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e d i t o r ’ s n ot e
a n e w wo r l d awa i t s home renovation, but it all lies in one’s mindset. Always remind yourself that the time and effort you put into mapping out your renovation and picking out the necessary materials, fixtures and finishes, will be greatly rewarded in the years to come after moving in. There’s no point in hurrying and rushing through the process, only to have to spend more time and money fixing a design flaw or renovation mistake later on. In this issue, we’ve put together some helpful tips and hacks to get you started on building your first home. Let the following pages inspire you and we will see you again in May. Yo u n g l i m e d i to r - i n - c h i e f
photography AngelA guo art direction nonie chen
Getting the keys to your new home always comes with a combination of excitement, trepidation and, for those who dread the thought of renovating the place, a fair amount of fear as well. However, for those who love design and home decorating, nothing compares to the feeling of being hands-on transforming the look of a new house into a dream home. Many first-time homeowners often ask me what is the best way to go about getting everything done (without being overwhelmed by the process) when renovating a new pad. The truth is there really isn’t a secret formula to enjoying
CONTENTS
APRIL
19 HIGH LIGHT OF THE HOME Turn your humble abode into an urban safari with this Giraffe In Love chandelier.
NOW DESIGN/NEWS/PLACES TO V I S I T/ T H I N G S T O B U Y
S H O P P IN G 20
GREAT BUYS Our monthly roundup of the hottest new design products for the home.
N EW STO R E 25
20 0
SHAKE SHACK AT NEIL ROAD Singapore’s second Shake Shack outlet serves up a feast, both visually and for the appetite, with decor that’s a blast from the past.
HOT S P OT 26
LOUIS VUITTON MAISON OSAKA MIDOSUJI The luxury brand opens its first-ever café and restaurant, hidden away in the third Maison ever to be built in Japan. 28
PAUSTIAN STORE In the heart of Copenhagen, the Danish furniture and design house opened a new showroom in a majestic, recently renovated 19thcentury building.
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MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK After a two-year hiatus, th Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has sprung back to life. 34
HOTEL CALIFORNIAN Renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard transforms a historic hotel into a glamorous getaway in the coastal city of Santa Barbara.
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contents
April
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Eastern Influences Find out why modern Asian sensibilities are scoring big at New York’s largest annual design fair.
p eo p l e
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The ArT of ClAy
True To Self
WANTeddeSIgN
Design icon patrick Frey shares about the pierre Frey philosophy of creating from the heart.
After several years of living in the Big Apple, Frenchborn Odile Hainaut and Claire pijoulat decided they wanted to contribute to New York’s design scene. in 2011, the duo launched WantedDesign. Organised every May, the fair is a celebration of design with events and shows from designers around the world.
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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
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Johan Creten is known as the man who broke the boundaries separating contemporary art and clay sculpting. For the past 30 years, the parisbased Flemish artist has been breaking all the rules with his poetic sculptures, that encourage viewers to delve below the surface to discover their hidden meanings.
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eVA ArMISeN Spanish artist Eva Armisen, who is also an author, product designer and philanthropist, opens up about her daily life and things that put her in a creative mood.
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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
April
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Homes the new modern
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Au NAturel This ski retreat in Kvitfjell, Norway was designed by its architecthomeowners to blend into the surrounding natural landscape. 64 bold & beAutiful
A Wes Andersoninspired colour palette along with other interior modifications give this close to 50-yearold apartment a refreshing new look. 72 ClAssiCAl redux
The owners incorporated a coffered ceiling, a fireplace and wainscoting – typically associated with European and Western interiors – into their Sembawang condominium.
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ChArismAtiC dArkNess A monochromatic palette of dark colours complemented by natural materials create a cosy home with clean lines for this family of four.
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on the cover
90 Pride of PlACe
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Gold tones, textural details and pops of colours give this holiday home a truly unique and luxurious look.
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Terence Neo, principal designer of EightyTwo, welcomes you into his new family home decked out in quirky accents, alluring colours and a warm and inviting atmosphere. phoToGrAphy Veronica Tay ArT dirEcTioN nonie c Hen
CONTENTS
APRIL
FEATURES T H E L AT E S T I N D E S I G N AND DECOR TRENDS
FEAT U R ES 98
DIGITAL TOOLBOX These handy apps help hands-on homeowners get organised and gain better control of the renovation process. 10 0
THE RIGHT TOUCH Perhaps you have your heart set on a grungy industrial setting. Or you love a high-contrast colour palette. Regardless of where your interior design sensibilities lie, here’s our curation of stylish pieces and ideas to kickstart your home decorating process.
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EDITOR’S NOTE 16
H&D.COM.SG 17 DIGITAL EDITION EXCLUSIVES 11 8 WHERE TO BUY 11 9
BUYING GUIDE 12 0
THE HARD TRUTH
10 8
WASH AND WEAR A guide to spiffing up your laundry area at different life stages. 114
STORE WARS Our top storage picks to help you fight clutter.
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Everything in Order
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Check out our list of essential storage supplies for trinkets, accessories and more.
MOW INTERIOR
Editorial
PhotograPhy
Editor-in-chiEf Young Lim (younglim@sph.com.sg)
chiEf PhotogrAPhEr Veronica Tay (verontay@sph.com.sg)
WritErs Michelle Lee (michlee@sph.com.sg)
ExEcutivE PhotogrAPhErs Frenchescar Lim (frenchl@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)
Tan Wei Te (tanweite@sph.com.sg)
Editorial SuPPort
intErnational EditionS
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Happy D.2 Plus. Design and technology perfectly combined. The perfect combination of iconic design and innovative technology: the bathroom classic Happy D.2 Plus with harmoniously rounded corners in new variants. The unique Duravit technologies like the patented c-bonded open up new, individual solutions. Design by sieger design. For more bathroom design visit Duravit Asia Limited (Singapore Branch), 63 Tras Street Singapore 079002, Phone +65 6238 6353, info@sg.duravit.com, Econflo Systems Pte Ltd, 401 Commonwealth Drive, #01-01, Haw Par Technocentre, Singapore 149598, Phone: +65 6396 3738, sales@econflo.com, www.econflo.com, Ferrara Asiapac Pte Ltd, 39A, Jalan Pemimpin, #06-05 Halcyon Building, Singapore 577183, Phone: +65 6235 0020, infor@ferrara.com.sg, www.ferrara.com.sg, Sansei Singapura Pte Ltd, 462 Tagore Industrial Avenue, Singapore 737831, Phone: +65 6292 8321, sales@sansei.com.sg, www.sanseionline.com, Bathroom Gallery, 25 Changi South Avenue 2, Singapore 486594, Phone: +65 6546 5900, sales@bathroomgallery.com.sg, www.bathroomgallery.com.sg and www.duravit.com
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IN THE APRIL DIGITAL ISSUE… DESIGN IN THE BIG APPLE An insider’s look at the inspiring spaces created for New York’s annual design fair.
BONUS GALLERIES & VIDEOS MAN OF CLAY Find out more about the stories behind the life of Flemish sculptor Johan Creten.
WITH A TOUCH OF CLASS Take a closer look at the charming and idyllic spaces in this home designed by The Cottage Crafts.
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d e s i g n n e w s , p l a c e s t o v i s i t, t h i n g s t o b u y
HigH ligHt of tHe Home turn your humble abode into an urban safari with this Giraffe In love chandelier. the lovechild from a collaboration between hip italian brand Qeeboo and modern artist Marcantonio, this four-metre tall behemoth lighting design literally brings the outdoors in, with its life-sized giraffe sculpture grabbing onto a Maria therese-style chandelier. the statement-making lamp is also waterproof, making it ideal for the garden patio. not enough ceiling space in your living room? you can get this lamp in a smaller 100cm or wall-mounted versions too. The Giraffe In Love Original, XS and wall mounted chandeliers are available for $4,100, $630 and $2,522 respectively. To purchase, visit https://qeeboo.com.
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TRENDING
FLORAL PARTY Whether your design sensibilities lend towards maximalism or you’re looking to introduce a burst of colour to your living room, consider adding some botanical prints to your fabric upholstery. They’re on trend for this season and bring liveliness to the room. Pair with cushions in the same design for an added twist. 2
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1 . Colourful Art Deco armchair, $1,400 (each), from Journey East. 2 . Sanford Sofa in Kitty McCall, $2,500, from Blafink. 3 . Archelle fabric and teak wood armchair, $795, from Smoke Signature.
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STAY COOL Wow your guests at your next dinner party with the Liebherr Monolith, aptly named for its impressive height of 2.13m. Since it’s modular, you can configure the freezer, fridge, and wine cooler positions just the way you want them. With its BioFresh technology and exacting German standards, the Monolith promises to keep your food fresher for a longer time.
BLOOMING ELEGANCE
The Liebherr Monolith retails at the Liebherr flagship store at 70 Tras Street, price upon request.
Bloom Botanica vases are priced from $110 and are available at the Georg Jensen flagship store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, TANGS at Tang Plaza, and Robinsons The Heeren.
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Danish silverware brand Georg Jensen’s iconic Bloom series turns 20 this year and to celebrate its anniversary, its creator Helle Damkjær was called upon to design an extension of the line that takes inspiration from petal buds and leaves just like its predecessor. With steel leaves framing a floral arrangement or candle, Bloom Botanica’s vases and candleholders meld organic beauty with the sculpted sleekness of stainless steel for pieces that contemporary users would appreciate.
HIGH NOTE Design-conscious audiophiles, rejoice – British luxury audio brand Ruark Audio is finally here in Singapore. Dubbed the Aston Martin of speakers, they are as sleek as they are powerful; even the smallest produces warm, full-bodied sound with clear resonant notes, thanks to its handcrafted wooden enclosure. They also function as cool consoles, so you’ll have more table space for your record collection.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
The Ruark Audio collection retails from $699 at Musica Boutique @ ION and iStudio.
KARTIKA AFFANDI Born in 1984, Javanese artist Kartika Affandi, is the daughter of Indonesia’s celebrated artist and modern art pioneer Affandi, and an accomplished artist in her own right. Like her father, from whom she learnt the unique technique, the expressionist artist finger paints directly from the paint tube, focusing on nature and facial expressions using bright colours. She has been invited to give talks at various international art events, and most recently exhibited at If Walls Can Speak at Ion Art Gallery.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
RAW BEAUTY Furniture brand Greenapple takes marble on an edgy, gritty spin with the Aire Coffee Table. Matte Negro Marquina marble with raw, unsanded edges is laid atop an iron base structure, and cascades down its side for a striking piece that would make a statement in any living room. The ‘Aire’ Coffee Table by Greenapple retails at 2 990€ (S$4,633.90). International shipping is available at www.greenapple.pt.
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TILE OF THE MONTH
INTO THE HIVE
ART I N S PI R ATION S
Not only has the hexagon tile made a comeback in recent years, it’s a versatile and timeless option that draws the eye with its geometric shape. The Uni collection of hexagon tiles comes in a lovely mix of shades for textural touches that can play up a quirky retro space or lend character to a contemporary abode.
Newby Teas has taken the art of tea drinking to new heights with its Vincent Van Gogh-inspired tea caddies that make for fine keepsakes for both tea lovers and admirers of the Dutch painter. A collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, each features one of the Dutch artist’s iconic floral paintings, and a choice of three specially created tea blends: Sunflower Dew, Earl Grey and Almond Calm. Newby Teas’ Van Gogh collection retails at £28.00 (S$50.70) for each caddy and is exclusively available online at www.newbyteas.sg and www. vangoghmuseumshop.com at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Uni retails at Soon Bee Huat. Visit www.sbh.com. sg for a list of its stores.
BACK SUPPORT If you are a fan of Tempur’s pressureabsorbing mattresses that also keep the night âú éâ ú Āʣ îé ú°â °é ú â é ĝÞÈ Þʣ the brand’s latest mattress quite literally has your back. The new Tempur Firm Supreme with CoolTouch has an additional Tempur ÿéÞ ZîÛÛÐÞé A é Þ°   Ā Þ é é úÐî ĝÉ favour with side and back sleepers, as well as those with back aches. It also comes with an upgraded version of the brand’s CoolTouch technology that feels cool to the touch and absorbs excess heat.
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The Tempur Firm Supreme with CoolTouch retails from $3,999 to $7,499, and is available at all Tempur stores.
LOUNGE IN STYLE Luxury outdoor furniture collection Amari, by Janus et Cie, has just debuted its new Smoke finish, which blends light and dark hues to capture the true depth of the colour grey. It joins a palette of other vivid hues inspired by nature, complemented by the sculptural form of the Amari collection to create an impressive oasis on your terrace. For more information, visit janusetcie.com.
NEWS Creature Comfort You can now find luxury linen brand Frette at W. Atelier, a purveyor of luxury home furnishing. The Italian brand is renowned for its elegant high-quality bedding and accent pieces crafted by skilled artisans, that can be found in hotels, private residences and highend showrooms.
W. Atelier is at 201 Henderson Road, #01-01 and #03-01, Tel: 6270-8828.
Modern Vision Kengo Kuma & Associates, in collaboration with K2LD Architects, emerged winner of the international architectural design competition for the Founders’ Memorial, which honours the contributions of modern Singapore’s founders, such as late Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and have been commissioned to develop its design. It features two buildings with rooftop gardens,
a lake and an outdoor amphitheatre. Chosen for its distinctive organic form that marries landscape and architecture, it also met various criteria including good accessibility and integration with Bay East Garden, financial sustainability and thoughtful space layout.
Home sweet home Together with Etiqa Insurance, Ikea has debuted Hemsaker, a new home content and personal incident insurance product that is designed to be comprehensive and affordable. It is priced at $59 a year and covers costs incurred due to damages - think water leakages, fire or natural disasters - to your home furniture, renovation and personal legal liability of up to $500,000. It also offers financial coverage in the event of burglary.
For more information or to purchase Hemsaker online, visit https://insurance. ikea.sg. It is a complement to the compulsory fire insurance that all homeowners are required to have.
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EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH
SINGAPO Discovering Chinese Singaporean Culture What: SINGAPO Discovering Chinese Singaporean Culture When: Now until Dec 31 Where: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Gallery, Level 2 What defines the Chinese Singaporean identity, and how has interactions with other ethnic groups and public policies shaped it? This interactive exhibit woven with multimedia technology at the Singapore Chinese Cultural
Centre explores just that, where visitors get to journey through five curated zones that ponder over food, language, traditions, music and popular culture. You can even get up close with loaned items from local celebrities like Stephanie Sun and Anthony Chen, as well as interesting contributions from the community.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Versace’s iconic jungle print (now synonymous with Jennifer Lopez since she stepped onto the Grammy Awards red carpet in 2000 wearing a sheer Versace green gown featuring the printed design and a plunging neckline) which was reprised on its Spring 2020 runway, also made its way onto the fashion house’s home selection. The porcelain collection comprises a service plate, dinner plate, tray, vase, scented candle and ashtray, all of which bear a gold-tone border, Versace’s iconic Medusa accent and an intricate Baroque design.
Add to cart
The collection retails from $90 from a square dish to $500 for a plate, and is available at the Versace boutiques at #0108/09 Paragon and #B1-31 & #B2-29 The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands.
CASTLERY Homeowners after stylish, functional furniture without a hefty price tag, get homegrown online furniture brand Castlery on your radar. Its aesthetic leans towards contemporary with a relaxed vibe - think Scandi-chic pieces to mid-century modern styles. You’ll also find pieces from collaborations between Castlery and award-winning international designers like James Harrison from the UK and Italy’s Paolo Cappello. Prices range from $189 for a coffee table to $749 for a two-seater sofa. Visit www.castlery.co.
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text MELODY BAY AND MICHELLE LEE
H O T S P OT
S H A K E S H AC K AT N E I L R OA D Singapore’s second Shake Shack outlet serves up a feast, both visually and for the appetite, with decor that’s a blast from the past and tasty new menu items.
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he urban vibe of Shake Shack stores and Singapore’s heritage architecture may seem poles apart but thanks to retail and hospitality interior design firm Zebra Projects, the newly opened Shake Shack at 89 Neil Road blends both remarkably in its design-centric space. Its decor nods to its culturerich Chinatown neighbourhood, taking on a nostalgic charm with
references to Singapore’s Peranakan and colonial roots. The original neoclassical bones of the historic building it occupies have been preserved, including its columns, beams, shutters and doors, while the rest of the 450 sqm space is clad in pastel pink and mint hues. This softer palette, together with touches of rose gold (in place of the chain’s distinct use of
ABOVE
Singapore artist Sam Lo’s colorful mural, painted in 10 days, transforms the facade of the building. BELOW
The striking mural at the back of the restaurant pays homage to liniment brand Tiger Balm. BELOW L EF T
The Chick’n Shack chicken burger.
stainless steel), ties in with the heritage-inspired furnishings. Countertops are laid with terrazzo, once shunned for being old-fashioned but are now making a retro-chic comeback. Here, it gets a modern update with a pretty blush pink hue. Together with rattan fixtures and patterned Peranakan-style floor tiles, they add on to the old school ambience. A standout and unexpected feature would be a tiger mural spanning an entire wall at the end of the store - a nod to the iconic motif of liniment brand Tiger Balm. The dining outfit resides in a building that was once Eng Aun Tong factory, which manufactured Tiger Balm. This part of the restaurant can also be partitioned to create a private event space. Of course, you’ll also find Shake Shack mainstays, like the iconic I-beam signage rendered with a list of food items, metal cladding as well as the menu board design - although this is in white instead of the usual black boards found in Shake Shacks across the world. Lush foliage integrated within the space harkens back to the American chain’s birthplace in NYC’s Madison Square Park. Singapore artist Sam Lo was called on to emblazon a striking 13.5m by 8.5m mural on the building facade that celebrates its Chinatown neighbourhood. Auspicious Chinese symbols like the Lucky Bat and Qilin, Malay roof eaves and colourful Peranakan tiling, as well as Art Deco flourishes enliven the otherwise white exterior. Visit Shake Shack at 89 Neil Road, #01-01 or www.shakeshack. com.sg. Opening hours are 11am to 10pm (Sundays to Thursdays) and 11am to 12am (Fridays and Saturdays).
text MICHELLE LEE
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h o t s p ot
Lo u i s V u i t to n Maison osaka Midosuji The luxury brand opens its first-ever café and restaurant, hidden away in the third Maison ever to be built in Japan.
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he third of its kind in Japan after Omotesando and Matsuya Ginza in Tokyo, the Louis Vuitton Maison Osaka Midosuji opened its doors in February this year, and is a building like no other. Its unique architecture – a design collaboration between Jun Aoki and Peter Marino – pays homage to Osaka’s heritage as Japan’s most important sea port. Aoki, who is renowned for his work on other landmark Louis Vuitton stores including New York’s Fifth Avenue Maison, took inspiration from the sea-faring history of Osaka
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in his design for the exterior. The façade recalls the billowing white sails of the traditional Higaki-Kaisen cargo ship, while the metal fretwork motifs at the ground level lend the building the illusion of floating on water. Natural light filters through the translucent exterior in the day, lending the building an ethereal aura; at night, the illumination from within transforms the building into a literal beacon of calm and beauty. Inside, the nautical theme continues. Architect Peter Marino used wooden floors, wood-clad pillars and metal ceilings to give the impression
of ship decks, embodying the spirit of adventure and travel. Sartorial collections sit side by side with travel- and home-related products from the Objects Nomades range, created in collaboration with designers including Yoshioka Tokujin, Atelier Oi, and Nendo. The very first Louis Vuitton café in the world, Le Café V, is perched atop the building. It houses a bar and sprawling outdoor terrace, offering shoppers a welcome respite from the bustle of the street below. Here, the nautical
good to know top
Abstract artwork by Vik Muniz, Polly Apfelbaum, Kimiko Fujimura, Nicola de Maria, and Ida Tursic & Wilfried Mille offer a counterpoint to the clean minimalist lines of the building.
The cocktail bar features the same warm wood tones as the rest of the interiors, while the hanging decorations add a touch of whimsy. B elow
Items from the Objets Nomades range are dotted throughout the space, lending an air of playfulness. op posite
Bold colours strike a contrast against the Art Deco interior of the Sugalabo V restaurant. op posite Bot to M
The façade of the building resembles the billowing sails of a ship.
touches continue, with a seainspired terrazzo floor and boho-luxe furnishings decked out in blues and greens. The real hidden jewel of the building, though, has to be Sugalabo V. Helmed by celebrated chef Yosuke Suga, a protégé of French culinary legend Joël Robuchon, this restaurant is every bit as exclusive as its counterpart in Tokyo. A speakeasy-style door – masquerading as an installation of iconic Louis Vuitton suitcases – slides aside at the touch of a button to reveal the interior, where an open kitchen and long central bar invite diners to enjoy Chef Suga’s cuisine in an intimate experience. The décor is distinctly luxe, featuring bold pops of colour contrasted against a dark, Art-Deco inspired palette. Specially-commissioned works by Japanese artist Yukimasa Ida line the walls, including an abstract oil painting of the chef himself. Here, an understated elegance belies the fact that that this restaurant is housed in one of the world’s most féted brands – the only label you’ll find here is a discreet Louis Vuitton monogram on the tableware collection, designed by Yoshioka Tokujin. Not everyone can dine here, though. With just 24 seats, restaurant reservations are available only via private invitation. The café and the rest of the floors, however, are accessible to the public. And then of course there’s the building itself, an architectural beauty that can be enjoyed by all who pass on the street below. Find out more at www. louisvuitton.com, tel: 0120-41-6910.
text Melody Bay
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h o t s p ot
In the heart of Copenhagen, the showroom of Danish furniture brand Paustian occupies a 19th century building.
pa u s t i a n s to r e In the heart of Copenhagen, the Danish furniture and design house opened a new showroom in a majestic, recently renovated 19th-century building.
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S
ince its debut in 1964, Paustian has become one the most renowned furniture and design brands in Denmark and the world. In December last year, the maison inaugurated an impressive showroom nestled in a palazzolike building that dates back to 1868 and was once home to one of Denmark’s oldest banks. Located in the pedestrian zone of Stroget and spread over two levels (the ground floor and basement), the store invites passers-by to enter a sublime historic space adorned with big vaults, a marble checkerboard floor, golden columns and
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The space is adorned with a marble checkerboard floor. bottom, lef t
Mahogany wall panels give a warm feeling.
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The brand was founded in 1964 by Ole Paustian and his wife Monika. bottom, far ri gh t
The historic building comprises impressive big columns.
good to know Located in the heart of the old city in Copenhagen, Stroget is a car-free shopping district featuring Europe’s longest shopping streets at over 1.1km.
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mahogany wall panels, among other details – all original. Architecture studio Aarstiderne Arkitekter was in charge of the renovation. “Throughout the entire process, our aim has been to preserve the original architecture, while still revitalising the building with new functions”, says the spokesperson of the team, “The main architectural thrust has been to open the property toward the city with open shop fronts on the ground floor.” On the front façade, large glass panels were added to let the light flood the ground floor, which showcases living and dining room setups to help visitors see how every piece could be used and placed in a specific context. Inside, the Paustian interior design team chose some of the brand’s signature colours for the walls and plinths. Custom-made Paustian 2R cabinets act as podiums and tall shelving units display products from the retail space, including books and fashion pieces. A selection of mid-century,
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modern and contemporary furniture, home accessories, lifestyle products and design items from Paustian, as well as other renowned brands like Vitra, Artek, Cassina and Frama occupy the space. Accessible through a black wire-frame staircase, the basement – which still hosts the old bank’s safety deposit boxes – features Paustian’s lighting collection. “With Paustian Stroget we wanted to create an inspiring design universe closer to the customer”, explains Frantz Longhi, CEO of Paustian. Combining historic elements and modern design pieces, this store reflects the brand’s DNA and the character of Ole and Monika Paustian – the now-retired initiators of the whole story. “The combination of contemporary furniture and quirky events differentiated us from the competition”, the couple says. “It wasn’t a defined strategy, but rather a natural extension of us and our personalities.” To learn more about Paustian, visit www.paustian.com.
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The products are by Paustian and other international brands. righ t
Historic elements and contemporary design meet in this space. b ottom
Aarstiderne Arkitekter was in charge of the renovation.
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Mid-century, modern and contemporary furniture, home accessories and design items are on display. far, left
Frantz Longhi, CEO of Paustian. left
The showroom is spread over two levels.
text Karine Monie photos Maja HaHne regild for paustian & Courtesy of paustian
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h o t s p ot
E M a n da r i n o r i e n ta l h y d e pa r k After a two-year hiatus, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has sprung back to life.
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arlier this Spring, under a cherry-blossom flecked sky, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park was finally reopened after a two year, US$130 million refurbishment. The most extensive (not to mention expensive) in its 117-year history, the hotel’s renovation was so significant that even the awning that it had hidden behind was designed by Sir Peter Blake and although the project was dramatically derailed last year
(when a huge fire broke out), the reopening was a monumental and joyous occasion for the British capital and the hospitality industry at large. Of chief interest was the new décor, which had been devised by an all-star cast of starchitects and designers including UK firm Purcell, hospitality guru Adam Tihany and Hong Kong powerhouse Joyce Wang. “Working on the redesign of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has been an incredible and,
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The beautifully appointed rooms are decked out with furniture specially designed for the hotel. top, ri ght
The building was the tallest in London when it was first completed in 1889.
at times, surreal experience”, declared Joyce during the hotel’s official unveiling, “It had been a dream of mine to work on a building of significant heritage in a city I hold very dear”. Wang looked no further than the hotel’s very own back garden, Hyde Park, for design inspiration, finding endless points of interest in the ever-changing colours of the trees, the reflections on the Serpentine river and even the horses that canter past the hotel each morning. Acorn-inspired lighting, carpets in autumnal tones and silk wall coverings in thundery greys and bark brown fill each of the 181 rooms and the public spaces. Lighting was a key component of the redesign and most of the fittings were provided by Chelsom, a bespoke manufacturer that has specialised in everything from chandeliers to sconces to shades since it was founded in 1947. “Of all the interior products, lighting can arguably evoke more emotion than any other”, explains managing director Will Chelsom. “A hotel room is no longer just a room to sleep in - it is now a place to eat, sleep, work and relax - and so the lighting schemes need to reflect that”. The hotel’s two restaurants,
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The guest rooms and bathrooms feature a sophisticated and chic design. Above
good to know Bar Boulud and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, have also undergone significant changes as has the iconic spa located in the depths of the hotel. Adam and Joyce have worked tirelessly to preserve the hotel’s Oriental origins, integrating Chinese symbols into the decor and even the spa menu. For those seeking out cooler climes, both literally and figuratively, this summer the Mandarin Oriental is a reassuringly familiar breath of fresh air.
The look of the common areas reflect the building’s rich history.
The hotel is housed in an Edwardian-style building (Hyde Park Court), which was built in 1887 and was the tallest building in London at the time.
For bookings and more on the hotel, visit www. mandarinoriental.com/london/ hyde-park/luxury-hotel.
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h o t s p ot
O hotel Californian Renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard transforms a historic hotel into a glamorous getaway in the coastal city of Santa Barbara.
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n the American Riviera, the Hotel Californian—a member of the LVX collection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s biggest group of independent hotels— immediately catches the attention of passers-by, with its Spanish Colonial architecture dating back to 1925. In May 2018, the hotel started a new chapter of its history after an important makeover led by developer Michael Rosenfeld and interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, who counts many
celebrities among his clientele (including Tommy Hilfiger, Eva Mendes and Edward Norton). Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, in Southern California, the hotel, which is a few steps from shops, restaurants and the beach, comprises three buildings. The first, Mason, has two structures with three floors and is home to the lobby, library, 58 rooms, five meeting rooms and a signature Mediterranean and American restaurant, Blackbird. The second, State, is mostly dedicated to social events (with
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The restaurant has been given a modern facelift, adding to the chic contemporary vibe. The Moroccan tiles pay tribute to the region’s Spanish Colonial past.
The architecture of the hotel was carefully preserved but jazzed up with a new colour palette.
good to know
The pool area is the perfect place for guests to take in the beautiful view of the beach.
The first European settlers to the region were Spanish missionaries and soldiers, who established the Presidio military installation.
a capacity of 300 people) thanks to its 4,200 sq ft plaza lawn, 2,800 sq ft ballroom and 3,600 sq ft rooftop event space; it also hosts Goat Tree—a gourmet cafe and market—and the 1,700 sq ft presidential Alcazar suite. The third building, Californiana, consists of 62 rooms situated on four floors, and a pool and Jacuzzi on the rooftop with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains; it is also home to a fitness centre and the serene Majorelle spa, a space adorned with beautiful chandeliers and whose name is an ode to the blue colour of traditional Moroccan tiles. Blending glamour and nostalgia with a mix of text Karine Monie
references from different countries, this coastal refuge respects the past and is rooted in the present thanks to Bullard’s vision. “The property’s design is Morrish-inspired with a modern twist,” he says, “I wanted to preserve the history of the Hotel Californian and pay tribute to Santa Barbara while also making it relatable to the Funk Zone crowd—young, hip and fresh. Guests will find Moroccan and Spanish Colonial influences throughout the property with indigenous tiles, terracotta and pops of colour.” Visit thehotelcalifornian.com for bookings and to find more about the Hotel Californian.
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I D E A S A N D I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M T H O S E I N T H E K N O W
THE ART O F C L AY Johan Creten is known as the man who broke the boundaries separating contemporary art and clay sculpting. For the past 30 years, the Paris-based Flemish artist has been breaking all the rules with his poetic sculptures, that encourage viewers to delve below the surface to discover their hidden meanings. “The romantic thing about clay is it’s very direct,” Johan explains, “It is wet and malleable and you can put all your emotions in there.”
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s p ot l i g h t
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orking with clay is therapeutic and soothing; it makes you calm down. I love the lushness of the material. Then I like the idea also of colour, the glaze, the crystals, the shininess. It’s so different from painting, plastics or computers,” he enthuses. A pioneer in the use of ceramics in contemporary art, he has been transforming clay into a noble art form for the last three decades, while tackling the serious issues of our time, like war, racism, immigration, politics, capitalism, power, human relationships and spirituality through deeply thought-provoking works. Point of the medium Creating beauty is his way of unveiling the harshness of the world around him and being able to confront the problems facing humanity without losing hope. Having always broken the rules, his clay sculptures reveal different skins, determined by the glazes used, which crawl, shiver, blister, drip, scar and can be rough and messy – “forbidden things” in classical ceramics. Once considered unthinkable, the joy of colour and translucency is evident in Johan’s clay works. Take for example his golden, yellow, orange and black glazed stoneware Klein Torso – part of his series of female torsos covered in individuallycrafted ceramic petals 38
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1. Opening of the Naked Roots exhibition. 2. Johan spends much of his time at the Struktuur 68 ceramic atelier in the Netherlands. 3. Klein Torso sculpture.
4 . Why does Strange Fruit always look so Sweet? Created in 2002, from patinated bronze that is partially gilded.
evoking female sexual organs or a bed of mussels that are fragile yet razor-sharp and simultaneously trigger feelings of attraction and repulsion. There is also the imposing, haunting and rather sexual En Attendant les Egyptiens (Waiting for the Egyptians) with its reds, greens and yellows; the Big Glory-La Trinité in orange glazed stoneware with gold lustre, a triptych with religious connotations that resembles a sea urchin skeleton; or the yellow, orange and green The Boy from the 8 Gods family of muses that recall antique sculptures or sacred figures. The preliminary stoneware studies of the Vleermuisfontein bat-shaped bronze fountain in front of Broerekerk Church in Bolsward, The Netherlands, as part of a project that saw 11 contemporary artists each create a fountain for different cities in the northern Dutch province of Friesland, showcase bases in yellow, orange and red that are reflected on the underside of the bat wings. Show Surprises These pieces were recently exhibited at Museum Beelden
aan Zee in The Hague in Creten’s first solo show in a Dutch museum that was perhaps his most personal ever. Naked Roots offered glimpses into his universe, as he selected for the first time nine ancient objects from his private art collection that had inspired his own work directly or indirectly to display with over 40 of his early or new ceramic, bronze and resin sculptures, thereby demonstrating the influence of historical art on contemporary art.
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The art nomad Working in nomadic fashion, often as an artist-in-residence, going from one studio to another to hone his craft, Johan has resided in various cities such as Amsterdam, Rome, Nice, Sèvres, Sète, Monterrey (Mexico), Arizona, Wisconsin, Oakland and Miami – always working with the local clays and glazes. But perhaps where he feels most at home is at the Struktuur 68 ceramic atelier in The Hague that he visits almost monthly, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018 and has a long tradition of working with artists, including 39
5. Partially completed artworks in Johan’s atelier.
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6. De Vleermuis resin sculpture at the Beelden aan Zee museum, The Hague.
the European avant-garde CoBrA artist collective. Located inside a narrow brick building with a stepped gable on a residential street, there are four small rooms littered with countless artworks and thousands of colour sample tiles. Here, artisans with decades of experience craft plaster moulds and continue to work with their hands and rudimentary wooden tools to sculpt and shape clay before firing it in the oven and applying coloured glazes, perpetuating centuries-old techniques. “I feel like I’m commuting between Paris and Den Haag,” Johan discloses. “I love coming here because I can be alone and concentrate on my work in a very different way from when I’m in Paris, which is always too hectic. That’s something I love also of working in a studio that’s not at home.”
Start to ceramic Born in 1963 in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, to a middle-class family, Johan saw art as a way to escape from the narrowmindedness of provincial life. In the 1980s, he studied painting at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent, but as a non-conformist gravitated to the school’s unpopular ceramics atelier (Belgium at the time was enthralled by conceptual and minimal art), where he discovered clay – a damp, dirty, sensual and poor material that was looked down on in the fine art world, but that immediately spoke to him. “Clay is a very loaded material because it’s the earth we walk on,” he says. “In a lot of cultures, it’s called Mother Earth. It’s sacred but at the same time it’s the poorest of materials. It’s basically human waste, so normally
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7. Grande Vague pour Palissy sculpture. 8 . De HanenLes coqs sculpture, made from glazed terracotta.
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“Our duty as artists is alsO tO deal
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with the wOrld and tO translate it intO artwOrks that can help peOple better understand why we’re here. ” – JOhan creten
the people who work with clay are the dumbest and poorest: labourers, farmers, road workers and potters. God took clay and turned it into the first human being, and when you put this material through fire, it turns by magic into something very resistant and beautiful.” Leader of the pack Paving the way for younger artists, perhaps Johan’s greatest achievements have been to elevate ceramics from the status of craft to that of fine art, and to bring bronze back into fashion over the past decade. He was among the first to eliminate the boundaries between sculpture and ceramics, choosing instead to make a name as an artist instead of a ceramicist, and exhibiting in
art galleries and museums. “In Europe, when I started as a young artist, ceramics in art was considered taboo,” he recalls, “It was something for women or for applied arts, and you couldn’t make a sculpture using ceramics because that wasn’t done, so for years I was in a very difficult position, because nobody wanted to show my work. I’ve always only accepted shows that were about sculpture; the fact that it was clay was something extra. But in the last 10 years, there’s been a lot of change: lots of young artists are now using ceramics.” After all this time working with clay, has Johan’s relationship with the material evolved? He replies, “I’m now at the point where I’m still asking myself too many questions in the
text Y-JEAN MUN-DELSALLE
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morning. Clay has not become evident; nothing is easy, it still is open. Maybe I’ve become afraid a little bit because you have to continue to try and push the boundaries. It would be too easy just to do the same thing over and over again, such as my successful Odore di Femmina series. I would have a fantastic career just making this piece because it’s everything that the art world wants: it wants a brand, something recognisable. But I’m not interested in that. For instance, my portrait of a veiled woman, Aus dem Serail, is also talking about femininity and the place of women in society – it asks lots of new questions. Our duty as artists is also to deal with the world and to translate it into artworks that can help people better understand why we’re here. I know that today that’s a very difficult position because a lot of the art produced is joyful and colourful, where the idea is to make something pleasing to the eye and that works on Instagram. I don’t make pamphlets; I don’t make work that’s so in your face that it becomes unbearable to look at. My pieces are beautiful because beauty helps us to look at something that otherwise we wouldn’t even dare look at. My work is a reflection of the world around us without aggressiveness or disrespect for other opinions, but it still is a vision of the world we live in.”
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people
K True To Self Design icon Patrick Frey shares about the Pierre Frey philosophy of creating from the heart.
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Designer Patrick Frey is the creative mind behind the family-owned business. B e low
Done right, mixing and matching fabrics in the maximalist style can look interesting and decadent.
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nown for the decadence and artistry of its fabrics and wallpapers, Pierre Frey embodies French tradition and Parisian luxury at its finest. As a family business passed down generation to generation, its philosophy and French way of life has largely remained the same since its founding in 1935, though its reach has expanded all over the world. A firm believer in following one’s heart instead of trends, president and design icon Patrick Frey, third-generation heir to the brand, takes inspiration from all over the world and even history itself when it comes to design. This philosophy has resulted in an immensely vast collection, with a story to share behind each design – be it from a child’s scribbled drawing or a trip to an Aboriginal art museum in Melbourne. We chat with Patrick Frey, who shares his candid take on
their business philosophy and how they are adapting to an evolving industry. How Have design trends evolved over tHe last decade?
These days, things are more playful, more colourful and amusing. At the same time, we also see people becoming more adventurous and willing to take risks with their choice of wallcovering designs, so there’s a lot of mixing and matching of styles, like pairing something contemporary with old furniture, for example. Thanks to social media platforms like Instagram, people are also sharing pictures of their home more than ever. The home has become a talking point, and there are more gatherings happening in friends’ homes than outside, so people are more willing to invest in making their home comfortable and beautiful.
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The Bursa design from the Tresors D’Orient collection can make a visually arresting feature wall. Be low, le f t
A gold-and-blue palette lends understated elegance to the Jacopo Kara upholstery from the Maharani collection. Be low, ce nt r e
The Palmeto design from the Maharani collection features monochrome botanicals. Be low, right
Intricate embroidery on the Sylvana design from the Maharani collection makes cushions pop.
As the creAtive mind behind every collection. how do you sustAin your creAtivity?
You cannot create if you stay in your office and in your city all the time. The only way to create is to get out, to travel, to get inspiration. It can come from anywhere: on the street, from nature, from architecture. The thing is, you have to keep your eyes open for it. A lot of people look, but very few people see – just as a lot of people listen, but they don’t hear. That’s why I love to travel. I get ideas even on the plane, on the train, and then come back to the studio and work with the team to create a new collection. I also find plenty of ideas from browsing through the company’s archives. We have over 25,000 documents, and sometimes we take inspiration from the stories they contain. For example, we were able to recreate Marie Antoinette’s bedroom for Versailles because of the letters she wrote to her Austrian mother at the time, describing the colours of her bedroom. We love working on classic things like that. cAn you tell us more About working with young designers?
We love working with young designers and artists. They help us design both our capsule collections and limited edition collections. One of the designers we worked with is India Mahdavi, 43
the Iranian-French architect and designer who is the queen of colours. Working with artists of different cultures helps us develop our heritage collections too. What are your vieWs of trenDs in home Decorating?
While we believe in trends, we don’t really follow them. Trends are something more prevalent in fashion. In our industry, time moves more slowly – we have two, three years to do a collection – and so we have time to create beautiful things, and we try to do it well. We believe in creating something out of love 44
and passion, not because it’s sellable. However, business philosophy-wise, sustainability is a big thing. When we talk to clients, they want ecofriendly fabric, they want to see the carbon footprint of our production process. In keeping our business focused on environmental sustainability, we’re following what the world needs. It’s not really a trend, but more of a philosophy or direction. Do you see yourself being inspireD by singapore’s culture to create a collection?
Well, we don’t really have
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Bold wallpapers like the Canopee from the Galerie collection stand out best when everything else in the room is kept to one or two colours. leFt, toP
The Magie Japonaise design features art created from calligraphy brushstrokes. leF t, BottoM
The Cabrieres Colorama, from the Reveries Orientales collection, adds a pop of cheery pastel colour to any room.
You cannot create if You staY in Your office and in Your citY all the time. the onlY waY to create is to get out, to travel, to get inspiration. specific country-based collections. We don’t have a Paris or New York collection, for example. But if it’s a tropical collection based on Asian influences and different styles from this region, then yes, with pleasure. We may do two or three designs inspired by Singapore. Just the other day I was taking photos of flowers in Botanic Gardens, and came up with a fabric with orchids and tropical greenery. What are some key challenges in introducing Pierre Frey to homeoWners in asia and around the World?
We’ve been in Asia for nearly 25 years, so we’ve faced many different challenges. One of the main ones is that we don’t want to be mass market – we need to retain our uniqueness. It’s also always a bit risky when you’re a French brand, with a French spirit, and you’re entering a market with a different culture. Our collections are the same all over the world, so we don’t try to change ourselves to cater to a specific market. It helps that we have clients who understand our philosophy. Social media has also helped us to reach out to different markets. If you visit our Instagram feed (@ lamaisonpierrefrey) and see something you like, you can easily order it. That was impossible 10 years ago. Today people all over the world can follow us, and this makes a big difference in the long term.
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Voyage en Toscane La Montagne features a stunning landscape painting. le F t
Les Rois de la Jungle adds a fun, tropical vibe to the space. Far leF t
An array of rainbow colours form the Menerbes Colorama, from the Reveries Orientales collection.
text Melody Bay photos Pierre Frey
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u p c lo s e
EVA ARMISEN Spanish artist Eva Armisen, who is also an author, product designer and philanthropist, opens up about her daily life and things that put her in a creative mood.
did not need much. We did not know what hurrying was and enjoyed the sensation of having unlimited time. I don’t think I can feel that any more. One cause you will fight for? Any cause that has to do with children. I collaborate with different organisations. I am working with The Sant Joan de Deu hospital in Barcelona right now. It is a non-profit institution dedicated to public service and special in children and maternity care. I cannot stand abuse of power Name one of your favourite pets. of any kind. What gets you out of the bed in My dog, Petra. She is always the mornings? Name one style that you hate ready to play, run and have fun. My favourite part of the day is and never want to see again. She does not know laziness, and when the sun rises. It gives me I prefer to concentrate on the is able to convince me to leave the feeling that everything can styles and things I love. Bauhaus everything and put aside work be possible. I like to get up early or Modernism, for example. to play with her. She is also loyal and plan my day while having a and makes fantastic company. coffee alone. What is your personal style? Sincere, simple and emotional. What gets you to sleep at night? Of these four - sky, ocean, mountains and animals - what I love to reach home in the What would be your last meal inspires you most and why? evenings feeling a little bit tired, on earth? It is so hard to choose. I am because it means that I had an First, I would like to have Korean active and fulfilling day. I end the excited by the feeling of cold noodles and after that, day by having dinner with my son permanence of the mountains, my mum’s Tortilla de Patatas the limitlessness of the sky and and daughter while finding out (a Spanish dish comprising an the mystery of the depth of the how their day went. omelette with potatoes). That sea. As for the animals, they are sounds like a perfect dinner What is one music track that you alive and I think that is the best. before going to heaven. like to listen to while you work? Your fondest memory as a Into My Arms by Nick Cave Which room in the house do child is... and the Bad Seeds. It’s a great you spend the most time in? Playing for hours and hours song and I enjoy the way he The living room. with my sister in our room. We explains love.
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design report
For want of design After several years of living in the Big Apple, French-born Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat decided they wanted to contribute to New York’s design scene. In 2011, the duo launched WantedDesign, an annual design fair with events taking place in May each year. Here’s a look at trends that emerged from its last edition.
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onscious design was at the heart the 2019 edition of the fair, as explained by the WantedDesign’s cofounders: “Protecting the environment, achieving reasonable consumption and reducing waste are all issues that designers face on their daily tasks to create our homes, and our workspace, in addition to bringing beauty to healthier living.” To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Campana brothers’ practice and the 10th anniversary of the Instituto Campana, Humberto Campana was the guest of honour at the IC Design Festival by WantedDesign at Brooklyn’s Industry City. Designers from the United States, as well as China, Latin America and Quebec, among other international design destinations, showcased their works, reflecting their creativity and passion for innovation. Some of them in particular caught our attention.
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T u Ta L L e r D e s i g n
According to Colombia design studio Tu Taller Design, the Caribe table was “developed under the concept of colonial Caribbean architecture, built to allow the ocean crosswinds to pass through, exposing what the eye can see and permeate but shall not be contained.”
trend 1
L aT i n a M e r i c a n To u c H
Curated by Design Week Mexico, Mexico Territorio Creativo presented 11 talents and one university project, illustrating the country’s contemporary design culture and its influences from sustainability, identity and simplicity. The MayDay exhibition celebrated Colombian creativity with designers such as H.J.A., Oscar Agudelo and Tucurinca.
Duco Lab
Based in Mexico City, this laboratory for multidisciplinary design combines different materials and processes (both artisanal and industrial). Menguante was inspired by the waning or “old moon” phase, only seen at dawn before sunrise.
Peca
Hand embroidered with a pattern by artist Luis Rodrigo Medina, the TRAZO stools and benches evoke ancient Mexican traditions. Subtly geometric, the VERSO table in beechwood designed by Caterina Moretti is poetic. These pieces were created by the independent design studio Peca based in Guadalajara, Mexico.
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TREND 2
A C R E AT I V E U S E O F M AT E R I A L S
With materials from wood and steel to glass and brass designers explore their imaginations to give life to utilitarian and visually appealing furniture pieces, lighting and accessories, while also reinterpreting their culture in a modern way.
B R O O K E M DAV I S
Part of the Pílo collection, this elegant table was created with softly tufted wood and features Swarovski crystals. Through this piece, Brooke M Davis explored the line between contemporary design and traditional woodworking.
SIMON JOHNS
Inspired by the cliffs around the designer’s studio in Quebec, the floating Ledge Console, mounted to the wall, is made of solid ash and a glass top. “The wood components are scored across the grain, then carved by breaking the woods grain, to create patterns of variable depths”, Johns explains.
E S R A A FAT H Y
Egyptian product and fashion designer Esraa Fathy draws inspiration from her heritage and culture while adding a modern twist to all her creations, such as Luxmar, a series of vases made with alabaster—a white stone extracted from Luxor—and wood.
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AT E L I E R - E R R A N C E
Now based in Shanghai, AtelierErrance was cofounded by designer YiJie Huang and artist Xiang Chen initially in France. “Our main work is research and creation combined with the daily life”, they say.
CECILIA XINYU ZHANG
Born in Beijing and currently based in Bergen, Norway, the young designer showcased her Equant suspension lamp with an adjustable circular reflector. “It is reminiscent of the mathematical concept developed by Claudius Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD to account for the observed motion of the planets”, she says.
TREND 3
C H I N E S E TA L E N T S
For the second year in 2019, designers from China, especially Shanghai—including A-Zenith, AMY, Endless Form, Letii, Novah and Tiwuworks, among others—were present to create a dialogue with the U.S. community and other international talents.
DESIGNERS FROM THE UNITED STATES, AS WELL AS CHINA, LATIN AMERICA AND QUEBEC, AMONG OTHER INTERNATIONAL DESIGN DESTINATIONS, SHOWCASED THEIR WORKS, REFLECTING THEIR CREATIVITY AND PASSION.
URBANCRAFT
Founded by Ximi Li, this contemporary design brand integrates cultural elements of different world regions into furniture with pure lines and an elegant aesthetic.
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TREND 4
P U S H I N G T H E B O U N DA R I E S
Designing means creating, experimenting and innovating. Organised by WantedDesign to promote international emerging talents in two categories (furniture and lighting), Launch Pad this year rewarded Studio.SunnyKim (based in Michigan, originally from Korea) in the furniture category and Machin (based in Austin, originally from Mexico) in lighting.
STUDIO.SUNNYKIM
Born in Korea and currently based in the United States, Seonhee Sunny Kim is always experimenting, in search of new shapes and techniques as reflected through her Depth of Surface chair that she describes as “a yoga hammock with wooden structure”.
V I C TO R L E F E S S A N T
LAKE + WELLS
A collaboration between Lake + Wells and Karice, “Portal is neither sconce nor floor lamp, and yet is also curiously both”. The team adds: “Each piece is machined from a single block of solid aluminium, refined by artisans, anodised, and then assembled with a hand-polished brass mirror.”
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On view at an exhibition by Italian brand Alessi and French school ENSCI-Les Ateliers, this student project, called “Mirages”, was created by Victor Le Fessant with a 3D printing technique that enabled the design of a surprising coffee cup in a complex shape.
F O r m At F i N E G O O d S
Available in different colours, the Arches chandelier—from Format Fine Goods founded by Joel Edmondson— consists of three curved arms with 3D printed porcelain shades on a black steel fixture with brass details.
trend 5
A SENSE OF BALANCE
N AO tA m u r A
Working both in Tokyo and New York City, designer Nao Tamura blends innovation and beauty, and crosses different disciplines, cultures and styles to create emotional products, such as the Sage lamp inspired by nature and technology.
The achievement of perfect harmony or tension is what makes an object truly fascinating. Through their work, some designers use colour (black and white, for example), materials (whether raw or refined) and shapes (curves and angles) to show both contrast and complementarity.
SLASh OBjECtS
As said by architect and designer Arielle AssoulineLichten, “the Slash Objects line integrates the use of an industrial material made of post-consumer recycled rubber. By pairing rubber with brass, marble and concrete, the collection imagines new ways for materials to come together.”
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Courtesy of MiChael Moran for related-oxford
S TO P OV E R S I G H T S
Courtesy of forbes Massie-heatherwiCk studio
Because of its size and effervescence, New York City is worth multiple trips. Always with something new to discover—plus the classics to (re)visit—it is a place that offers many surprises.
Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio designed this new city landmark, with its spiral staircase that offers different perspectives and angles of the city. For the design, the Heatherwick Studio team drew inspiration from the ancient stepwells of India. Made of polished copper-coloured undersides and a framework with raw painted steel surfaces, Vessel comprises 154 interconnecting flights of stairs and almost 2,500 steps, rising to 46 metres tall. “To create something meaningful, the studio wanted to create a structure that visitors could use, touch and relate to”, says the team at Heatherwick Studio. To climb it, visitors need a ticket, which can be reserved online.
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Courtesy of MiChael Moran for related-oxford
VESSEl
whitney MuseuM of
photo Ben Gancsos
AMericAn Art
“One of the most important reasons for the architect’s work, which keeps us going and gives us the strength to continue our projects, is the idea of not creating buildings indifferent to the city, but meeting places, where people will get together and share their values”, says architect Renzo Piano, who designed the Whitney Museum of American Art’s current building, which has been open since May 2015. Founded in 1930, the museum is home to a collection of 24,000 works created by over 3,500 American artists in the 20th and 21st centuries, including Alexander Calder, Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Ed Ruscha, Jackson Pollock, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol.
Opened in September 2018, citizenM Bowery honours the philosophy of the brand based on “affordable luxury for the people”. Designed by Amsterdam-based studio concrete and inspired by the local community, the hotel occupies one of the tallest buildings in the neighbourhood. Located in the heart of Manhattan, it is home to 300 rooms, a warm living room plaza filled with Vitra furniture and art, as well as a rooftop bar with spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Technology is also omnipresent in the hotel: Self-check-in kiosks in the lobby help guests avoid queues and tablets in rooms allow complete control of the experience, including LED lighting, music, entertainment and curtains.
text Karine Monie images Courtesy of the brands, designers and Wanteddesign
photo courtesy of citizenM
c i t i z e n M B ow e r y
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The skigard exterior of the cabin helps it look right at home in the natural landscape.
Au NAturel This ski retreat in Kvitfjell, Norway was designed by its architect-homeowners to blend into the surrounding natural landscape. Melody Bay discovers how a shared love of the mountains and their architectural expertise led to the construction of this holiday home.
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ri ght
The home was designed for their family of five, including their two children and a dog. BOttOM ri g ht
The generous glass walls let in plenty of natural sunlight. OppOsit e
A series of wide wooden steps leads up to the veranda, which frames the view of the valley and river below.
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aving a holiday home tucked away in the mountains is a dream for many, and for architects Casper and Lexie Mork-Ulnes, it became a reality when they decided to design and build a family retreat themselves in Kvitfjell, Norway. Inspired by a shared love of the mountains, snow and skiing, they selected a 2,000sqm site located 943 metres above sea level in the west of Kvitfjell, which means White Mountain in Norwegian. The home, which offers sweeping views of the valley and river below, was designed to be an unobtrusive as possible. The couple’s building and
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design decisions were largely influenced by the surrounding landscape and regional historic architecture, as well as their own up-close encounter with the local wildlife. While they were camping there to familiarise themselves with the site, they were unexpectedly greeted one morning by the sight of sheep and cows surrounding their tent – an experience that would shape the very foundation of the house. It resulted in Casper and Lexie’s decision to raise the house 1.5 metres above the ground on a total of forty-five cross-laminated timber legs, so that there would be minimal
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With all the pine, even the interior of the house itself smells like the forest it stands next to, bringing in the outdoors in a Whole neW Way.
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disruption to the natural terrain and the cattle’s grazing area. “The land had a pathway that the animals used to cross and access the steep hillside below, which is still the path to the house. Now the sheep stand under the house in the summer months to protect themselves from the weather,” shares Lexie. The stilts have the added functionality of preventing the house from being snowed in during even the most severe of winter, and offer an elevated viewing platform that overlooks the valley. The accessibility of the house means that the family can fully embrace the outdoors lifestyle they love. Between the colder months of November and April, going to the market is a simple matter of putting on their skis and heading downhill. When the weather is clearer, the summit of the mountain is a short 20-minute hike away, offering not only breathtaking views but also hidden streams where they can fish and swim. The exterior of the home was designed to blend in with the surrounding rugged landscape and forested vegetation. As a nod to rural architecture, the structure is clad in skigard, 3-metre long quarter-cut logs that are traditionally used by Norwegian farmers for fencing. During winter, snowfall builds up in the gaps between the logs, creating a softer silhouette reminiscent of tree branches laden with snow. The grass top of the cabin also alludes to traditional sod roofs, a common sight on rural log houses in Scandinavia until the late 19th century. “We took great care in studying the rural vernacular and analyzing local building typologies as we wanted to fully understand what their forms accomplished
above
Sheep and cows are not an uncommon sight around the house. l eft
Every room, even the smallest, has a breathtaking view.
below
Viewed through the frame of the veranda, the scenery looks just like a beautiful painting.
o ppos ite
The walls, floor, and ceiling are all clad in pine to keep the look minimalist.
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functionally and how they shaped the local architectural culture,” says Casper. Inside, the space is kept minimal in order not to distract from the view. Light, smooth pine paneling runs all the way around the house, creating an understated look that simultaneously soothes the senses and frames the ever-changing outside scenery through the generous glass walls. The warm wood tones are complemented by other neutrals like grays and the occasional pastel, so nothing jars the eye. “We were hesitant to have any non-wood materials exposed, so the shower walls and floors, toilet flush plates, ventilation plates, and even the refrigerator handles were crafted from either Furu or Norwegian pine. The sauna is clad in Osp, which is a type of Aspen wood,” says Lexie. With all the pine, even the interior
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of the house itself smells like the forest it stands next to, bringing in the outdoors in a whole new way. Opting to keep the structure itself simple, the couple built a main dwelling and guest annexe in the 144sqm cabin, both separated by a veranda. The focal point of the home is the great room, a communal space which houses the kitchen, lounge, and dining area. Here, the two six-metre glass walls steal the show, offering panoramic views of the valley on one side and the woods on the other. The intimate scale of the interior works to its favour, cocooning the family in the space and providing a counterpoint to the vastness of the valley stretching below them. Designed not to dominate the natural surroundings, but rather to blend into them, the cabin is truly a part of the landscape itself.
above
The homeowners wake up to the view of the valley each morning. o PPoSIT e
Even at night, the family is kept warm and cosy thanks to the intimacy of the space. o PPoSITe, l ef T
Every detail – including handles and ventilation plates – is crafted from pine. o PPoSIT e, r IghT
The roof of the cabin is covered in the same native grass that grows around the landscape, making it blend in even when viewed from above.
photos Bruce Damonte, Juan BenaviDes anD tor ivan Boine
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Each space within the large apartment is well-defined.
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bold & beautiful A Wes Anderson-inspired colour palette along with other interior modifications give this close to 50-year-old apartment a refreshing new look. Lynn TAn discovers how the nostalgic old and invigorating new elements all come together.
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photography veronica tay art direction nonie chen
Who lives here
A couple in their 30s, their two daughters and two cats ho me A condominium in Meyer Road siz e 2,800 sq ft
top
A combination of different peach tones and shapes on the living room wall adds to the vibrancy of the space. rig ht
The original arched doorways have been retained and add a sense of nostalgia. o ppos ite
Strategicallyplaced art pieces and plants around the living and dining areas liven up the capacious spaces, which can otherwise feel too expansive and empty.
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o the uninitiated, this almost half a centuryold condominium in the East Coast area, with its simple, repetitive geometric form and plain concrete exterior devoid of any ornamentation, may be dismissed as being old-fashioned or outdated. However, Terence Neo, design director of Eightytwo, recognised its design potential and it presented the perfect opportunity to transform the unit into an eclectic residence for his family of four and their two cats. “My wife and I love how the arched doorways and terrazzo flooring give the interior an effortless charm. I set out to retain this sense of nostalgia
by repurposing and reusing some of the vintage elements of the unit, while updating the look using modern colours and accessories,� says Terence. The one-and-a-halfmonth long renovation costing about $150,000 involved hacking away the walls separating the living area and the kitchen, as well as another kitchen wall to create an alcove. Terence loves to cook and the alcove between the kitchen and dining room allows him to maintain visual contact with the goings-on in the dining area, especially when they have guests over. The apartment occupies a relatively large floor area. The spacious interior is definitely 67
“MY WIFE AND I LOVE HOW THE ARCHED DOORWAYS AND TERRAZZO FLOORING GIVE THE INTERIOR AN EFFORTLESS CHARM.” -TERENCE NEO, HOMEOWNER
a plus point, but it also posed a challenge in terms of ensuring that the various spaces are wellconnected to one another. “It is important that there is a fluid relationship between the spaces, such as the flow from the living area to the dry kitchen, the kitchen to the dining area and the girls’ play area to the cats’ room,” Terence emphasises. “Despite this being a big space, it should also feel cosy and homely,” he adds.
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Terence opted for a whimsical colour palette that was inspired by the visual style of award-winning filmmaker, Wes Anderson. “I feel that it complements the old-world charm of the unit,” he says. The salmon hue of Living Coral, which is the Pantone Colour of the Year, combined with shades of peach and tuna give off an energetic vibe that is vibrant without being overpowering.
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The peach colour scheme continues into the bathroom. o ppos ite
The addition of an alcove fosters interaction between the cook and the guests. o ppos ite, below
The pink and grey colour scheme, together with a terrazzo solid surface that matches the flooring, creates a cheerful and interesting area for baking and preparing light meals.
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Dark and cosy tones in the master bedroom allows the couple to wind down.
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Designing his own home was both easy and tough- easy to implement his ideas, but tough because he had to live up to his own expectations, which he admits are very high. It allowed Terence to push boundaries as a designer while not compromising on his needs and that of his family. “I could give my vision free rein and I knew exactly what my family and I need and want. It was a liberating experience,” he sums up.
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The children’s room has a playful streak and is designed to spark their sense of imagination. A wall mural makes for a unique centrepiece. r I GH T
The use of grey in various areas within the home balances the brightness of the salmon and peach colours. far rIG HT
A monochromatic bathroom finds its place amongst the vibrant hues.
photos EIGHTYTWO
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ClassiCal redux The owners incorporated a coffered ceiling, a fireplace and wainscoting – typically associated with European and Western interiors – into their Sembawang condominium. Lynn Tan takes a tour.
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r igh t
The low wainscoting panels emphasise the horizontal expanse of the space while the vertical stripes of the wallpaper make the ceiling appear even higher.
b e low
Averyl is the piano player of the two, who love to relax in the music room whenever they get the chance. b elow, r ight
A cabinet with a mirrored finish subtly complements this corner of the place. opp osite
The gorgeous chandelier adds luxe appeal.
Who lives here
A couple in their 30s h ome A three-bedroom executive condominium in Sembawang s ize 1,066 sq ft
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aving lived in the US for four and a half years, engineer Andrei Teo and wife Averyl Chen, a finance executive assistant, were heavily influenced by Western as well as European design elements such as coffered ceilings and fireplaces. The former, in particular, was something the couple definitely wanted in their new home in Sembawang. “We love coffered ceilings, but most of the interior designers we consulted were clueless as to what they were,” Andrei recalls. “Then we came across some photos of a project by Cottage Crafts, which featured them in the right way,” adds Averyl. A coffered ceiling has decorative recesses or indentations on its surface, and is commonly seen in ancient Greek, Renaissance and Roman architecture. Famous examples can be found in the Pantheon in Italy and the Palace of Versailles in France. They can also be found in American architecture in a variety of styles and applications. Cottage Craft designer, Daniel Ho, is no stranger to them. “We have had a lot of
experience with Europeanstyle interiors over the years, so we are used to customising or tweaking to suit clients’ preferences,” he says. With coffered ceilings, height is a prerequisite – and something the couple’s top floor condo had lots of. They chose the living room for this treatment and it turned out to be a bit of a challenge. “In order to achieve a uniform grid, we took a long time to work out the coffer sizes relative to the ceiling dimensions with Ho and the contractor, ” says Andrei. “It was important that the proportions were right. The positioning of the chandelier and the sofa in relation to the coffered ceiling also had to be carefully considered,” adds Ho. The result made it all worthwhile. Upon entering the home, the coffered ceiling is a showstopper. Drawing one’s gaze upwards, it adds a somewhat palatial aura and makes you feel like you have stepped into a mansion. Enhancing the EuropeanAmerican theme are wainscoting panels, which run along the lower section of the walls, and
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the quintessential fireplace and mantelpiece purchased in the US and transported from their former five-room flat in Punggol. They could not bear to part with it, so they dismantled it and asked Ho to incorporate it into the new living room. Before, it sat directly on the floor and served as a faux fireplace. This time, it is elevated on a console to create a hearth effect, and frames the TV. The couple also brought over a lot of other furniture
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from their Punggol flat, such as the dining set and the armchairs flanking the fireplace feature. Some pieces were shipped from their US home when they returned to Singapore. “They were well made and in good shape. All we had to do was to reupholster them and add a fresh coat of paint,” says Averyl. They also repurposed a few pieces. For example, the four-poster bed from Punggol didn’t fit into the new smaller
top
The coffee table was an online find selected for its three oval tables and the acrylic legs that make them appear to float. To the left is the gazebo-style dining area. below
The soothing music room.
The coffered ceiling illustrates the loftiness of the room, while armchairs by the fireplace are perfect for a tete a tete. 77
The four-posTer bed didn’T fiT inTo The new masTer bedroom, so They removed The posTs and suspended Them over The dining Table, gazebo-sTyle.
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bedroom, so they removed the posts and suspended them over the dining table, gazebo-style, which complements the balcony setting. Excess mouldings from their previous home renovations were used to create wall features in one bedroom they turned into a dressing room. Furniture such as the sofa was custom-made by Design Intervention’s Nikki Hunt whose husband Stephen is Averyl’s boss. “I saw the sofa when I went for my job interview and it was love at first sight. When my boss knew we were moving into our new home, he offered to get Nikki to
make us one,” shares Averyl. The navy blue is a little on the adventurous side for the couple, but Ho talked them into it and they have no regrets. “A sofa is a key piece within the home, so it should stand out,” he adds. What’s more, the apartment is so well-kept, Home & Decor was surprised to learn that they’d been in the new place for a year. “We are at work a lot, but we do treasure our time at home. We especially enjoy hanging out in the living room with its high ceiling and sense of openness, and the music room,” says Andrei.
photography Veronica Tay art direction nonie chen
Top lefT
In comparison to the rest of the home, the master bathroom, with colours that match other sections, is refreshingly modern and understated. aboVe
Before the wainscoting panels could be installed, Ho meticulously calculated their size so the proportions would be just right. l efT
Wallpaper enhances the intimate ambience of the master bedroom.
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Most of the furniture were brought over from the homeowners’ previous apartment. They consulted with the design team, who managed to integrate the pieces into the new home. Even the orange arm chairs do not seem out of place despite the monochromatic scheme.
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charismatic darkness A monochromatic palette of dark colours complemented by natural materials create a cosy home with clean lines for this family of four. Lynn TAn visits to find out how the designers managed to achieve the look while fully-utilising the space. 81
Instead of black, the ceiling above the corridor is white, with LED lights. This serves to demarcate the zoning within the home.
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he homeowners’ brief to interior designers, Alvin Ling, Katrin and Cynthia Lim from The Scientist, called for a “sleek and elegant design with lots of storage and which makes good use of space”. In addition, as the husband is an avid cook, he wanted a more spacious kitchen. This warranted a re-design and re-configuration of the existing dry kitchen, including an island, as well as the utility room into part of the new kitchen. A study area adjacent to the master bedroom was also converted into a walk-in wardrobe within the bedroom. The renovations, which took three months, saw the existing
interior entirely gutted out and everything redone- from the floor and ceiling, to cabinets, wardrobes and lights. The family moved into their new home in December 2018. for a sprawling apartment like this one, but for added character and charm, it’s the little details that count. MonochroMatic colours
Addressing the clients’ preference for monochromatic colours, the designers made a bold move and proposed a dark colour palette. The homeowners admitted to having reservations at first as they expressed concerns that the interior may appear too dark. However, the final
righ t
The kitchen is professionally decked out as the husband loves to cook. Even the interiors of the kitchen cabinets are made of stainless steel. b elow
The kitchen ceiling is similar to the living and dining areas. Black aluminium panels were selected for their ease of maintenance. They also help to conceal the downlights.
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Who lives here
A couple in their 40s and their two teenage children h ome A three-bedroom condominium at Flora Drive siz e 1,350 sq ft
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The naTural Carrara marble flows aCross almosT The enTire aparTmenT floor, inCluding The masTer bedroom and The ThirTeen-year-old daughTer’s bedroom.
result turned out otherwise, perhaps due in part to the abundant natural light from the generous window openings, but more importantly, it can be attributed to the colour strategy adopted by the design team. “The floor makes up the largest surface area within the home, so we selected a white Carrara marble with grey veins for the floor,” explain the designers. This establishes a lighter base against which darker shades of greys and blacks are layered on. The walls are either painted a monotone grey or clad with grey marble or tiles, while the darkest, almost black colours are taken on by the built-in cabinet doors, bedroom doors, door frames and skirting. Natural aNd lowmaiNteNaNce materials
The choice of materials reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle in favour of natural elements and materials that are durable and easy to maintain. The natural Carrara marble flows across almost the entire
apartment floor, including the master bedroom and the 13-year-old daughter’s bedroom. Specific areas such as the kitchen, yard and walkin wardrobe have a different flooring to distinguish the zoning. In the case of the 12-year-old son’s bedroom, however, the choice of grey marble was his personal preference. He wanted the marble flooring to continue up the wall opposite his bed so that he can admire it the first thing when he wakes up. The rose gold stainless steel cabinets in the kitchen not only make a visual statement, but are also durable and lowmaintenance. Other materials such as the hairline stainless steel countertop and backsplash around the sink area, as well as the stain-resistant Sensa By Cosentino granite worktop were all selected for the same reasons. Full-height fenestrations extend across the living and dining rooms. Instead of fabric drapes, the designers opted for timber blinds.
opp osite
With the blinds down, the living and dining areas take on a different ambience. The homeowner loves the “woody smell” from the blinds that permeates the interior. below
Storage cabinets are concealed within the feature wall behind the television set.
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“Blinds are easier to clean than curtains, and they have a sleeker and more minimalist appearance,” say the designers. Even though the colour scheme for the home comprises mainly monochromatic whites, greys and blacks, they decided to go with the original wood tone as it looks more natural. Making space count
With no storeroom within the home, storage was an important consideration. “We wanted to conceal any clutter so that nothing is exposed,” says the homeowner. The wall against which the television set is recessed is actually made up of a series of concealed cabinets that have been designed like a feature wall. The charcoal grey, almostblack panels complement the interior colour theme. Another set of concealed cabinets are located behind the dining room, together with a built-in recess that neatly accommodates a wine chiller housing the homeowners’ wine collection. Bay windows are a common feature in many homes. While the idea of sitting by the bay window and enjoying the view may seem enticing, from a more practical viewpoint, the space can probably be better utilised, especially in smaller opp osi te
The monochromatic bathroom is consistent with the rest of the interior but creates visual interest by combining various textures and tones.
to p
The designers approached the project by first understanding the lifestyle and requirements of the clients. “Inspiration can come from these conversations with the homeowners,” they share.
ab ov e
Using tiles on some of the bedroom walls instead of having a feature wall or wallpaper offers a natural and durable option that is also easy to maintain.
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fa r left
The black-andgrey bathroom looks like it belongs in a chic hotel. left
A platform built over the existing bay window creates an inviting cosy corner that blends in well with the rest of the bedroom. below
The chill out area provides a cosy spot in the master bedroom where the couple can hang out with their children playing board games or just catching up.
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The existing study area has been converted into a walkin wardrobe.
apartments. All three bedrooms have bay windows and the design team has taken the opportunity to transform them into more functional elements. For the two children’s bedrooms, which are mirror images of one another, study desks have been built over the existing bay windows. The designers made the most out of the relatively small bedroom areas with efficient space planning. They even managed to incorporate a low partition that provides spatial separation between the study and sleeping areas. The couple wanted a cosy corner within their master bedroom where they can relax and read, and the bay window provided the perfect spot. The design team extended the bay window such that it forms a raised platform beside the window. The cushions placed above the wooden platform embodies a minimalist approach and together with a wall shelf for books and magazines, imbues the space with the Zen-like quality of a Japanese tea house, adding the ideal finishing touches to a captivating dream home.
photography darren chang art direction nonie chen
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Pride of Place Gold tones, textural details and pops of colours give this holiday home a truly unique and luxurious look. Domenica Tan visits this stylish apartment to find out more.
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above Left
To create visual interest as one enters the apartment, Eddy decorated the walls with botanical prints. A tufted, velvet upholstered bench offers the homeowners a convenient space for putting on their shoes before heading out.
above rig ht
The spacious living room is furnished with pieces from Taylor B and Castlery. The artistic lighting fixture above is from Lightcraft. Eddy also chose a large artwork showcasing the queen, to lend the space a majestic vibe.
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very designer’s dream is to have free reign when designing a project. For Eddy Kuswandi of Enoch Interiors, he embraced the opportunity to do so for this three-bedroom condominium home. The homeowners, who are based in Indonesia, bought this property as a holiday home for when they visit Singapore. As relatives and an elderly grandmother often stay over too, the design brief was to
create a spacious layout that accommodates more occupants, with interiors that look modern, bright and cosy. Eddy went with a classical look, and incorporated wainscot panels and cornices throughout the apartment. Brass and gold tones are used extensively too, as it helps elevate the sense of luxury. He was also bold in his colour options, with every bedroom showcasing a different hue.
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th is an d ab ove
Many of the furniture pieces were given a fresh coat of gold paint, to lend them an opulent look. to p right
The eyecatching lighting fixture, sourced in Jakarta, Indonesia, takes pride of place in the dining room.
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Above
Who lives here
A three-generational family home Three-bedroom condominium at Cairnhill Plaza size 2,595 sq ft
Panel mirrors along the bedside accentuate the ceiling height, while adding to the classical look. l ef t
In place of storage cabinets along the bay window, Eddy created pullout settee seats that can be used as additional beds when more family members visit.
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the design brief was to create a spacious layout that accommodates more occupants, with interiors that look modern, bright and cosy.
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l ef t
A large oval-shaped extendable dining table is complemented with plush sapphire blue seats. The dining room overlooks the living room so family members can continue to interact even when in different spaces. righ t
Eddy chose a marine lifeinspired theme for this bedroom, and incorporated fun seashellshaped bedside lamps. He also customised a winged headboard to create a cosy feel.
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A b ove
The master suite is decorated with bright orange cushions to create a lively, cheerful vibe. b elow le f t
Eddy also created a dedicated dresser, which is accompanied by a hexagonal, gold-framed mirror.
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b elow ri ght
Gold-hued bathroom fittings stand out against the intricate marble-look designed tiles in the shower area of the master bathroom.
opposi te
Black chevron tiles create a spectacle in the master bathroom, complementing the tinted black vanity doors, which subtlely extends the patterned design of the floor tiles.
text domenica tan photography PHYLLicia WanG art direction nonie cHen
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F E AT U R E
DIGITAL TOOLBOX These handy apps help hands-on homeowners get organised and gain better control of the renovation process.
photo 123RF.COM
Designing one’s home in the old days was no easy feat – one had to make do with smudged swatches of paint, scraps of fabric, and a stretch of the imagination to visualise what the final product would look like. These days, though, things are much easier thanks to the widespread availability of VR technology and imaging software. Here, we round up six apps that help to ease the design and renovation process.
L I V S PAC E LivSpace touts itself as a one-stop managing platform for the entire home renovation process, where you can find designers, suppliers, and contractors all in one convenient space, as well as track the progress and manage all payments via the platform. EVERNOTE
Find out more at www.livspace.com.
L A M I TA K H O M E S Lamitak’s interactive in-house app, Lamitak Homes, helps homeowners visualise the effects of different laminates in a virtual home. There’s also the Lamitak mobile app, which lets you view images of the laminate texture, as well as how they look in a fully-furnished space.
C O L L A B O R AT E S G For those of us who want a beautiful home without the hassle, CollaborateSG offers plug-and-play designs in collaboration with award-winning designer Architology. All you need to do is select the theme of your choice on their app, and thanks to VR technology, you’ll be able to see your home transformed from bare to fully furnished on your screen.
Find out more at www.collaboratesg.com. Find out more at www.lamitak.com.
C O LO U R V I S U A L I S E R BY NIPPON This app allows homeowners to snap a picture of a room, before adding virtual paint to see the effect of the colour change. If you like a colour you see in real life, simply take a photo of it with the colour picker function and it’ll identify the closest matching paint shade too.
Available on both iOS and Android
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H O M E BY M E Home By Me is a free web application that lets you virtually build your home Sims-style, with a wide array of paint colours, floor tiles, and furnishings to choose from. You can view it in floor plan format, 3D, or even “walk” through your home to view it from different angles.
Find out more at www.home.by.me.
text MELODY BAY
Communication with your designer or contractor can be a hassle when it’s done over text or email, since it’s tough to keep track of things. Make things easier for everyone with Evernote, where you can store essentials such as your floor plan, notes, and even lists of what needs to be done. You can also snap a photo of something, say a dining table that you like, and mark it up on the spot. Evernote syncs between mobile, web, and desktop platforms, so you’ll always have all the necessary information at your fingertips. Find out more at www. evernote.com.
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SHOP THE LOOK The Zen minimalist, vibrant eclectic, mod-industrial and suave luxe are the hottest interior styles this season. If you’re still on the fence about which style to adopt for your new pad, here’s our curation of stylish pieces and ideas to get you started.
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THE ZEN-INSPIRED
Tranquil, meditative and minimalist - these are just some of the terms commonly associated with Zen-inspired interiors, which are based on the Japanese philosophy and way of life. Natural elements and subtle colours are used to bring about a sense of balance and harmony, and the use of wood is particularly prized in Japanese interiors.
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1. Nagaishi flower vase, $388, from Atomi. 2. Departures & Arrivals Quantum Beige bamboo silk rug, $790 to
$1,245, and Mocha Ikat Cushion, $120, from Living DNA. 3. Bolia Graceful dining table, $3,179, from Danish Design Co. 4. An open kitchen design by EHKA Studio.
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5. The monastic simplicity of this bedroom lends to its contemplative quality. 6. Bathroom design by Akihaus Design Studio. 7. Platform is a collection of four stands (they can be plant stands or side tables) from Idlehands design, price upon enquiry. 8. Plate, from $32.50, from Ro Collection. 9. Aomori Hiba reed diffuser, $130, from Atomi. 10. Nagoya desk, from Liaigre. 11. Middle Kingdom glazed mini vase, $42, from Scene Shang. 12. Jia Ju beech wood rocking stool, $380, from Scene Shang. 13. Bolia Fuuga sofa, from $2,947, from Danish Design Co.
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1 . Louis
Poulsen PHS Mini pendant lamps in hues of orange, $948, from Xtra. 2. Egg-shaped daybed, $850, from BlaďŹ nk. 3. Marble enamel set in lemon cream, from $35, from Living DNA. 4. Felt chair by Marc Newson, price upon enquiry, from Proof Living. 5. Lanaya Loveseat, $799, from HipVan. 6. Corridor design by DistinctIdentity.
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C O LO U R F U L & ECLECTIC
Bright colours instantly imbue a room with sass and personality. While it may be tempting to go wild with rainbow shades and bold patterns, remember that there should be a method to the madness. Experiment ú°é °đ Þ Éé Û éé ÞÉâʣ îé limit it to one or two that repeat throughout the theme. Likewise, for colour, balance things out with some neutrals for breathing room.
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“STICK TO NOT MORE THAN FOUR COLOURS SO AS NOT TO OVERWHELM THE EYE. TO BALANCE OUT A COLOURFUL PALETTE, USE SHADES LIKE WHITES, GREYS, AND EARTH TONES.” SHERMAINE ONG, MOW INTERIOR
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7. Paper Cupboard Patchwork, price upon enquiry, from Space Furniture. 8. Abel Hexagon Pouf, $249, from HipVan. 9. Voyage Immobile, price upon enquiry, from Roche Bobois Paris. 1 0. Classicon Bibendum armchair by Eileen Gray, from $8,975, from Space Furniture.
11. Gushka wool rug, pric ce upon enquiry, Woodvibeson nly. 12. Cone Chair by Verner Panton, price upon enquiry, from Vitra. 13. Anglepoise x Paul Smith Type 75 desk lamp, price up pon enquiry, from Made&Make.
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G ET E DGY & IN DU STR I AL
1. Turbo Incanto Chimney hood TD8188, $838, from Turbo Italia. 2. House Doctor Desk Table Lamp, $1,100, from Journey East. 3. Chair by Tolix, price upon enquiry, from P5. 4. Design: Erstudio 5. Beosound 2 speaker, $3,200, from Bang & Olufsen.
Often characterised by stripped back architecture, exposed pipes and bricks, and distressed ĝÉ°â âʣ é ÂÐп é ¿ â °ÉâÛ°Þ é°ÐÉ ¦ÞÐÈ é îé°Â°é Þ° É character of warehouses, ¦ éÐÞ° âʣ ÂЦéâ É °É îâéÞ°  âéÞî éîÞ âʨ r°Â É îéÞ Â éÐÉ â Þ é ÂÂÈ Þ¿â Ц é âéĀ ʣ don’t be afraid to add pops Ц ÐÂÐîÞ ÐÞ Û °Þ °é ú°é Ðé Þ â°§É Â È Ééâ ʂé Z É °ʌ °É îâéÞ°  éÞ É ʣ ¦ÐÞ °Éâé É ʃ éÐ create a unique vibe.
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6. The Smoke Viking barn door, from $960, from Smoke Signature. 7 & 8. Design inspiration from Space Sense. 9. D-Bodhi Shelfmate modular shelving units, $170, from Journey East. 10. PVC pipes and heavy-duty cargo straps make for a striking shoe rack. 11. Ethnicraft Notre Monde Bronze nesting table, $995, from Soul & Tables.
12. Muuto Studio Pendant Lamp, price upon enquiry, from Grafunkt. 13. Bolia Vitro coffee table, from $686, from Danish Design Co. 14. Bolia Cloud Sofa, from $2,453, from Danish Design Co.
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1. Bolia leaves pendant, $1,786, from Danish Design Co. 2. Black ikat cushion, $120, from Living DNA. 3. Vibieffe Modern Epoque candles, price upon enquiry, from The Beuro. 4. Vibieffe Modern Epoque armchair, price upon enquiry, from The Beuro. 5. Frequency vase, $310, from Georg Jensen. 6. Bell Table Lamp by Tom Dixon, $1,100, from Xtra. 7. Imola chair in blue velvet, $3,845, from BoConcept. 8. Henning Kopel pitchers, from $360, from Georg Jensen.
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UBER LUXE
A luxurious, elegant look is often quietly understated, with one or two focal pieces that make a statement. Pay attention to the details and accessories – Þ Ğ é°ù âîÞ¦ â °¿ ÞÐÈ and gold exude elegance, though they should be used sparingly, like on handles and home accessories. Flowers and art are also details that lend a ÞÐÐÈ ĝÉ°â ÂÐпʨ
9. Regi brass stool, $540, from Lifestorey. 10. Zen basin, price upon enquiry, from Apaiser. 11. Stool, price upon enquiry, from Bottega Veneta Home Collection. 12. Saffiano-style fragrance bottle sleeve, price upon enquiry, from Prada Atelier Lab. 13. Arlington bed frame, $1,895, from BoConcept. 1 4. Metallic accents contrast beautifully against dark colours. 15. Bolia Piero coffee table, $2,388, from Danish Design Co. 16. Bolia Orb floor lamp, $1,494, from Danish Design Co.
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“WHEN SELECTING UPHOLSTERY, GO FOR FINISHES LIKE VELVET, WHICH HAVE A SHEEN AND PLUSHNESS THAT INSTANTLY ELEVATE A SPACE.” EDDY KUSWANDI, ENOCH ID
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f e at u r e
Wash and Wear A guide to spiffing up your laundry area at different life stages. Let’s just say it, the laundry is not exactly loads of fun. But laundry is a part of real, everyday life. The right washer and dryer can make doing the laundry less of a chore. Therefore, finding one that suits your lifestyle needs as you enter a new life stage is key. Here, you can get the lowdown on getting clean laundry with ease.
tH e SINGLetO N More people are living on their own these days. Going solo means doing laundry for one. Therefore, laundry days are easier, faster and fewer. What capacity is enough for me?
A low-capacity washing machine is sufficient and also cost-effective for the single’s home. A 6kg to 7kg washer can manage your weekly laundry load. It can also handle bedding items and other heavy loads like washable pillows and light curtains. is a dryer necessary?
A dryer can speed up your laundry. Bear in mind, however, that having a dryer can add to your household electricity bill in the long run and add to your upfront home renovation cost. Your laundry load as a singleton is generally light, and a drying rack would suffice. If you have extra cash and insufficient space, a compact washer dryer is a handy solution.
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B R A N DT ’ S B T 6 5 3 H Q A is a 6.5kg
top-load washing machine. It adjusts the water and electricity, and cycle duration automatically. At 48 dB(A), this washer runs quietly. Its slim and compact design is ideal for small laundry areas.
REMEMBER THIS
While a low-capacity washing machine is what you need, also look for extra features. The extra wash programmes that can handle a range of fabrics, including delicate fabrics that might require hand washing, are a must for the fashion forward. LAUNDRY HACK
For lightly worn and unstained clothes, go for a light cycle for faster, as well as a more ú é Þʌ É É Þ§Āʌ Ĕ ° Éé ú âʨ
LAUNDRY DETERGENT TIPS
W T H 1 2 0 W P M F R O N T- LOA D WA S H E R D R Y E R BY M I E L E
lets you have a continuous washing and drying cycle. It provides a 7kg washing and 4kg drying capacity, and a host of wash programmes including for delicates, steam care and minimum iron.
B O S C H ’ S W VG 3 0 4 6 2 S G F R O N T- LOA D WA S H E R D R Y E R
is perfect for homes with space constraints. With its mid-range capacity of 8kg for washing and 5kg for drying, it also has features to cater to allergy sufferers and HygieneCare, a washing programme with dry high-temperature pre-treatment.
Powdered vs liquid? Liquid detergent works better on grease and oil while powdered detergent cleans mud and grime stains better. Why use fabric softener? Last year, millennials were blamed for the decline in fabric softener sales. Some argue that millennials are not only more budget aware, but also health and planet conscious. While it may not be for everyone, fabric softeners help soften clothes and reduce static, as well as make them simpler to iron. For health and planet conscious softeners, Ecover provides a range of products made of plant-based and mineral ingredients.
How do I maintain the machine? Front-load washers are prone to mould and mildew, so wipe dry in between washes. Moisture in top-load washers tend to evaporate with ease, so leave the lid open after each wash. Some washing machines provide a cleaning function. It is recommended to run it monthly. How do I get rid of build up? You will need to clean your washer with hot water. Prevent softener build up by diluting it with clean water before adding to your load.
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THE COUPLE Living with a partner means handling the laundry for two. That would be double the laundry for work, fitness and recreation. Therefore, a higher capacity washing machine than the singleton’s is required for more efficient laundry. Because the fewer the hours spent doing the laundry, the more quality time together there is.
LG ’ S F G 1 4 1 0 H 3 W WA S H E R D R Y E R supports 10kg washing
and 7kg drying capacity. In addition to its 6 Motion Direct Drive to move the drum to suit the fabrics, it also features TrueSteam to combat allergens, soften fabrics and reduce wrinkles.
1 0 . 5 KG W V T D 1 0 5 0 A H G T O P - LOA D WA S H E R F R O M
WOULD WE NEED A DRYER?
W H I R L P O O L features the
For most couples, both parties would be holding full-time jobs, leaving chores like the laundry and housecleaning to weekends or weekday evenings. A dryer might be handy for couples who work into the wee hours and are starved for time. With expenditure on the wedding, honeymoon and home renovations, newlyweds might want to consider investing in a washer first. That said, if you foresee having a dryer, consider a front-load washing machine, which would allow you to stack your equipment later on.
ZEN Direct Drive inverter motor at 55 to 57 dB(A). The 6th Sense Smart Program, 10 Water Selection and Auto Dosing System let you have the optimum duration, water level and detergent to bring savings on energy, water and cash.
SAMSUNG QUICKDRIVE 1 0 KG WA S H E R cleans clothes
fast and with less energy thanks to its Q-Drum technology with two rotating parts, the main drum and back plate. It also allows you to pop in a forgotten piece of laundry midway with its AddWash door.
WHAT CAPACITY SHOULD WE GO FOR?
Now that you are doing the laundry for two, a higher capacity can let you do laundry at one go. Consider a capacity of 8 to 10kg, which accommodates two or three person’s laundry comfortably. Note that you need to support the higher capacity with sufficient drying racks.
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LAUNDRY HACK
For fresh smelling laundry, add a few drops of essential oil on a damp, clean sock and throw it in the dryer with your fresh laundry. Or add a few drops of essential oil to the rinse cycle in the washer. Try peppermint, lemon or lavender!
optimise your laundry yard M i e l e ’ s f r o n t- loa d W K B 1 2 0 Wa s h e r is an 8kg
model featuring the softsteam honeycomb drum with pre-ironing for easy ironing. The TwinDos automatic dispensing system dispenses liquid detergent at the right time for efficient cleaning and up to 30 per cent savings on detergent.
MegAn ZHAng, DIreCTOr Of M ATelIer ID sTuDIO, sHAres TIps On MAkIng THe besT use Of THe lAunDry spACe.
What should homeowners consider when planning the layout? Homeowners should avoid overcrowding the laundry space. Visualise the amount of space left after everything is moved in. Also take into consideration the area needed for drying, since that takes up a lot of space. What are some creative ways to maximise the use of the laundry area? If space allows, consider building a washing bay area for easy access to a water point for washing of mops, shoes or hand washing of clothes. Do so by varying the floor height or adding a kerb to keep the dry and wet areas separate. Many homeowners are choosing to combine the service yard with the kitchen. When would it be recommended to do so? This is not recommended if homeowners often air-dry their laundry and do heavy cooking
concurrently. Cooking grease will likely get trapped on the laundry, resulting in unwanted odour. Combining the yard and kitchen is possible if homeowners do minimal or no cooking, and the airdrying laundry will not be visible from the living and dining hall. However, it is still subject to every home’s individual layout. What are your tips for a well-organised laundry area for families with frequent or large laundry loads? Allocate sufficient space to accommodate large laundry loads to avoid overcrowding, especially for air drying of clothes. Other than planning for the usual big items like the washer, dryer and clothes hanging system, have sufficient smart storage for items like the laundry basket, clothes pegs, detergent and even the ironing board. When buying laundry equipment, what should homeowners note? Homeowner should take measurements at the actual site with the selected model’s dimensions to ensure the existing site conditions like water pipes or kerbs are being considered. Homeowners should also take note that if they would like to stack the dryer above the washer, natural lighting might be blocked from the window, which may not be optimal depending on individual layouts.
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T H E FA M I LY â é ¦ È°ÂĀ îÉ°é ÿÛ É âʣ é  îÉ ÞĀ É ÐÈ ÐÈÛ° é ¦¦ °Þʨ " Ȱ° â ÐÉé É ú°é ù ÞĀ°É§  îÉ ÞĀ É âʣ Û É °É§ ÐÉ é § â Ц é °Â Þ Éʨ IS THE BIGGER, THE BETTER?
LAUNDRY HACK
r é Þ îްɧ È Ââ ÐÞ ¦îÉʣ È ââ É âé °Éâ Þ Û Þé Ц §ÞÐú°É§ °Â ʙâ °¦ ʨ aÐ ÛÞ ù Éé âé °Éâʣ  ú°é âé °Éâ °ÈÈ ° é ÂĀ ú°é É °Éâé Éé âé °É Þ ÈÐù Þʨ
Û É °É§ ÐÉ ĀÐîÞ ¦ È°ÂĀ â°ą ʣ Û °éĀ Ц Ƚȼ¿§ ÐÞ Ðù ¿ Ûâ é âéÞ ââ é Āʨ " Ȱ° â Цé É âéÞ ú°é ¦°É °É§ é Þ°§é â°ą ʨ Ýî âé°ÐÉ éÐ â¿ °â é ¦Þ Ýî É Ā Ц  îÉ ÞĀ ĀÐî ÛÞ ¦ Þ éÐ Ðʨ ÂâÐʣ Ðú Èî É ĀÐîÞ ÞĀ°É§ Þ ¿â É ÞĀ Þ É Â ú é  îÉ ÞĀ é ÐÉ §Ðʪ A DRYER OR NOT?
ÞĀ Þ É Â°¦ â ù Þʣ âÛ ° ÂÂĀ ¦ÐÞ ¦ Ȱ° â ú°é Ðé úÐÞ¿°É§ Û Þ Ééâ ÐÞ Ð ÉÐé ù ÂÛ Þ é ÐÈ ʨ r â Þ ÞĀ Þâ éĀÛ° ÂÂĀ ÐÈ ú°é âÈ ÂÂ Þ ÞĀ Þ Û °éĀ é É ú â Þ Û °éĀʨ BÐé é é é Û °éĀ refers to the weight of dry ÂÐé âʨ ; Þ§ Þ ¦ Ȱ° â È°§é ¦°É â Û Þ é ú â Þ É ÞĀ Þ ÈÐÞ ¦¦° ° Éé °Éâé ʨ
B R A N D T ’ S B W F 5 2 4 DWA is a
F 2 7 2 1 H T W V F R O M LG
12kg front-load washer suited for
features a 21kg capacity
large families within its compact 60cm by 60cm dimensions. It is a
with a 12kg dryer that accommodates a family
highly water and energy efficient model, and also has a special
of six to eight. Aside from WiFi controls to control
programme for baby clothes.
and SmartDiagnosis to diagnose issues, it boasts features TrueSteam to
W H I R L P O O L’ S S U P R E M E C A R E H S C X 1 0 4 3 1 is a 10kg dryer with
SteamCare and 3Dry technology for gentle, even and de-wrinkling drying. It has been awarded the maximum five-tick energy efficiency rating.
reduce allergens. The washer dryer washes and dries continuously while the optional TWINWash makes washing two separate loads simultaneously possible.
TO P LOA D O R F R O N T LOA D
When you shop for washing machines, you’ll quickly notice that there are two types: top load and front load. Each comes with pros and cons.
TOP LOA D
F RONT LOAD
COST
Lower
Higher
NOIS E
Louder
Quieter
WATER U S E
Less Efficient
More efficient
WASH CYC LE
Shorter
Longer
SPIN CYC LE
Longer
Shorter
ENERGY EF FIC IEN CY
Less Efficient
More efficient
STAIN REMOVAL
Less Efficient
More efficient
EAS E OF U SE
More comfort
Less comfort
MAINT ENANC E
Low
High
TIPS FOR TOP-LOAD WASHER
TIPS FOR FRONT-LOAD WASHER
If you choose a top-load washer, go for high Ĕ ° É Ā ʂ) ʃ °Éâé Ц §°é éÐÞ ÈÐ Ââʨ ) ÈÐ Ââ îâ  ââ ú é Þ É É Þ§Āʣ É Â É ĀÐîÞ ÂÐé â éé Þʨ BÐé é é âÐÈ éÐÛʌÂÐ ú â Þâ Þ éÐÐ Ûʣ âÐ âîÞ é é ĀÐî É Þ é ÐééÐÈ Ð¦ é ú â°É§ È °É ¦ÐÞ ÛîÞ â ʨ
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text ROSSARA JAMIL
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Get advice on preparing for Primary 1. LISTINGS
Find childcare and enrichment providers near you.
Get your copy today at Books OUT Kinokuniya, Times Bookstore, NOW! and youngparents.com.sg
F E AT U R E
STORE WARS Not sure how to go about keeping your rooms tidy? Here are the top storage Û° ¿â éÐ ÂÛ ĀÐî ĝ§é Âîéé Þʨ Moving into a new home can be an emotionally and physically draining battle. Boxes and clothes are strewn everywhere, there’s an endless checklist that seems to be growing, and let’s not even mention the mess that you’ll have to sift through once you’re in your new place. That’s why having a spring-cleaning battle plan – and plenty of storage options – is crucial. While most of us think of storage as built-in cabinets and drawers, it’s also essential to have adequate loose storage on hand; having a place to keep things organised is key to a clean, minimalist home that feels welcoming.
STUDY
S I M P LYC I T Y LADDER SHELF
KV I S S L E L E T T E R T R AY
Get your documents in order with this letter tray. Each of the four compartments comes with a cork base and can be pulled out for easy access. Best of all? It doesn’t require any screws for assembly. The Kvissle letter tray retails for $39 at all Ikea stores.
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Effortlessly chic, SimplyCity ladder shelf by Karpenter gives you plenty of space to display mementos and knick-knacks without taking up much space. Choose from FSCcertified reclaimed teak, American black walnut or European white oak. The SimplyCity ladder shelf retails at $518 at www. mountainteak.com.
B L U E LO U N G E C A B L E B I N
The BlueLounge CableBin is designed for extensive cable management, providing a place not only for extension boards but also larger electronics like your router. It comes with adhesive hooks that can be attached to the inside for hanging surge protectors and routers too.
S C A N D I N AV I A N C A B L E M A N AG E M E N T B OX
Stow messy cables away in this cable management box. It’s big enough to hide an extension board in, and has multiple openings for your charging wires – all concealed beneath a sleek white-and-wood colour scheme. The Scandinavian cable management box retails for $19.80 at www.styledegree.sg.
The BlueLounge CableBin retails for $116.10 at www.hipvan.com.
Kitchen
K n i f e a n d b oa r d m u lt i holder
A good set of knives and multiple chopping boards are the essentials of any home chef’s kitchen. Get yours in order with this organiser – it lets you store everything within easy reach, so you save time when doing food prep. The Knife and Board Multi Holder retails for $19.80 at www. styledegree.sg.
r a S Ko G t r o l l e y
Compact and mobile, the Raskog trolley is perfect for organising your kitchen needs. Use it as a bar cart to hold your drinks, mobile utensil storage, or as a snack station for when friends come over! The Raskog trolley retails for $59 at all Ikea stores.
at e l i e r K S t o r aG e b ox
Stash your odds and ends in these versatile crate boxes, made from FSC-certified reclaimed wood. They feature lockable wheels, so you can move them from room to room easily when needed. The Atelier K Storage Box retails at $115 at www. mountainteak.com.
d i n n e r wa r e o r G a n i S e r
P o ly P r o P y l e n e b ox e S
S c a n d i n av i a n m aG n e t i c
This handy little organiser fits into the corner of your kitchen countertop or cabinet, allowing you to stack dishes and maximise your space – a must-have for compact kitchens.
Get your drawers organised with these clear polypropylene (PP) boxes from Muji. With a range of sizes, you can mix and match to get the right configuration for your kitchen or stationery drawer.
fridGe holder
The PP boxes retail from $1.60 at all Muji stores.
The magnetic fridge holder retails for $24.90 at www.styledegree.sg.
The Pyramid Dinnerware Organiser retails for $19.80 at www.styledegree.sg.
This little organiser attaches firmly to the side of your fridge and provides a space to hold all those kitchen essentials. It comes with a shelf for condiments, a paper towel holder, and several handy hooks.
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TRINKETS & JEWELLERY
TO O L B OX
Available in a range of colours, the Vitra toolbox by Arik Levy features five different compartments housed in a sturdy yet compact box. The handle makes it easy to move the box from place to place – perfect for gathering art supplies or sewing materials.
Photo IKEA
The Vitra toolbox retails for $68 at the Vitra store.
AC R Y L I C CASE
P R I S M A J E W E L R Y T R AY
Never lose your earrings again – this geometric trinket tray holds all your accessories and knick knacks in one place. It has a soft linen base, so you don’t have to worry about your jewelry being scratched. The Prisma jewelry tray retails for $25.90 at www.hipvan.com.
Versatile enough to store sunglasses to earrings, the acrylic storage case range from Muji helps you get organised in the morning. The transparent cases can be stacked if you need space. The acrylic case storage range retails from $23 at all Muji stores.
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R OTA R Y T R AY
Featuring two tiers, this rotary tray will look right at home on the coffee table as a place for displaying knick-knacks. Its understated, minimalist design lets it blend well into any home. The rotary tray retails for $105 at the Vitra store.
WARDROBE
EASY CLEAN-UP TIPS BY NATHALIE RICAUD
breaking your clean-up tasks across several weekends. Be respectful of others’ belongings.
It may be tempting to get rid of everything once you’ve started, but don’t ever purge your family members’ belongings without their involvement.
C OT T O N L I N E N P O LY E S T E R S O F T B OX
With a zipper and pull-out handles, this box is perfect for storing infrequently-used items like seasonal clothing. Even though it looks like it’s made of soft linen, its body is sturdy and structured, protecting the items inside. The acrylic case retails for $23 at all Muji stores.
To stop procrastinating, envision your life free of clutter.
For most people, cleaning is a chore that we’d rather put off. To get over the procrastination, focus on the benefits of being clutter-free instead of the task itself. Envision saving time by being able to find things easily, increasing energy and happiness in a clean home, and living in a stress-free environment. Break down your spring cleaning into small and manageable parts.
Be realistic with your concentration threshold and availability. Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference!
P P S T O R AG E B OX
For a seamless storage solution, look no further than the PP storage box – it comes with drawers that pull out smoothly, so you can access your items easily. The translucency of the box means you can view what’s inside, plus they’re stackable, so you can build your own mini chest of drawers.
Purge by category where possible.
Proceeding by category such as clothes, toys, kitchenware, books, paper etc. gives you visibility on how much you own in one category. RASSLA ORGANISER
The PP storage box comes in various sizes and retails from $14.90 at all Muji stores.
Out of drawer space? The Rassla organiser hangs from your wardrobe rail, creating compartments that you can use for storing your folded clothes, towels, or bags. The Rassla organiser retails for $14.90 at all IKEA stores.
Build your decluttering muscle over time.
Although Marie Kondo advocates to “discard all at once, completely and intensely”, it can be paralysing for some people because of all the decisions to make, so don’t feel bad about
text MELODY BAY
Give yourself a deadline to dispose of your castaways.
If you intend to sell an item but there hasn’t been any buyer by your deadline, donate it. Similarly, if you want to offer items in good condition to your friend but can never find time to meet up, donate them instead. Sometimes the most important thing is to find the best option and move on. Be savvy when selling.
Selling takes time, so make sure the item you’re trying to sell is worth your while by setting a minimum amount – if it goes under that amount, you might be better off donating it instead. A garage sale is hard work but makes sense if you have a lot of small items to sell. Selling online on the other hand can be a long and tedious process, so evaluate which makes the most sense. Nathalie Ricaud is a professional organiser and the founder of Get Organised & Beyond. She helps people declutter and establish systems so they can create and maintain a clutter-free, organised and peaceful home and make time for the meaningful things in their life. Visit her website www. getorganisedandbeyond. com for more details.
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W H E R E TO B U Y
ATOMI
DANISH DESIGN CO
LIFESTOREY
RO COLLECTION
TURBO ITALIA
EHKA STUDIO
#04-26/27 Mandarin Gallery Tel: 6887 4138 www.atomi-jp.com
#06-03 Century Warehouse 100E Pasir Panjang Road Tel: 6270-8483 www.danishdesignco. com
16 Tai Seng Street Tel: 6749 2422 www.lifestorey.com
www.rocollection.dk
(Meng Kee & Co showroom) 55 Jalan Besar Tel: 6294-3771/62941938 www.turbo-italia.com
891B Bukit Timah Road Tel: 6909-2798 www.ehkastudio.com/
APAISER
23 Mosque Street Tel: 6223 2378 www.apaiser.com BANG & OLUFSEN
#01-05 Grand Hyatt 10-12 Scotts Road 6737-7500 www.bang-olufsen. com BLAFINK
#02-09 Victory Center 110 Lor 23 Geylang Tel: 8750 6522 www.blafink.com BOCONCEPT
#04-01/02/03 Paragon Shopping Centre 290 Orchard Rd Tel: Â 6736 0777 www.boconcept.com BOTTEGA VENETA
#01-04 ION 2 Orchard Turn Tel: 6238-0020 www.bottegaveneta. com DANOVEL
#01-02 100 Pasir Panjang Road Tel: 6338-2488 www.danovel.com
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EGG3
44 Joo Chiat Place Tel: 6538-3229 www.eggthree.com GEORG JENSEN
#B1-03A Takashimaya Shopping Centre 391 Orchard Road Tel: 6664-0178 www.georgjensen. com
LIVING DNA
#01-10B Space@Tampines 18 Tampines Industrial Crescent www.livingdna.sg
ROCHE BOBOIS
#01-02 Boon Siew Building 75 Bukit Timah Tel: 6513-1918 www.roche-bobois. com RUHENS
MADE&MAKE
04-00 Jubilee Industrial Building 6 Genting Road Tel: 6908 5908 www.makeandmake. sg MOUNTAIN TEAK
#01-06 Zervex, 8 Ubi Rd 2 Tel: 8186-2186 www.ruhens.com.sg SCENE SHANG
263 Beach Road Tel: 6291-9629 ww.sceneshang.com
URBANORDIC
#04-07 Tan Boon Liat Building Tel: 6224-0765 www.urbanordic.com VITRA
#01-01 and #03-01 201 Henderson Road Tel: 6270-8828 www.vitra.com WOODVIBESONLY
FURNITURE GALLERY
#07-02 315 Outram Road Tel: 6224-7176 www.mountainteak. com
SMOKE SIGNATURE
#02-29 Esplanade Mall Tel: 6261-3277 www.smoke.sg
#01-2674 81 Geylang Bahru Tel: 9816 9906 www.woodvibesonly. com
PRADA ATELIER LAB
SOUL & TABLES
XTRA
#01-155 19 Kallang Avenue Tel: 6291 1725 www.hipvan.com
Level 1 Takashimaya Department Store 391A Orchard Road Tel: 6506 0458
#02-01/03 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road Tel: 9272-1545 www.soulandtables. com.sg
#02-48 Marina Square Tel: 6336-0688 www.xtra.com.sg
JOURNEY EAST
P5
#03-02 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road Tel: 6473-1693 www.journeyeast.com
#01-01/02 Winsland House 1 3 Killiney Road Tel: 6337-0050 www.p5.com.sg
GRAFUNKT
#04-01 to 06 Funan Mall Tel: 6336-6046/62388372 www.grafunkt.com/ HIPVAN
PROOF LIVING
9 Purvis Street, #0101 Tel: 6333-9388 www.liaigre.com
#04-16 Ion Orchard Tel: 6509-0555 www.proof.com.sg
685A East Coast Road Tel: 6698-7987 www.eightytwo.sg ENOCH ID
#02-09 38 Kim Tian Road Tel: 9828-6859 ERSTUDIO
211 Jalan Besar, #0200/#03 Attic Tel: 9456-1610/69093360 www.erstudio.design THE COTTAGE CRAFTS
23 Mcnair Road Townerville Tel: 6336-7588 www.thecottagecraft. com SPACE SENSE STUDIO
11 Jalan Wangi Tel: 8200-8777/62418991 www. spacesensestudio. com
SPACE FURNITURE
INTERIOR DESIGNERS
77 Bencoolen Street www.spacefurniture. com.sg
AKIHAUS DESIGN
THE SCIENTIST
STUDIO
#06-86 CT-HUB 2 114 Lavender Street Tel: 6743-0363 www.thescientist. com.sg
THE BEURO LIAIGRE
EIGHTYTWO
#03-10 Tan Boon Liat Building Tel: 6222-4500 www.thebeuro.com
10 Raeburn Park Blk A, #04-02 Tel: 6221-2808 www.akihaus.com
bUyiNG GUiDe
Your one-stop resource for products and services
electrical & electronics
furniture, appliances & furnishings
scaNteak
Haire LiviNG
60 Sungei Kadut Drive www.scanteak.com.sg
Harvey NormaN
space fUrNitUre
Level 4 29 Mayo Street Tel: 6441-3345 www.haireliving.com
#01-59 to 63 Millenia Walk Tel: 6311-9988 www.harveynorman. com.sg
77 Bencoolen Street www.spacefurniture. com.sg
acorN
#02-09 512 Chai Chee Lane Tel: 6445-6144 www.acorn ceilingfan.com braNDt asia
#02-51/52 Oxley Bizhub 65 Ubi Road One Tel: 6508-4639 www.brandt.sg
furniture & furnishings
#06-01 1 Kallang Way 2A Tel: 6747-2742 www.efenz.com.sg
#01-01 Concorde Hotel Tel: 6468-6333 www.davincilifestyle. com Home 2 U GaLLery
eLectroLUX s.e.a.
#07-10 Galaxis 1 Fusionopolis Place Tel: 6727-3699 www.electrolux.com. sg fisHer & paykeL
#03-01A Ubi Biz Hub 150 Ubi Avenue 4 Tel: 6547-0100 www.fisherpaykel. com/sg
1 Pasir Panjang Road Tel: 6273-2522 www.starliving. com.sg XZQt
Da viNci LifestyLe efeNZ ceiLiNG faN
star LiviNG
#02-719/720 Suntec City Tower 4 Tel: 6737-7838
#01-05 8 Pandan Crescent Tel: 6774-8031 www.xzqt.com.sg
interior designers DesiGN iNterveNtioN
mUji
#02-198 Vivocity Tel: 6376-8023 www.muji.com/sg rocHe bobois
#01-02 Boon Siew Building 75 Bukit Timah Tel: 6513-1918 www.roche-bobois. com
75E Loewen Road Tel: 6506-0920 www.design intervention.com.sg
imaGiNe by sk66
#01-22 UB One 81 Ubi Avenue 4 Tel: 6604-8330 www.imaginebysk66. com mow iNterior DesiGN
#08-02 Tai Seng Point 11 Irving Place Tel: 6246-6614 www.mowinterior.com NeU koNceptZ
#03-11 Bizhub 28 28 Senang Crescent Tel: 6746-3723 www.neukonceptz. com.sg tHree-D coNceptwerke
24 Eng Hoon Street Tel: 6293-8001 www.three-dconceptwerke.com
caesarstoNe s.e.a.
#08-06 The Spire 10 Bukit Batok Crescent Tel: 6316-1938 www.caesarstone.sg coseNtiNo
34/35 Duxton Road Tel: 6713-9543 www.cosentino.com DUravit asia
(Singapore Branch) 63 Tras Street Tel: 6221-9315 www.duravit.com Hafary
105 Eunos Avenue 3 Tel: 6250-1368 www.hafary.com.sg NatUraL forest
#10-01B Keck Seng Tower 133 Cecil Street Tel: 6238-5920 Novita
DweLL iNterior DesiGN
11 Kim Yam Road Tel: 6883-1005 www.dwell.com.sg
renovation Materials
lighting
#04-00 Techniques Building 8 Tagore Drive www.novita.com.sg
LiGHtcraft
131 Jalan Sultan Tel: 6297-6658 www.lightcraft.com.sg
timpLeX
#01-13 18 Sin Ming Lane Tel: 6898-1120 www.timplex.sg
119
hard truth
what’s trending & what we think
Something old, Something new
120
ust a couple of months ago, I had dinner in a Spanish restaurant on a trip to Malacca. The restaurant was a refurbished shophouse. We were invited to sit at a long wooden table in what used to be the airwell, right next to a palm tree that stretched nearly two storeys, towards the skylight that was above our heads. Not long after, back in Singapore, I attended the opening of the new Shake Shack on Neil Road, also in a shophouse. Shortly after that, I visited a new co-living space called Shang House, jointly created by Scene Shang and Figment, and – you guessed it – also in a shophouse. A pre-war terrace house, to be specific. These days, we might not give it a second thought, though purists might balk at the idea of these iconic shophouses – which are commonly found in areas such as Tanjong Pagar, Joo Chiat, and Bugis – being used for such modern developments. That said, the notion of housing a modern concept within traditional architecture is definitely not a new one. You only have to visit Emerald Hill, Keong Saik Road, or Clarke Quay to see throngs of diners having a meal, after-office crowds grabbing a drink, and occasionally creatives popping into an art or music studio. The vibe is usually contemporary and chill, catering to the twenty- or thirtysomething adult. And often, if you look carefully, there are plenty of allusions to local life in the design: the décor might include mosaics in a nod to the heritage of the building, or
furniture that looks right at home with the grilles and shutters. In fact, the design of these modern establishments often centres on the trademark features of the shophouse: the five-foot way outside, the airwell that lets in natural light, the lofty ceilings that draw the eye upwards. Highlighting these features serves to draw attention to them, increasing the general public’s apprecation for the iconic buildings and what they represent. Paying homage to the building’s history is also an essential element for sensitive design. In Shake Shack on Neil Road, for example, a large tiger mural dominates the back wall, in a nod to the days when the building was an old Tiger Balm factory. In Shang House on Pegu Road, you’ll find plenty of rattan pieces prominently featured throughout the apartment, a tribute to Balestier’s rich history as a rattan-manufacturing area in the past. Cynics might argue that these elements are in place to lend texture to the brand’s storytelling – but they are no doubt an aesthetically pleasing touch, a preferable alternative to the impersonality of boxy modern spaces, and often a creative way to unite the old and the new. It’s this juxtaposition of the past and the present, the traditional and the urban, that makes Singapore’s scene so unique. After all, one must change with the times. And what better way to breathe new life into these old buildings, and to help more generations of Singaporeans appreciate the beauty of these iconic shophouses?
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