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contents
August
the
monochrome issue 19
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Good for the earth, Great as a table Mater’s eco-friendly Column dining table gives yogurt pots new life.
Grey & cosy Deep, monochrome shades dominate this luxurious apartment, with bold wallpapers for an offbeat tone.
lone luxury What a bachelor can get away with when designing his personal domain.
the upcycleR
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the picks
Great buys Our monthly roundup of the hottest new design products for the home.
the posh pad
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the hollywood classics
relive the Glam stunning visuals from Hollywood black and white classics inspire gorgeous interiors.
the bacheloR pad
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the mood boaRds
maGnificent monochrome A single colour isn’t monotonous when using shades of it can create depth and character.
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Less Is More A clean, raw look for a homeowner who took charge of his HDB flat’s interior design.
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contents
August
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EyE for StylE How a young couple undertook the design of their home, with help from a stylesavvy carpenter.
clEar-cut A black-andwhite interior gets glammed up with a magnificent mix of greys and marble.
The new nesT
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wax lyrical Intensify the dramatic appeal of your minimalist zone with these delicately scented candles.
thE art of lEttEr writinG Paris-based French artist L’Atlas’ universal language of lines, shapes and letters sees him crossing boundaries.
The scenTs
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The dark & sexy
GrEy MattErS this apartment takes a no-holds-barred approach to achieving an industrial chic look. 72
The resTauranT
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Wall Decor Elements of wild nature or geometric prints add visual interest to any home.
prEludio Chef Fernando Arevalo takes diners on an exciting monochromatic trail with tasty servings plated in black and white. 74
The lighT indusTrial
whitE and BriGht Once a cramped and dark apartment, this condominium unit now has a bright, airy ambience and loftinspired look. 82
The wallcovering
SEttinG thE ScEnE Explore exciting wallpapers – with wildlife, botanic or geometric prints – that will make the surfaces in your home stand out.
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The bold
The calligrapher
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The celebriTy designer
StylE likE a pro It’s easy to give your bedroom the perfect finishing touch, by following these simple rules by interior style guru sarah Richardson. 100
The Tipple
alMoSt faMouS craft BEEr Bar A simple design allows bar-goers to focus on “basal experiential components” like craft beer and good company. 102
The cafe
Glyph Supply co. It’s all about coffee at this minimalist cafe in somerset. 104
The kiTchen
10 SurfacES for a claSSic rEMakE Black and white kitchens never go out of style.
ConTenTs
august
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12 0
Practically Perfect this is a home where everything has a specific placement.
size doesn’t matter Beautiful things really do come in small packages.
the DIY genIus
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12 8
the DesIgner
a colourful sPace for the community Dp Design director Mike lim talks about project our tampines hub winning iDCs Excellence award. 114
the looks
the man cave
our favourite looks interior design experts share their take on black and white interiors.
the hard truth 14
editor’s note 16
h&d.com.sg 17 digital edition exclusives 12 6 where to buy 127
buying guide
on the cover
Condo Cool
A look just as mysterious and scintillating as iconic noir flick Psycho. photography Tan W ei Te styling nonie CHen
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Soft Industrial Combine a minimalist theme with sensual aspects in design.
Group Editor-in-ChiEf Caroline Ngui (nguislc@sph.com.sg) Group Editor Joanna Lee-Miller (jolee@sph.com.sg)
Editorial Editor Young Lim (younglim@sph.com.sg) ExECutivE Sub-Editor Adeline Wong (adewong@sph.com.sg) SEnior WritEr Domenica Tan (domtan@sph.com.sg) WritErS Eliza Hamizah (elizahby@sph.com.sg) Isabelle Tow (imztow@sph.com.sg)
crEativE SEnior Art dirECtor Nonie Chen (noniec@sph.com.sg) Art dirECtor Kristy Quah (krisquah@sph.com.sg)
digital trEnding dEsk
photoGrAphErS Darren Chang (darrenc@sph.com.sg)
Group Editor Dhylan Boey dhylanb@sph.com.sg
Phyllicia Wang (wanglx@sph.com.sg)
ASSoCiAtE Editor Joy Fang joyfang@sph.com.sg SEnior ContEnt SpECiAliSt (bEAuty) Joyce Cheo jcheo@sph.com.sg
brand lab & vidEo lab dirECtor Ong Ting Nee (tingnee@sph.com.sg) Editor Grace Chua (cshgrace@sph.com.sg) SEnior Art dirECtor Neccol Woo (neccolw@sph.com.sg) SEnior GrAphiC dESiGnEr Sherry Leung (suetyee@sph.com.sg) vidEo Editor Firdaus Mahadi (firmhdi@sph.com.sg)
PhotograPhy ChiEf photoGrAphEr Veronica Tay (verontay@sph.com.sg) ExECutivE photoGrAphErS Frenchescar Lim (frenchl@sph.com.sg) Tan Wei Te (tanweite@sph.com.sg)
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Vee Chin (veechin@sph.com.sg) vidEoGrAphErS Alicia Chong (achong@sph.com.sg)
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d i g i tal development Home & Decor is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd, 1000 Toa Payoh North, News Centre, Annexe Block Level 8, Singapore 318994, Tel: 6319-6319, Fax: 6319-6345 Distributed by Circulation Department, Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, Singapore registration no.: 197801823M. SPH Magazines registration no: 196900476M MCI (P) 098/03/2019
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e d i to r ’ s n ot e
c o m f o r t i n t h e da r k
Yo u n g l i m e d i to r
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complex when you factor in a style as rigorous as Minimalism. It takes a certain amount of skill and rigid determination to pull off the muted tones and minimalist look, and it’s also not the type of interior design suited for all lifestyles, especially not homeowners with hoarder tendencies. That being said, it is always enjoyable to admire rooms designed with such a stark slant. It’s an aesthetic that is easy to fall in love with, although at the end of the day, one will still have to consider the practicalities of living in such spaces. This issue is dedicated to owners who have boldly stuck to their vision, and found ways to make their monochrome home work.
photography AngelA guo art direction nonie chen
Coco Chanel once said: “Women think of all colours except the absence of colour. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” While she might have been referring to the world of fashion, the sentiment holds true when it comes to interior decor as well. Knowing how to work with a monochromatic or greyscale palette is an art form, nay, a science in fact, which requires in-depth knowledge of how to strike that delicate balance between black and white, and creating the illusion of depth by using darker tones to accentuate or downplay dark shadows. The challenge becomes even more
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sighTs & inspiraTion check us ouT aT @homeanddecor_sg
review: muzen radio-speaker Old-school radios are back in style. See how this fares. www.tinyurl.com/muzenradioreview
10 youtubers with cool decorating tricks Get inspiration from channels that focus on DIY creations and celebrity home tours. www.tinyurl.com/interioryoutubers
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Check out popular blog posts of the month more inTerior sTyles from our online image library
This monTh on our ‘kiTchen To die for’ board… www.pinTeresT.com/ homeanddecorsg
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IN THE AUGUST DIGITAL ISSUE… LOFTY AMBITION Find out how this homeowner manages to combine the hip boutique hotel look with the functionality of a home.
BONUS GALLERIES & VIDEOS DARK & GUTSY Take a closer look at this cosy apartment with industrial rawness and designer art.
WHITE LUXE More stunning shots of this posh pad designed by one of Singapore’s leading IDs of luxury residences. 17
DWELL INTERIOR DESIGN P. L . INTERIOR DESIGN & CONSULTANCY DESIGN & BUILD | ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS W W W.DW E LL.CO M .SG
RIVER VALLEY | 11 KIM YAM ROAD | T 6883 1005 | TALKTOUS@DWELL.COM.SG BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
t h e u p cyc l e R
Good for the earth, G r e at a s a ta b l e
“Our planet is struggling, and never before has it been more obvious that we need to take action to protect our environment. Mater believes in working to turn waste plastic into durable and desirable designs for the home,� says Henrik Marstrand, CEO and founder of Mater, a 13-year-old Danish furniture brand that uses sustainable and ethically sourced materials. What really sets Mater’s collections apart from others is the sleek way it incorporates Scandinavian minimalist looks
with an eco-friendly design philosophy. The Column dining table, designed by OEO Studio, features a marble-like tabletop made of 100 per cent recycled yogurt pots, while the legs are made from a lacquered oilburnt iron sheet, giving the table a monolithic feel. The trestles are handmade by skilled artisans and craftspeople in Moradabad, North India. The Column table is made to order. Visit www.materdesign. com to find out more.
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the piCkS
EDITOR’S CHOICE
sHot oF LiGHt Italian designer Matteo Ugolini’s quirky interpretation of Cupid’s arrow darting through two hearts, the Cupido pendant lamp, will have you instantly falling head over heels for it. Featuring a thin bar of LED light piercing through two lampshades with black and white designs within, this hanging accessory casts an ambient glow over the space beneath, making it perfect for the dining area or lounge. Cupido was launched at Euroluce 2019 at the Salone del Mobile Milano, and is available at Pure Interior, #01-01 Delta House, 2 Alexandra Road. Price upon request.
Add to cart
fLUiD mAtter Add a hint of “Afroluxe” to your home with authentic homeware and accessories from Ashepa. Crafted by African artisans, these handmade products range from Ankole coasters and wooden salad servers to ceramic wares and mudcloth cushions. Founder Chetna Bhatt was born in Kenya, and Ashepa is her way of sharing soulful tribal culture with the world.
Seemingly hewn by nature and cast out of molten ice and black lava, the Pelago table is the latest addition to Zaha Hadid’s Mercuric collection. In line with the late architect-slash-designer’s penchant for organic shapes, Pelago (designed by the studio she left behind) features billowy soft curves resulting in a strong and unique silhouette. It’s definitely not a look for every home, but for the ones that it does fit, this table will no doubt be an instant head turner.
Visit www.ashepa.com. Visit www.citco.it for pricing and order enquiries.
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Fun siZE
LoSt & foUnD Hailed as the lamp of all lamps when it won the coveted gold medal at the Triennale di Milano in 1954, the Dokka lamp (designed by Birger Dahl) went into obscurity when the factory producing it ceased operations shortly after. Thankfully for us, Dokka didn’t go the way of the dodo and was brought back from the brink of extinction by Norwegian brand Northern, which also added three colours to the Dokka’s repertoire.
This instant camera printer can help you document all your beautifully styled spaces and home gatherings. Among Canon’s latest models, Inspic (C) comes with a fivemegapixel camera and small selfie
mirror next to the lens to allow ease of shooting, while Inspic (S) has an eight-megapixel fixed-focus camera with a built-in LED ring light circling the lens to create beautiful portrait shots. All your printouts can
also be used as stickers, making them easy for scrapbooking. Inspic (C) comes in pink, yellow and blue, Inspic (S) is available in white, black and rose gold. They retail for $159 and $219 respectively at all authorised dealers.
Dokka retails for $295 (before delivery charges) on www.nest.co.uk.
TRENDING
Un-BASiC BASinS A statement sink helps to turn an average bathroom setup into a cool space brimming with character. The two Kensho sinks marry Eastern motifs with Western techniques, while Hui’s bold patterns are paired with a minimalist form. We also love the subtle curves on the Toto sink by Jaime Hayon.
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1 1. Toto x Hayon sink, price upon request, from W. Atelier. 2 . Hui sinks, $650
each, from Meraki Decoration. 3 . Kensho stone sinks, prices upon request, from Kohler.
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eXotiC LUXe Muranti’s Mayan bar stool is inspired by the Mexican Riviera, a river that stretches more than 990 miles along the coast of Mexico. A plush jet black seat in velvet and leather flows down into rose-gold metallic legs, making the stool look and feel as opulent as it is mysterious and captivating. Pair a few of these beauties with a bar topped with black marble for the ultimate look of decadence. More information at www.muranti.com/ products/mayan-bar-chair/.
trADition MEEts MoDErnitY Adopting an ancient technique of incorporating brass inlays into wood surfaces, these side tables by Angelo Cappellini are a result of traditional craftsmanship coupled with modern, elegant aesthetics. The body of the table is made of a solid cylindrical base clad in metal that has a brushed brass finish, for a sophisticated, textured look. Angelo Cappellini side tables retail from 6,898 euros (S$10,550) at www.angelocappellini.com.
QUALITY SLEEP What’s more rewarding than a good night’s rest among luxurious, comfortable bedspreads from Frette after a long, tiring day? Made in Italy, Frette’s luxury Tile bedspread is made of jacquard, with overlapping curve patterns. For extra comfort, complete the look and feel with a fur throw blanket, made from fox and backed with pure silk. Frette’s luxury Tile bedspread is priced at $3,585, available at B1 Takashimaya.
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KITCHEN PERFECTION INTRODUCING THE KITCHEN COMPANION PRODUCTS
fisherpaykel.com
Smooth moveS The Bosch Vita Maxx is a vacuum blender that reduces the air within the container before blending, preventing your fruits from oxidising and losing their flavours. Your blends also last twice as long when kept in the accompanying vacuum flask. It is available for $1,299 at Unserhaus Experience Centre and www.boschhome.com.sg.
ArtiSt of the month
AsiAn CurAtion light and Dark Explore the world of light and darkness in the late artist Raimund Girke’s range of monochromatic paintings, including his early large-format works, to more intimate paintings completed in his later years. Entitled The Silent Balance, this exhibition will be Axel Vervoordt Gallery’s third solo presentation of Girke’s art pieces.
Scene Shang and Choo Yilin, two local brands known for their Asian-inspired designs, have collaborated to produce a luxury jewellery box. Named Shuang Xi, each lacquer box is handmade by Vietnamese lacquer artisans. The “Double Happiness” ligature – which symbolises wealth of joy – is at the very centre of the design. It is finished with gold leaf and 12 layers of lacquer. It retails for $388, and is available at www.sceneshang. com or the Scene Shang flagship store, 263 Beach Road.
The Silent Balance runs till Sept 28, 2019 at Axel Vervoordt Gallery, 21F Coda Designer Centre, 62 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong.
Drink Up Making a good cup of coffee at home just got even more convenient with Nespresso’s latest Essenza Plus! Aside from the usual espresso and lungo, you can now also enjoy an Americano or tea – with the hot water option – using the machine. You won’t have to worry about running out of coffee capsules, as there is a one-touch reorder function that lets you replenish stocks at home easily. Nespresso Essenza Plus retails for $288 at Nespresso boutiques and www.nespresso.com. 24
text Domenica Tan, eliza HamizaH
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k a e l t ia k c s e a sp
Why choose Wood flooring? Aside from gorgeous aesthetics, wood flooring offers safety and versatility for use in homes. Our expert sheds light on this fantastic material.
smaller dimensions, ranging from 17mm (thickness) by 72mm (width) to 24mm (thickness) by 48mm (width), which makes parquet ideal for use in compact spaces or unique layouts. There are also different patterns for arranging parquet slabs. Some popular designs include herringbone and chevron patterns. tell us mOre AbOut tOngue And grOOve teAk flOOring.
Teak has always been one of the most sought after flooring materials for homeowners, simply because of its hardiness, sensual texture and beautiful grain. A well-laid wood floor adds plenty of warmth and cosiness to interiors, making the entire space feel inviting. But do you know that there are much more benefits
Parquet flooring (Basket weave)
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No, they are not, but parquet flooring is perfect for indoor use. It comes in
Tongue and groove is a type of joint for wood flooring. It requires a specific installation method, where wood pieces are fitted edge to edge and joined seamlessly. This method can be used for interior and exterior spaces, including in the living room, bedrooms, pool decks and gardens, as well as for staircases, pillars and even ceiling and wall claddings, making wood an extremely versatile material to work with. This requires the use of lengthier wood strips – up to 1,650mm – and is great for larger floor areas.
Parquet flooring (Herringbone)
Tongue and groove teak flooring
to wood flooring, other than its timeless look? Ask Teak, a local specialist in teak flooring, shares the unique aspects of such flooring and reasons why it’s worth the investment. Are All pArquet flOOring the sAme?
is wOOd flOOring sAfe fOr use At hOme, in the presence Of the elderly And yOung children?
Of course! Teak flooring has anti-slip properties that make it suitable for damp areas, such as for bathrooms, pool decks and patios. Burmese teak is also more durable and has a natural fragrance. is wOOd flOOring An envirOnmentAlly friendly chOice? Our company focuses on the sustainability of our materials and being kind to nature. Ask Teak’s wood flooring options are from sustainable sources in Myanmar, where materials are procured from forests that mandate annual allowable cuts, so the natural habitat is protected. With all these in mind, you’re now ready to get teak flooring and achieve the look and feel you want in your home! Visit www.askteak.com to find out more.
Anti-slip wood flooring
t h e p o s h pa d The sprawling interior sports a monochromatic palette, with customised furniture – from the sofa and shelves to the dining table. The original marble flooring was left intact, lending the apartment a cool yet nostalgic feel.
Who lives here
An American expat couple with three children, as tenants h om e A three-bedroom apartment at Four Seasons Park s iz e 2,261sqf
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grey & cosy Deep, monochrome shades dominate this luxurious apartment, with bold wallpapers for an offbeat tone. Jacqueline Tan discovers the whimsical details in the midst of luxury. 29
above
The attentiongrabbing wallpaper makes for a great conversation starter. A treasured painting from the landlord’s personal art collection decorates another wall; Alvin was tasked with displaying the artworks. ri ght
These metal and wood shelves were designed such that the component modules can be slid out or separated for different looks.
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W
hen the owner of this luxurious condominium unit bought the apartment, his intention was for it to be a weekend retreat. And when it came to the renovation, not only was budget not an issue, Teo Chen Hian, a director with the Tong Eng Group of companies, left the planning, design and choice of furnishings entirely to Alvin Kwan, creative director of AKD3SIGN. His only request was for a strong, masculine colour palette – the rest was entrusted to Alvin, right down to the display of his personal collection of artworks and choice of bed linen. “The owner gave me free rein, and that gave me room
to ‘experiment’ with different elements and textures,” says Alvin. “I decided to play around with wallpapers for the rooms, not the conventional sort but something bolder, unexpected and even fun.” Originally a four-bedder, the apartment was reconfigured into a three-bedder, with two of the rooms merged to form a junior suite – a perfect arrangement for the tenants, an American couple and their three children. A second (and smaller) living area just outside the bedrooms serves as the “family room” – its original parquet flooring had been painstakingly stained black, in contrast with the polished marble flooring in the front part of the home.
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To inject the different rooms with a unique feel and atmosphere, Alvin decorated the walls with wallpapers that were either textured or covered with whimsical motifs such as tree trunks, birds and animals – all from premium wallpaper brands in the UK. “The designs I chose were so unconventional that the wallpaper installer commented that I’m one of the few interior designers who dare to be adventurous in my selection,” he says with a smile. “Those quirky designs add an element of ‘fun’, amid the more sombre colours that dominate the living and dining areas.” The original marble flooring that spanned the living and dining areas was retained for a touch of old-world charm and elegance. “I always try to retain something nice about a house
ab ov e
The customised TV console employs a cutting-edge German system with interchangeable panels and movable doors – just one of the outstanding modular designs incorporated in this home.
opposit e
In a refreshing break from the greys and earthy tones in the living room, Alvin played with different motifs and textured wallpapers for the bedrooms.
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or apartment. I feel that the marble flooring has a timeless appeal and sophistication, so why not keep it?” says Alvin. While the budget was not a concern, that decision helped to save on renovation costs, which came up to around $400,000 (including furnishings). Alvin also experimented with modular designs for the sofa set, TV console and display shelves. Every sofa unit and side table has been customised so that they can be moved around to create different looks, depending on the mood or occasion, yet still fit one another. The customised TV console employs a cuttingedge German system that has interchangeable panels and movable doors, in order to create a unique pattern. As for the metal shelves with wood panels featuring horizontal grain, they can also be slid out for a different look. The kitchen also underwent a makeover, where the wall separating the laundry “backyard” from the kitchen area was torn down to give the impression of a single space.
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b elow
The kitchen has plenty of storage space for crockery and utensils, and also features a cabinet specially made to conceal the washing machine. ri ght
Wood accents add a touch of warmth in the cooking space. The bar counter comes with a wooden side table for a quick breakfast in the kitchen.
The kiTchen also underWenT a makeover, Where The Wall separaTing The laundry “backyard� from The kiTchen area Was Torn doWn To give The impression of a single space.
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o pp osite
A sleek fourposter bed was specially customised for the master bedroom, with the forest-themed wallpaper lending a dose of fairy-tale charm to the sanctuary. le ft
The wardrobe in dark wood laminate has customised slim door handles for a sleek look. b e low
Clad in marble, the spacious master bathroom exudes elegance.
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“Since the laundry can be done in air-conditioned comfort, it doesn’t need a separate space, as long as the washing machine and dryer are hidden when not in use,” says Alvin. Additional storage cabinets were also incorporated in the renovated kitchen, including a mini countertop with bar stools to serve as a cosy area for a quick breakfast. Sophistication and luxury may seem effortless for a sprawling apartment like this one, but for added character and charm, it’s the little details that count.
photography frenchescar lim art direction nonie chen
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T h e h o l ly wo o d c l a s s i c s
relive the glam When it comes to monochromatic inspiration, nothing beats the stunning visuals from some of the most well-loved Hollywood black and white classics. We channel their pizazz into gorgeous interiors for some added glitz and sexiness.
Suave Italian Flair r o m a n h o l i day 1953
This award-winning comedy starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn offers plenty of design fodder when it comes to giving your interiors a touch of bold Italian style. 38
t h is page :
o n s h e lf fr o m le f t
Angel statue, $298, from The Cottage Crafts. Flower pot (small) with saucer, $125, from Grafunkt. o n flo o r clo ckwis e fr o m le f t
Tripod spotlight floor lamp, $480; Wendelbo Peak sofa plus back cushion, $6,695; Handy table, $435; all from Urbanordic. Flower pot (big) with saucer, $167, from Grafunkt.
When Action Was Louder Than Words city lights 1931
A heart-rending tale of how a tramp (Charlie Chaplin) falls in love with a blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill), this movie sets the scene for a space filled with cosiness and femininity.
oppos it e:
fr o m le f t
Tip toe bar chair (100cm), $856, from Urbanordic. Santorus silk scarf, $399, from Bode.
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on wa ll
Cloud decoration in a pack of 24, $2,295, from Grafunkt.
on s hel f
Black Muuto shelves in a pair, $2,940, from Grafunkt. Top shelf, fr om l efT
Hitchcock Forever p syc h o 1960
It is one of the most iconic film noir flicks to be produced by Alfred Hitchcock; who can forget the signature shower scene and the ear-piercing musical score? Here, we’ve transformed that sheer excitement into a look that’s more muted but just as mysterious and scintillating.
Muuto open candelabra, $165; glass dome, price unavailable; all from Grafunkt. Mini La Chaise Eames, $515, from Vitra. Muuto-focus table lamp, $315, from Grafunkt. secon d shelf
Mini Art 41 Paimio Aalto, $395; wooden doll cat, $218; all from Vitra. Mini chair, price unavailable, from Grafunkt. Cone clock polyurethane, $625, from Vitra. b oT Tom lay er
Wooden dolls, $215 each, from Vitra. Bottle (set of 3), $20, from Grafunkt. on floor
Black elephant (small), $165, from Vitra. Muuto loft chair, $660, from Grafunkt.
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The New Old the artist 2011
Fashion and film meet in this recent release done in the style of silent black and white movies. We used this French comedy-drama as the influence for this room’s chic and stylish look.
c lo c kw i se f r om l e ft Muuto vase, $200, from Grafunkt. Necklace, $69; coat-hanger, $680; all from The Cottage Crafts.
Pumpkin stool, $495, from Urbanordic. Timorous Beasties cloud toile fabric wallcovering, $244 per metre, from Bode.
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o n wal l
Graphic bag, $55. from Vitra.
o n s he l f fr om top
Artek Kaari wall shelf with desk, $3,160; Nuage medium vase, $385; Nuage large vase, $478; all from Vitra. o n flo o r
Artek Lukki chair, $865, from Vitra.
Where Form Meets Functionality A T r i p To T h e M o o n 1902
Unlike the protagonists of this film, who travelled to outer space, the space we are creating here is on land, but filled with the boldness and practicality suited for those with the courage to go where no man has gone before.
photography Tan Wei Te & darren chang styling nonie chen
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t h e b ac h e lo r pa d
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Lone Luxury Lynn Tan discovers what a bachelor can get away with
when designing his personal domain.
These Hans J. Wegner Wishbone Chairs are favoured by homeowner Chia Ching Kai for their ergonomic design and comfort.
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Who lives here home
F
reelance graphic designer Chia Ching Kai bought this 1975 HDB flat in its original condition and decided to take on the interior design himself. “I was very clear about the design concept, layout and how I wanted it furnished. I also knew exactly how the space should function, both as a home and for work. Having previously collaborated with a reliable contractor on a few smaller renovation projects, I didn’t see the need to involve a third party in this case,” he says. The original walls dividing the two bedrooms and the living room were hacked to create one large space, much like a studio apartment. This is Ching Kai’s idea of “openness”, where there are “no secrets, just airiness and lots of natural light”. The main living and work area reflect a minimalist approach, from the decor and
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colour palette, to the furniture and storage solutions. “It has been distilled to what I need in my daily life and work,” he shares. The only furniture within the space is a large worktop that also serves as a communal dining table when entertaining guests. It is complemented by three Hans J. Wegner Wishbone Chairs and a long wooden bench. An assortment of plants are arranged along the windows, with a solitary armchair placed in the corner. Instead of the usual television console against a feature wall backdrop, Ching Kai designed a row of built-in cabinets that stretch across the full length of the space. The cabinet doors are intended to appear like a feature wall when closed and he went to great lengths to achieve this. He wanted a raw cement look, but practical considerations
A bachelor A three-room HDB apartment in Hougang siz e 750 sq ft
Below
A sense of fluidity permeates the minimalist apartment. oppos it e
The art complements the interior design theme and colour.
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associated with the weight of cement slabs meant that he had to seek an alternative solution. “I cladded the plywood cabinet doors with MDF panels for better paint adherence and applied the faux cement finish myself,” he reveals. The sleeping area is tucked away at the far end, separated from the main space by a simple curtain, which can be drawn when privacy is desired. This space exemplifies Ching Kai’s “less is more” mantra, with just a double bed and a bedside lamp. “It is designed to be nothing more than an enclave for sleeping,” he says. The most challenging aspect of designing his home was staying true to his vision while keeping to the budget. “Designing my own space meant that I did not have to contend with someone else who may have a different sense of aesthetics, but that also means that you need to possess a decent sense of aesthetics in the first place and know whether your ideas can or cannot be realised,” he cautions. For homeowners who are considering designing their own homes, Ching Kai’s advice is to start clean. “Rely on the art of furnishing and decoration whereby you can move or change things around to give character to the space, instead of using permanent fixtures that may become dated as design trends evolve.” He also stresses the importance of finding a look that you really like and putting together a mood board of colours, materials and textures. “Have this readily accessible in your phone for easy reference.” Another tip is to make friends and work closely with your 48
oppos ite
The wardrobe compartments were carefully measured to ensure that all of Ching Kai’s clothes, art materials, and other belongings would fit. He included a vanity complete with mirror in the built-in wardrobe. oppos ite, below
Behind these deep shelves is a hidden compartment that provides extra storage space. left, above
The space below the window parapets was “boxed up” for better heat insulation and to create a ledge for knick-knacks. left
It is not difficult to see that this is a home where everything has its place.
“I cladded the plywood cabInet doors wIth MdF panels For better paInt adherence and applIed the Faux ceMent FInIsh MyselF.”
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be low
An all-white colour palette gives the small bathroom a bright and airy feel. righ t
A fuss-free and functional kitchen that Ching Kai keeps spick and span, like the rest of the home.
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contractor and sub-contractors, so as to fully understand the potential and limitation of ideas you are exploring. “That said, you do not need to fall in love with them, so, if things go awry, don’t be shy to request that they redo. It is your house and you are the one who has to wake up to it every day,” reminds Ching Kai. Wise counsel indeed, because Ching Kai has created for himself “a liveable and intimate space that I love waking up to, working and entertaining guests in”.
photography Veronica Tay art direction nonie chen
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t h e m o o d b oa r d s
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magnificent monochrome A monochromatic scheme isn’t monotonous when you use the various shades of a single colour to create depth and character. 52
4. Jungle Cat 5 . Kool Koi 6. Kingdom Morraine-Matt All available
from the In-House Collection by Design Intervention.
pantone 536
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pantone
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All available at Only Zest Livings.
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1 .Compact Luserna Nero LNC-DB 3366LUN 2 . Compact Cassaforma LNCDB 336LUN 3 . Compact Nero Moraine LHCMB 2396ER 5 . FENIX NTM Nero Ingo LS 0220FX 6 . FENIX NTM Beige Arizona LS 0780FX
7. Nero MoraineMatt DMS 2396XM 9. Ash Stitched Leather ELS 9379SL 10. Panaplast Grey Toro Walnut H-WA 61361WT
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photography darren chang styling kristy quah
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The new nesT
EyE for StylE Eliza HamizaH finds out how a young couple
undertook the design of their home mostly on their own, with help from their style-savvy carpenter.
The wall separating the living room and kitchen was demolished and replaced by a bar counter to open up the two spaces.
W
ell-travelled homeowners Ronald Wan and Rachel Ong were inspired by the many stylish Airbnb apartments they stayed at during their trips to Paris, London, New York and Bangkok. Those homes were chic, simple and inviting – something the married couple believed could be achieved in 56
their own home by using the timeless palette of black and white. “For us, the feeling of being home has to do with a space that is constant and consistent, and the black-and-white colour scheme makes a good base for this. It’s easy to match, and coloured decor pops nicely against it. To keep to our budget,
Ronald and I planned our own mood board, while Gay Zhengcai from The Merry Men Interiors helped us realise it,” says Rachel. We find out what went into the $46,000 renovation, which included transforming one bedroom into an open study and combining the two remaining bedrooms into a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe.
who lives here
A young couple and their two cats h om e Four-room HDB apartment in Tampines siz e 980 sq ft
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M A R B L E M AV E N To create a restful and elegant ambience in the bedroom, the couple kept to an all-white palette – starting with a light wood-look vinyl by Evorich Flooring Group and white storage bed from Ikea – complemented by marble-look side tables and wardrobe doors. “The bohemian-style wire lamp was inspired by a similar designer piece, but the latter is quite pricey. We bought this first to see if the style – a fabric that may trap dust easily – works for us before buying the original piece,” says Rachel.
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DIY WA R D R O B E “We engaged a separate closet designer for our wardrobe. We wanted a built-in look without paying the built-in price, so what we did was to place our customised shelves and racks against the existing wall – then we simply fitted a sliding door system in front of it!” explains Rachel. This clever idea saved them about $1,000.
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H I S TO R Y O F U S The couple each have a shelf to express their personal interests. Ronald, who used to be an entertainment writer, has a black bookshelf filled with film and travel memorabilia. The items showcase his diverse tastes, from a DVD of Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and the Harry Potter books to a snow globe of the Empire State Building.
CLASSIC BEAUTY The couple recreated the chic look of their favourite Airbnb apartment by sourcing black, vintage-style fittings online, as they could not find anything similar in local stores. The marble and subway-tile theme continues in the bathroom, too.
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“we don’T even need a hood as we mosTly bake, sTeam and air-fry. if iT does geT smoky, we Turn on The air purifier and open The windows – no big deal, and iT encourages us To eaT healThy.” – ronald wan
PERSONAL S PAC E Rachel’s work as a stylist in the fashion industry, as well as Ronald’s love for pop culture, influenced the four-room flat’s interior. The result is a tasteful space designed with restraint, yet packed with detail. Among the choices they made were selecting a cushy suede chesterfield and pairing it with a minimalist coffee table, as well as opting for a projector instead of a television to recreate an old-school cinematic experience.
photography vEronica tay art direction kriSty quah
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the scents
wax lyrical Intensify the dramatic appeal of your minimalist zone with these delicately scented candles and diffuser.
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d o c to r ’ s orders
tea ceremony
refreshing citrus
The Oud Nobile (Onyx) from Dr Vranjes creates an exotic Mediterranean feel with notes of bergamot, neroli, agarwood and myrrh.
Get cosy by infusing the room with aromatic whiffs of a chai tea blend, including notes of ginger zest, clove buds, warm latte and birch tree.
Keep your spirits up on a rainy evening with lively notes of young ginger root, vetiver and white pepper in Dr Vranjes’ Ginger Lime (White) candle.
This 1kg candle retails for $310, at Flaming Queen.
The Chai candle (240g) retails for $110, at Escentials.
This 500g candle retails for $180, at Flaming Queen.
f low e r p ow e r
haute s e n s at i o n
b ac k to the future
timeless romance
Enjoy the powdery scent of cherry blossoms all year round. From artisanal perfumer Floraiku comes this designer diffuser set with handwoven wick.
Set the scene for style and elegance with Diptyque’s Narguile comprising a blend of honeyed and fruity notes with the slight scent of smokey tobacco.
Catch a whiff of Singapore in 2065! The Ujong candle features top notes of lemon, mandarin peel and bergamot with a base of rosewood and musk.
Free your inhibitions with Baobab’s Modernista Vidre Reality candle infused with captivating notes of leather and labdanum.
The 250ml diffuser retails for $260, at Escentials.
The 190g candle retails for $88, at Diptyque.
The 190g candle retails for $56 on www.scentbysix. com.
photography phyllicia wang art direction kristy quah
This 1.2kg candle retails for $260, at Flaming Queen.
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t h e da r k & S e xy
Grey Matters This apartment takes a no-holds-barred approach to achieving an industrial chic look. Jacqueline Tan finds out how the designer achieved it using colour and accessories.
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The exposed ceiling is undoubtedly one of the highlights in this living room.
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Who lives here home
I
Male owner in his 30s Two-bedroom apartment at The Inspira si ze 936 sq ft
t took a good amount of effort to cement the look, literally. About six layers of cement screed had to be painstakingly applied (at intervals) before the walls had the effect that the owner wanted – a raw textured look befitting the industrial theme of this home which cost around $70,000 to renovate. It took the longest time to finish! I’m not sure if I want to go through another round of this,” says Jimmy Tay jokingly. He is the design director of Jimmy Tay Studio. He adds: “The owner wanted a strong industrial look throughout, so the cement walls pervade the entire home with no ‘break’ in the grey palette.” The grey walls also serve as an edgy backdrop for the owner’s striking collection of pop artworks. And what’s an industrial theme without “full exposure”? The living room’s ceiling was ripped apart to show the pipes and air conditioning ducts. Even the water tank in the kitchen was left exposed and given a bold coat of black. “Since the owner lives alone, there were no reservations about going full-on with the masculine look,” says Jimmy. Light switches are in dark grey to go with the theme, and solid timbre window blinds were chosen over conventional blinds for a warm touch. The original floor tiles in the living room are overlaid with vinyl,
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allowing for better flooring protection and also adding to the warm “earthy” touches of the home. Just next to the entrance is a customised shoe cabinet to house the owner’s sizeable collection of footwear. The last thing the owner wanted was the usual TV console and feature wall. So Jimmy worked closely with him to design a unique TV ledge made from a huge plank of solid wood specially imported from Indonesia – and mounted it on slabs of grey bricks. The original wall separating the kitchen from the living room was hacked down to create a seamless singular space. As the owner does not cook or have dinners often at home, the quartz countertop (in metallic grey, no less) in the openconcept kitchen was customised to protrude and serve as a dining space where he can sit on the high chairs and have breakfast or a nightcap. Mounted on various sections of the walls in the living room and master bedroom are slim, sleek shelves bought online to serve as display niches for the owner’s personal knick-knacks. The industrial theme also makes its presence felt in the spacious master bedroom. The original flooring was stained a darker shade for a more masculine feel; that also helps to make the room a more restful sanctuary.
r igh t
Wooden blinds allow light into the bathroom during the day, while still providing privacy. b elow
The designer used metallic wire shelves to complement the minimalist industrial look of the home. le ft
In order to create a unique space for the homeowner's shoe collection, Jimmy created a sleek display cabinet with subtle concealed lighting. o p posite , below
Bare as the room may seem, the open living area is equipped with all the modern conveniences to suit the homeowner's lifestyle.
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The original flooring was sTained a darker shade for a more masculine feel; ThaT also helps To make The room a more resTful sancTuary.
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Jimmy also added a wood laminate layer to the base of the bay window for a dose of “earthiness�.
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above
The bedroom is beautifully finished with a customdesigned headboard and unusual bay window setup. below
There are interesting details aplenty in this home.
a b ove
Natural wood textures help to strike a balance in a home featuring concrete walls.
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ri ght
The homeowner's tasteful choice of furniture in bold colours elevates the conventional industrial theme into one that's elegant and hip.
right
The master bathroom looks spacious and inviting, thanks to the spacesaving design and quirky ornaments.
photography Phyllicia Wang art direction nonie chen
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T h e r e s Ta u r a n T
preludio Chef Fernando Arevalo takes diners on an exciting monochromatic food trail with tasty servings plated in black and white.
Chef Fernando Arevalo describes his form of cooking as Author’s Cuisine.
W
ithin an industry where chefs and restaurants are continually trying to outdo one another by doling out plates of colourful culinary treats, one chef has decided to stray from the competition and carve out his own path instead. Helming 72
the kitchen stations at Preludio is chef Fernando Arevalo, who creates a new experience for diners via his personal style, which he labels Author’s Cuisine. Akin to the way a reader enjoys a book, chapter by chapter, menus at Preludio are changed according to a
specific chapter of the chef’s vision every 18 months or so. Chapter One is devoted to all things monochrome and, while the food presentation may be devoid of colour, the opposite can be said about the taste when diners tuck into the perfectly executed dishes.
Preludio is located at #03-01/02 Frasers Tower, 182 Cecil Street. Tel: 69045686. Visit http:// preludio.sg for more information.
Chef fernando arĂŠvalo graduaTed from The InsTITuTe of CulInary eduCaTIon In new york CITy, and began hIs Career In mIChelIn- sTarred kITChens alongsIde IConIC CulInary arTIsTs danIel boulud, bIll Telepan and marIo baTalI.
Above
Head chef Fernando Arevalo.
ri ght
The interiors of the restaurant are simple yet tasteful.
below
Straight lines along the ceiling help to inject a sense of casual formality to the ambience.
Ab ov e
Chip Steel, beverage director
Ab ov e
Natalie Tan, art director
left
Elena Perez de Carrasco, pastry chef
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The lighT indusTrial
White and Bright Once a cramped and dark apartment, this condominium unit now has a bright, airy ambience and loft-inspired look. DOmenica Tan finds out why the interior designer chose a predominantly white palette for this home.
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Who lives here
A bachelorette home One-bedroom condominium apartment in Bukit Batok si ze 850 sq ft
The high ceiling made it possible to construct a new level in this apartment.
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above
Warm lighting in the bathroom creates a cosy, cocoon-like atmosphere that contrasts with the bright and airy feel in the rest of the home. above left
The bed frame was customised to create the illusion that it is floating, and it is complemented by ambient light from below. l eft
Even the faucets were chosen to match the palette.
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H
aving designed his client’s previous HDB home, Kelvin Teo of Space Sense Studio was in touch with homeowner Er Cheep Hong when she was eyeing a new condominium apartment. Cheep Hong consulted Kelvin before purchasing the unit, as she wanted to ensure that the design and structure could accommodate the aesthetic preferences she wanted for this new space. The interiors were previously dark, gloomy and cramped, but the unit’s particularly high ceiling gave rise to the idea of taking advantage of the vertical space available. Kelvin
The stair treads were clad in a stark wood-look laminate as an accent in the all-white surroundings.
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For added tactility, Kelvin and cheep hong embraced the raw Finish oF exposed bricK walls on this newly constructed level.
A rollaway bed allows the homeowner to change things up whenever necessary.
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decided to adopt an all-white palette to brighten up the look while modifying the layout significantly to maximise the use of the space. This resulted in walls being broken down to allow a reconfiguration of the bedrooms and bathrooms. What was formerly a onebedroom apartment has now become a home with two bedrooms. A false ceiling was removed to obtain even more overhead space. This enabled the construction of a mezzanine level where the guest bedroom is now sited. For added tactility, Kelvin and Cheep Hong embraced the raw finish of exposed brick walls on this newly constructed level, and incorporated customised steel open shelves for an unpretentious overall look. 79
As for the main bedroom on the ground floor, Kelvin created a loft-like look by adding artificial ceiling beams. To keep the area from feeling claustrophobic, swing doors for the room and bathroom were replaced with glass to ensure a sense of openness and allow natural light to fill these spaces. As part of the $120,000 renovation, the two modern bathrooms in the home
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were overhauled to make way for luxurious, hotel-like ones complete with marble-look tiles for the walls and floors. Cheep Hong also brought over some furniture from her previous apartment, including Kartell Victoria Ghost chairs for the dining area, and a Marc Newson lounge chair, which fit perfectly with the clean, minimalistic design of her new home.
left
Finishes in the kitchen were kept white to allow the design language and palette to continue into this space. oppos it e
Despite the limited floor area, Kelvin cleverly made use of the apartment’s height to carve out extra space.
photography Veronica tay art direction Kaffy tan
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t h e wa l lc ov e r i n g
Setting the Scene
photo de gournay
Explore exciting wallpaper options – from depictions of wildlife and botanical patterns to geometric prints – that will make the surfaces in your home stand out.
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photo de gournay
photo de gournay
photo onlewo
C r e at u r e C o m f o r t s Incorporate elements of wild nature with detailed illustrations of safari animals or exotic birds – a sure-fire way to create some visual interest in your rooms.
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photo HELLO CIRCUS
A TO U C H O F F U N Perfect for the nursery or kid’s room, quirky yet fun wallpaper designs can help spark creativity. A cheerful environment also creates a pleasant mood, so your child can feel at home all the time!
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P l ay o n Pat t e r n s
photo onlewo
photo onlewo
photo onlewo
photo hello circus
Instead of letting colours take centre stage, explore geometric prints that’ll draw the eye. There are numerous options – from hexagonal to subway tiles – that can be suited to various interior styles.
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a new Dimension
photo pierre frey
photo goodrich
photo goodrich
Get the look of natural materials like stone or wood, minus the maintenance required! With textural effects, these wallpapers can add dimension to your home, while elevating its sophistication.
The arT of prinTs
photo bode
An abstract pattern offers an artistic vibe and fills your space with character. Cladding a singular wall with a dramatic design like this helps anchor the look and create that “wow� factor.
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photo goodrich
photo bode
Whether or not you have green fingers, having botanical elements in your home can help create a calm and soothing environment. Floral motifs work perfectly to add to the restful atmosphere.
photo designers guild/romanez
photo de gournay
photo de gournay
photo goodrich photo bode
I n F u l l B lo o m
text domenica tan
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the bold
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Clear-Cut A black-and-white interior gets glammed up with a magnificent mix of greys and marble. JAcqueline TAn basks in the understated luxury.
l ef t
The monochromatic theme in this apartment is pepped up with grey tones and plush furnishings. Mirrored-finish walls hide the storeroom, shoe cabinet and common bathroom, keeping the living room airy and spaciouslooking.
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Who lives here
Two-bedroom condominium apartment with a spacious balcony home Young professionals in their mid-30s s iz e 1,195 sq ft
above
The original kitchen was hacked, as it did not go with the owners’ theme. A prominent island counter with a jet-black marble worktop now anchors the kitchen space. l ef t
The L-shaped master wardrobe has tinted glass doors on one side, and mirrored doors on the other.
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G
et past the first impression that this black-and-white apartment is straight out of the classic monochrome mould and you will find features that lend the interior character unique charm. While the homeowners specified a monochromatic theme, the interior design team at collective Designs jazzed it up with splashes of grey (for the furnishings), mirrored-finish walls and a generous use of marble. instead of installing several doors or panelling, the design team ingeniously tucked the storeroom, shoe cabinet and common bathroom entrance behind the mirrored-finish walls. This is in line with keeping a “clean� look in the living room,
rig ht
A luxurious retreat awaits in the master bathroom, thanks to its gorgeous Italian marble cladding and a cosy bay window area which can double as a seat.
without the need for doors that may otherwise look jarring or break the line of sight. The mirrored walls also give the illusion of a bigger space. The rest of the walls are dressed in grey textured wallpaper, providing a contrast to the shiny sleek mirrors. Adjacent to the private elevator entrance is a marble wall feature. it’s crafted from a solid slab of silver italian Portoro marble – spare marble from the bathroom cladding that the designer decided to make use of as a wall feature, instead of letting it go to waste. The original kitchen was refurbished, as its design did not fit the owners’ theme. Now, a prominent island counter with a jet-black marble worktop anchors the kitchen space. Bedrooms take on a more luxurious note. Furnished with a queen-size bed, the guest room has a built-in wardrobe that stores the couple’s winter wear and luggage. The side with tinted black glass and leD lights acts as a showcase for the wife’s handbags. As for the l-shaped master bedroom, it sports a customised headboard. A bedside table on “his” side and a functional hidden dressing table on “her” side were cleverly incorporated into the sides of the bed. The
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l eft
the l-shaped master bedroom features a bed With a customised headboard, a bedside table on ‘his’ side, and a hidden dressing table on ‘her’ side.
Apart from a customised headboard, the bed in the master bedroom was uniquely designed with a side table and a hidden dressing table on either side. The wide bay windows allow the homeowners to luxuriate in the view of their surrounds from the comfort of their bed.
couple can enjoy expansive views from their bed, with curtains providing privacy. Built largely from white marble to keep it looking bright and airy, the master bathroom is an insanely luxurious retreat – the marble was cut from a single slab so it’s book-matched perfectly. The bathroom also has a spacious shower utilising the bay window as a seat. Sticking to black-and-white and making room for grey areas has certainly worked to good effect in this apartment.
photos ColleCtive designs
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The calligrapher
The ArT of LeTTer WriTing Paris-based French artist L’Atlas’ universal language of lines, shapes and letters sees him crossing boundaries.
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L’Atlas, aka Jules Dedet Granel, is what you might call a “hybrid” artist. His roots were in the streets in the 1990s when he tagged everything in sight, but his style has evolved beyond graffiti, as he fuses the optical, abstract, minimalist and geometric art movements by researching writing and calligraphy to produce an original typography. With the aim of creating a universal pictorial language, he
has successfully embedded the history of writing within the history of art and brought optic art into graffiti. These days, the 41-year-old Toulouse-born and Paris-raised artist – who designed the logo for Rihanna’s fashion brand Fenty, launched capsule collections with Agnes B. who organised his first gallery show, and collaborated with Perrier to decorate 200 million cans and bottles – works not only on canvas and
paper, but has been exploring the properties of wood, steel, marble and neon. His use of wide-ranging materials breaks down the psychological barriers between various art movements. “Neon is to go towards pop art or Andy Warhol; marble and shapes is to go towards Sol LeWitt and Frank Stella,” he states. “I’m an artist who discusses with others and does hybrid things, but always with a substratum like an archaeologist, meaning there’s something that exists and I’ll make an interpretation of it. Because what is it to be an artist? It’s to digest art history and make it re-emerge. I’m not going to say that I invented something. I mix different movements and have them dialogue with one another like a talk with different artists, whether they’re sculptors from 2,500 years ago or today’s artists. I create an artistic discussion within my work.”
2 1 . Jules’ artwork displayed on the streets of Beaubourg, Paris in 2008. 2. L’Atlas, aka Jules Dedet Granel.
4 . The multidisciplinary artist uses all forms of materials as his canvas, from the sidewalks to fabrics.
Rocky Beginning This mixing of worlds and search for universality led L’Atlas – who chose a
3. One of the key pieces featured at the Geraldine Zberro exhibition.
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pseudonym that could be easily understood in any language – from France to Morocco, Egypt, Syria, China and Japan to study calligraphy, sigillography and tai chi with masters like Hassan Massoudy, Mounir Al Shaarani and Zhang Aijun. He did all that after dropping out of university – where he had studied art history and archaeology – at the age of 21. Giving up everything, he bought a bus ticket to travel from Toulouse to the Atlas Mountains to live with Moroccan calligrapher Moulay Smail Bour-Qaiba, thereby returning to his roots, as his great-greatgreat-grandmother was Berber. Additionally, his two grandfathers – Pierre Dedet, owner of Parisian bookstore Le Divan, and philosopher Gerard Granel – were both publishers, so he was surrounded by books on art history, painting and cinema as a child. “I had the idea when I was about 16 to mix calligraphy with graffiti because at that time, graffiti was only influenced by the US,” he notes, enthralled by calligraphy’s purity of gesture and monochromatic nature. “It was really closed and incestuous. I thought that we needed some fresh blood. That’s why I injected Arabic and Chinese calligraphy codes. At the beginning, I was copying Mounir. Like everyone, you have to copy the master, and after you emancipate yourself, you kill your reference.” Rather than colourful bubble text or figurative characters, it was lettering that first fascinated him – preferably letters in black and white. 95
5. The artist’s name written graffiti-style, featured at a Speerstra Gallery exhibition.
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6. One of L’Atlas’ works, which resembles a traditional Oriental name seal. 7. The artist fuses symbols, geometry and words to create his enigmatic works. 8. Another form of the word L’Atlas, this time reimagined in a font comprising straight lines.
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Bold Beauty “Black and white is purity, the essence of the idea, the letter, the shadow, the calligrapher’s mark, the yin and yang of Oriental philosophy,” explains L’Atlas. “There was all that wild style from graffiti full of colour, but I hated it – it was like a cartoon in the street. I was doing black and white because nobody was doing it. It was so simple to use just a few lowtech things: one roll of tape, one spray and one canvas. The point was to be minimalist but to make the biggest works with practically nothing, and also because I was poor.” That simplicity is still evident in his practice today as he works with paper or rice-starch tape, large wooden stamps, cutters, rollers, lacquer, ink, acrylic and spray paint. He paints over canvases 96
composed from strips of tape which, when removed, reveal his stylised signature of vertical and horizontal lines. Resistant, highly adhesive and easy to cut, gaffer tape is his preferred material for floors and walls, as it is used on movie sets and is an accessory he grew up with. As editors, his parents taped frames together to edit films for the likes of French directors Francois Truffaut, Philippe Garrel and Maurice Pialat. And his uncle and aunt were head cameramen who taught him how to make pictures only in black and white. Thereafter, as a teenager, he photographed the works of his graffiti artist friends in black and white like an archivist, an enthusiast of older black-and-white photographers such as Brassai. “In photography, everything happens on the same plane:
the architecture in my blackand-white photos came to play with my letters,” says L’Atlas. “Paris was ugly at this time, painted all in green by the city hall – it was depressing. But when depicted in black and white, green appeared light grey instead. I was also fanatical about optical art and Vasarely, and at the beginning of advertising in the street, there were rules to follow: We didn’t have the right to use black and white because it was too optical and caused car accidents. When I read that, I knew that black and white had a superpower, and by using it, I could be recognised instantly. With just two colours and one shape of letters, I had my own style. Afterwards, I needed to use colour to accentuate the effect of retinal vibration. When you look at a fluorescent square, your eye can’t stay still. I was interested in the fact that you can’t focus on a colour – it would be constantly moving. That’s how I left black and white and went towards optical art, but kept my love of the letter.” The Modern Classical His recent show, Steps, at Galerie Geraldine Zberro in Paris, aimed to eliminate the frontiers between painting, neon and sculpture, using the same size, logo and geometric structure of letters in repetition while changing the colours with optical art. Thus, when visitors passed through rooms looking at a painting, followed by the neon work and sculpture, they got confused. His work played on retinal persistence, duplicating the structures so the eye no longer recognised what it was looking at.
9. L’Atlas uses a blend of several techniques, such as lettering and stencilling, in his creations.
Viewers get lost in L’Atlas’ work, unsure whether to look at the positive or negative spaces, as he tricks the eye by playing with proportions of emptiness and fullness, encrypting the words contained within. “Your gaze switches from the white to the black, or from one colour to another, and you don’t know if you have to read the empty or full spaces,” he remarks. He has created mazes where people have to search for a way out, optical illusions where the letters of his name that have become his trademark gradually materialise, and imprints of manhole covers disguised as carved wax seals. Then there’s
the giant ground compass he created for the plaza of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and a monumental mural he created on the facade of a 35m-tall building in Paris where his geometric logo appears from afar. Another of his works is a 1km-long, letterfilled wall along the motorway in Marseille. His nomadiccanvases series sees him using his Rolleiflex to take blackand-white photos of his works, placing them in the streets while wandering around the city, as if to map out the sites he has visited. In the future, he dreams of collaborating with architects to produce permanent three-dimensional
structures, or even a museum in the shape of his logo, so as to be remembered. L’Atlas describes how his work has evolved over the past 25 years: “It’s different and the same because I continue to write my name, even if it’s more abstract, kinetic or minimal. My challenge is to evolve and not be the same, yet not depart from the spirit of graffiti, because it’s why I’m here now. My canvases should speak to teenagers doing graffiti in the street and also to older collectors who like abstract or kinetic paintings. This comes from my desire to not be put in just one box.”
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text Y-JEAN MUN-DELSALLE
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The celebriTy designer
style like a pro It’s easy to give your bedroom the perfect finishing touch, the way professionals do, as long as you follow these simple rules by interior style guru Sarah Richardson.
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aving spent over 25 years in the industry, Sarah Richardson has done it all, from being a prop stylist and set decorator, to becoming one of the most sought-after designers and television personalities in Canada offering decor and design advice. Her design-related series include Room Service, Design Inc., Sarah’s House and, most recently, Sarah 101. Off-air, she heads interior design firm Design Inc. In an interview with Home & Decor Singapore, Sarah shares four tips to styling a bedroom. Mix Things up
Torn between classical and contemporary, or country and industrial style? Don’t be restricted by a singular look. Instead, have the best of both worlds by incorporating a fair share of elements from two styles, into one space. This way, there are sufficient features to anchor both styles to create a holistic look.
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s i z e M aT T e r s
Choose furnishings that are of the right size and scale for the room. You won’t want a bed that’s too large, as that will make the space look cramped. The bedroom furniture should complement one another to create a unified look. righT heighT
How tall should your bedside table be? It should be at least as tall as the top of your mattress so you can access items from your bed with ease. c h o o s i n g c o lo u r s
Begin by selecting a patterned fabric for one of your furnishings or accessories, such as cushions, throws or curtains. Pick a hue from the chosen fabric and match them with paint swatches. A trick is to go two shades lighter to achieve the palette for a restful environment. Catch Sarah on Sarah 101, which airs on the Makeful channel from Aug 10-12 at 8.55pm.
“To pick a painT colour, simply maTch painT chips or a fan deck To The array of hues ThaT appear in key fabrics in The home; you’ll be amazed aT The opTions you have.”
text Domenica Tan photos Sarah richarDSon
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the tipple
A l m o s t FA m o u s CrAFt Beer BAr A simple design allows bar-goers to focus on “basal experiential components like craft beer and good company”.
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OP POSI TE
The Almost Famous team picked out furniture and tableware that is simple in form and function. TO P
You’ll find beers by craft breweries like Brewlander & Co. from
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Singapore, Brewdog from Scotland, and Pilsner Urquell from the Czech Republic. ABOVE LEF T
The food menu features familiar Asian dishes with ingredients such as fried chicken, gyoza and even kai lan.
A BOVE RIGH T
Bar-goers can rely on Bang & Olufsen’s sleek and minimalist Beosound Edge speaker to fill the space with good music.
he Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar has a fresh take on bar interiors. Rather than the flashy lights and colourful decor of traditional watering holes, this place at Chijmes sports a subdued palette. A monochromatic scheme with flush luminous lighting and classical-style columns, to be exact. “We wanted a blank slate – a state of emptiness – that removes distraction and steers the senses towards the food and craft beer pairings,” says the Almost Famous team. To do this, they reimagined modern bar culture by stripping away unnecessary chaos. They combined geometric shapes through their choice of furniture with clean and slim profiles, and created a palette made up of raw-look finishes seen on the weathered-wood tables and the concrete-look walls. The bar offers 16 craft brews on rotation, curated by artist-barista Kenny Lee and four other entrepreneurs. Their selections are from upand-coming local and overseas breweries, and also include a range of premium labels from small-batch breweries. Visit Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar at #01-06 Chijmes, www.almostfamous.sg
good to know The bar is founded by Kenny Lee, an artist by training and a seasoned barista by craft, and four other entrepreneurs.
text Eliza HamizaH
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the cafe
FA R LEFT
A minimalist shop design means more attention is given to coffee and the customer-barista experience. MiddLE LEFT
The inner workings of the Modbar AV machine are concealed. NEAR LEFT
A fuss-free menu keeps the focus on the coffee. BELOW LEFT
To bring in a curated list of products, the team travels to and attends various coffee events to meet like-minded companies.
G ly p h S u p p ly c o . It’s all about coffee at this minimalist cafe in Somerset.
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ith a blank canvas, the possibilities are endless. That is the idea behind Glyph Supply Co., a coffee joint whose interior consists of an all-white scheme and minimal furniture. “We designed it to be a collaborative space that can house different kinds of pop-ups and ideas in the future,” says the team. The fuss-free interior also allows the team to focus on its first love, coffee, and the people who drink it. Instead of traditional coffee machines,
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the cafe features a sleek underthe-counter Modbar espresso machine. It not only keeps the counters neat and spacious, it also means customers can interact with the baristas without a bulky and noisy machine getting in the way. Glyph Supply Co. uses coffee beans that come directly from their countries of origin. “We visit coffee farms in search of interesting flavours. Sourcing directly from the farms also allows us to maintain a healthy relationship with the farmers,
text ELizA HAMizAH
and ensure they are paid well for their high-quality beans,” says the team. The beans are stored in a space with controlled temperature and humidity levels. You will also find a range of coffee paraphernalia from brands like Barista Hustle, Fellow and Kinto here. Products include double-walled ceramic cups and vacuum canisters with an integrated pump. Visit Glyph Supply Co. at #01-06, 111 Somerset.
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T h e k i Tc h e n
10 SURFACES FOR A CLASSIC REMAKE Black and white kitchens never go out of style. We suss out striking materials that let you reimagine this timeless combination.
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i n T e R i O R M OT i F The Picasso tiles by Capucino Ceramics are all about intricate patterns. They can be used on the wall or floor, livening up the space with their damaskinspired shapes and lines. Use these tiles either as the backsplash or accent wall in the kitchen to break up the monotony of solid black and white surfaces. These glazed tiles are built to withstand the rigours of cooking.
photo Hafary
Available at Hafary
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Available at Rice
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HEY HERRINGBONE Patterns continue to charm homeowners. And why not do something new with classic marble? The Tele di Marmo series by Emil Ceramica offers marble in fresh formats including mosaic, strips and herringbone. Consider introducing herringbone patterns for your backsplash. These jazz up the black and white combination with subtle zigzags. To best highlight the stone, keep wall cabinets to the minimum.
photo Rice
BRING A HIGH SHINE As trends gravitate towards darker palettes, the classic black and white kitchen now wears a new look. Let black surfaces dominate and leave white surfaces as accents. Wall tiles like the Pun tiles by Ascot Ceramiche are perfect for elevating the black and white kitchen. The glossy finish brings an elegant yet youthful vibe to the space.
B L AC K I S B E A U T I F U L This kitchen features a mix of shutters and doors – in white and black – to conceal kitchen storage. Silestone’s Eternal Marquina quartz island in black with patterns in white becomes the focal point. Not only does the kitchen remain spacious, but it also takes on a dramatic look.
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B E F LO O R E D B Y PAT T E R N S With contemporary square patterns in white, black and grey, these Velvet tiles by Gayafores are perfect for reimagining the black and white kitchen. Create a dark border around the patterned tiles to demarcate the kitchen and highlight the island.
Available at Cosentino Available at Hafary
photo HafaRy
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photo cosentino
photo Rice
Available at Rice
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C O N S I D E R C O LO U R B LO C K I N G This kitchen borrows the idea of colourblocking for cabinets. Black cabinets on the bottom and white cabinets above bring lightness to the space. Notice also the streamlined, handleless design, wood flooring and backsplash made of EDL Compact panels, all of which soften the colourblock look. Available at EDL
“GLOSSy SURfaCES wILL pRODUCE a LUxURIOUS tOUCh. MattE SURfaCES GIvE a CLaSSIC, ELEGaNt LOOK that IS SIMpLE aND NICE. NOtE that LaMINatES NOw
– vINCENt aNG, pRINCIpaL CURatOR Of BLaCK N whItE haUS
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tREaSURE ISLaND Bold and textured custom storage, tubular cluster lighting and light wood-like tiles come together in this gorgeous space. Standing out from this is the Montblanc quartz countertop depicting fine marble vein and grey hints. For a greater impact, make the island a sleek monolith. Avoid cluttering the island and free up as much surface as possible for tasks like food preparation. Available at Caesarstone
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photo EDL
havE DRy MattE aND GRaINy tExtURES that aDD ChaRaCtER.”
CHAIN OF S O P H I S T I C AT I O N Patterns are undeniably fun, but they can get in the way of an upscale feel when not chosen well. This black and white kitchen features chain patterns on the backsplash and the front of the island. The subtle greys of the patterns are framed by black countertops. Other luxurious patterns to consider include damask, baroque and geometric designs. Available at Hafary
photo Cosentino
photo iKea
photo Hafary
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photo Caesarstone
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WRITE ON IT If you’d like to make the most of your surfaces in the kitchen, using blackboard for your kitchen cabinet exteriors might just be the solution. The Uddevalla cabinet doors let you scribble with good old chalk! With white chalk in hand, you can have your black and white kitchen look down pat. Or stray from this combination without resorting to permanent changes by creating art with coloured chalk. Time to get creative with daily menus and love notes.
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T WO I N O N E A contemporary kitchen like this one, which also functions as a dining area, is ideal for hosting intimate dinners. The kitchen design also optimises the space with storage solutions built into the island-cum-dining area. Instead of creating a monolithic block, Olimpo slabs by Dekton form a table that rests on the storage units. The white marble-patterned surface contrasts with the black storage cabinets beautifully. Available at Cosentino
Available at Ikea
text RossaRa Jamil
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the DIY genIus
Practically Perfect This is a home where everything has a specific placement. Homeowner Mads tells LYnn TAn that to keep things tidy, it is important to design for what you need, based on what you have.
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M
ads has always had an interest in creating videos. She started by documenting her journey as a first-time mum, sharing videos of her new-born daughter on Youtube. As she gained more confidence and became more comfortable in front of the camera, she wanted to reach out to a wider audience and started uploading videos of her house tours, DIY projects and home hacks. “It really started to take off just over a year ago, after my first house tour video went viral. After that, I also did a series of videos focusing on individual rooms,” she recalls. What began as a hobby has now grown into a preoccupation, with her having a Youtube channel with a sizeable following. The self-confessed nerd loves anything revolving around the home and technology, and such topics are the focus of her videos. They showcase how she has transformed the five-room apartment that she shares with her husband, Jia Wei, a relationship manager at a bank, and their two-year-old toddler, as well as ongoing home improvement projects that she personally undertakes. The homemaker is also a handyman extraordinaire. She recently single-handedly wallpapered her timber main door and glass wardrobe doors, despite expecting a second child. “After having lived in this flat for over four years, I was tired of the brown main door and green-tinted glass wardrobe doors and decided
a bove
Instead of a table, Mads customised a counter island with storage space beneath. rig ht
Bold and simple lines help to draw the eye across the room, making it feel bigger. o ppos ite
By doing away with unnecessary furniture and accessories, the homeowner is able to channel her limited budget to essential items instead.
to give them a makeover. I ordered two rolls of black and white wallpaper from Taobao through Ezbuy and simply got right down to it,” she says. She also installed her own built-in soap dispenser for the kitchen sink, which involved some tricky drilling through anthracite using a diamond drill bit. “I like to have everything neat and wellintegrated for a clutter-free appearance,” she reveals. Indeed, everything in her home has a designated place - from kitchen appliances and laundry baskets, to her daughter’s stroller and even remote controls. This is
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apparent the minute you enter the home, which sports a black and white theme across the walls and floors, right down to the laundry baskets and storage containers. This meticulous adherence to the colour palette reflects Mads’ fixed stance on keeping to a set scheme. The kitchen epitomises this. “I am very proud of my kitchen because I managed to conceal everything,” she says with a beam. The full-height cabinets, hob, oven, counter and sink on one side were built before the couple moved in. The cabinets on the wall opposite were added only later. Mads prefers not to have any appliances on the kitchen counter with unsightly wires hanging from sockets, so this later addition allows
her to put appliances away after use. “I measured the various appliances and containers and took them into consideration when designing the new cabinets to ensure that everything will fit nicely,” she points out. One word of advice to homeowners: “If you are not sure as to what you want or need, move in and live with the basics first then add or modify when you have a better idea later on.” In a service area such as the yard, practical requirements should always take precedence. Here, Mads installed cabinets that not only provide functional worktops for sorting laundry, but also ensure that everything from the washing machine to mops and the laundry basket can be neatly stowed away in designated compartments. There is even a slot for the robot vacuum cleaner. Sockets built into the cabinet above means that there are no exposed wires, even as the vacuum cleaner is being charged. The living and dining room is a simple, minimalist affair.
Redo youR dooR Mads shares how she transformed the look of her old door by using materials that cost less than $50. 1. I wanted a black door to match my home's colour scheme but the door is in such a good condition, it would have been a waste to change it. So I explored my options of painting it or covering with wallpaper. And it worked out!
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2 . I measured the door and purchased a roll of adhesive wallpaper (around $30 on Ezbuy) that covers the entire width of the door. 3 . I start by pasting it from the top, and smoothing it down. When
completed, fold the sides and cut in the middle. 4. Prick any bubbles with a safety pin and smooth out the wallpaper. You won’t notice any holes after. You can take a look at the entire process on www. youtube.com/ madsncakes.
Who lives here
A couple and their two-year-old daughter home A five-room BTO apartment in Yishun siz e 1,216 sq ft
far left
A specific space is dedicated to every item in the kitchen. l eft
The determined homeowner searched for items in black, white or clear, in order to maintain the monochrome look.
Apart from an L-shaped sofa, a built-in TV console and a custom-made dining island, the rest of the space is deliberately kept void of any furniture, with just one striking black and white print on the wall. Mads visited many furniture showrooms to get a feel as to what the ideal dimensions of the island should be, before drawing it up and getting it fabricated by a contractor. “It was important that I got the size right - how high it should be, how deep the recesses needed to be in order not to bump our knees when seated, the height of the stools to go with it, and so on,” she elaborates. She even went to the extent of ensuring that the island, sofa, TV feature wall and the bedroom wall are perfectly aligned. Storage below the island serves more than just a functional purpose; it also conceals unsightly stool legs from the living room to create a more aesthetically pleasing
view. The master bedroom has a continuation of the same black and white theme and everything is discreetly built-in or tucked away. There is no stray wire or multi-plug lying around. The master bathroom light was recently replaced with a smart system, allowing the homeowners to switch it on or off via an app. This is just one of many smart features around the home, all of which Mads installed herself using components procured online. She is able to control any infra-red appliance via the app and it is an expandable network to which individual hubs can be linked. “A smart home doesn’t have to be expensive,” she says. Even after more than four years, Mads finds the home very liveable and she believes that the key lies in its functional elements, which she maintains consistently neat and clutter-free. She says: “It may not be the nicest-looking home around, but it is definitely one of the most practical.” www.youtube.com/madsncakes
MiniMalist on a budget Here are Mads’ top six tips on getting the look without breaking the bank. 1 . Stick to a theme and colour swatch when designing your home. This helps you to buy stuff that matches. Be patient when you can’t find the colours you need. I’m sure it will show up somewhere! 2 . Think about your daily needs; what do you do and use every day? I built my home based on how I wanted to display and store things. For example, I have a utility cabinet for dry mops and pails, instead of putting them in the bathroom. I also measured all my kitchen appliances and designed storage spaces according to the height and width of each appliance. For
photography darren cHang art direction kristy quaH
the daily stuff like water, coffee and snacks, I have another cabinet within the built-in countertop, so I can conceal this area after I’ve poured a drink. 3 . I installed a lot of lights in the house, about four in each area, so it is well lit. The lights are from Taobao, because they have newer designs at affordable prices. I used Ezbuy to ship them over by sea. In total, I spent about $500-600 on lighting. 4 . I put a lot of thought into concealing plugs and wires. There are no wires hanging in the open. I built the sockets in the cabinet to contain the
mess. It’s easier to plan this part before starting any carpentry work. 5 . For my dining table, I couldn’t find a large table with storage, so I engaged my carpenter to build a counter for me according to my specifications. It cost around $2,000. I also added a solid surface so it is more durable than the usual laminates. Below the table, I have storage for stationery, files and documents. 6. For the flooring, I opted for unconventional black vinyl ($5.50/psf), because I didn't want to see dirt or hair which would be very conspicuous on white flooring.
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the designer
PeoPle-centric design for greater inclusivity and connectivity
A colourful spAce for the community Interior Design Confederation Singapore (IDCS) Design Excellence Awards 2018/2019 Designer of the Year award recipient, Mike Lim, shares his thoughts about the winning project, Our Tampines Hub (OTH), and the key to the success of large-scale projects.
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programme clusters, we uniquely intended for them to relate to one another.
Our design was driven by the need to create opportunities “ParticiPatory design” for inclusivity, richness and Right from the get-go, the new synergies of communal vision for OTH was that it would and social settings for be an integrated hub serving Tampines residents. The idea the Tampines community. of connectivity is also reflected The brief also required that in how different materials and we engage with all 12 public textures are woven together in agency stakeholders as well as the elevated streetscapes and the residents. This had never green terraces. been done before in Singapore, As OTH is largely a public and the design process we space, the materials and finishes adopted – what we termed used had to be resilient and “participatory design” – was low-cost, yet still aesthetically naturally unorthodox too. pleasing. And with With its many such a large-scale stakeholders and project, we had to the participation the integrate smart of residents, the objective technology like project was not a apps and infowalk in the park. The IDCS Design comm systems to To understand Excellence aid in wayfinding. everyone’s needs Awards, Ultimately, these and wants, we supported by relate back to how had focus group Home & Decor, people-centric sessions that recognises outstanding OTH is. involved an professional extensive and talents in the intensive residents’ synergy between interior design engagement different industry. process. We also Programmatic went through functions platforms created by the To avoid saturating the People’s Association for Tampines neighbourhood with discussion and decision-making another retail-driven concept, with a dedicated joint committee our design took a bottommade up of representatives from up approach. We involved each stakeholder. different stakeholders such as Also crucial to the whole public agencies and residents process was a key alignment of varying demographics and exercise that took place early had them weigh in on the on in the project. It allowed us design process. The differing and all stakeholders to identify needs, design principles and and reconcile overlapping expectations meant we had and/or conflicting needs, and to ensure the design had an collectively set out the larger overall cohesiveness. Thus, we objectives as well as the purpose focused on creating synergy. of the project upfront. As OTH is made up of different
Collaborative and interdisCiplinary approaCh
People are the core of DP’s philosophy – whether they are end users, industry partners, clients or contractors. Collaboration is what makes up our cultural DNA, so our ability to listen, understand and execute was a definite advantage. From the design concept to the delivery, it was a familiar but nonetheless exciting collaborative process. It involved three of DP’s specialist arms – DP Architects, DP Design and DP Green, our landscape architects. Together, we function as a multidisciplinary design studio that offers an interdisciplinary approach. What this means is that communication channels are always open between our teams. As interior designers and interior architects, this open engagement enables us to understand the aim of the larger architectural scheme and allows our designs to complement the purpose of the space. Key to the suCCess of large-sCale projeCts
Each development we have been involved in has a function unique unto itself. For example, OTH is an integrated sports and community hub for the residents of Tampines, while Resorts World Sentosa is an integrated resort that features hyper-mixed uses on a mega scale that serves to boost Singapore’s tourism industry. The Dubai Mall and Abu Dhabi Tower similarly function as destinations in themselves for Middle Eastern tourism, but the basis of all these projects is that the spaces are intended for the
people, albeit for different enduser groups. Their success then lies in how they were designed with the end users in mind. What is fundamental in this is how our design takes into consideration the site and cultural relevance, and this is, in turn, articulated through design detailing and nuances. For example, various sections of the OTH library were designed to relate to specific age groups of readers, while The Dubai Mall has four differentiated shopping “streets” that each cater to their respective target consumers and deliver unique
retail experiences. The choice of material and application of textures then plays a key role in realising these spaces. thoughts on the designer of the year win and words for aspiring interior designers
I am honoured by the recognition. My hope is that this will inspire and encourage my fellow designers to strike out and compete in the international arena. To young designers, I would say: Stay passionate about what you do. Be humble and open to learning. Be relentless in your craft.
Mike Lim, director of DP Design
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T h e Lo o k s
Our favOurite lOOks White is light and breezy. Black is bold and dramatic. Put together, they bring yin and yang to a space, a dualism that is seemingly contrary yet complementary. In interior design, white and black produce a classic colour combination, but it is far from boring. Our interior design experts weigh in on this. 114
“BLAck AND whITe ARe veRY veRsATILe coLoURs AND ARe TIMeLess, No MATTeR whAT DesIgN sTYLe oR TReND YoU MIghT choose.”
photo Three-D ConCepTwerke
– Dess chew, PRINcIPAL DesIgNeR of ThRee-D coNcePTweRke
A MoDeRN INDUsTRIAL LIBRARY The black and white look has been interpreted with out-ofthe-ordinary materials. Instead of tiles, black epoxy flooring was chosen. The uninterrupted surface creates a unique sheen that gives a lighter presence in the home. Designed for a bachelor who is passionate about books and reading – he doesn’t have a television at home – the library is the highlight of the home. The main idea was also to keep the focus on the bookshelves and lounge chair in the middle of the space. To achieve that, the design team at Three-D Conceptwerke
selected fixtures such as track lighting and ceiling fan in white. Industrial touches were added by way of metallic fixtures. Dess Chew says: “Black and white are very versatile colours and are timeless, no matter what design style or trend you might choose. Homeowners can inject personality into the home by making use of different materials and patterns to express this colour combination. It could be experimenting with different tile patterns, such as monochrome Peranakan tiles or geometric patterns. For example, in this case, using black epoxy paint instead of the more common cement screed flooring or black tiles.”
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“The BLAck AND whITe coMBINATIoN Is A PeRfecT BAckDRoP foR ANY AcceNT coLoUR sUch As LIMe, oRANge oR sofT PowDeR PINk. If AcceNT coLoURs ARe NoT YoUR ThINg, coNsIDeR sofTeNINg The Look wITh TexTURes oR NeUTRALs.”
photo Design inTervenTion
– NIkkI hUNT, foUNDeR AND ceo of DesIgN INTeRveNTIoN
go wILD wITh c L A s s I c PAT T e R N s One way to go bold with this basic palette is to embrace patterns in a big way. Here, Design Intervention introduced timeless patterns in black and white, such that the classic monochrome takes on new life. Bold black and white stripes on the wall are matched with traditional chequered flooring in this bungalow. “Black and white is an eyecatching combination. Always crisp and glamorous, it can sometimes appear stark. So, at Design Intervention, we often add an accent colour to soften it. The black and white combination is a perfect backdrop for any accent colour such as lime, orange or soft powder pink,” says Nikki Hunt.
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“focUs oN The sPATIAL ReADINg photo xmsl
of The hoMe, AND PeRsoNALIse The sPAce AccoRDINg To ITs fUNcTIoN.” BU shUkUN, DesIgN DIRecToR of ARchIToLogY INTeRIoRs
U s I N g M AT T e f I N I s h e s This terrace house’s living area features a massive wall of storage units finished in matte white and black. The slim lines form a grid that accentuates the size of this wall. Architology then incorporated open shelves in contrasting colours to serve as a transition from the living area to the dining area and open kitchen. The matte surfaces bring depth by diffusing the light that falls on them. This contemporary space forms a backdrop for other finishes like chrome, tribal patterns and leather. Says Bu Shukun: “Apart from using black and white to mark out texture, shape, contrast, shadow and tone, the emphasis is always to create a clear design aspiration. “Homeowners should focus on the spatial reading of their home, and personalise their space according to its function and their favourite objects to create purposeful interiors.”
“soMe of oUR PRojecTs ARe cReATIve ATTeMPTs AT exTRAcTINg The cLAssIcAL coNcePTs AND APPLYINg TheM To MoDeRN INTeRIoR DesIgN.”
ReINTeRPReTINg chINese DesIgN Think Chinese-style interiors, and what comes to mind are warm natural colours or bold, bright palettes. This apartment, however, redefines Chinese design elements with white surfaces and black-stained timber details. When working on this project, Studio XMSL was inspired by Suzhou architecture. The design studio gave this project, which it named Suzhou Modern, a streamlined framework. The restrained palette and crisp lines provide
a dynamic balance. Here, authentic antique scholar chairs, a plush sofa and modern classic pieces like the Noguchi coffee table and Wishbone chair share the space easily. “The subtle compositions of white and black create unique shapes, inform a sense of depth and evoke feelings of lightness and space. Applying these principles to interior design is similar. Some of our projects, like Suzhou Modern, are creative attempts at extracting the classical concepts and applying them to modern interior design,” says Matthew Lai.
photo ArChiTology inTeriors
MATThew LAI, DIRecToR of sTUDIo xMsL
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photo The sCienTisT
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“INTRoDUce INTeResTINg DeTAILs BY UsINg A vARIeTY of sURfAces, eveN ThoUgh TheY ARe BLAck AND whITe.” ALvIN LINg, PRINcIPAL DesIgNeR of The scIeNTIsT
“TRY vIewINg BLAck AND whITe As A sPecTRUM of NeUTRALs, BefoRe exPLoRINg how To INjecT AcceNT coLoURs INTo The sPAce.” – cLAReNce Lee, PRINcIPAL DesIgNeR of The MeRRY MeN INTeRIoRs
photo The merry men inTeriors
wA R M M e TA L s w I T h MoNochRoMe To cater to the client’s preference for simple aesthetics and unique patterns, The Scientist used textured laminates for a natural, understated look. The black textured laminates in the kitchen are balanced with white walls, marble flooring and white countertops to retain an open, airy feel. To amp up the combination, the design team inserted rose gold trim for the cabinets and walls, creating a playful and sophisticated ambience. The hanging lights echo the warm metal trims. “Introduce interesting details by using a variety of surfaces, even though they are black and white. Give attention to functional accents like brass handles, art pieces, pendant lights and greenery. You can experiment with these elements to elevate black and white kitchens and inject your personality,” says Alvin Ling.
geT sTReAMLINeD wITh B L Ac k A N D w h I T e Fans of minimalism often turn to black and white for the stark contrast they form. In such interiors, every detail matters. When doing up a black and white interior, consider other elements in the space to make a cohesive whole. Aside from being mindful of the furniture and custom storage wall in the living area, The Merry Men Interiors flanked the dining area of this home with blackframed glass doors. The design firm also created balance by contrasting bold lines with the slim frame of the chairs and dining table. “Homeowners can try viewing black and white as a spectrum of neutrals, before exploring how they might want to inject accent colours into the space. From this spectrum of neutrals, they can also make a leap into exploring how metals and wood tones can help build the character of a space,” says Clarence Lee.
text RossaRa Jamil
t h e M a n c av e
Who lives here
A school teacher hoMe Two-bedroom HDB apartment siz e 850 sq ft
120
Size doeSn’t matter Beautiful things really do come in small packages, as Polly Sweet discovers on her tour of this HDB apartment. a bove
Excellent finishings and intricate details are highlights of the home’s interior design. o ppoS ite
Clean lines draw the eye from floor to ceiling in this stylish apartment.
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N ear r ight
The doors go all the way up to the ceiling, making the corridor feel more open. Fa r r igh t
The designer kept the treatment of the walls plain but elegant. bottom l e F t
The grey palette used throughout the home, including the kitchen, adds a pensive mood and a touch of masculinity to the space. bottom r ight
A nook in the bathroom was turned into shelving to optimise space.
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H
igh up on the 46th floor of one of Tiong Bahru’s most prominent HDB blocks is this dainty two-bedroom apartment, an aesthete’s haven. A world away from the chaos of community living, it is all muted tones and sleek lines, a lesson in restraint right in the heart of this colourful part of the city. At a diminutive 850 sq ft, the apartment may be on the small side, but what it lacks in square footage it more than makes up for in style. The owner is a teacher who is clearly something of a tastemaker, and who quite simply wanted the property to feel like a luxury hotel. “Sophisticated and stylish – that was what I was really after,” he explains as he recalls the origins of his apartment’s transformation.
It took several months to find the right interior architect to fulfil this lofty ambition, but when he eventually came across Joey Khu of Joey Khu Interior Design, the homeowner was immediately drawn to his lowkey, high-performance approach – especially when it came to bathroom design. “Bathrooms are so often overlooked, but for me they really are the main event,” he says with a laugh, naming a handful of five-star hotels he has stayed at, where ablutions were the highlights. The decor that Joey ultimately put together takes into consideration all the available space in the apartment and maximises it. This has resulted in a home of surprisingly grandiose proportions. Joey and his team used every trick of the trade
to amplify the apartment’s liveability, using features such as concealed storage, open shelving, custom-made furniture and seamless door frames. It now comfortably houses three members of the family, with room even for the odd visiting niece or nephew. “When I first saw the apartment, I knew that space would be the primary challenge,” explains Joey, who has worked on similar projects before. “That and getting all our materials up 46 flights of stairs! But I decided to play on the compact cosiness of the home by creating clearly defined pockets that would allow all the occupants of the flat to have their own privacy.” Joey began by selecting a gentle colour scheme in a masculine burnt ash, and then
Rig ht
The designer paid extra attention to minute details such as the placement of the mirror and sofa in the living area, as well as the proportions of the furniture, to ensure that the room would have a harmonious look.
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B elow
Dark panels along the wall create the impression of a larger bedroom by drawing the eye horizontally across the space.
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blurred all the lines between carpets, walls and ceiling. In doing so, and by playing on subtle variations in colour, he successfully created a sense of unity throughout the home while also visually enhancing the height of each room. Next, he worked simple details into the cabinetry to create depth and texture without the need for busy patterns and colours. The result is elegant and seamless without being boring. Mirrors were also strategically positioned to open up the corridor, and furniture with exposed legs was placed in the living room – small details that go a long way towards big living. Storage was one of the owner’s principal concerns in the planning phase, so Joey immediately took this into consideration when he was
looking into furniture options. “The owner really wanted to have enough storage for every family member, which was hard, given the space. So I looked at where I could work it into their individual bedrooms, finding that custom-made beds and cabinets as well as concealed wardrobes offered a surprisingly large capacity.” Joey also added a small balcony to the back of the kitchen to capitalise on the natural breeze that wafts through the front door and keeps the apartment cool even during the steamiest months of the year. This balcony is now one of the owner’s favourite spots in the morning, a place where he gets to enjoy the panoramic views that sweep from Marina Bay right across to West Coast Park.
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the hard truth
A
what’s trending & what we think
See the light
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ccording to astrologists, the world as we know it will be undergoing a period of tremendous change and awakening in 2020. “We are at the end of several long cycles and the dawning of a brand new chapter for humanity,” says renowned astrologist Barbara Goldsmith. “A huge line-up of planets in the tropic of Capricorn during the year means we will be restructuring our world and lives.” While the scientific community may laugh this off as new-age mumbo jumbo, the truth is human society is definitely waking up to the changes happening around the world and how they are affecting our lives. The issue of deforestation is prompting established furniture makers like Mater and Carl Hansen to use wood from sustainable reserves, while others like Emeco and Bolon are turning to the use of scrap metals and recycled materials in their new collections. Our awareness of the melting ice caps in the Arctic, the bleached Great Barrier Reef in Australia and sea life dying from consuming plastic bags floating in oceans around the world, has also jump-started movements to stop the use of straws in restaurants and single-use bags on specific days at retail outlets. Closer to home, and on a more personal level, the age of awakening may also be the reason why more people are showing increasing concern for their health and well-being, physically and emotionally. More stressed-out urbanites are choosing to stray from the rat race and dabble in less
profitable but more meaningful pursuits, such as forming charitable enterprises to help the less fortunate, or making the decision to place health over wealth by choosing work-life balance. There are also plenty of new-age gadgets on the market to help you find yourself and stay in the pink of health, from apps that help you to meditate daily to water bottles (made of recyclable plastic) that remind you when it’s time to hydrate. Even Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has stepped forward with a smart ambient lamp to help those who have trouble getting back to sleep at night. Dubbed the Zucklight sleep box, this wooden cube features soft ambient lighting underneath and wireless charging capability on top. It was developed for those who are constantly waking up to check the time for fear of oversleeping, something that Mark’s wife was experiencing. Paired with its app on a mobile phone, the Zucklight can be programmed to emit a soft glow, which gradually brightens, up to the time when the alarm rings. This visual cue tells you approximately how much more time you have left to rest so you don’t have to fumble for the watch or phone to check the time repeatedly. Available for order on Kickstarter (www.kickstarter. com/projects/sleep-box/ zucklight), the sleep box has already exceeded funding by 1,526 per cent of the original $6,779 goal, impressive results for what some consider a newage version of the snooze alarm. Instead of laughing it off, maybe it’s time to admit that this is indeed the dawn of a new age for mankind.