrow their pots.

When leaves turn yellow, we prune to let go of what stunts growth. We keep going when things are working. When things do not, we lean in and figure out how we can adapt.

Other times, we learn to take a deep breath.

Our plants as mirrors of our well-being In a way, this is a confession.

There is a parallel desire to nurture, as well as to be nurtured. In precarious times, caring for our surrounding beings reminds us of the importance of healing, nourishment and patience for the body and soul. For plants, care is made visible through pouring time, water, and love.

Perhaps we too would appreciate some watering and pruning as we recharge to create our new normal.

Quek Jia Qi works at the intersection of art, education and civic practice. An avid plant mum, she journals the growth of her leafy babies.

Find her on Instagram @jiaqiquek.

This article was adapted from a piece published by www.brack.sg.

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NEW STRAITS TIMES Interior designer Raymond Lee’s transformation of a Penang shophouse juxtaposes heritage and modernity with sensitivity, flair and refinement.

The pair of original Tok Panjang tables (traditional Peranakan long tables used for feasts) in the dining room came from an antique store.

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B E LOW

The facade of this late Straits eclectic style was stunningly restored by specialist craftsmen from China, who were also working on a restoration of a major temple in Penang.

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s the tide of restoration projects surges unabated in Penang, the inner city continues to be restored to its former glory. One such project is located on the famous food haven of Kimberly Street, which became dilapidated from years of neglect. It took the combined talents of conservation architect Tan Yeow Wooi, a specialist on South-east Asian Chinese houses, and KL-based interior designer Raymond Lee to transform it into a house equipped with elements of modern luxury that respects its history.

Previously an Indo-Malay bungalow, the house began its life as part of a row of five brick shophouses built in the late Straits eclectic style of 1903 – reminiscent of the long and narrow Malacca typology. The owner, a local businessman who deals in salvaged timber and vintage furniture, met Raymond when the designer was working on his first Penang project on Lorong Carnavon.

“I was attracted to the fact that I was going to be a part of the team going to restore this elegant townhouse and make it a space for contemporary living. It has good bones with tall ceilings and several intact original features such as the magnificent staircase,” says Raymond.

The restoration of the facade, complete with fullheight Venetian windows and highly decorative plasterwork featuring garlands of SinoEuropean flora, was carried out by specialist craftsmen from China. Coincidentally, these 46

WHO LIVES HERE

A couple who uses this as their weekend holiday home HOME Restored 1903 Straits eclectic shophouse SIZE 7,018 sq ft

ABOVE

The main hall and living area are separated by a traditional screen bought after the property was purchased and restored by using its original carvings as a guide.

L EF T

The magnificent staircase was intact at the time of purchase.

FAR LEFT

Quirky accessories add charm and character.

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skilled artisans were in Penang and working on the restoration of a major temple, and the architect was able to enlist their help. The courtyard was also restored to its original glory, with many of the original granite slabs still intact.

When Raymond first saw the place, it was a warren of small rooms, many without windows.

But the building’s history and provenance captured his imagination and he was inspired to create a space which effortlessly balances the past and present. He recommended that the first floor be reimagined into what it would have been like a hundred years ago, with several large, spacious and well-appointed bedrooms. They finally landed on four bespoke suites, each with en suite bathrooms clad in Italian marble and fittings.

As for the interiors,

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Raymond was inspired to create a haven that blends Asian vintage chic with contemporary flavour: “The mere thought of transforming a neglected, badly renovated property into a beautiful and functional home was inspiration enough. Also, my trips to countries like Sri Lanka, Laos and Indonesia have exposed me to many different historic properties, private homes and hotels alike that have been lovingly readapted for modern everyday use.”

Drawing on his previous experience with restoration projects and his passion for heritage, Raymond decisively assessed what could be kept, what needed to be restored, and what had to be added. “The partition in the main hall was missing from the house when the property was purchased.

With a stroke of good luck, we were able to find a frame that

fitted the space. Some of the original carvings were still intact and we had carvings made to complete the partition. The latticed timber panels upstairs were restored and painted white, providing a contrast with the balau wood floorboards.

“For the bathrooms, we added new marble finishes for a luxurious touch – white Carrara marble for the walls and grey Emperador for the bathroom floors that are paired with a black Assoluto granite vanity top. New vintage-style encaustic floor tiles were used in the dining and living room, facing the courtyard which has vintage granite blocks. Throughout the project, we were fortunate enough to work with many skilled local craftsmen from Penang and the nearby states,” enthuses Raymond.

The furnishings are a mix of vintage and modern. Many of

ABOVE

Modern armchairs are juxtaposed with traditional blackwood pieces to great effect.

OPPOS ITE

The courtyard has been equipped with a modern retractable skylight and a 19th-century buyong (water urn) to catch rainwater.

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"AS A DESIGNER OF PERANAKAN HERITAGE, BEING A PART OF THIS PROJECT IS A DREAM COME TRUE." – RAYMOND LEE, INTERIOR DESIGNER

RI GHT

Modernminimalist four-poster beds were commissioned for all the bedrooms.

BELOW

En suite bathrooms feature white Carrara marble walls with grey Emperador floors contrasted with black furniture.

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AB OV E

The lattice timber panels upstairs were restored and painted white, lending the bedrooms a romantic feel.

these, including a pair of original Tok Panjang tables (traditional Peranakan long tables used for feasts) in the dining room, came from vintage and antique stores in Penang and nearby states.

He also included store-bought pieces of a more contemporary bent from Janine, Gudang, Urban Edge, Ashley Homes, and Nasim Carpets.

Romantic four-poster beds and nightstands that take pride of place in the bedrooms were custom-designed and made in Penang. The finishing touches include a curated collection of artworks by mostly local artists from Penang and the northern states, such as Tang Hon Yin and Koay Soo Kau, that came from the Galeri Seni Mutiara in Georgetown.

text JENNIFER CHOO photos CHRIS LEONG

Now that the home is completed, it’s a great credit to Raymond that the transition between old and new feels so seamless. The designer confesses that he has a natural affinity to such projects: “For a previous one in Malacca, we restored the facade of the property but completely refitted the interiors in a modern contemporary style. This is my second such project in Penang. As a designer of Peranakan heritage, being a part of this project is a dream come true. I was able to draw on my personal experiences of the Straits Chinese culture and my exposure to the various types of renovation and conservation projects around the world, particularly in and around the Asian region.”

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LIVING IN JEWEL TONES Interior and furniture designer Geraldine Prieur opens the doors to her recently renovated Parisian apartment to KARINE MONIE for an exclusive interview with Home & Decor.

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A pink shade called Rose Pomette – a bespoke colour created by the designer-owner herself – takes the centre stage.

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hile the French capital is undeniably one of the most fascinating places in the world, Paris can also be a grey city, especially during the long winter months.

Interior and furniture designer Geraldine Prieur found a radical way to escape that. She filled her apartment with (very) vibrant colours. Opening the doors of her dwelling, she unveils an unexpectedly audacious world, contrasting vividly against the gloom outside.

It was love at first sight for Geraldine, her husband and three daughters when they found this 3,068 sq ft apartment.

They were drawn to its character and volumes of space.

The Haussmannian architecture and original elements such as mouldings, marble fireplaces, high ceilings and 19th century windows had been preserved to respect the history of this unique structure.

“Every place tells a story through its walls, its materials, its past”, Geraldine says. “For a new project, we turn a page but the story continues. This story is about timelessness.”

While honouring the past, she didn’t hesitate to design an interior that seems to be the antithesis of its architectural shell. Her passion for colour is reflected in every corner of the apartment and the unexpected spaces highlight her love for nonconformist aesthetics.

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Since the launch of her Rouge Absolu brand in 2012, Geraldine hasn’t stopped using striking tones and her personal refuge is no exception. “Colours have a very positive impact on our daily lives and that’s why I use them in all my projects.” The name of her studio symbolises her vision: Rouge (“red” in French) represents life, luxury, sensuality and desire while Absolu (“absolute”) expresses her irreverence when it comes to aesthetic choices and commitments.

At the entrance, the walls were painted Prussian blue, a hue echoed by the rug under

“COLOURS HAVE A VERY POSITIVE IMPACT ON OUR DAILY LIVES AND THAT’S WHY I USE THEM IN ALL MY PROJECTS.”

AB OVE

Interior and furniture designer Geraldine Prieur.

FA R L EF T

The ’80s shoeshaped chair was created by a designer from California.

LE FT

In this Parisian apartment, jewel tones reign supreme.

OP POSITE

A mix of vintage and contemporary furniture pieces as well as artworks adorn the living room.

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the curvy furniture. A Henryot & Cie sofa, a stool from Italy, an ’80s coffee table, an opaline ceiling lamp and brass detailing create an eclectic mix. “Every colour plays an essential part in the ambience,” she says.

In the living room, all the walls are a bespoke pink created

by Geraldine and called Rose Pomette. A historic portrait painted by Charles-Auguste van den Berghe in 1842 is juxtaposed with contemporary artworks, an Up to You bookcase by Rouge Absolu, a white Busnelli sofa and other vintage seating. One of the key pieces is a shoe-shaped armchair by a Californian designer that Geraldine bought in a flea market in Paris.

The pink theme continues in the family room and the dining room features yellow and blue elements such as a Rouge Absolu rug with geometric patterns fabricated by Les Manufactures Catry. The Murano chandelier perfectly matches the glass dining table and the curvy dining chairs Geraldine designed to fit her apartment.

Slightly more neutral, the kitchen is adorned with orange ceiling lamps and Jim Thompson curtains. She designed the wallpaper and chairs with a fabric by Elitis.

The walls in the master bedroom and the bathroom are dressed in malachite green. The bedroom features curtains by Manuel Canovas and a striking geometric floor. An armchair and a Warren Platner pouffe, as well as several vintage lighting fixtures, lend a warm touch.

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In the dining room, white furniture is a balancing counterpoint to the bright yellow walls and royal blue geometric carpet.

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A B OVE

The entrance room was furnished with a Henryot sofa and a coffee table from the 1980s. The stool is Italian.

BOTTOM L EFT

The master bathroom was painted green with a malachite effect.

BELOW, RI GHT

In the kitchen, the wallpaper is by Rouge Absolu, the curtains are Jim Thomson and the chairs were customised with Elitis fabric.

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In the master bedroom, the vivid green walls unite contemporary and antique artworks, vintage and bespoke furniture, and lighting pieces.

Passionate about fashion – which Geraldine opines is one step ahead of interior design – the French designer is a colour expert. In her home, she has succeeded in creating a wonderful, vibrant world like no other that is both daring and elegant.

Far from any conventional style, she has broken all the rules to deliver an interior space that generates emotion and feels both powerful and energising.

Her unapologetically extravagant approach also allows for one-ofa-kind experiences where her imagination has no limits.

text KARINE MONIE photos FRANCIS AMIAND

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The muted material palette allows the owner’s vintage and designer furniture pieces to stand out.

OP POS ITE

The hallway is lined with the Tria Shelving System from Spanish brand Mobles 114.

MARK OF A FAMILY This five-bedroom family home was built on good architectural bones and a great relationship between the owner and the designers. ASIH JENIE finds out more.

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I

n the 1970s, there were two major types of residential typology in Singapore: landed properties and Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats. They occupied different ends of the market spectrum, with few other options between them. The government ceased developing landed property that same decade in favour of pushing for more vertical, multi-residential typologies.

The main challenge was enticing landed property owners to switch to high-rise living which, at the time, meant units in small, soulless blocks void of community space.

Thankfully, the end of the decade saw a crop of towering condominiums – a fresh concept then – that attempted to bridge the gap with communal facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, barbecue pits, gardens and, perhaps most importantly, spacious units comparable to terrace homes that could comfortably house families.

That was what drew homeowner Raymond Quah to this 1,800 sq ft condominium unit in the Upper Bukit Timah area. Built in 1978 by the architect of Pearl Bank

WHO LIVES HERE

A couple in their 40s, their son and daughter, and a helper HOME Five-bedroom condominium SIZ E 2,142 sq ft

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Apartments, the split-level unit offered ample space for Raymond, wife Karina, their son, aged 12, daughter, aged 9, and a helper. “When we bought the unit, it was in very basic condition. The last renovation was probably 30 years prior, so it needed a lot of work,” he tells us. “But the place had good bones. All the rooms were of a good size and the entire layout was very linear; no awkward or unusable spaces.”

Raymond owns Pomelo, a furniture store (not to be confused with the fashion brand) at Tan Boon Liat Building, and has an extensive network of interior designer friends. He chose Artistroom, helmed by Mark Chen and Katy Chong, to renovate his family's new home. “Their work is sensitive to clients’ needs and offers specific solutions for each one. They're not about cookie-cutter designs or styles that can overwhelm a client’s taste or requirements,” he elaborates.“I've seen projects where a designer's hallmarks are unmistakable – right down to the furniture and accessory choices. Tragically, they don't have any sign of the owners'

personalities. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. It’s just not for us.”

In addition to a comfortable bedroom and bathroom for everyone, the brief also included requests for an entertainment room, two dining spaces (one for hosting and another that could double as the children's study area) and a bigger kitchen.

“We changed the layout quite a fair bit,” shares Mark.

The split-level apartment neatly divides the living and service functions by elevation.

On the upper level, Artistroom reorientated the configuration of the kitchen, the dining area and the yard, as well as the family room to create a bigger kitchen, a smaller dining space, a spare bedroom and a helper’s room. “We wanted to encourage more storage, air and light into space,” Mark explains.

“We prepare our meals together every day, and even more so in these past few months. You can never have enough storage in the kitchen, and who couldn’t use an extra metre or two of countertop?” says Raymond. Pizza is a family favourite, while chicken is almost a staple. He adds,

OPPOSITE

The family room on the upper level doubles as a spare bedroom while the children use the second dining space as a study area.

BOTTOM

The dining room on the lower level is decked with a mix of designer chairs. The ceiling-mounted projector makes for merry movie nights in the adjacent living area.

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"IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT KEY PIECES OF FURNITURE STOOD OUT, SO WE WORKED THE AESTHETICS AND MATERIAL PALETTE AROUND THEM." – MARK CHEN, ARTISTROOM

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“We have a rotating chicken dinner night – roasted chicken, chicken rice, smoked chicken, chicken curry. We recently started making corn tortillas, so taco night will, hopefully, become a regular feature.”

Artistroom kept most of the original layout of the lower level, which comprises a larger livingdining space, the children’s bedrooms and the master suite.

Parts of the living room and the

OPP OS ITE

The study nook in the daughter's bedroom used to be part of the living room balcony.

ABOV E

Cool solid colours and soft lighting create a cosy ambience in the master bedroom.

LE FT

Clad in white terrazzo and solid burgundy cabinetry, the kitchen provides ample space for a family that cooks together.

master bedroom balconies were brought indoors and added to the children’s bedrooms as study nooks. Each has an attached bathroom, too. “A big plus when you have a son and daughter approaching their teenage years – no waiting or fighting for the bathroom,” says Raymond.

The material palette comprises stained plywood cabinetry as well as white terrazzo and African wenge wood

floorings. “It was important that key pieces of furniture stood out, so we worked the aesthetics and material palette around them,” says Mark. The result is a cosy interior brimming with personality that complements the architectural shell.

Just about every piece of furniture, including the Tria Shelving System from Mobles 114 in the hallway and the children's bedrooms, came from Pomelo.

photo EDWARD HENDRICKS

Some, like the Mrs B table from Benchmark and the vintage teak armchairs, have been with the family for years. One exception is the specially ordered Punt Stockholm media console. “My belief has always been that if I wouldn’t have something in my home, I won’t sell it to you,” says Raymond. “If a furniture store owner doesn't use any of the brands himself, you should be worried.”

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The deep blue panelling in the dining zone and kitchen not only conceals storage space but also lends a classic European appearance to the home.

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A MODERN CLASSIC

WHO LIVES HERE H OM E

This photograph was shot on Dec 13, 2019.

This five-room Choa Chu Kang home to a couple and their four children sports a look that’s not only both contemporary and classically European, but also has plenty of concealed storage space. MELODY BAY scores an invite.

A family of six Five-room HDB apartment in Choa Chu Kang SIZE 1,300 sq ft

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RIGH T

The wet kitchen is outfitted in neutrals and the same metallic accents as the rest of the place.

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RI GHT

The brass handles pop against the deep blue panelling.

FAR RI GHT

The counter in the openconcept dry kitchen has a Calacatta Gold quartz surface with distinctive subtle veining.

BOTTOM

The dry kitchen is the focal point of the home, providing a space for entertainment as well as dining.

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or this family of six, being near the kids’ paternal grandparents was the priority when they moved to their Choa Chu Kang apartment in November 2018. The flexibility of space was also important as they wanted to reconfigure the space to comfortably house everyone.

When one steps into their five-room apartment, though, it’s hard to tell that there are four children, aged 2 to 11, living there. Lovingly designed by TS Wong, also the homeowner who runs design firm MOW Interior

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with business partner and cofounder Shermaine Ong, the home feels more like an elegant restaurant or art gallery.

Storage space was key in hiding the bric-a-brac that comes with the day-to-day life of a large family. TS completely reconfigured the kitchen so there’d be more space for the main storeroom. He also made sure to incorporate plenty of cupboard space along the walls that is nicely hidden away behind continuous panelling.

Rather than blending into the rest of the home, though, the panelling – also known as French moulding – is a feature in itself. Done in the same deep blue as the kitchen cabinets, and accented by brass handles, the panelling adds a distinctively classic yet contemporary look.

TS also did away with the service yard to make space for both wet and dry kitchens.

“Our family cooks a lot, so we needed to make sure the grease didn’t get into the rest of the house,” he shares.

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OP POSI TE

Homeowner and interior designer TS Wong chose larger window grilles for a more spacious, uncluttered look.

RI G HT

The reconfigured kitchen is now L-shaped, and the panelling in the dry kitchen conceals the storeroom.

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ADDITIONAL LITTLE DETAILS, LIKE THE BUNTING IN THE CHILDREN’S ROOMS, LEND A PLAYFUL TOUCH THAT ROUNDS OUT THE HOME.

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Most of the appliances, including a wine cooler, are stored in the open-concept kitchen with a breakfast counter. An essential part of the design process was knowing when to splurge and where to save. The counters features an elegant Calacatta Gold quartz surface from Silestone’s Eternal Collection, while some of the home accessories, including the abstract painting that dominates the dining room, were purchased from Taobao.

Everything flows together, thanks to TS’ eye for detail. “I wanted everything to be gold, so you can see that the tap, sink and even my water dispenser are all gold,” he laughs.

These pop against the neutrals and deep blue of the home’s palette, lending an

elegant touch.The attention to detail continues throughout the house.

The wardrobes in the master bedroom feature the same French molding in white, for instance, and all the switches in the home have the same champagne hue from wiring specialist Legrand’s Galion series.

The bunting in the children’s rooms lends a playful touch that rounds out the home.

These accents were part of the design input from Wong’s wife Sharon and partner Shermaine, also an interior designer who specialises in home styling and incorporating finishing touches. “We wanted the design to be a fusion of both designers’ ideas, not just mine,” TS shares.

OPP OS ITE

The girls’ bedroom is done in neutrals and soft pastels, creating a visually restful ambience.

B OTTOM , LE FT

Although the walls and flooring of the bathroom are in the same quartz, the different shapes of the brick and honeycomb tiles lend visual interest.

BOTTOM , RIGHT

The wardrobe in the master bedroom has the same French moulding as the cabinetry in the kitchen and dining area, creating a sense of cohesiveness.

photography VEE CHIN art direction KRISTY QUAH

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Just beyond the foyer sits a sideboard from Stellar Works flanked

by Luceplan Costanza standing lamps

by Paolo Rizzatto and two Ren chairs, also from Stellar Works.

OP POS IT E

Built-in furniture has been kept minimal as Wen wanted the flexibility to be able to move things around.

The faded reddish patina of the Persian rug complements the brass of the coffee tables.

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FRENCH FLAIR This homeowner sees interior design as a process involving the dressing up of a home. His carefully curated collection of things French and European transports LYNN TAN into the heart of a Parisian maison.

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T WHO LIVES HERE

A business owner and his wife HO ME A three-bedroom condominium on East Coast Road S IZ E 2,100 sq ft

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rained as an interior designer, homeowner and businessman Wen, who is of Singaporean and Taiwanese descent, specialised in commercial projects in Taiwan and China before returning to Singapore in 2016 to join the family business. When he and wife Sheena bought their first home here, Wen knew he had to design it himself. “Having worked in markets like Taiwan and China, I have been exposed to all the big players and how versatile the design scene is.

I was also going to source for many of the furniture pieces and

AB OVE

Wen calculated the mouldings’ height and size to ensure their proportions were just right for the interior.

LE F T

He played around with various furniture arrangements before settling on this layout.

RIGHT

As the couple seldom watch TV, Wen decided not to have a TV set in the living room as it “disrupts the lines”.

materials overseas, so it would be easier to just do it myself,” he rationalises.

He took a tabula rasa approach as the apartment was from the 1980s and in need of a major renovation. The floors, walls and ceiling were stripped bare and redone, the kitchen wall was hacked away and some of the unnecessary and awkward window openings were sealed up. Wen even rewired the whole place.

“I was inspired to create a contemporary French theme because I love Paris. I visit the French capital often as my sister lives there. It was also a challenge to see if I could pull off a French-style apartment in Singapore,” he reveals.

The design itself was conceptualised in just two weeks, but the entire renovation took three to four months to complete as certain materials, like the Belgium cornices and some of the furnishings that were procured from stores or auction houses overseas, took some time to arrive. The most challenging aspect of the project was, in fact, furniture sourcing.

“It was time-consuming as I was not always able to find what I wanted at the right price.”

To the left of the foyer is the dining area. An acacia wood dining table with an unusual blush undertone is complemented by a set of pink Gubi Beetle dining chairs.

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FOR WEN, APART FROM CRAFTING AN INTERIOR WITH A CONTEMPORARY FRENCH THEME, IT WAS ALSO ABOUT CREATING DIFFERENT VIBES WITHIN DIFFERENT ZONES.

Brass chair legs offer the first hint of a French accent.

The original kitchen wall was replaced with telescopic sliding glass doors to create an open plan and the kitchen was given a more contemporary treatment with a monochromatic grey and white palette. Wen added an island on which a coffee machine now takes pride of place. Miunn bar stools by Finnish designer Karri Monni for Italian brand Lapalma complete the set-up.

An existing beam between the dining and living areas has been designed as part of a frame that establishes a notional separation between the two spaces while the herringbone flooring, light green walls and European elements such as wainscoting and white ceiling mouldings continue throughout.

“Many people tend to associate white with the French, but light green walls are common in France,” Wen points out. Other pieces such as the coffee table and media console from French labels Maison Jansen and Ligne Roset accentuate the French theme in the living room.

A Lifesteel sofa and Boss armchair from Flexform have been woven into the scheme to add a contemporary touch.

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Green may be an uncommon shade for a sofa, but in this case, it echoes the hue of the walls perfectly while injecting colour into the interior. “I like Flexform furniture for their workmanship and design. Even though I can source for furniture directly from Europe through my contacts, the Flexform pieces are still considered reasonablypriced,” Wen says.

Against one wall of the living room is a purposefully symmetrical composition that is “typical of the French”. A pair of Happy Hour armchairs from Flexform sit on either side of a Ligne Roset Oxydation side table. On the wall behind them, two Zenith wall sconces from Baccarat flank a reproduction of an oil painting called Strawberry on Tinfoil by Han Wu-lin, Wen’s uncle. In keeping with the language of symmetry, sections of the original French windows that extend the full width of the balcony outside the living room have been deliberately sealed off to create double-leaf doors with sheer drapes.

Past a concealed door between the dining and living areas is the corridor leading to the bedrooms. The most striking aspect is the lighting, which imbues an otherwise utilitarian space with an

The dining area is impeccablystyled with accessories from Baccarat such as the Louxor vase and Vega candlesticks.

The French atelier has been renowned for its fine crystal and glassware since the reign of King Louis XV.

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RIGHT

A concealed door leading to the bedrooms and study allows the visual lines to continue undisrupted.

OPPOSITE, TOP

Wen starts his day with a caffeine fix in the kitchen, which sports a clean look while meeting all the functional requirements.

OPPOSITE, BOTTOM

Even the door knobs were not left to chance.

The brass elements and egg-shaped profile are quintessentially French.

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ethereal quality. Light concealed behind the door frames bathes the transitional space in a diffused glow and makes it appear more spacious. “It is important to have a different hierarchy of lighting within the home. Using a combination of concealed lights, wall lights, downlights and pendant lights, you can vary the ambience of a space as well as alter the mood to cater to different groups and settings,” says Wen. The master bedroom is an oasis of calm. The furniture is simple and minimal as Wen did not want to clutter the space. He enclosed the existing balcony, which was narrow and impractical, and put it to much better use as a cosy alcove in the bedroom. In typical French

style, the walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom are hidden behind a concealed door. The original curved walls have been retained in most areas except for the walk-in wardrobe, where Wen concealed them with new, built-in carpentry to enhance functionality.

For Wen, apart from crafting an interior with a contemporary French theme, it was also about creating different vibes within different zones. He believes that “every space you sit in should feel like a different home” and that we should be mindful about looking out from a space, instead of just looking at it.

“If it looks right from where you are seated, it will most probably look right from the outside in,” he concludes.

photography VERONICA TAY art direction KRISTY QUAH

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DESIGN REPORT

MADE IN CHINA, NOW The “Made in China” stamp may have had a less than appealing connotation before – but that’s not the case anymore. In these pages, the top 10 trends shaping the country’s soft power of design.

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isible in the iconic buildings by star architects, from Frank Gehry to Zaha Hadid, and in the proliferation of museums, high-end hotels and otherworldly retail spaces, design and culture in China have come a long way. On the ground, the swift rise of home-grown talent is notable. Its creative landscape has also matured dramatically in the last two decades.

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As the industry moves towards a post-pandemic era – one that continues to see change unfold at seemingly lightning speed – the agility and innovation of Chinese design are proving more significant than ever in the transformation of our world, which has changed irrevocably since the start of the year, and led to us viewing the findings presented here in a very different light.

However, one thing still stands: in 2020 and beyond, China remains an imposing presence on the world and we are privileged to be a witness to this. In this report, CatchOn, a Finn Partners Company, evaluates the trends shaping the state of design in China and the extraordinary architects, designers, creatives, and tastemakers leading the charge.

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1. From Gallery All, a Design Shanghai exhibitor.

2. Lei Yan Colour Wheel Rug at Gallery All. 3 .Studio MVW’s JinYe series.

DESIGN COLLECTIBLES

As the definition of luxury evolves in China, collectibles are in the spotlight. A renewed commitment to quality, creativity and fine craftsmanship means collectors are looking for unique pieces with their roots in movements as diverse as global modernism, industrial design and Chinese contemporary art. The high numbers of Chinese buyers visiting international as well as domestic art and design fairs are a testament to the growing desire for individuality and authenticity.

Their aim? To source authentic one-offs that cross both design and art disciplines.

Shanghai-based Studio MVW, founded by Chinese designer Xu Ming and French architect Virginie Moriette, was one of the first to focus on collectibles. Represented

by Galerie BSL, the duo recently launched a Patagonian quartzite and brass table from their natureinspired JinYe (gold leaf) series.

Similarly, Beijing- and Los Angelesbased Gallery All, founded in 2014 by Yu Wang and Xiao Lu, has an impressive roster of Chinese and global contemporary artists creating edgy, experiential displays for powerhouse shows such as Design Miami, Design Basel, Shanghai’s West Bund Art & Design and Jing Art Beijing.

With China now the world’s third-largest art market, the future of design collectibles is bright.

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7 TREND 2

ASIAN SENSIBILITY

Refined minimalism, understated luxury, quality furnishings and a desire for comfort and functionality form the basis of a more thoughtful approach to interior design.

Attracted to a subtle Oriental aesthetic and commitment to space and light, Chinese consumers are pushing for more artful, contemporary designs that are accessible to all.

Yuichiro Hori’s furniture brand Stellar Works is a case in point. His Japanese roots bring together East and West, heritage and modernity, as well as craft and industry in the brand’s Shanghai workshop.

Modernist Nordic brands like Fritz Hansen and Hay, as well as domestic label Zaozuo’s streamlined, Scandinavianinspired furniture and homeware collections are also garnering a large following among young urbanites.

Also garnering attention is the Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain resort outside Chengdu that showcases its connection to nature with a clean, uncluttered, organic design. Much of its wooden antique, Chinese-style furniture is locally made, underscoring its commitment to give back to the community.

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TREND 3

N E W G E N E R AT I O N , NEW ENERGY

BEIJING-BASED DESIGNER FRANK CHOU – WHO LIKES TO PROJECT A MODERN IMAGE OF CHINA BY USING PURE AND SIMPLE MODERN FORMS IN HIS FURNITURE COLLECTIONS – HAS SEEN HIS STAR RISE IN RECENT YEARS.

Interest in design is at an all-time high in China, with growing numbers of emerging new designers launching brands and collections, forging fresh identities and setting the scene for a change. With a growing sense of self, these upcoming stars are committed to innovation and quality – and making their presence felt, both locally and globally.

The boom in the number of mobile-connected urbanites interested in design has also helped in their discovery and promotion – and the growing lot of platforms for exposure.

Annual design fairs in China and overseas are big business and showcase an increasing number of China-based participants.

With a keen eye on the future, the shows’ organisers know it is prudent to create special exhibition areas to support young local talents.

Besides reflecting their roots through design, new designers are also keen to nurture a global outlook. Take Ximi Li, founder of contemporary design brand Urbancraft. Educated in Shanghai and Milan, he creates timeless furniture such as his Jiazhuang (‘dowry’) steel, leather and oak dressing table that

combines cultural fusion with quality craftsmanship.

There is also increased confidence in creative thinking.

Designers to watch include Mario Tsai, who prefers to “use less, design better” and is committed to restraint through design, as seen in a sustainable approach to his Mazha modular lighting and lightweight aluminium Gongzheng table collection.

4. & 7. A locally woven lamp and one of the settings at Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain resort.

5. The Discipline Sofa by Stellar Works.

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6. Hay’s Bund collection at Design Shanghai.

8. Ximi Li’s Urbancraft collection.

9. & 10.

Rubato Table and Combo Armchair by Frank Chou Design Studio.

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TREND 4

S U S TA I N A B L E V I S I O N

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Sustainability is a hot topic in the country’s design industry.

Increased environmental awareness, an emphasis on recycling and efforts to blend craft and creativity with a sustainable outlook mean more designers are creating objects we want to treasure. The early Chinese society was built upon a sustainable agricultural economy, where people naturally followed no-wastage principles. This message has been noted by both Chinese rs and consumers, sider sustainability an nt factor that drives e choices.

The founder of Yuue Design, Weng Xinyu reimagines daily objects with his Upcycling Shared Bicycle furniture made from discarded Mobike parts.

Wu Wei, founder of Thrudesign, uses only FSC-certified woods from sustainably managed forests to create his pieces.

Traceability is an important consideration for both designers and consumers, too. A good example is fashion designer Ban Xiaoxue’s 2019 Fall/Winter collection of traceable Merino wool knitwear that was produced with The Woolmark Company and leading spinner Xinao.

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Offering supply chain transparency and a history behind products, the Merino wool he uses can be traced back to farms in Australia.

Travel is also on the sustainability radar. On Hainan Island, the upcoming naturefocused 1 Hotel Haitang Bay, Sanya, is committed to ecoconscious architecture through its design by Oval Partnership.

Vernacular architecture, locally-sourced materials, living green walls and roofs, as well as energy-efficient technologies, are integral to 1 Hotels’ eco-oriented, luxe-level ethos.

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E X P E R I E N T I A L R E TA I L

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1 1 . Yuue Design’s Upcycling Shared Bicycle Chair.

15. Harmay’s flagship store in Sanlitun, Beijing, by Aim Architecture

1 2. Thrudesign’s collection.

16. & 17. Inside the futuristic SKP-S fashion brand incubator that was codesigned by London-based architecture firm Sybarite and Gentle Monster.

1 3 . A Botanic Pool View guest room at 1 Hotel Haitang Bay, Sanya.

1 4 . A creation from Ban Xiaoxue’s collection with The Woolmark Company.

Offline shopping has attracted China’s mobile-savvy consumers with its “special events” status that highlights places where shoppers can visit and engage with brands, as well as be inspired and entertained, and interact with friends. With this, forward-thinking brands have moved away from traditional product- and service-based stores in favour of creating diverse and immersive retail spaces that emphasise experience and exploration.

In this changing retail landscape, tools such as personalisation, customisation, and virtual and augmented realities create social mediafriendly spaces that motivate shoppers to share experiences.

Pop-up stores are also proliferating – and made more desirable by limited time frames.

Sensory perception is key. Shanghai-based Aim Architecture’s work on beauty retailer Harmay’s flagship store situated in Beijing’s Sanlitun, possibly the most fashionable shopping zone in the Chinese capital, has been a huge success.

Offering a sense of theatre, the warehouse-style space is accessed via two tiny doors set into a glass brick facade.

Customers get to engage with products and see how they are distributed and delivered.

London architecture firm Sybarite and Gentle Monster co-designed Beijing’s SKP-S, a fashion brand incubator whose museum-like space houses fashion labels in futuristic pods to create a journey with varying landscapes ripe for experimentation.

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TREND 6

TOGE THER F O R EV ER

Collaborations, partnerships, connections... Finding new ways to work to get your message across is vital to brand success in China. Interiors have become the new playground for aesthetic expression, thanks to younger design fans who curate tailored online lifestyles that express their aesthetic style and personality to share via networks such as WeChat, Weibo and Xiaohongshu.

Global-local collaborations are one route to success.

Luxury carpet brand Tai Ping, for example, targeted Chinese consumers by teaming up with Shanghai-based couture house Atelier by Fang and translating lead designer Fang Yang’s passion for origami into artisanal rugs. Then there’s Neri&Hu, which has been receiving global awards for its Twelve A.M. collection for Molteni&C. From a brand perspective, the people at KOLs (key opinion leaders) tap into an increased desire for individualism and authenticity, aligning themselves with products and designers that further reflect their take on style and culture.

Also in the spotlight is industrial designer Jamy Yang, founder and director of Shanghai-based consultancy Yang Design and lifestyle brand Yang House, who was flagged by Forbes as China’s most influential designer. His soulful Chinese aesthetic and commercially viable designs have garnered him nearly 100 design awards.

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INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER JAMY YANG WAS FLAGGED BY FORBES AS CHINA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL DESIGNER. HIS SOULFUL CHINESE AESTHETIC AND COMMERCIALLY VIABLE DESIGNS HAVE GARNERED HIM NEARLY 100 DESIGN AWARDS.

TREND 7

D E S I G N D E S T I N AT I O N S

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The growing appreciation for good design is driving domestic travel choices, with second- and third-tier cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, Qingdao and Xi’an using design innovation and creativity in multiple sectors to lure visitors. Experts also argue that lower-tier city residents represent 35 per cent of true luxury consumers in China, so local investment in design and architecture pays dividends on many levels.

TREND 8

C R A F T A N D C U LT U R E

Inherent in the history of design, craft appeal is proving to be increasingly important when it comes to making design choices. Consumers are forging emotional connections on an aesthetic level, revealing a desire and deep-rooted respect for handmade products offering exquisite craftsmanship and a sense of heritage, and designers are responding with deep dives into research projects to weave craft history into contemporary living.

With their appetite for discovering what has gone before, millennials have a profound interest in culture.

Emerging designers have also tapped into the craft aesthetic.

Among them is Furong Chen, founder of Xiamen-based Wuu, who produces timeless, research-driven collections blending handcrafted techniques with a modernist vision. His twistable T lamp series has been well-received internationally.

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The coastal city of Xiamen in east China’s Fujian Province is becoming a design hotspot.

Blink Design Group – known for luxurious hotel experiences across the globe – is working on the upscale lifestyle boutique hotel Andaz Xiamen. Further afield, architectural firm WATG has built 87 luxury villas perched in a mountainous landscape on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau for The RitzCarlton, Jiuzhaigou.

18 . A carpet from Tai Ping’s Atelier by Fang Collection by lead designer Fang Yang.

19. Foyer seating from the Molteni&C Twelve A.M. collection by Neri&Hu. 20. Inside the Andaz Xiamen

by Blink Design Group.

21. Part of lighting brand Wuu’s Quark Collection.

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TREND 9

China is determined to become the world leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2030. The pace of change is considerable, with consumers and farreaching mobile operativity – who could live in China these days without the all-pervasive super app WeChat, for example?

– transforming how people live and work.

The Made in China 2025 policy includes a commitment to technological advances in many areas, including solar power, battery technology, drones and electric cars.

New-generation designers are exploring creative processes in the design-tech realm, too.

Independent designer and digital artist Zhang Zhoujie of Zhoujie Zhang Digital Lab, for instance, uses computergenerated algorithms and designs to make his origamilike Endless Form stainless steel chairs. The algorithms help to map the real world and produce different chairs based on human interactions. They are then constructed with traditional hand welding and polishing.

photo ZHANG ZHOUJIE DIGITAL LAB

D I G I TA L R E VO L U T I O N

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photo ZHANG ZHOUJIE DIGITAL LAB

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22 22 . & 2 3 . Zhang Zhoujie Digital Lab’s Endless Form stainless steel chair collection in an outdoor display and up close.

24 . Global architecture and urban design practice MVRDV’s proposal for Tencent Holdings’ new corporate headquarters in Shenzhen.

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2 5. Beijing Daxing International Airport by Zaha Hadid Architects.

2 6 . Inside the UCCA Dune Art Museum by Open Architecture.

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TREND 10

S TA R P OW E R

China is known for its skylinedefining statement buildings.

In these increasingly patriotic times, the country has remained committed to working with international “starchitects” while simultaneously recognising the power of its home-grown architectural talents.

Zaha Hadid Architects continues to redefine innovation with its recordbreaking projects. The Beijing Daxing International Airport, with its starburst floor plan, is reportedly the largest singlestructure airport in the world, and the 45-storey Leeza SOHO skyscraper in the capital’s Fengtai District has the world’s tallest atrium that rises through its centre.

Demand for innovation has spread to second- and thirdtier cities, too. In the northern port city of Qinhuangdao, Open Architecture built the cave-like UCCA Dune Art Museum under a dune on a beach in a bid to preserve the natural ecology of the site.

Meanwhile, Beijing-based Vector Architects emphasises the role architecture plays in the community with the Changjiang Art Museum in Taiyuan. With galleries arranged around a light well, the pale brick volumes of the structure include a public space that links a residential community and the city.

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photo WU QINGSHAN

Visit www.catchonco.com for more on this report.

text WWW.CATCHONCO.COM

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COUNTER INTELLIGENCE The kitchen countertop has seen more action than any other surface in our homes.

Brands around the world continue to develop next-generation materials to be more durable, sustainable and beautiful.

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he countertop is the centrepiece of our kitchen. As it has evolved from a utilitarian place into the social hub of our domestic life, it must be attractive, easy to maintain and durable. It must also be able to wow friends and family while withstanding the heat, scratches and the wear and tear due to daily culinary theatrics.

The fact that we have been spending more time at home because of the pandemic has only added to its importance.

Beyond being used for food prepping and some meals, it now doubles as a workplace, a Zoom “meeting room” and even a study for many of us as well.

In short, whatever the countertop is made of has

become an investment. Natural stones – think marble, granite and soapstone – and tiles as well as laminates, and butcher blocks are some of the classics.

More recent decades, however, have seen the use of newer material choices such as concrete, engineered stones, solid surfaces and even stainless steel, which has made its way from commercial kitchens to home kitchens.

Meanwhile, brands all over the world have continued to improve their materials and develop new ones, too.

In these pages, the latest and greatest from some of the most innovative. Plus we discover a sustainable biomaterial we hope to see used in kitchens in the near future.

photos CAESARSTONE

F E AT U R E

ENGINEERED STONES CAESARSTONE NE W DA R K C O L L E C T I O N

Two generations ago, people would shudder at the thought of a black-clad kitchen. Today, contemporary kitchen designers embrace black as a classic offering both contrast and intimacy.

Unveiled this September, Quartz surface specialist Caesarstone’s new Dark Collection 2020/21 offers four shades of black: intense solid black (Piatto Black, bottom), darker takes on marble (Empira Black, below left) and travertine (Black Tempal, below right), and a rugged simulation of rusted metal (Oxidian, opposite) for those after an industrial aesthetic. Made of up to 90 per cent natural quartz, Caesarstone surfaces are impervious to stains, scratches, cracks, heat and cold. The collection also introduces a brand new surface finish called Natural with a slightly textured, fine-grain finish and a subtle sheen that emulates the look and feel of natural stone – but without the porosity and hassle of maintenance.

Caesarstone Singapore, #08-06, The Spire, 10 Bukit Batok Crescent, Tel: 6316-1938. www.caesarstone.sg

DEKTON L I QU I D

photos COSENTINO

COLLECTION

Dekton, the ultra-compact surface range from Spanish brand Cosentino, caused a stir in the surface material industry when it was commercially launched in 2013. Made from a secret blend of quartz, porcelain and glass using a patented sintered particle technology, Dekton is virtually indestructible. Highly resistant to UV rays, scratches, heat, stains, abrasion and thermal shock, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It is available in large format for a seamless look and several thicknesses, ranging from 30mm to 4mm, so you can apply the same product for both countertop and cabinet finishes. Dekton’s 2020 collection includes Dekton Liquid, which comprises a trio of colours designed by London-based

pattern specialist Patternity.

The three colours – Shell (top), Ember (above) and Sky – feature delicate swirling patterns inspired by the waves, cloud and magma.

Cosentino City Singapore, 34/35 Duxton Road, Tel: 6713-9543. www.cosentino.com/en-sg

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SOLID SURFACE

photo HI-MACS BY LG HAUSYS

H I - M AC S BY LG H AU SYS

IT MAY BE ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE BAMBOO COUNTERTOP MAKES ITS WAY TO THE ASIAN MARKET. AFTER ALL, THE RAW MATERIAL COMES FROM THIS SIDE OF THE WORLD.

Hi-Macs is a solid surface material produced by LG Hausys that can be moulded into any shape. Made from acrylic, natural minerals and pigments, it is non-porous, smooth, visually seamless and easy to clean, making it ideal for custom sculptural countertops. Launched in 1967, Hi-Macs has undergone generations of improvements.

The latest includes UltraThermoforming, a technology that expands its malleability by 30 per cent, and Intense Colour Technology, which creates vivid colours and patterns for today’s applications. Its newest launch, Aurora Colours, highlights nine colours inspired by the Northern Lights; two of them (Pavia and Aurora Cotton) are semi-translucent.

Hi-Macs by LG Hausys is available in Singapore at Luxx Newhouse Group and Stone Amperor.

Find out more about Hi-Macs at www.himacs.eu.

BAMBOO

photo TERAGREN

T E R AG R E N

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While it is technically a grass rather than a hardwood tree, bamboo has emerged as the sustainable alternative to timber in recent years. This is also the case for countertop materials. Classic butcher block countertops – usually sturdy thick slabs made by glueing together straight cuts of wood – now have, well, a new counterpart. Canadabased company Teragren manufactures bamboo countertops using mature Moso bamboo, a species native to China and Taiwan. The range comprises three varieties: Parquet with a mosaic-like pattern (pictured), Traditional

(vertical grain surface with strand core) and Strand (strand surface with vertical grain core). The Traditional bamboo countertop is said to be 25 per cent harder than maple wood while the Strand is a whopping 130 per cent harder. Teragren doesn’t have a plan to expand to Asia yet, but we feel that it may be only a matter of time before the bamboo countertop makes its way to the Asian market. After all, the material comes from this side of the world.

Find out more about Teragren at www.teragren.com

RECYCLED GLASS

Find out more about Vetrazzo at www.vetrazzo.com.

photo METALLIC EPOXY

Glass slabs might not sound like the most practical material for a countertop, but glass is 100 per cent recyclable. Terrazzo has been making a comeback, imbuing our spaces with its nostalgia-inducing, confettilike patterns. Marry the two and you have glass terrazzo, which is both on-trend and sustainable. American company Vetrazzo has been producing tiles, mosaics and countertop slabs using recycled glass since 1996. Its largest source of glass comes from neighbourhood curbside recycling programmes. Other resources include glass from car windows, stained glass, laboratory glass, reclaimed glass from building demolition, and other unusual sources such as broken traffic lights. Recycled glass makes up approximately 85 per cent of Vetrazzo’s products. It has distributors in South Korea and Australia, which can help customers in Singapore. While we do not generally have a commercial product that uses recycled glass yet, individual designers are taking initiatives to collect glass waste for their projects through community platforms like Zero Waste SG.

photos VETRAZZO

VETRAZZO

EPOXY M E TA L L I C E P OX Y

Looking to improve your existing countertop? Applying an epoxy coating is a great way to do it. Local company Metallic Epoxy amps it up by offering a treatment that is both functional and decorative.

The Metallic Epoxy coating comprises clear epoxy and

metallic mica powder, which create a glossy, swirling, pearlescent effect when poured over an existing countertop.

The epoxy coating renders a surface waterproof, stain-proof, heat-resistant (up to 200°C) and scratch- and impactresistant. It is also easy to clean and seals up cracks, fissures and holes on the surface that would otherwise retain dirt and grime, and lead to mould.

It is also highly customisable, making personalisation or one-of-a-kind designs easy to execute. Except for glass, the coating can be applied over most conventional countertop materials, including wood, solid surface, quartz surface, marble, and granite.

Metallic Epoxy, 18 Woodlands Sector 2, Woodlands Connection, Tel: 8788-6565. www.metallicepoxy.sg

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LAMINATES KO M PAC P L U S

Founded in 2009 in Singapore, KompacPlus offers composite panels that are 6mm thick and made of layers of kraft paper and resin. They are waterproof and resistant to static, fingerprints and scratches, as well as heat and impact. They also have thermal healing property, thanks to a thermosetting resin. The KompacPlus range includes four collections: Plains (solid colours), Alta Plains (pastels), Woods (timber effects) and Patterns, which features textural simulations such as concrete and rust. Each colour variant is custom-matched with the brand’s six signature finishes, which run from the ultra-matte to the shimmery with mica flakes.

KompacPlus, #04-15 Harvest @ Woodlands, 280 Woodlands Industrial Park E5, Tel: 6262-5010.

photos KOMPACPLUS

www.kompacplus.com

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FENIX I N T E G R AT E D Â S O L U T I O N S

EDL, a home-grown company specialising in high-pressure laminates (HPL), is famous for its nanotech collection called Fenix NTM. Developed

by Italian HPL manufacturer Arpa Industriale, the laminate is exceptionally opaque, soft to the touch and fingerprintresistant. It also has a selfhealing property. Superficial micro scratches on Fenix NTM surfaces can be eliminated with heat, which preserves the pristineness of the surface. In thin sheets for carpentry and 10mm thickness for worktops, the collection is available in 12 colours. EDL recently launched Fenix Integrated Solutions for kitchen worktops that come with matching sinks manufactured by Italian brand Elleci for that seamless minimalist look (top right).

The brand has also expanded the Fenix NTM range with the introduction of a nanotech alloy variant called Fenix NTA (bottom right), which comprises three metallic colours with the same thermal healing property.

EDL Division, 43 Sungei Kadut Street 1, Tel: 6369-0990. www.edleuro.com

The inspiration came from tempeh, which is basically fermented soya beans bound together by mycelium, creating this edible nutritious substance.

We use the same principle with our mycelium-based products, but we’ve replaced the soya beans with fibres from industrial waste, creating durable and sustainable materials.

photos EDL

HOW IS M YCE LIUM S USTAINA BLE?

Mycelium, the filamentous structure that forms the base of a mushroom, has emerged as one of the hottest new materials, with researches, exhibitions and design start-ups dedicated to it, well, mushrooming around the world. Mycelium can be used as an adhesive that binds materials together, much like resin or glue.

Mycotech Lab (MYCL), a start-up based in Bandung, Indonesia, aims to create a circular material production using mycelium and agricultural waste.

So far, it has two commercial products: decorative panels called Biobo, which can be used for interiors and furniture finishes, and mushroom ‘leather’ called Mylea, which has been used for fashion accessories like watch straps and bags. It plans to create other mycelium-based products and expand its production scale. We chatted with Ronaldiaz Hartantyo, one of MYCL’s five co-founders.

text ASIH JENIE

We are co-creating with nature while reusing waste materials available locally.

This process has significantly lowered carbon emissions. And the resulting materials are completely biodegradable.

YOU’VE CR EATED D ECORATIVE PA NELS AND VEG AN LE ATHER F R OM MYCELIUM, AND WE’VE S E EN M YC ELIUM -BAS E D M AT ERIA LS U S ED AS PACKAG ING AND I N CONSTR UCTION. W ILL I T M A KE IT TO COUNTER TOPS ONE DAY?

Absolutely. We’ve tested mycelium on different kinds of agricultural waste like sawdust and wood

chips, as well as coconut and rice husks, and it has excellent strength and fire retardancy.

We just need to add sealant because it is porous, and to expand our production scale to produce it commercially.

In the future, this material can even be used to cast any shape just like concrete or solid surface.

WHAT ’S TH E WI LDEST FUTURE WE CAN DREA M OF FO R THIS BI OMAT ERIA L WOND ER?

Our ultimate dream is to decentralise production, so you can produce mycelium-based materials locally no matter where you are in the world. It doesn’t matter if the agricultural waste comes from different plants; as long as its C/N (carbon to nitrogen) ratio is the same, the material performance will be the same. We have patented the C/N ratios of our products for this reason.

One day, we hope to be able to have mycelium production facilities around the world close to where the agricultural waste is generated to create a genuinely circular economy.

Find out more about MYCL at www.mycl.bio.

photos MYCOTECH LAB

HOW DID YOU G ET I NTO THE M US HROOM BUSIN E SS?

MYCELIUM: CO-CREATING WITH NATURE

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F E AT U R E

MOD KITCHENS One major design component that impacts the overall look of your kitchen design?

The cabinetry. If your kitchen aesthetic gravitates towards ultra-sleek, minimalist looks, here are the ideas to cop for maximum style and function.

Available at Unique Kitchen Fusion.

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photo ARCLINEA

K E E P T H I N G S A F LOAT When space is scarce, floating cabinetry can give the illusion of more floor space and visual lightness without raising the roof.

Looking every part a sculptural piece, the Arclinea Lignum et Lapis island is constructed with suspended base units. Its worktop, which can be crafted with materials such as stone or stainless steel, doubles as a bar area, comes with a handy drip guard, and can be integrated with hobs and sinks.

photo ARCLINEA

POCKET DOORS Instead of doors that swing outwards, consider pocket doors designed to slide outwards and then tucked in laterally. You won’t have to deal with open doors getting in the way when you work in the kitchen. With Arclinea’s new pocket doors system, even sinks and food preparation counters, easily accessed with floor-to-ceiling profile handles, can be hidden from sight when not in use.

Available at Unique Kitchen Fusion.

Available at Blum South East Asia

photo BLUM SOUTH EAST ASIA

P U S H TO O P E N Push mechanisms, like Blum’s Tip-On mechanical opening system, allow you to simply press on the cabinet door and have it spring open. The kitchen systems expert’s Aventos series takes this up a notch with options that include a bi-fold lift system that is especially useful if you have little room overhead, as well as soft-close features.

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AU T O M AT E T H E S PAC E The age of automation has presented exciting possibilities in kitchen tech, and that extends to cabinets, too. Valcucine’s patented Logica Celata kitchen system conceals counters, home bars and appliances with V-motion, which opens doors, turns the tap around and activates back panel lights with a wave of the hand.

photo ARCLINEA

photo ARCLINEA

photo VALCUCINE

For more information, visit www.valcucine.com/ store-locator.

HIDE APPLIANCES A minimal kitchen design falls flat when clunky small appliances, like toasters and rice cookers, clutter up your space.

When designing your kitchen, designate concealed storage that camouflages appliances. Better yet, invest in Arclinea’s Mini Appliance Container (MAC) Unit with a pull-out wood shelf to free up counter space, two electric sockets and internal lighting, plus a mirror-finish Stopsol tempered glass door with a built-in grip.

Available at Unique Kitchen Fusion.

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WA L K- I N C LO S E T S These aren’t just reserved for clothes. Consider Arclinea’s Walk-In Closet for your kitchen.

Like a storeroom of sorts, it’ll keep your pantry and even bulky appliances such as a washing machine behind closed doors.

It’s also ideal for carving out storage space from otherwise underutilised nooks or alcoves.

Available at Unique Kitchen Fusion.

id THE SCIENTIST

THINK SMUDGE-FREE If you’re going with handlefree cabinetry, you’ll want to banish unsightly fingerprint marks, so it’s best to forgo high-gloss surfaces. Dark colours with a matte finish or textured surfaces better minimise their appearance.

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A FEAST OF TEXTURES Minimalist kitchen interiors don’t necessitate plain cabinetry.

Experiment with various textures to boldly evoke contemporary vibes. Miton Cucine’s Menta kitchen design can be customised with a selection of finishings such as woodand stone-effect bi-laminated panels and solid colours that complement matte black aluminium and glass elements.

Available at W. Atelier.

I N T E G R AT E D H A N D L E S These have an inward-facing bevelled edge that can be grasped and pulled. The front panel appears flat for an uninterrupted look. Grooves are also included between each cabinet and drawer. The SieMatic SLX kitchen island pairs integrated handles with a 6.5mm-thick countertop and individually controllable lighting strips that elevate the mood of your space.

photo MITON

Available at W. Atelier.

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photo SIEMATIC id AKIHAUS DESIGN

text MICHELLE LEE

RECESSED HANDLES If you prefer a seamless look or are tired of snagging your clothes on drawer handles, think recessed handles that offer a grip without any protrusions and are set flush with cupboard or drawer doors. These can blend seamlessly with the door or be incorporated into hardware.

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F E AT U R E

COOKING UP A STORM No more expired groceries and sweating over a hot stove!

Today’s smart kitchen appliances let you view the contents in the fridge from your phone, monitor the cooking progress from an app and even prep food based on your unique body composition.

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one are the days when the quality of your cooking depended entirely on your skill and experience. Thanks to smart appliances, even the newest of cooks can deliver flawless roasts and bakes full of flavour.

The smart oven of today, for instance, functions as an assistant to help you monitor temperature and texture, adjusting itself accordingly. Refrigerators even come with cameras and smartphone applications to help manage food storage. Other appliances, like wine coolers and hand blenders, have also made leaps and bounds in technology to deliver the very best gourmet quality. Here, we’ve rounded up 15 appliances that can make life a lot easier – and tastier – for you.

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BOSCH ERGOMIXX VAC U U M H A N D B L E N D E R (MS6CB61V5)

Thanks to the 1,000-watt motor and innovative QuattroBlade, the Bosch ErgoMixx Vacuum Hand Blender can handle even the toughest ingredients when it comes to food prep. It includes a vacuum pump that attaches to the blender with a click, so you can keep food fresh for longer, as well as a chopper and a whisk for greater versatility.

The ErgoMixx Vacuum Hand Blender retails for $299 at the Bosch Lazada store as well as electrical and electronic appliance stores.

S A M S U N G FA M I LY H U B

More than just a refrigerator, the Samsung Family Hub is the command centre of your home. It offers intelligent meal planning based on preset dietary preferences, a customised shopping list and even a calendar app that syncs everyone’s calendars directly from their smartphones, so you’ll always know when important events are coming up. While you’re getting breakfast, Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant shares the weather forecast and agenda for the day that’s customised for you with the help of its voice recognition system. You can even stream audio via its 24W speaker or mirror the screen from your TV or smartphone. This makes it a breeze to follow recipes.

The Samsung Family Hub retails from $4,399 at www.shop. samsung.com and major consumer electronics and IT stores.

BOSCH HOME CONNECT HOOD AND HOB

The Bosch Home Connect Hood and Hob work in tandem, automatically syncing to eliminate odours from the kitchen when you’re cooking.

The smart hood also lets you monitor the state of the filters from your smartphone and notifies you in advance when they need to be replaced.

The Bosch Serie 8 Induction Hob and WallMounted Cooker Hood (with Home Connect) retail for $4,399 and $3,099 respectively at the Bosch UnserHaus Experience Centre and the Bosch e-Store.

LG N E O C H E F C O N V E C T I O N M I C R OWAV E OV E N ( M J 3 9 6 5 B G S )

Health buffs will love the NeoChef Microwave Oven as it uses LG’s unique Smart Inverter technology to evenly cook food. It boasts several settings with a focus on health such as the Charcoal Lighting Heater that gives the flavour of charcoal-grilled dishes without the char.

The Healthy Fry function can reduce up to 72 per cent of fat from food. And the Anti-Bacterial EasyClean Coating makes it easier to clean as it inhibits the growth of harmful microbes.

The LG NeoChef Convection Microwave Oven retails for $969 at LG’s Lazada and Shopee stores, as well as at authorised retailers.

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WO L F 4 8 ” S E A L E D BURNER RANGETOP

The Sealed Burner Rangetop Wolf can do it all, from delivering that sizzle on your steak to melting butter to just the right temperature, thanks to the double-tiered flame ports – one delivers searing heat, while the other is for a lower setting that can keep your food warm without overcooking it. You won’t have to worry about safety. A sensor on each burner detects if the flame has gone out and reignites it when needed.

The Wolf Sealed Burner Rangetop retails at the House of Sub-Zero and Wolf. Price upon enquiry.

N E S P R E S S O B A R I S TA R E C I P E M A K E R

Baristas know how important it is to achieve the right consistency when frothing milk.

The Barista Recipe Maker by Nespresso can help you create a refreshing iced Nitro or elaborate latte art. Simply select a recipe from the app that syncs to the machine.

The Barista Recipe Maker retails for $348 at www.nespresso.com, from the brand’s app and at Nespresso Boutiques.

SHARP HEALSIO S U P E R H E AT E D S T E A M OV E N

Every home chef knows how essential it is to time food preparation so all the ingredients finish cooking at the same time. Now, you no longer have to worry about that, thanks to Sharp’s Healsio Superheated Steam Oven.

Its sensors detect the temperature and size of each ingredient and control the heat and cooking duration so everything is done at the same time. The superheated steam technology ensures

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everything is cooked through evenly, even when something from the fridge has just been added.

The Sharp Healsio Superheated Steam Oven retails for $1,759 at Sharp’s Lazada and Shopee stores, as well as at authorised retailers.

M I E L E D I A LO G OV E N

The Dialog Oven is as close to a robot sous chef as you can get. It gets its name from the “dialogue” the oven has with the ingredients, and which it carefully cooks with its innovative M Chef technology. The system uses Gourmet “units” – electromagnetic waves – to ensure each component of a dish is cooked to perfection, while the Gourmet Assistance feature offers you advice

on the appropriate intensity, function and temperature based on the type and quantity of ingredients. You can even monitor the cooking progress via your smartphone and send instructions or stop the programme while you’re out and about.

The Miele Dialog Oven retails for $19,900 at the Miele Experience Centre.

RUHENS V

Get fresh, clean water every time with the Ruhens V, a selfmaintaining smart filtration system. It can even detect movement automatically with an Eco Mode when you’re away from it, thus reducing power consumption by 30 per cent.

What’s more, it cleans itself with a built-in UV lamp, so you won’t have to worry about bacteria build-up. And the Filter Change Indicator lights up when it’s time to change filters.

The Ruhens V retails from $2,549 at the Ruhens Showroom.

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BOSCH HOME CONNECT F R I D G E ( KG N 5 6 H I 3 P )

Need to check the contents of your fridge while grocery shopping? The camera inside the Bosch Home Connect Fridge can take a snapshot and send it to your smartphone. You’ll also be able to keep your food fresher for a longer time as the Smart Storage Guide offers advice on how to best store food. When items are close to expiring, you’ll be notified via your phone, too.

The Home Connect Fridge retails for $2,199 at the Bosch UnserHaus Experience Centre, the Bosch e-Store and the Bosch Lazada store.

LG 6 0 1 L I N S TAV I E W DOOR-IN-DOOR S I D E - B Y- S I D E S M A R T R E F R I G E R AT O R ( G S -X 6 0 1 1 N S )

How many times a day do you open the refrigerator to look for something to eat? With the LG InstaView, you won’t have to risk cold air loss and running up the electricity bill any longer.

Simply knock twice on the glass panel and the interior lights up for you to peek inside. Its ThinQ technology lets you set the temperature, control the HygieneFresh+ filtering system and diagnose any issues right from your smartphone, even when you’re not home. This is perfect for checking if your refrigerator is working even when you’re on vacation.

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The LG InstaView retails for $4,999 at authorised retailers, including Best Denki, Courts and Gain City.

S U B -Z E R O C L A S S I C W I N E C O L U M N

If you’re big on storage, Sub-Zero’s 30” Classic Column Wine Storage is for you. It’s carefully calibrated to control the temperature, light, humidity and even vibration so wine is kept in optimal condition. It has two individually controlled storage zones – one for red, one for white – with dual evaporators to maintain moderate, consistent humidity. Another plus: UV-resistant, bronze-tinted glass prevents damage from sun exposure.

The Sub-Zero Classic Wine Column retails at the House of Sub-Zero and Wolf. Price upon enquiry.

K U V I N G S H E A LT H F R I E N D S M A R T J U I C E R M OT I V 1

Single-function juicers are a thing of the past.

The HealthFriend Smart Juicer not only produces delicious smoothies, but also comes with a built-in body composition analyser, which can measure things like your body fat and muscle mass.

It then suggests recipes customised for your body type and preferences. Fitness buffs will be glad to know that this product also has a health management app, so you can monitor your goals.

The Kuvings HealthFriend Smart Juicer retails for $1,100 at www.krisshop.com.

LG Q U A DWA S H ™ D I S H WA S H E R (DFB227HM)

Get your dishes sparkling clean with LG’s Quadwash Dishwasher. Instead of the standard two spray arms that come with most dishwashers, this has four Multi-Motion arms that rotate back and forth while spinning in both directions to thoroughly clean dishes.

Its TrueSteam technology helps to further sanitise tableware with a hightemperature steam and anti-bacterial disinfection function. You can also download customised cycles and remotely activate the dishwasher via the LG ThinQ app, so everything’s ready for putting away when you get home.

B O S C H H O M E C O N N E C T B U I LT- I N OV E N (HBG6764S6B)

Start prepping for dinner the moment you leave work. The Bosch Home Connect Built-in Oven connects to your smartphone, letting you remotely pre-heat it so it’s ready for the ingredients the moment you arrive home. It also helps you monitor the temperature and timing while cooking to deliver juicy roasts and fluffy cakes, and all without you having to make constant adjustments.

The LG Quadwash retails for $3,299 at authorised retailers, including Best Denki, Courts, and Gain City.

The Home Connect Oven retails for $4,699 at the Bosch UnserHaus Experience Centre, the Bosch e-Store and the Bosch Lazada store.

text MELODY BAY

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F E AT U R E

EVERYTHING ’BOUT THE KITCHEN SINK What do you need to consider when purchasing your kitchen sink and faucet?

We dish on all you need to know.

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Purchasing a kitchen sink and a faucet or kitchen mixer can be confusing for first-timers, especially with the dizzying carousel of finishes and types in stores. When shopping for such essential fittings, consider your cooking habits and kitchen workflow – factors that should take precedence, especially when the sink and the faucet will be some of the most frequently used items in your home.

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FAU C E T S

The faucet – or tap as it’s more commonly known as in Singapore – is one of the most essential things in the kitchen.

Note these considerations when selecting yours.

HEIGHT

Most vary between three inches (7.6cm) and eight inches (20.3cm), but if you often wash large items, like pans and woks, and your sink isn’t deep enough, consider getting a taller one to accommodate their size. Shorter ones, on the other hand, have the advantage of minimising splashing.

SPRAYER OPTIONS

Some faucets come with the option of a sprayer nozzle, which can be pulled down on a flexible hose to direct the spray. These can be very useful for high-pressure dishwashing or cleaning the sink. However, they can look more utilitarian than stylish, so do consider this if you want to keep your kitchen sleek and minimal.

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FINISH

When it comes to finishes, faucets these days come in so many shapes and in such a variety of colours that they’re no longer a mundane detail.

Instead, they are the focus of a kitchen. For maximum durability, opt for a matte or brushed finish that can better disguise watermarks and fingerprints.

3

HOT-COLD WATER OPTIONS

If you often cook with grease, a faucet with a hot water option can make cleaning up a lot easier. Check with your plumber or contractor about the possibility of running hot water to your kitchen first, though.

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1.Grohe Essence Professional Kitchen Mixer, price upon enquiry.

2. & 4 .

KVK Japan Kitchen Mixer (KM6061EC-4), $990, and KVK Japan Eco Kitchen Mixer (KM5021TEC), $784, from Song-Cho.

3 .Talis Select M51 single lever kitchen mixer 300 with Pull-out spout, $1,038.60, from Hansgrohe.

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K I TC H E N S I N K S

Equally important when outfitting a kitchen is choosing the right sink because your contractor will need the dimensions early in the renovation or fitting process.

It’ll also determine the type of faucet you can have, which is dependent on the number of pre-drilled mounting holes available.

TOP-MOUNT VS UNDERMOUNT

Easier to install, top-mount sinks or drop-in sinks are positioned with their rim on the countertop. This provides extra security since the countertop helps to support the sink’s weight. But having that protruding edge means sweeping food or water over the countertop and into the sink can get messy. Plus, you’ll have to clean the rim regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt.

FARMHOUSE SINKS

Undermount sinks are fitted beneath the counter and held in place with cement, with no visible rim. This style gives you a little more prep space (essential in tiny kitchens) and creates a continuous flow from the countertop and into the sink. It is also easier to clean. However, since the sink is held in place with cement, it’s important to perform regular checks to ensure there are no leaks, which could lead to mould and expensive reinstallation.

WIDTH AND DEPTH

When purchasing a sink, ask your contractor to measure the space it can take up. Also, consider its positioning: is it going to be in a corner or on a kitchen island? Will there be sufficient space for cleaning tools and a drying rack?

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With their exposed front, classic farmhouse sinks can be a focal point of the kitchen. These are usually made of porcelain but can also come in a variety of other materials such as copper, marble and even concrete.

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SINGLE VS DOUBLE BOWL

This should depend on what you’re washing and the availability of countertop space.

If your space is limited or your sink is going to be on an island, the smaller, single-bowl size may make more sense. Since they don’t have a divider in the middle, single-bowl sinks also often have more room for washing large woks and pans.

If you prefer soaping and rinsing separately or need a space to stack dirty dishes, a double-bowl sink may be more practical. The extra bowl offers space for washing hands, making food prep easier and adding a drying rack.

MATERIAL

The most common options for a kitchen sink are stainless steel and granite composite. The former is popular for its heat resistance, easy maintenance and ability to complement your fridge and oven. Washing dishes in a stainless steel sink can be noisy, though, and it may collect dings and dents over time. Opt for a gauge of 16 or 18 – the lower it is, the thicker the stainless steel.

Granite composite is similarly easy to clean and has colour options. If you prefer a more natural look over an industrial one, get a granite sink.

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text MELODY BAY

5 . Cleanup Japanese Stream Flow Sink, from $1,733.40, from Song-Cho. 6. SilicaTec Granite Sink, price upon enquiry, from Hansgrohe.

7. Granite Sink Single Bowl 570.35.330, $359, from Hafele.

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Get your copy today at Books OUT Kinokuniya, Times Bookstore, NOW! and youngparents.com.sg

F E AT U R E

VISUAL DELIGHTS Want to make home-baked treats that look as pretty as they taste - and which you can flaunt on your social media pages? Read on.

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photo HER WORLD BRIDES

croll through social media and you’re likely to come across a barrage of enticing-looking baked goodies from housebound folks turned talented, prolific bakers.

Here are tips for making your treats look super tempting in Instagram snaps. We bet your friends and family will be double-tapping on them and placing orders in no time!

AND LIGHTING

Keep the composition of your picture curated and clutter-free.

Use stylish plates and trays, and even your well-caredfor hands. Wooden trays and boards are great for conveying a rustic, home-made vibe, while vintage silverware or porcelain with fine details complement elegant confections.

Lighting-wise, unless you’re a photo whizz, natural light casts a soft, photogenic glow. If it is too bright, a sheer muslin curtain or a parchment sheet over the window can diffuse the light and make your cake appear heavenly.

“Natural lighting is always the best! Angles and backgrounds depend on the baker’s preferences. I tend to go for more minimalist presentations and warm tones.

With cakes and other bakes, I prefer to keep it simple and focus on them,” says Levine Thio, founder of vegan-based home bakery Gratus, who works with a professional camera as well as her phone’s camera.

ADD SOME STYLE

While we aren’t sidelining professional expertise, you can elevate the look of your bakes with a few simple tricks.

Toppings and garnishes, like a sprinkling of oats, seeds or herbs such as rosemary or

photo ZEE & ELLE

photo HER WORLD BRIDES

EXPERIMENT WITH PROPS

“NATURAL LIGHTING IS ALWAYS THE BEST! ANGLES AND BACKGROUNDS REALLY DEPEND ON THE BAKER’S PREFERENCES. WITH CAKES AND OTHER BAKES, I PREFER TO KEEP IT SIMPLE AND FOCUS ON THEM.” – LEVINE THIO, GRATUS FOUNDER AND BAKER

thyme can turn savoury mounds of bread into a mouth-watering Instagram feed. Alternatively, create edible art by topping the dough with tomatoes, other veggies or mushrooms before popping it in the oven. These can punch up the flavour, too.

For cakes and cupcakes, if fondant flowers are out of your league, think bite-size fruit, berries, edible fresh flowers, sprinkles and glitter for pizzazz.

You could also introduce some non-cake decorations that add the happy to a birthday cake.

Also, drizzling caramel or white chocolate sauce over iced brownies and cookies will make them all the more drool-worthy.

GET SNAP HAPPY

“We use a DSLR camera and our favourite props are natural

things like fresh foliage and cut fruits,” says Elle Heng of Zee & Elle Cakes.

Of course, a professional camera does produce quality shots, but you’ll still need to learn skills to maximise its use. Thankfully, Instagram’s square frames are a little more forgiving when it comes to picture quality, and a smartphone with a good camera can deliver great shots as its settings let you play with focus, brightness, crops and more. You can experiment with different angles, from close-ups to overhead shots or ones at eye level, to find the right position and lighting. And try out photo editing apps to correct images.

But remember: with cake and other food photography, you’ll want it to look natural.

text MICHELLE LEE photos GRATUS

MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THE BUDDING BAKER For novices who have yet to dive into the world of cake batter and sourdough starters, you’ll need quality bakeware and the right tools to get started on producing mouth-watering, Insta-worthy bakes.

“My go-tos are a mixer, a spatula, a weighing scale, a whisk and, of course, an oven.

These are essentials for every baker. With these, you can make everything and anything!” shares Levine. Other handy tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups or spoons and cookie cutters.

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I N S TO R E

H I D D E N AC T Add a dash of mid-century modern charm into your living space with Castlery’s new August TV Console, which pairs slatted timber with Italian Carrara marble. Raised on svelte steel legs, its eight compartments offer plenty of room to hide devices, cords and clutter in style. Plus, the chic frame doesn’t just make a contemporary decor statement, it won’t interfere with your remote control, and is said to help with diffusing sound from your speakers, too.

The August TV Console retails at $1,399, available at www.castlery.com.

T R A N S F O R M YO U R S PAC E Look no further than SP Homes if you’re looking for a onestop solution that cuts the hassle of creating your dream home. The custom furniture company offers plenty of living, bedroom and kitchen setups at competitive prices. It utilises a proprietary design software, as well as robotic manufacturing that increases precision and minimises human error and cost.

Aside from a 3D rendering, you’ll get to have a better sense of your future home thanks to its Virtual Reality (VR) tech. The home-grown brand has recently also unveiled a new space at Courts Megastore Tampines.

FA M I LY- F R I E N D LY C O M F O R T If you’re all for a stylish sofa upholstered in FabricGard, a that offers extra comfort and Cellini-exclusive, stain-resistant versatility, get Cellini’s Homer microsuede material. To remove Motorised Fabric Recliner Sofa stains, simply blot it out, spray on your shopping radar. With water on the residue, rub with a a high backrest and motorised damp cloth, and leave to dry. It’s recliner function, the sofa allows resistant to fraying too – great you to kick back and relax for pet owners or if you have with a push of the button. A kids around. high-leg mechanism hides the FabricGard is also available for footrest while allowing you to other Cellini pieces. The Homer fully stretch out your legs. On a Motorised Fabric Recliner Sofa Netflix binge? There’s an in-built with USB Ports and High Backrest USB port for when your device retails from $888, available at runs out of battery. It’s fully Cellini at www.cellini.com.sg.

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text MICHELLE LEE

Visit SP Homes at Courts Megastore Tampines, 50 Tampines North Drive 2, L2. For more information, visit www. sphomes.com.

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WHERE TO BUY

BLUM SOUTH EAST

GRATUS

UNIQUE KITCHEN

ASIA (SHOWROOM)

ordergratus@gmail. com www.gratus.shop

FUSION

(By appointment only) #02-00 Ubi Biz-Hub, 150 Ubi Avenue 4 Tel: 6547-1760 www.blum.com/sg BOSCH UNSERHAUS EXPERIENCE CENTRE

#04-02 11 Bishan Street 21 Tel: 6356-1080 www.bosch-home.com. sg CASTLERY

#02-06 Jit Poh Building, 19 Keppel Road Tel: 3138-1999 www.castlery.com CRATE AND BARREL

2 Orchard Turn, #0421/22 ION Orchard Tel: 6634-4222 www.crateandbarrel. com.sg

#03-02 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road Tel: 6473-1693 www.journeyeast.com MIELE EXPERIENCE

SINGAPORE

DESIGN

CENTRE

#01-033/34 UE Square 83 Clemenceau Ave Tel: 6278-9118 www. robertodesignsea. com

#08-02 Tai Seng Point 11 Irving Place Tel: 6246-6614 www.mowinterior.com

#B1-01 Winsland House II 167 Penang Rd Tel: 6735-1191 www.miele.sg RUHENS SHOWROOM

#01-06 Zervex 8 Ubi Road 2 Tel: 8186-2186 www.ruhens.com.sg

W. ATELIER

#01-01/03-01, 201 Henderson Road Tel: 6270-8828 www.watelier.com

RAYMOND LEE

www. xceptionalinteriors. com ROUGE ABSOLU

www.en.rougeabsolu. com

SCARLET SPLENDOUR

www. scarletsplendour.com

AQUADEMIE

XTRA DESIGNS

69 Mohamed Sultan Rd Tel: 6884-5060 www.hansgrohe.com.sg

#02-48 Marina Square 6 Raffles Boulevard Tel: 6336-0688 www.xtra-eshop. com.sg

31 McNair Rd Tel: 6386-9335 www.szwasia.com

#02-01A,195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Tel: 6557-0244 www.artistroom.com. sg MOW INTERIOR

TOM DIXON

AND WOLF

ARTISTROOM

VALCUCINE

HANSGROHE

HOUSE OF SUB-ZERO

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JOURNEY EAST

(By appointment only) #01-02 Winsland House II, 163 Penang Road Tel: 6332-3122 www.uniquekitchen. com.sg

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

ZEE & ELLE CAKES

TAN YEOW WOOI

#01-18, Kensington Square, 2 Jalan Lokam Tel: 6200-5393 www.zeeandelle.com

CULTURE & HERITAGE RESEARCH STUDIO

www.facebook.com/ tywstudio

BUYING GUIDE

YOUR ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

FURNITURE, APPLIANCES & FURNISHINGS

SCANTEAK

IMAGINE BY SK66

60 Sungei Kadut Drive www.scanteak.com.sg

HARVEY NORMAN

SPACE FURNITURE

#01-59 to 63 Millenia Walk Tel: 6311-9988 www.harveynorman. com.sg

77 Bencoolen Street www.spacefurniture. com.sg

#01-22 UB One 81 Ubi Avenue 4 Tel: 6604-8330 www.imaginebysk66. com

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 MUJI

#02-198 Vivocity Tel: 6376-8023 www.muji.com/sg

#01-05 8 Pandan Crescent Tel: 6774-8031 www.xzqt.com.sg

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

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

24 Eng Hoon Street Tel: 6293-8001 www.three-dconceptwerke.com

RENOVATION MATERIALS 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

DESIGN INTERVENTION

NATURAL FOREST

75E Loewen Road Tel: 6506-0920 www.design intervention.com.sg

#10-01B Keck Seng Tower 133 Cecil Street Tel: 6238-5920

LIGHTING LIGHTCRAFT

ROCHE BOBOIS

#01-02 Boon Siew Building 75 Bukit Timah Tel: 6513-1918 www.roche-bobois. com

DWELL INTERIOR DESIGN

11 Kim Yam Road Tel: 6883-1005 www.dwell.com.sg HAIRE LIVING

Level 4 29 Mayo Street Tel: 6441-3345 www.haireliving.com

131 Jalan Sultan Tel: 6297-6658 www.lightcraft.com.sg SOL LUMINAIRE

395 Guillemard Rd Tel: 6612-1221 www.solluminaire. com.sg

NOVITA

#04-00 Techniques Building 8 Tagore Drive www.novita.com.sg TIMPLEX

#01-13 18 Sin Ming Lane Tel: 6898-1120 www.timplex.sg

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WHAT’S TRENDING & WHAT WE THINK

SERVING UP DREAMS

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emember those childhood days of playing chef, when we used to pick up plastic fruit with a toy spatula and serve it up to our parents?

For many of us, now that we’ve grown up and traded the toy kitchens for real ones, that childhood pastime has become an actual pursuit, with the possibility of even earning extra income from it.

Home-based bakeries and meal deliveries are springing up everywhere, spurred by the new normal of ordering takeout instead of dining at restaurants.

These are operated by aspiring bakers and chefs, whose kitchens are no longer merely a space to prepare meals, but a springboard for their hopes and dreams.

For many, it’s a natural next step to think of turning their passion into a business, especially when their food has received lavish praise from friends and family. “It happens a lot during Chinese New Year,” says Adeline, a housewife who loves to bake. “Relatives will say that your pineapple tarts are so good, you should sell them.”

For Luke and Elgin of Japanese home-based restaurant Mikkame, it was a love of sharing food that inspired them to start their own business. “We have always found great contentment in having family and friends come over to our home and having meals prepared for them, and friends would comment that they would gladly pay for such a meal outside,” shares Luke.

It’s a great way to bring in extra income, especially when you don’t need much

to start and there’s no rent involved. Too tired this week?

Take a break from orders.

Want to introduce a new menu item? Snap a few photos and put them on Instagram. The low overheads and flexible schedule of running a homebased business, as opposed to running a shopfront, make the former an attractive option.

Operating from home gives you the space to take baby steps, too. “It’s helped us fine-tune many aspects of the business process, [such as] customer engagement and personal management,” shares Luke.

It does take some business sense, though, plus a sprinkle of social media savvy. You’ll definitely need great photos that bring out the colour and texture of your creations, especially when visuals are the only thing the customer has to go on.

Learning how to style your food, whether with botanicals or a pretty place setting, is also vital for making it appealing to the customer. You’ll also need to have a robust order system in place, as well as a trusted courier that can deliver your food without letting it get cold or jostling the presentation.

It might not be easy, but those who have started their business say it pays off. “The fulfilment and improvement were worth the strain,” says Luke. And as every great entrepreneur knows, it’s the journey itself that’s the most important – a journey that begins for the chef from the very first moment he picks up that toy spatula.

photo 123RF.COM

HARD TRUTH

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