Vvghgc

HOMEANDDECOR.COM.SG

PROPERTY

How Lease #äÚÁű ƅäÚőʼn ¯ĩŖ

THE ;''Z΅<gg# ISSUE CURVY INTERIORS FOR A SENSUAL LOOK

S$6.00

NOV 2021

ERGONOMIC CHAIR CONSIDERATIONS HOME SPA SHOPPING GUIDE

HARNESSING THE POWER OF DESIGN FOR

Because a beautiful Life begins at Home.

GLOBAL AWARD WINNING DESIGN

World’s Best Interior Design (Apartment) International Property Awards 2020-2021

World’s Best Interior Design (Residence) International Property Awards 2019

Best Architecture Design (Single Residence) Singapore International Property Awards 2019

75E Loewen Road, Tanglin Village, Singapore 248845 +65 6506 0920 | designintervention.com.sg

HAPPIER HOMES AND HEALTHIER LIVES

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER

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

11 ROYAL RELAXATION Shanghai Tang collaborates with home decor brand Moyee for an exquisite Jingdezhen ceramic collection.

12 COLOUR OF THE MONTH A tranquil blue called Bright Skies is Akzonobel’s Colour Futures 2022.

S HO P PING 13

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

N EW STOR E 18

JAB ANSTOETZ FLAGSHIP STORE Furniture retailer P5’s latest brand partnership is a one-stop shop for home furnishings.

21

LIVING Playful pieces that delight the young and the young-at-hearts.

22

H OT S P OT 22

KINK BAR & RESTAURANT This ultra-cool restaurant, bar and culinary laboratory in Germany brightens up its industrial surroundings.

24

GLORIETTA Designed by Alexander & Co, this bar and restaurant brings an Italian vibe to Sydney.

26

CARROTSTICKS & CRAVINGS STANLEY STREET The beloved Aussieinspired cafe’s third outpost features gorgeous coastalinspired interior design by celebrated hospitality designer Isabelle Miaja.

28

SINGAPORE PAVILION AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI A layered design and passive energy-saving strategies show how architecture can coexist with nature.

15

28

Nature, Nurture, Future WOHA’s sustainable Singapore Pavilion at Dubai Expo.

2

17

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER

DESIGN I D E A S A N D I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M THOSE IN THE KNOW

39 FAI R RE PO R T

48

51

31

SOUND ADVICE

VOICES

CIAO, MILANO!

Co-founder of GRYD discusses how soundscapes can help us to maintain our mental health when facing a crisis.

Seah Chee Huang, CEO of DP Architects and architect of The President’s Design Award’s Design of the Year 2020 project GoodLife!

Makan, discusses leveraging design to empower seniors and anticipating the Silver Tsunami.

Milan Design Week is back after the pandemic hiatus with a tweaked format in September. We take a look at the latest and greatest products, people and happenings at the fair.

PEOPLE

50

UP CLOSE 100 year-old artist Lim Tze Peng shares some of the highlights of his favourite century.

Best Of MDW2021 Meet the latest and greatest from the fair’s return.

44

SMART WELLNESS Lynn Tan, Deputy CEO of OSIM International, talks about the evolution of smart well-being devices and how to choose the right one to turn your home into a wellness sanctuary.

46

MADE WITH LOVE Bynd Artisan’s founders share insights into the origins of their brand and how wellness, gratitude, and thoughtfulness have shaped its evolution.

4

40

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER

78

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

94

1 08

CURVES AHEAD Curvy design elements make for an effective strategy to inspire comfort and wellness in a space.

Here are some case studies and tips to incorporate them into your own home.

THE EFFECT OF HDB LEASE DECAY What happens when HDB flat leasing decreases, and what happens to yours if it reaches zero?

Property expert Eugene Lin explains.

09

EDITOR’S NOTE

100

SITTING HEALTHY How do you choose the right ergonomic chair for your home?

Here’s a handy guide.

10

H&D.COM.SG 1 10 IN STORE

104

AN OASIS AT HOME Practice self-care with our shopping guide to creating the ultimate home spa, regardless of your budget.

1 11

BUYING GUIDE 1 12

THE HARD TRUTH

on the cover

HOMES THE NEW MODERN

54

68

THE HOUSE OF CONTRASTS Copenhagen-based designer Cora Lucaz gave this early 20th-century house a new look by playing with opposites and mixing styles and periods.

A BRIGHT OUTLOOK This home showcases the owners’ personality to maximum advantage with vivid colours, bold wallpaper and patterned tiles.

61

A ROMANTIC JEWEL BOX This walk-up apartment has been beautifully renovated to create a glamorous home for entertaining in style.

This maisonette in Potong Pasir sparks joy with colours and patterns.

PHOTOGRAPHY VER O NICA TAY

78

PRIDE AND JOY The four-storey terrace house in a prominent corner plot is home to three generations of the Kareem family, who enjoy the busy atmosphere.

88

LOFTY GOALS From the outside, you cannot tell that this compact onebedroom, Japandistyle condominium unit has a loft.

6

68

STYLING NONIE CHEN

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Young Lim (younglim@sph.com.sg) ASSISTANT EDITOR Asih Jenie (asihj@sph.com.sg) WRITER Melody Bay (melodyb@sph.com.sg)

CREATIVE

HEAD, SALES Christopher Chan (cwochris@sph.com.sg) LUXURY & RETAIL (FASHION, WATCHES, JEWELLERY) Irene Tan (itan@sph.com.sg) BANKING, TECH & TELCO Ellen Lee (leekhe@sph.com.sg)

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Nonie Chen (noniec@sph.com.sg)

GOVERNMENT & EDUCATION Yvonne Wong (yvonnew@sph.com.sg)

ART DIRECTOR Kristy Quah (krisquah@sph.com.sg)

HOME & ESSENTIALS (PROPERTY, FMCG & RECREATION) Stella Yeo (steyeo@sph.com.sg)

PHOTOGRAPHY

GROWTH (BEAUTY & NEW PARTNERSHIPS) Josephine Lee (leebc@sph.com.sg) Martin Boey (boeyckm@sph.com.sg)

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Veronica Tay (verontay@sph.com.sg) EXECUTIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS Tan Wei Te (tanweite@sph.com.sg) SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Vee Chin (veechin@sph.com.sg) Phyllicia Wang (wanglx@sph.com.sg)

ADMINISTRATION & EDITORIAL SUPPORT SENIOR MANAGER Juliana Chong (julianac@sph.com.sg) SENIOR EXECUTIVE Cynthia Lee (hhclee@sph.com.sg) SENIOR EXECUTIVE Wendy Wong (wwong@sph.com.sg)

8

ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS

AD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION TEAM HEAD, TITLE DEVELOPMENT Faith Yoong (faithy@sph.com.sg) MANAGER, TITLE DEVELOPMENT Ng Mui Hoon (nmuihoon@sph.com.sg)

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Ignatius Low HEAD, COMMERCIAL EXCELLENCE Joanna Ho HEAD, AD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION Helen Lee HEAD, CONTENT MARKETING Phin Wong HEAD, GROUP MARKETING Sharon Cheong

OPERATIONS TEAM HEAD Alice Chee (siewyuen@sph.com.sg) ASSISTANT MANAGER Lin Feng (fenglin@sph.com.sg)

HEAD, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS HEAD Lee Su Shyan VICE-PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Irene Lee

Home & Decor is published by SPH Magazines, a division of SPH Media Limited, 1000 Toa Payoh N, S318994,

HEAD, SPH MAGAZINES Eugene Wee (eugenew@sph.com.sg)

Tel: 6319-6319 Distributed by Circulation Department, SPH Media Limited, Singapore

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

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Raymond Goh (raygoh@sph.com.sg)

registration no.: 202120748H Printed by Times Printers.

All rights reserved. No part of this

GROUP MARKETING

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Eileen Chia (elchia@sph.com.sg)

publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

The views and opinions expressed or

TEAM HEAD, MAGAZINES Lin Shaomei (smlin@sph.com.sg) SENIOR MANAGER Chloe Chow (chloecsy@sph.com.sg)

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

MCI (P) 052/10/2021 Expiry date: 30/09/2022.

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

Subscribe online: www.homeanddecor.com.sg.

EDITOR’S NOTE

YO U R H A P P Y P L AC E ěĩő ĩù ĂĩġäĩūĢäŅʼn őŅű őĩ ġÁėä őĂäĆŅ Ăĩġä Áʼn łŅÁÚőĆÚÁě ÁĢà ùŖĢÚőĆĩĢÁě Áʼn Ćő ÚÁĢ Ùä͡ ÁĢà ĆĢ őĂä łŅĩÚäʼnʼn äĢà Ŗł ʼnÁÚŅĆƈÚĆĢú őĂä ÚĩġùĩŅő ěäŪäě ĩù őĂäĆŅ ʼnłÁÚäʼn͠ Hù ÁĢűőĂĆĢú őĂä łÁĢàäġĆÚ ÁĢà ěĩÚėàĩūĢ ĂÁʼn őÁŖúĂő Ŗʼn͡ it is the realisation that home Ģääàʼn őĩ ùääě Á ěĩő ÚĩʼnĆäŅ ÁĢà ġĩŅä ʼnĩĩőĂĆĢú ùĩŅ ĩŖŅʼnäěŪäʼn͠ Home should be a zone where ūä ūĩĢΎő ùääě Úĩĩłäà Ŗł äŪäĢ Ćù ūä ĂÁŪä őĩ Ùä ʼnőŖÚė ĆĢ Ćő ùĩŅ ÁĢ äŰőäĢàäà łäŅĆĩà ĩù őĆġä͠ HĢ őĂĆʼn ĆʼnʼnŖä͡ ūä őÁėä Á ěĩĩė Áő ūÁűʼn őĩ ġÁėä Ăĩġä ĆĢőäŅĆĩŅʼn ěĩĩė ÁĢà ùääě ĆĢŪĆőĆĢú͠ ĂäŅä ÁŅä őĂĆĢúʼn űĩŖ ÚÁĢ àĩ͡ ùŅĩġ ġÁėĆĢú ʼnġÁěě ÚĂÁĢúäʼn ěĆėä adding a home scent, to putting a shower massager into your ÙÁőĂŅĩĩġ͠ ©ĆőĂ ʼnĩġä äƅĩŅő͡ home will be a destination you’ll ūÁĢő őĩ ŪĆʼnĆő äŪäŅű ʼnĆĢúěä àÁű͠

YO U N G L I M E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F

photography ANGELA GUO art direction NONIE CHEN

With the Vaccinated Travel Lanes opening up, many ĆĢúÁłĩŅäÁĢʼn ÁŅä ƉĩÚėĆĢú őĩ úŅÁÙ őĆÚėäőʼn ĩŖő ĩù őĂä ÚĩŖĢőŅű ùĩŅ Á ġŖÚĂ Ģääàäà ÙŅäÁė͠ However, as a new homeowner I have come to embrace the mindset that as exciting as travelling can be, őĂäŅäΎʼn ĔŖʼnő Ģĩ łěÁÚä ěĆėä Ăĩġä͠ Ģà ūĂäĢ űĩŖ ʼnőŅĆŪä őĩ ġÁėä űĩŖŅ ÁÙĩàä Á ÚĩġùĩŅőĆĢú ÁĢà relaxing zone you can retreat őĩ͡ ʼnőÁűĆĢú ĆĢ ūĩĢΎő ġÁėä űĩŖ ùääě ěĆėä űĩŖ ÁŅä ÙäĆĢú Úĩĩłäà Ŗł͠ H ėĢĩū HΎġ ʼnłäÁėĆĢú ùŅĩġ Á łěÁÚä ĩù łŅĆŪĆěäúä͡ since I live on my own and äĢĔĩű őĂä ùŅääàĩġ ĩù ĂÁŪĆĢú enough space and privacy, but ŅäúÁŅàěäʼnʼn ĩù Ăĩū ÚŅÁġġäà in your current home may be, I believe you should always ʼnää Ăĩġä Áʼn Á ĂÁłłű łěÁÚä͠

AN A L L- N EW ONL IN E E XPE RI E N C E !

YOUR ENHANCED DESIGN JOURNEY INCLUDES: THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF H&D TV WITH VIDEO PLAYLISTS & MORE THE LATEST STYLE TIPS, TREND STORIES AND DESIGN FEATURES EXCITING GIVEAWAYS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

AVAILABLE ON DESKTOPS & ALL MOBILE DEVICES.

W W W. H O M E A N D D E C O R . C O M . S G Check out popular blog posts of the month

REAL-TIME DESIGN UPDATES www.facebook.com/ homeanddecor.singapore The latest on home decor and shopping scoops.

MORE INTERIOR STYLES FROM OUR ONLINE IMAGE LIBRARY

SIGHTS & INSPIRATION Check us out at @Homeanddecor_sg

THIS MONTH ON OUR “LIVINGROOMS TO DIE FOR” BOARD www.pinterest.com/homeanddecorsg

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

R OYA L R E L A X AT I O N As the year winds down, it’s time to take a breather. Find inspiration in the E.P. Collection of Jingdezhen china depicting imaginary scenes of the imperial garden, with emperors painting as young women serenade one another with the pipa and joyfully play on the swing set.

Conceived in partnership between fashion label Shanghai Tang and home decor brand Mooyee, this series of impeccably made Jingdezhen ceramic vessels

are not just beautiful to behold, they are also highly functional as well. The vase, for example, is double sided with one end featuring a narrow cross shape for simple arrangements while the opposite end has a wider opening for more elaborate displays.

The Shanghai Tang X Mooyee Limited Edition E.P. Collection is available on www.shanghaitang. com and in all boutiques. Call 6737-3537 for more information.

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

C O LO U R O F THE MONTH PANTONE 7543C

BRIGHT SKIES AHEAD There is a growing sense of eagerness and anticipation as we move into the final months of the year, perhaps because everyone is hoping for the dreaded pandemic situation to resolve itself and for the world to bravely forge into life in the new normal come 2022.

This expectation is interpreted in Dulux’s colour of 2022. Aptly named Bright Skies, this warm toned shade of blue conveys a feeling of hopefulness mixed with the slightest tinge of youthful innocence and trepidation.

“After a spell of feeling shut in, we crave expansion – the great outdoors, the open air, a fresh approach and a new start. Our Colour of the Year is an optimistic shade that encapsulates a breath of fresh air,” says Heleen van Gent, creative director of the Global Aesthetic Center over at Akzonobel, parent company of the Dulux brand.

In line with the way our homes have evolved into a space for work and play, this hue also aims to create a lighthearted ambience suitable for working as well as living in.

As a wall colour, this pared down shade of blue is a very forgiving tone that can be used to complement a wide variety of neutral hues.

It is a welcome version that avoids the overwhelming effect of baby blue, while still presenting a colour that reminds of the sky and sea.

12

PANTONE 5035C

PANTONE 1456C

Bright Skies is an airy, light blue é­ é Þ Ğ éâ é­ limitless skies, it brings a hint of the natural world °Éâ° É É ÂâÐ work with a host of other shades.

the expert says

WONG L I A NGY UAN ÐÂÐîÞ âÛ ° °âéʣ Haven Lifestyle

photo COURTESY OF DULUX

“This is a wonderful colour because it presents an ideal option for homeowners who love blue but do not want to use a shade that is too light or too dark. It is a tad heavier in hue compared to the usual pastel blue, but I think that’s what makes it so captivating. I would use this with white for a timeless look, or with a contrasting hue for an accent wall.”

TILE OF THE MONTH

NATURE’S TAPESTRY

ART DECO DEEP DIVE

Art Deco Style, a highlight of luxury book publisher Assouline’s fall 2021 line-up, explores the multifaceted story of the celebrated design movement through compelling imagery dating back to its birth in 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes trade show in Paris and its modern evolution. This includes updating historic styles, incorporating exotic elements, and incorporating avant-garde art currents like Cubism.

With over 25 years of industry experience, Italian brand APE Grupo has pledged to promote wellness through its products. Four Seasons’ subdued colours and textures, one of its newest tile collections, were inspired by nature. We love the Tapestry motif with pink, green and blue hues in a matte finish that complements the biophilic design and adds a refined, stylish and tactile texture to your kitchen and bathroom.

The Four Seasons Tapestry collection from APE Grupo starts at $8.56 per sq ft from Hafary. Visit www. hafary.com.sg for more information.

Art Deco Style retails at US$70 ($93.85) from www.assouline.com.

g a# ' ;' Put your restless energy to good use by adding these Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Bluetooth wireless earphones to your sports regimen. The Anthracite Oxygen colourway combines charcoal grey and powder blue for a fresh look. With just one charge, they can play for seven hours on the go, plus three and a half hours more with the charging case.

Beoplay E8 Sport retails at $499 from https:// designcollection.sg/bang-olufsen.

13

EDITOR’S CHOICE

COOLING g¨' ΅ fÛ îÉé°Â ˸âÉÐÐą éÐп îÛ é­ ­  ɧ ú°é­ a É Âʣ Þ é­ Â ʣ ­ĀÛР ާ É° ¦ Þ° ¦ÞÐÈ î ÂĀÛéîâ ĝ Þ ʣ ĝÉ °É§ ú °§­é  ɿ é âî°é  ¦ÐÞ ÐîÞ éÞÐÛ° Â Â°È é ú âÉʙé âĀʨ ,éâ úÐù É âéÞî éîÞ ÛÞÐù° â §ÐÐ °Þ î é°ÐÉʣ È ¿°É§ °é ÐâĀ ú°é­Ðîé °É§ âéîđĀ ÐÞ éÐÐ ú ÞÈʨ r °§­°É§ ɂʨɄ¿§ʣ °é °â âî°é  ¦ÐÞ Û ÐÛ ú °§­°É§ ɁɁ¿§ éÐ Ʉȼ¿§ʨ ZÂ é §Þ Ā É ÞÐĀ  Âî Þ ù °Â  ÉÐúʣ ú­°Â ÈÐÞ ÐÂÐîÞâ Þ ÿÛ é °É ȾȼȾȾʨ &snooze weighted blanket retails at $259.

Enter anddecor20 at checkout for 20 per cent off your first purchase until Dec 31 this year.

This promotion cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts. Visit www.andsnooze. com for more information.

EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH

BUT FIRST, COFFEE

The Nespresso Vertuo Next retails from $328 at all Nespresso boutiques and at www.nespresso.com.

14

Those of you who long for a îÛ Ð¦ Ðđ ú°é­ é­ é ¦Þ â­ÂĀ Þ ú ¦ Ğ ùÐîÞ ú°Â Û â éÐ ¿ÉÐú é­ q ÞéîÐ B ÿé Ā B âÛÞ ââÐ Â éâ ĀÐî ­ ù é­ Þ°âé ÿÛ Þ° É é ­ÐÈ ʨ r°é­ ú° Þ É§ Ц Ðđ âéĀ â É É °ÉÉÐù é°ù ÉéÞ°¦îâ°ÐÉ ÿéÞ é°ÐÉ âĀâé Èʣ é­ È ­°É °â ù °Â  °É ­ ÞÞĀ Þ ʣ §Þ Ā É Þ° ­ ÞÐúÉʨ r°é­ é­ Ûî⭠Ц îééÐÉʣ é­ ÈÐîÉé Ц ú é Þʣ ÛÞ °â é ÈÛ Þ éîÞ É ÞÐé é°ÐÉ âÛ Þ Â ÛÞÐ§Þ ÈÈ °ÉéÐ ­ Ûâî ʙâ îÉ°Ýî Þ Ð ʣ  ù°É§ ĀÐî éРɼÐĀ É âÛÞ ââÐ ÐÞ Â Þ§ îÛ Ð¦ Ðđ ʨ

FAREWELL TO REASON What: Furniture exhibition by KSY (Nathan Yong) When: Until Nov 21, 2021 Where: Industry+, 213 Henderson Road, #01-02

Yong). Presented in conjunction with Archifest 2021, the collection comprises sculptural pieces made with colourful bent onyx slabs that straddle the realms of design and art.

Local furniture purveyor Industry+ is opening its new showroom on Henderson Road with Farewell To Reason, showcasing new furniture by designer and artist KSY (Nathan

Opening hours: Noon-3pm and 5pm-7pm on weekdays and noon-7pm at weekends. Visit www.industryplus. com.sg for more information.

TRENDING

RAW APPEAL îÞ Â ʣ Þ Ā   ʣ ù Þâ é°Â É Û â°É§ éÐ é­ éÐî ­ʣ ÐÞ¿ â Þù â Èî ­ ÂÐù â É °Éé Þ°ÐÞ É ­ÐÈ ú Þ È é Þ° Âʨ "ÞÐÈ é­ Û É Â Ð Þ éÐ ĀЧ ÂÐ ¿â É â°§É Þ ¦îÞÉ°éîÞ ʣ ­ Þ Þ âÐÈ Ð¦ ÐîÞ ¦ ùÐîÞ°é âʨ

2

3

4

1 . Garden Trading Ashwicke Memo Board, £35 ($64.87) at www. gardentrading.co.uk.

2 . Vitra Cork Family, from $255 to $758 at www.shopee.sg/ vitrasg.

3. Mogg King and Queen Cork Stools, £480 ($889.58) at www.gomodern. co.uk.

4 . The Warrior Addict Cork Block Set, £25 ($46.33) at www.warrioraddict. com.

1

' D' ' Z Z ® ¯

White marble is one of the few materials that convey luxury and timelessness.

With Silestone by Cosentino’s new Ethereal Collection, you can enjoy the look guilt-free. Incorporating the environmentally-friendly HybriQ+ Technology, the collection consists of four colourways that showcase the interplay of light on white marble in different colour temperatures.

Visit www.cosentino.com/en-sg/ethereal/ for more information.

QUALITY SLEEP We’ve all heard of thread count and the importance of choosing the right mattress for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Imagine if you could design your perfect bed, right down to the number of pillows and the exact colour? Customise Your Bed is a service offered by local bedding brand Cottoncrumbs, which combines quality and aesthetics. Its staff will help you choose the right mattress and pillows, recommend bedding sets to suit your style, and even teach you how to dress your bed with layers, throws and pillows.

For more information, visit www.cottoncrumbs.com.

15

ALWAYS NEAT & PRESENTABLE ) ù ĀÐî ù Þ ­ ɧ ĀÐîÞ ÂÐé­ â  âé È°Éîé îâ é­ Ā É °ÞÐɰɧ É âé Ȱɧ É ĀÐî ° Éʙé ­ ù é­ é°È ʪ a­ É ú ÂÂʌ°ÉʌHÉ Ʉȼȼȼ Z Þ° â ¦ÞÐÈ S­°Â°Ûâ ÐÈ °É â âé È É °ÞÐɰɧ ¦îÉ é°ÐÉ Â°éĀ ú°é­ âÛ ʣ â É ÛÞ °â°ÐÉ ¦ÐÞ éÐ Āʙâ ¦ âéʌÛ Â°¦ âéĀ ú°é­Ðîé é­ É éÐ ¼î§§Â É °ÞÐɰɧ Ð Þ É âé È Þʨ

Philips All-in-One 8000 Series retails at $519 from Harvey Norman, Lazada and Best Denki. Visit www.philips.com.sg for more information.

¯g ZHW' H Samsung’s BESPOKE refrigerators line, first launched in Korea, is now available in Singapore. Taking customisation to a whole new level, they come in three unique formats – the all-new 4-Door Flex, Bottom Mount Freezer and 1-Door Flex, or a combination of the modular formats consumers can mix and match to suit their lifestyles.

They are currently available in Glam White, Glam Pink, Glam Navy, Satin Sky Blue and Satin Gray, with plans to expand the selection in the future.

The Samsung BESPOKE collection starts at $1,899 from shop.samsung.com and major consumer electronics stores, including Audio House, Best Denki, Courts, Gain City, Harvey Norman, Mega Discount Store and Parisilk.

It is also available online at Lazada and Shopee.

16

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

PUFFINGMUFFIN

Add to cart

URBAN COMPANY As Asia’s largest online home service platform, Urban Company delivers a wide variety of services right to your door, from everyday cleaning and pest control to lavish manipedis, haircuts and facial treatments.

To accommodate your schedule, bookings can be made via a mobile app or at its website. Say goodbye to rushing to the salon for last minute grooming!

Urban Company’s beauty services start from $19 (mani pedi) to $269 (hair services).

Visit www.urbancompany.com/singapore for more information.

Known by her artist moniker Puffingmuffin, Candice Phang is an illustrator that draws inspiration from the quirks of life. Mixing traditional and digital mediums with a spatial sensibilities honed during her years in NUS’s architecture department, Candice’s work features whimsical characters, curves, and bright colours. Most recently she was one of the five

local talents tapped by Samsung to create a custom panel for the brand’s new Bespoke refrigerator series, which features her two favourite things: cats and plants.

For more information, visit www.puffingmuffin.com

NEWS ASDA Competition Lixil has launched the American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2022, inviting tertiary design students from eight countries including Singapore to submit their best design to the theme of Purposeful Design – Transforming the Way We Live.

In Full Glory TOSO, leading Japanese blinds and curtains supplier, has opened its first-ever gallery in Singapore in collaboration with local distributor MC.2. Dubbed the TOSO Experience Center, the 2,000 sq ft gallery features the brand’s complete collection in real scale and

offers a comprehensive look at the potential of its products in commercial and residential spaces.

Visit www. americanstandard-apac. com/asda for more information.

TOSO Gallery @ MC.2 is located at 33 Ubi Ave 3 Vertex Building #01-28/29. Visit www.mc2.com.sg for more information.

Rotating Showcase DesignSingapore Council selected 17 design research proposals to sponsor in 2020, and we now get to see the results. Since October, designers have been showcasing their research findings, prototypes and solutions in an 11-month rotating showcase at the National Design Centre.

Visit www.designsingapore.org for more information.

text ASIH JENIE & MELODY BAY

17

N E W S TO R E

J A B A N S T O E T Z F L AG S H I P S TO R E Furniture retailer P5’s latest brand partnership is a one-stop shop for home furnishings.

18

F

urniture retailer P5 has partnered with German brand Jab Anstoetz to open its flagship store and showroom in Southeast Asia. Founded in 1946 as a wholesale business for decoration and upholstery, Jab Anstoetz has evolved into a multi-brand group with complete home furnishings, including furniture, fabrics, home accessories and floor materials. These are available at the flagship alongside pieces from beloved brands from Italy and Denmark.

True to its German roots, the store showcases a broad selection of timeless, meticulously upholstered designs that focus on durability and functionality.

Customers are presented with a series of living spaces that flow seamlessly into one another to create a delightful design experience.

Each living space has pieces from Jab Anstoetz Furniture and Italian brand Turati T4. Textiles and floor coverings from Jab Anstoetz Fabric and Flooring and lighting from German brand Oligo complete the look.

One of the highlights of the living room set is Jab Anstoetz’s Campus De Luxe. The convertible sofa transforms into a

AB OVE

The dining room setting features a pendant light from Oligo.

good to know

TOP

View of the showroom’s front.

OPPOSITE

The convertible sofa and lounger Campus De Luxe in a living room setting.

The name Jab originates from the abbreviation JAB, which consists of its founder’s name, Josef Anstoetz, and his birthplace in Bielefeld, Germany.

chaise lounge with a simple repositioning. It features a tilt mechanism, a footrest, and ˈ­ Þ âéʨ Both soft furnishings and furniture were equally crucial in the flagship. The Fabric Bar, located at the right end of the showroom, displays Jab Anstoetz’s entire selection of fabrics and textiles. Swathes of fabrics in vibrant colours, motifs and textures hang from the walls, offering a visual and tactile experience.

Time for New Favourite Places, the latest textile collection in this area, comprises durable fabrics with delicate patterns to withstand traffic and look good in a multifunctional space where

textASIH JENIE photos P5

we live, work, and relax.

In the showroom, most of the materials displayed can be used as finishing options for the furniture items.

In addition to the Fabric Bar is a functional workspace that doubles as a display of Montana furniture, which would be equally at home in a residential space as it is in a commercial or hospitality one.

It is truly a one-stop shop for quality home furnishings.

AB OVE

The Fabric Bar provides endless ideas for customisation.

Jab Anstoetz Flagship Store is located at #01-01 Thong Teck Building, 15 Scotts Road. It opens daily from 10am to 7pm, and 10am to 6pm on public holidays.

Visit www.p5.com.sg for more information.

19

JOIN THE NEW HOMEOWNERS CLUB NOW!

Sign up for a comprehensive guide on buying and creating your new home. www.homeanddecor.com.sg homeanddecor_sg

homeanddecor.singapore

homeanddecorsg

Playful shapes, bright colours and whimsical characters. Who wouldn’t be delighted to be around them?

1. & 3 . The Party wall lamp collection, from $850, and Chess Table, $1,870, from Moooi at Space Furniture.

2. Keith Haring sailboat print, from $847 at Living with Art Singapore.

4. & 6 . Leaf Rug, $2,850, and Dragon Slice Stool, $3,642, from Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba at Scarlet Splendour.

5 . Memory wall lamp by Boris Kimek, price upon request, from www. brokis.cz.

7. Gangzai Captain Bombeck Rectangular Tray, $100, from Journey East.

8 . Disney print, $47.19, from Society 6.

6

7

21

H OT S P OT

KINK BAR & R E S TAU R A N T The restaurant, bar and culinary laboratory in one brightens up its industrial surroundings.

22

B

erlin, a city renowned for embracing avantgarde concepts, used to be home to the Pfefferberg, born in 1990 from the locals’ desire to gather in one place.

It is now one of Berlin’s most fashionable spots with a thriving cultural, commercial, and social scene. Eleven venues make up this project, including Olafur

Eliasson’s art studio, the Aedes Architekturforum galleries and the recently opened KINK restaurant, bar and culinary lab.

Situated in a renovated industrial building that was a brewery warehouse in the mid-19th century, KINK offers a multifaceted experience. For example, Spaceknot (Pfefferberg), the

AB OVE

KINK founders Oliver Mansaray and Daniel Scheppan.

L EF T

Designed in the ’70s by Hans Hopfer, French brand Roche Bobois’ modular Mah Jong sofas offer a relaxed seating arrangement.

TOP

The mezzanine lounge features a Chesterfield leather sofa and is accessible via a cast iron spiral staircase.

A BOVE

An exposed brick wall contrasts with new finishes.

OPPOSITE

The 8m high ceiling is perfect for Swiss contemporary artist Kerim Seiler’s striking light installation.

large light installation by Swiss contemporary artist Kerim Seiler, hangs 8m above your head and contains more than 100m of red neon tubes.

The artwork plays with the scale of the space, where classic and vintage elements merge with contemporary design elements. “Art that interrogates, moves and stimulates exchange is what we cherish at KINK,” say founders Oliver Mansaray and Daniel Scheppan. “Art reveals both difference and similarity at the same time.”

Berlin studio Hidden Fortress designed the central bar. On the mezzanine, the metalwork of German artist Philipp Emanuel Eyrich interacts with Berberlin handcrafted rugs inspired by North African Berber culture and Roche Bobois modular A ­ˈ7Ðɧ âЦ âʨ

The founders’ goal was to create a project with art and design as part of the decor, a musical aspect, and a culinary laboratory led by Indian-born mixologist Arun Puvanendran and Italian chef Ivano Pirolo, who reinterpret several sustainability processes.

“We don’t build walls; we tear them down,” they claim. “We bring together what ought to be together: the kitchen and the bar. Not only do we create a unique space, but we also unite culinary and cocktail art into one cohesive experience.”

Calm and bold, unexpected yet sophisticated, KINK has all the best ingredients to become the vibrant city of Berlin’s new hot spot.

good to know KINK’s innovative food and drink pairings include a twist on the classic margarita that’s given a shot of penicillin, deconstructed taco and chicory stuffed with minced lamb and mole.

To learn more about KINK, visit www.kink-berlin.de.

text KARINE MONIE photos ROBERT RIEGER

23

H OT S P OT

O G LO R I E T TA Designed by Alexander & Co, this bar and restaurant brings an Italian vibe to Sydney.

24

ccasionally, the most challenging obstacles are the ones that boost creativity the most.

That is what happened with Glorietta, a bar and restaurant Sydney-based design firm Alexander & Co transformed into a lively eating, dining and Éé Þé °ÉÈ Ééˈ âé°É é°ÐÉʨ The space, located in a new commercial building in North Sydney, was initially

an uninspiring, voluminous, double-height glass box with poor visibility. “Our team had to work hard to create a sense of identity, intimacy and warmth,” says Jeremy Bull, founder and principal at Alexander & Co. “We started by deconstructing the space into separate zones using different floor treatments and seating options. Polished concrete went around the northern dining

good to know Hospitality guru Aaron Crinis, formerly of Glory Days, Diggies Cafe and Dagwood Bar + Kitchen, runs Glorietta.

TOP

R IG HT

The bar features a timber finish and an unobstructed view.

The rustic domed oven is visible from the main entrance.

AB OV E

The variety of seating includes a plush sofa with a woven rattan finish.

OPPOSITE

The cloudscape or woven rattan finish suspended below the ceiling conceals the ducting and adds visual excitement.

area, and the bar has high timber tables and stools. A central dining area boasts timber boards, communal tables, and seating, while the opposite side of the room features an olive-green leather banquette paired with rust-red tables and bentwood chairs. Concrete slabs surround the open kitchen.

“The large scale, volume, view and elevated floor area makes it spatially unique,” â Āâˈ7 Þ ÈĀʨ Glorietta’s organic and earthy palette also makes it feel warm. He describes the space as having tonally gentle design elements, including recycled timber, apricot leathers and tiles, and cream and wheat linen curtains. “A vaulted rattan cloudscape softens the impact of the silver panelled ceiling.”

Alexander & Co, inspired by the client’s love of all things Italian, incorporated several artworks to bring even more personality to the restaurant, which has become genuinely welcoming. “The innovative transformation from an amorphous commercial venue into a cosy restaurant now appeals to afternoon spritz seekers, late-night fine diners as well as casual pizza eaters,” the designers say.

To learn more about Glorietta, visit www.glorietta.com.au.

text KARINE MONIE photography ANSON SMART styling CLAIRE DELMAR

25

H OT S P OT

CA RROTSTICKS & C R AV I N G S , S TA N L E Y S T R E E T The third outpost of this Aussie-inspired cafe features an interior designed by celebrated hospitality designer Isabelle Miaja.

T

he first Carrotsticks & Cravings outlet opened in Dempsey Hill in 2017 and quickly became popular.

The cafe offers a laid-back, Aussie-esque ambience and a menu that accommodates most dietary restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, dairyfree and refined sugar-free options, while happily satisfying cravings. The second opened in 2018 at Robertson Quay, and the third at Stanley Street in August this year. Designed by awardwinning hospitality designer Isabelle Miaja, the Stanley Street interior injects tropicalbeach cheer into the CBD area with a tactile material palette that includes Carrotsticks & Craving’s signature pink, teal and white. It seats 50 diners; 24 indoors and 26 outside.

Isabelle has incorporated retro-inspired design elements and strategically uses curves to soften the overall feel in the dining area. The curving coffee bar is finished with homogenous white tiles and vibrant green grouting, plus white terrazzo with a confettilike pink and black pattern.

Arches lined with tropical wallpaper panels behind the seating area make you feel

26

ABOVE

TOP

Dukkah Salmon ($28) is a hearty bowl featuring poached honeymarinated salmon, housemade dukkah, various grains and veggies.

In the coffee bar area, Isabelle Miaja has layered subtle patterns in woven materials, tiles and colourful grouting to create a beach club vibe.

like you are peeking out into a Âîâ­ˈ§ Þ Éʨ The lighting inside is warm white, casting a golden glow that flatters both food and decor. The loose furniture selection, comprising several models of wooden chairs with woven rattan seats and powder-coated metal chairs, from Bali, is deliberately varied to enhance the eclectic vibe. The seat cushions also come in various textures É ˈ ÐÂÐîÞâʨ As with Carrotstick & Craving’s other two outlets, the menu also comes with options for various diets. The exclusive Stanley Breakfast for 2 is inspired by the owner’s Australian and Israeli roots.

The platter comes with a generous serving of Israeli

good to know

AB OV E

BOTTOM

The generous Stanley Breakfast for 2 ($46) is exclusive to this outlet.

Tropical wallpaper panels bring elements of a lush garden indoors.

Founded by Melbourne-born Terri-Anne Leske, Carrotsticks & Craving is now owned and operated by hospitality group Foragers.

salad, puff pastries filled with cream cheese and herbs, oven-roasted eggplant served with homemade hummus and whole chickpeas, bitesized falafel patties, avocado with crumbled feta, a tangy cheese called labneh, and a side of smoked salmon or chicken leg ham. All this is complemented by a sourdough bread basket, two eggs and two coffees. Customers can opt for alternative milk options such as almond, coconut, oat, and soya.

Other recommendations include The Cravings Burekas (an Israeli pastry), Red Shakshouka and hearty grain bowl Dukkah Salmon.

A selection of gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free desserts, including a guilt-free confection made with coconut oil, peanut butter, almond and cocoa called Keto Bomb, completes the offering.

Carrotsticks & Cravings is located at 5 Stanley Street. Visit www.carrotsticksandcravings.com for more information.

text ASIH JENIE photos CARROTSTICKS & CRAVINGS

27

H OT S P OT

I

S I N G A P O R E PAV I L I O N AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI A layered design and passive energy-saving strategies show how architecture can coexist with nature.

28

t looks like a tree house at first glance. Or a building inexplicably growing out of thick greenery. The Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is both of these things and more.

Blending architecture with nature, it embodies Singapore’s City in Nature vision.

Designed by WOHA Architects, it is one of 192 national pavilions participating in Expo 2020 that are divided into three districts: Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity, and will be on display until March 31 next year.

Located in the Sustainability District, the pavilion shows how the built environment can coexist harmoniously with nature. Exposed steel beams hold up the entire structure, surrounded by a winding passageway leading the visitors from floor to floor. The verdant greenery rises from the ground and covers not just the walls but ceilings as well. The immersive design mirrors Singapore’s success in overcoming size limitations due to its design statement – despite being one of the smallest plots at Expo 2020 Dubai, and the nation’s growing interest in bringing nature into indoor spaces.

WOHA Architects stacked levels upon levels to create a multifunctional space. The Canopy Walk winds through the different levels, ending at the Open Sky Market, an open multipurpose function space on the top level.

There are also more than 170 plant varieties, including trees, shrubs and orchids, throughout the entire structure.

These will grow even denser

TOP, FAR L EFT

Even with Dubai’s desert climate, the Canopy Walk is always cool because of the plants.

BOTTOM , FAR L EFT

The biophilic design features orchids prominently.

TOP, L EFT

The Hanging Garden and Garden Cones seamlessly connect the outside and inside.

L EFT

Together, nature and the built environment create a living sculpture.

OPPOSITE

Stacking the structures on a small plot is a tribute to how Singapore overcame its own space planning challenges.

and more verdant throughout the Expo’s duration, giving visitors an immersive, biophilic experience as they stroll up the Canopy Walk and providing natural ÐаɧˈÈ âîÞ âʨ The transition from indoors to outdoors is seamless due to the greenery.

Three 9m-tall Garden Cones exhibit Singapore’s heritage and urban solutions, paying homage to its worldwide reputation as a Garden City.

With a solar canopy on the roof, the entire structure has a net-zero

energy consumption. Natural solutions such as crossventilation and shading use less energy, while reverseosmosis desalination uses solar energy.

Human actions on the planet are causing the climate crisis, according to WOHA Architects. The Singapore Pavilion aims to create an environment in which humans live in harmony with nature.

For more information, visit www.singapore2020expo.gov.sg and www.expo2020dubai.com.

text MELODY BAY photos QUENTIN SIM & SINGAPORE PAVILION, EXPO 2020 DUBAI

29

SU BS C R I B E TO

HOME & DECOR AND ENJOY OVER 20% SAVINGS!

One-year subscription at only

$57.60

(UP: $72)

LOG ON TO www.homeanddecor.com.sg TO SUBSCRIBE NOW!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS • This subscription promotion is valid only for the print edition of this publication when you sign up at homeanddecor.com.sg. • This promotion is valid for the period commencing from the date of the release of this issue of the publication (the “Current Issue”) up to (but not including) the date the release of the next issue of the publication. • Under this promotion, you will be entitled to subscribe for 12 months of subscription (the “Subscription Period”) for the publication at the promotional subscription price as stated above. • Your subscription will commence with the issue of the publication that is released 2 months from the date of the Current Issue. • If you have an existing subscription to the publication, you may also enjoy this subscription promotion. However, the start date of your new subscription under this promotion will only commence after the expiry of your existing subscription to the publication. • This subscription promotion is available for subscriptions to Singapore addresses only. • Subscriptions are to be paid in full upfront for the entire Subscription Period and all amounts paid are non-refundable and non-transferable (even if you choose to terminate the subscription midway during the Subscription Period). • Please allow around 4 to 6 working days from the release date of the print edition of the publication for postage and delivery. • For subscription enquiries, call 6388-3838 or e-mail circs@sph.com.sg. • Visit mynewsstand.online/product/home-decorsingapore to read the full terms and conditions.

I D E A S A N D I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M T H O S E I N T H E K N O W

C I AO, MILANO! The dearth of a world class design fair ended recently thanks to the return of Milan Design Week. The world’s most important design fair returned in September with a tweaked format, presenting a more compact version of Salone called Supersalone and a slew of design happenings around the city as well as hybrid virtual events. We take a look at the latest, the greatest, and the pressingly important. photo ALESSANDRO GAROFALO

FA I R R E P O R T

W

FA S H I O N X FURNITURE S H OWC A S E S Fashion brands with homeware lines went all out with their showcases, dressing their respective showrooms to the nines with signature colours, patterns and new designer collaborations.

A R M A N I /C A S A The outdoorsy leitmotif is articulated via animal print, floral, and stone vein motifs and a slew of earthy neutrals and cool tone colours like dark greens, blues and turquoises. And true to its sartorial root, the collection also includes a limited edition bar cabinet called Royal. Produced in just 88 pieces, Giorgio describes Royal’s elegant silhouette as “a handmade sartorial piece of furniture.”

Find out more at www.armani.com and www.davincilifestyle.com.

“I TOOK MY INSPIRATION FOR THIS ARMANI/CASA COLLECTION FROM NATURE. WE LIVE ON THIS PLANET, AND WE NEED TO BE IN TOUCH WITH THE EARTH. NATURAL ELEMENTS GIVE US CALM AND SERENITY AND PROVIDE THE BACKGROUND AGAINST WHICH WE CAN EXPRESS OURSELVES.” – GIORGIO ARMANI

32

photo ARMANI/CASA

hat is an international design calendar without Milan Design Week? After taking a hiatus in 2020, the fair was back in September with a packed schedule and a tweaked format to make sure we could celebrate design safely and relevantly.

These tweaks included Supersalone, a pared-down format of Salone del Mobile Milano that was open to the general public and a digital version of the showcase for the ĝÞâé é°È ù Þʨ All told, the event was incredibly well-received, signalling a hopeful recovery of the design industry and the robust appetite from the market despite the notable absence of Asian and Scandinavian brands, which preferred to showcase at their respective home turf.

Nonetheless, there was plenty to admire from Milan Design Week 2021 other showings across various districts. Here are our favourites.

MISSONI HOME MissoniHome’s 2021 home collection mixes the fashion brand’s signature knitwear with wood, resin and glass for several families of loose furniture and home accessories for both indoor and outdoor spaces, including bathrooms.

The collections feature vibrant colours and Bohemian vibes that can easily traverse many typologies and styles.

DIOR MAISON Dior Maison invited 17 international creatives to interpret the classic French medallion chair. A favourite of King Louis XVI, the chair is a ubiquitous design object in Dior fashion shows and showrooms around the world.

The collaborators included heavyweights like Chinese architect Ma Yansong and Japanese designers Oki Sato of Nendo and Tokujin Yoshioka and emerging design darlings Khaled el Mays Atang Tshikare, and Jingyeong Yeon.

Find out more at www.dior.com.

photos ALESSANDRO GAROFALO

photo MISSONI HOME

Find out more at www.missoni.com.

33

V E R S AC E H O M E The brainchild of Donatella Versace and award-winning architects and furniture designer duo Roberto Palomba and Ludovica Serafini, Versace Home’s 2021 collection combines silk, metals, marble and solid jewel tones with the brand’s new La Greca pattern, which is a modern interpretation of the iconic Greek Key motif.

Find out more at www.versace. com and www.marquis.com.sg.

“I IMAGINED A SMALL CABINET OF CURIOSITIES, A WUNDERKAMMER, LIKE THE CAVE OF ALI BABA, THAT COULD ACCOMMODATE THESE EVERYDAY OBJECTS AND RETURN THEM TO A FAIRY TALE DIMENSION.” – ALESSANDRO MICHELE, GUCCI

34

GUCCI Gucci presented a whole lifestyle collection titled Gucci Cartoleria in its showroom. Stepping inside the showcase is akin to visiting the set of Harry Potter movies, where every corner is imbued with magic. The showcase introduced finely made stationery sets, including pencil, pens, colouring pencil sets, notebooks, and board games set in a whimsical display.

Find out more at www.gucci.com.

photos MAXIME VERRET

HERMES Count on Hermes to always showcase their home collection in breathtaking scenography.

This year’s collection, co-created with Mumbai-based architect Bijoy Jain, and designers Jasper Morrison and Gianpaolo Pagni, comprises furniture, tableware and accessories displayed on five gigantic, exuberantly decorated blocks designed by Charlotte Macaux Perelman and Alexis Fabry, Artistic Directors for Hermes Home Universe.

Find out more at www.hermes.com.

35

“WE BELIEVE THAT DESIGNERS DO PLAY AN IMPORTANT SOCIAL ROLE THROUGH OUR WORKS. OFTEN, INTENTIONAL AND INCREMENTAL CHANGES MADE TO DESIGN PROCESSES, MATERIALS CONSIDERATIONS AND CONSUMPTION ATTITUDES CAN POINT US IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TOWARDS A BETTER WORLD.” – SUPERMAMA

SINGAPORE REPRESENTS r È°§­é ­ ù â É â°§É°ĝ ÉéÂĀ ¦ ú Þ Þ É â É â°§É Þâ ¦ÞÐÈ Asia in Milan Design Week 2021, but we can always count on our designers to still represent The Little Red Dot in some of the most exciting showcases in town.

L A N Z AV E C C H I A + WA I Having a leg in both Singapore and Italy, the brand founded by designers Hunn Wai and Francesca Lanzavecchia showcased its latest works at various spots during the Milan Design Week.

Lanzavecchia + Wai launched three collections for three different brands during the weeklong festivities.

photo ALBERTO PARISE

Find out more at www.lanzavecchia-wai.com.

36

WAVE FOR DE CASTELLI

SEGNI FOR OROGRAFIE

Exhibited at De Castelli’s Supersalone showcase titled Metal Vibes, Wave is a sleek shoe bench with an emotive, organic wall created by convex copper discs with varied finishes and oxidations.

A versatile reconfigurable furniture system that supports our bodies in our daily rituals as we work, study, relax and play. Also displayed at Palazzo Litta as part of furniture brand Orografie’s showcase.

Find out more at www. decastelli.com.

Find out more at www. orografie.it.

photo SISTEMAMANIFESTO

clothes made to create social impacts, inviting us to reflect and rethink the daily objects that we use. The exhibition was curated

by Studio Juju and supported by DesignSingapore Council. A local version of this showcase will land in Singapore soon.

Find out more at www.supermama. com and www.moscapartners.it.

photo MAX ROMMEL

SUPERMAMA & FRIENDS Supermama was one of the exhibitors of Design Variations, an international design showcase at Fuorisalone curated by prominent Italian design studio MoscaPartners. The brand brought friends to fill out its beautiful exhibition space at the historic Palazzo Litta. Titled the Social Wares, its showcase features plates, porcelain, and

BIOPHILIC FUTURES FOR YO2

At once futuristic and romantic, Biophilic Futures is a collection of wallpapers and rugs that depicts a hybrid of city and forest teeming with life – a hopeful narrative where human and nature live symbiotically.

Find out more at www.yoyodesigns.com.

37

S U S TA I N A B L E M AT E R I A L S Sustainability is an evergreen topic and ought to be a permanent focus in any creative endeavours. Here are those that caught our eyes.

K A R T E L L LOV E S THE PLANET Did you know that Kartell products come with environmental and safety certificates? At Milan design week, the brand renewed its commitment to sustainability with Kartell Loves the Planet Campaign. Ninety-five per cent of the new designs presented during the Design Week were made from ecofriendly materials, while 90 per cent of its catalogue can be disassembled and is fully recyclable. It aims to hit a 100 per cent circular economy by 2030.

More at www.kartell.com and www.spacefurniture.com.sg.

38

F LO R I A N TA B L E F R O M AC E R B I S Why make something new when you can improve on the old one? Originally designed in 1989

by Vico Magistretti, Florian is a lightweight, multi-level table that neatly collapses into a flat artwork that you can hang on the wall when not in use. Acerbis has remastered this design and released it for our contemporary living space.

Find out more at www.acerbis.com and www.spacefurniture.com.sg.

S I M O O N TA B L E S F R O M G L A S I TA L I A Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Glas Italia, Simoon is a family of coffee tables made with ground recycled Murano glass. Available in dark topaz and amethyst colours, Simoon features graduating translucency never before seen in glasses – a testament to the beauty of circularity in design.

Find out more at www.glasitalia.com and www.spacefurniture.com.sg.

YUM YUM FROM O P I N I O N C I AT T I Yum Yum is a collection of soft poufs with wooden backrests – think of it as an informal sofa or a more formal ottoman suitable for residential and commercial hospitality spaces. It is available in a number of upholstery, including eco-nubuck, a type of leather made from regenerated scraps and fibres from leather tanning processes – leather lovers rejoice!

photo ANDREA MARIANI

Find out more at www. opinionciatti.com and www. spacefurniture.com.sg.

T H E LO S T G R A D U AT I O N S H OW There was little glory to be had by design students graduating in the last 18 months due to the pandemic. Supersalone gave the best of these graduates a platform with The Lost Graduation Show, which showcased 170 graduation projects by design students from 48 schools in 22 countries.

One of the emerging themes from these projects seemed to be sustainability and innovative materials.

View the complete showcase at www. instragram.com/ thelostgraduationshow.

39

O OA K & O T T OOAK stands for one-of-a-kind, while OTT stands for over the top.

There are always products that fall into these categories. And most often than not, they are a wonder to beyond and a delight to talk about.

TO I L E T PA P E R H O M E Seletti never had a shortage of whimsy. TOILETPAPER HOME, the brand’s collaboration with pictorial publication TOILETPAPER provided an overdose of neon colours and cheeky imagery, and during Milan Design Week, both brands went all out. TOILETPAPER dressed its entire headquarter – which was open to the public for the first time – with the collab collection old and new. The result was pretty trippy.

Find out more at www.seletti.it and www.shoptoiletpaper.com.

40

“THE BIRTH OF TOILETPAPER HOME, A DISRUPTIVE BRAND OUTSIDE THE CLASSIC CANONS OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, REPRESENTS AN IMPORTANT FORAY INTO THE WORLD OF THE FURNITURE PIECE FOR US.” – STEFANO SELETTI, SELETTI

photos ALBERTO ZANETTI

P E P E C H A I R F R O M O P I N I O N C I AT T I Opinion Ciatti is taking saddle leather as furniture material delightfully quite literally. Designed

by Raffaella Mangiarotti, Pepe looks great as a freestanding seat, placed around a table in front of a desk. It has a sense of humour, but it is also pragmatic and functional, says the brand.

Find out more at www.opinionciatti.com and www.spacefurniture.com.sg.

41

photo STUDIO ROOSEGAARDE

UP5_6 CORK EDITION F R O M B & B I TA L I A Designed in 1969, Italian designer Gaetano Pesce’s UP5_6 armchair and ottoman sports one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the history of chairs. At Fuorisalone this year, B&B Italia displayed a special edition made with recycled corks. It’s a one-off edition for now, but the brand is thinking about making it available commercially.

Find out more at www.bebitalia.it.

text ASIH JENIE 42

LOT U S BY DA A N ROOSEGAARDE Dutch designer Daan Roosegarde takes the spot of the most hi-tech installation this year with Lotus Oculus. Commissioned by jewellery maison Bulgari, the installation displayed at the Modern Art Gallery in Milan is a wall comprising hundreds of smart flowers made with hi-tech foil that bloom and shrink in response to light. It pays homage to the grandeur of the Pantheon by creating an organic architecture of movement and shadows, creating what Daan calls techno poetry.

Find out more at www. studioroosegaarde.net.

E H T F O T R A P E B

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

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

TA S T E S O C I E T YS G

POEPLE

SMART WELLNESS Lynn Tan, Deputy CEO of OSIM International, talks about é­ ùÐÂîé°ÐÉ Ð¦ âÈ Þé ú ÂÂʌ °É§ ù° â É ­Ðú éÐ ­ÐÐâ the right one to turn your home into a wellness sanctuary.

S

mart chairs, smart beds, É âÈ Þé °Þ ÛîÞ°ĝ Þâ ʌ you’ve probably seen or heard about them. But are they really playing an important role in our homes? Yes, according to OSIM’s Wellness Survey 2021, which examines the impact of smart home devices on health É ú ÂÂʌ °É§ʣ É ­Ðú é­ Ā đ é é­ ­ÐÈ Éù°ÞÐÉÈ Ééʨ Lynn Tan, OSIM International’s Deputy CEO, shares more.

HOW HAVE INTELLIGENT WELL-BEING DEVICES SHAPED OUR HOME TODAY?

Modern homes must serve all the functions of modern living: work, play, rest and relaxation.

This implies that devices will play a multifunctional role in the smart home ecosystem.

The modern bed may be more than just a bed; it may also be able to monitor your sleep patterns for a better night’s sleep. Your living room sofa could also double up as È ââ § ­ °Þ ¦ÐÞ ú ÂÂʌ deserved break after a long day.

Their designs have also evolved éÐ ĝé é­ âé­ é° â Ц Þ â° Éé° Â spaces. More products are being developed to help you create the perfect wellness sanctuary within your home. Nowadays, rather than integrating devices that indirectly support our ú ÂÂʌ °É§ʣ ­ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þâ Þ opting for products, such as HZ,Aʙâ î Þ È SÞÐ r ÂÂʌ being Chair, that directly Þ ââ ­ Âé­ É ú ÂÂʌ °É§

44

needs while perfecting their ú ÂÂÉ ââˈâ É éî ÞĀ é ­ÐÈ ʨ HOW SHOULD HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE A SMART DEVICE?

We need smart wellness devices é­ é é Þ éÐ ÐîÞ °É °ù° î  ú ÂÂʌ being needs and wants. All of îâ ­ ù °đ Þ Éé ÐÉ ÞÉâ É preferences, so it is important to determine what you want out of the device before you buy it.

Do you want a device that can

track your sleep quality, for example? Or one that also helps you improve your sleep? Would you like to know more about your health statistics? How about one that guides you to better health levels proactively?

Understanding what you need and want can narrow down ĀÐîÞˈÐÛé°ÐÉâʨ After that, I suggest you give the product a test run. As these devices are experiential,

TOP

OSIM’s uDream Pro Well-being Chair alleviates stress with multisensory features and tracks your wellness via a set of data.

you will need to know if they feel comfortable or respond the way you’d like them to before making the purchase.

Also, look for products that provide active data tracking and analysis, personalised messages and alerts, and targeted Þ ÐÈÈ É é°ÐÉâ ¦ÐÞ ú ÂÂʌ °É§ management.

These considerations were reinforced in this year’s OSIM Wellness Survey, with respondents indicating that their wish list for future smart devices include greater accuracy in measurements (53.6 per cent), more customisable features (48.8 per cent) and, of course, îâ Þʌ¦Þ° É Â°É ââ ʂɀɂʨɅ Û Þ Ééʃʨ Additionally, they must also look good in the home.

é­ é Ⱗɰĝ Éé ÉîÈ Þ Ð¦ respondents already owned ÉÐÉʌéÞ °é°ÐÉ Â °Éé °§ Éé devices. Usually, these are larger, technologically É­ É ù Þâ°ÐÉâ Ц § ʌРhousehold staples like beds and chairs.

Among the newer products, smart massage ­ °Þâ ÐîÉé ¦ÐÞ ȿȿʨɅ Û Þ cent of ownership, smart beds, 12.1 per cent, and smart clothing, 12 per cent.

It is clear from this that

HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED PREFERENCES FOR OSIM PRODUCTS?

As consumers experience increasingly high levels of stress, §ÐÐ ­ Âé­ É ú ÂÂʌ °É§ have become essential. Products across multiple lines, including those for the home, beauty and, Ц ÐîÞâ ʣ ú ÂÂʌ °É§ ­ °Þâ â ú increased interest.

As a result, our range of small products, including the Smart DIY massage chair users can assemble into their own massage chair through modular back and leg massagers and the uGlow range of beauty products have become more popular.

WERE THERE ANY SURPRISES FROM OSIM’S WELLNESS SURVEY?

AÐâé Ц é­ Þ âÛÐÉâ â ÐÉĝÞÈ our beliefs, but we were Û â ÉéÂĀ âîÞÛÞ°â éÐ ĝÉ

consumers are increasingly open to trying such products even when they are relatively new on the market.

WHY SHOULD WE INVEST IN A SMART WELL-BEING CHAIR?

A traditional massage chair đ é°ù ÂĀ Þ ââ â Û­Āâ° Â aches and pains, but a holistic approach to wellness also accounts for emotional stressors. In reality, most of us don’t realise how important it is to be healthy physically and emotionally until we start on that journey. When I received my stress analysis on OSIM’s

î Þ È r ÂÂʌ °É§ ­ °Þʣ , ú â âîÞÛÞ°â ʨ , â ÐÞ ɅȾʨ Based on my heart rate and ECG, it indicated that I was highly stressed! It reminded me to be more proactive in ĝÉ °É§ ú Āâ éÐ ʌâéÞ ââʣ such as taking short breaks for breathing exercises, walks and massages that I enjoy.

This is why homeowners should consider investing in âÈ Þé ú ÂÂʌ °É§ ­ °Þ éÐ measure holistically, monitor and manage their stress levels, and create a wellness sanctuary within the comfort of their homes.

text ASIH JENIE photos OSIM

TOP & ABOVE, L EFT

The OSIM uThrone S gaming chairs have become popular since the pandemic.

ABOVE

Lynn Tan, Deputy CEO of OSIM International.

Visit sg.osim.com for more information.

45

PEOPLE

W

hile Singaporeans’ love for the artisanal and handcrafted is a relatively new phenomenon, Winnie Chan and James Quan, the co-founders of locally made leather and paper accessories brand Bynd Artisan, were there before it became fashionable.

This has been a lifelong passion for them - James has more than 20 years of experience in corporate gifting, and Winnie comes from a family of stationery makers.

With three ateliers in Holland Village, ION Orchard, É V ė â °éĀʣ ĀÉ Þé°â É has grown into a household name for the design-conscious.

They have also expanded beyond stationery to include wellness and lifestyle products that incorporate mindfulness and gratitude. They tell us how their brand celebrates the art of living well.

WHY DO YOU THINK THERE IS NOW A GREATER APPRECIATION FOR CRAFT 1

MADE WITH LOVE Bynd Artisan’s founders share insights into the origins of their brand and how wellness, gratitude, and thoughtfulness have shaped its evolution.

AND ARTISANAL ITEMS?

Crafted artisanal items are unique and have a story to tell. Consumers nowadays are more aware of their purchases and want to know the process behind the design and where the materials come from.

Younger generations are also starting to appreciate the

beauty of craftsmanship and want to understand how things are created. Traditionalism will always be cherished – it °âˈé°È Â ââʨ ALL OF THIS STARTED WITH YOUR GRANDFATHER’S BINDERY WORKSHOP IN 1942, WINNIE. WHAT IMPACT HAS HIS LEGACY HAD ON THE WAY BYND ARTISAN WORKS TODAY?

I have always loved stationery products because I grew up in a family of stationery makers.

Historically, my grandfather’s business focused on traditional paper and leather goods in a wholesale format designing, manufacturing, and distributing to wholesalers.

Bynd Artisan enables us to Ðđ Þ ÐîÞ â°§Éâ É ÛÞÐ î éâ to both retail and corporate clients. Old businesses had a way of collaborating with each other. We continue to explore like-minded partnerships to create something new É ˈ ÿ °é°É§ʨ When Bynd Artisan was born, technology was rapidly evolving, so many products like diaries and books had become obsolete. With more businesses using digitalisation, I saw the need to preserve the artful craft of bookbinding, lettertype pressing, and leather making. I wanted stationery to ù° ú °É °đ Þ Éé °§­éʨ

BYND ARTISAN BUILDS ON THAT TOGETHERNESS AND CONTINUES TO SEEK OUT LIKE-MINDED PARTNERS TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING NEW AND INTERESTING.

46

HOW WOU LD YOU DE FIN E LIVING WE LL?

Having the time and energy to do the things we are passionate about and supporting the causes we care about is what we consider living well. Through this approach to living well, we also hope to improve the lives of people around us and hopefully contribute to the greater good.

HOW DO YOU PRACTISE THE NOTION OF LIVING WELL IN

Lanyard to create something functional and stylish to add a little cheer. They were also an excellent way to send love and remind one another to stay safe, so they immediately became popular.

The Hygge Pouch is also popular. It is another example of us putting ourselves in the shoes of our customers and understanding their needs.

With front and zip pockets and a band to loop around your notebook, it is perfect for Ýî° ¿ˈ ÞÞ É âʨ

YOUR EVERYDAY LIVES?

That means being intentional and disciplined with our time to take care of ourselves, experience new things, and form meaningful connections.

BYND ARTISAN HAS

ÂÐ ¿ ÐúÉʨ ) ù°É§ ĀÐîÞ Ðđ cup, mouse and mobile phone all on one sleek leather pad is the ultimate practical solution.

WINNIE: I love our Uplifting Leather Tags because they have been an excellent way to entertain at home. I invite each guest to choose their intention, which includes words like “Gratitude”, “Joy”, “Wisdom”, and “Dream”, and I use the tags to label their wine glasses. It sets the tone for good energy.

BYND ARTISAN IS KNOWN FOR ITS ACTIVE COLLABORATIONS

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL

WITH LOCAL ARTISANS. CAN

FAVOURITES FROM THE

YOU TELL US MORE?

LIFESTYLE RANGE? JAMES: Mine has to be the

Metropolitan Work Pad. We came up with that while working from home during the

We work with artists and designers with shared values to create limited edition designer capsule collections.

This has always been an

enjoyable process because we can combine the strengths and expertise of both parties through these collaborations.

These collections also give our collaborators an additional platform to showcase their talents. Together, we seek to add more vibrancy to the art scene and promote creative talent beyond their usual realm.

WHAT’S NEXT?

We will be working on more exciting collaborations, and one may include an international brand.

Additionally, we should be resuming overseas branch discussions shortly.

Visit www.byndartisan.com for more information.

EXPANDED ITS RANGE TO INCLUDE LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS IN RECENT YEARS. COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT?

We founded Bynd Artisan because we wanted to provide our audience with a luxurious range of leather and paper products that would not only stand the test of time but could also be personalised with their names.

The products are thoughtfully designed and made for practicality – we anticipate what our customers need while remaining true to Bynd Artisan’s DNA of handcrafting the perfect gift.

Shortly after the pandemic broke out, we developed the Leather Hand Sanitiser Holder and Token & Key Holder with

2

3 1. James and Winnie come from a background of corporate gifting and stationerymaking respectively.

4

text MELODY BAY photos BYND ARTISAN

5

2. The Hygge pouch has a loop so you can attach your notebook when you pop out for a meeting.

3 . The Uplifting Leather Tags come in a set of 10, each in a unique colour.

4. These conceal the TraceTogether token, so it can be worn as a charm or lanyard.

5. The Metropolitan Work Pad has a phone stand and a cup holder.

47

PEOPLE

SOUND ADVICE Yen Yu Ting, co-founder and director of sound at GRYD, discusses how soundscapes can help us to maintain our mental health when facing a crisis.

T

1

2

3

hese days, many people invest in technology °¿ âÐîÉ ÛÞÐÐĝɧʣ white noise machines, and robust sound systems for an immersive experience.

Soundscapes have become increasingly popular for enhancing concentration, helping us fall asleep faster, or as a way to temporarily escape – all of which are particularly important during pandemics, when we are stuck at home.

Local studios like GRYD specialise in creating these soundscapes by recording âÛ °ĝ Éù°ÞÐÉÈ Éé Â sounds and layering them over each other. Yen Yu Ting, the co-founder and director of sound at GRYD, describes the process as similar to taking a picture, but it’s an audio picture instead.

Like music, these are often designed to evoke a particular emotion or state of mind.

In this interview, he tells us more about how soundscapes É­ É ÐîÞˈ­ Âé­ʨ WHAT EXACTLY IS WHITE NOISE, AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT US?

4

48

5

White noise refers to noise across the human’s audible frequency range (20Hz to 20kHz) at equal intensity, amplitude and loudness.

We use it to block out a

“SOUNDSCAPES CAN MOMENTARILY TRANSPORT INDIVIDUALS TO ANOTHER WORLD.” noisy environment at home or at work. Like sleep masks, it’s a form of partial sensory deprivation that covers up aural distractions and is said to help some people focus or ¦ ÂÂˈ â Ûʨ Our senses are constantly bombarded with information.

We can permanently close our eyes or look away from a distraction, but it is more °Ĕ îÂé éÐ éîÉ Ðîé î °éÐÞĀ distractions. White noise is ÐÉ ˈâÐÂîé°ÐÉʨ ARE SOUNDSCAPES DIFFERENT FROM WHITE NOISE?

Soundscapes are an aural representation of a space, which might be physical or mental. They are usually carefully created or recorded éÐ â Þù âÛ °ĝ ÛîÞÛÐâ ʣ while white noise is more of a random noise across all frequencies, like fans, rain and air conditioners.

CAN SOUNDSCAPES BE USED FOR WELLNESS PURPOSES?

I believe it is possible. I use soundscapes and ambient sounds in place of white noise.

Experiments are exploring how our body and mind respond 5

to such soundscapes and é­ ˈÞ âîÂéâʨ

Next, we put the sounds together in various combinations to see what works and then °é Þ é îÉé°Â ú Þ â é°âĝ with what we hear. We make sure, too, that what we have created is still believable and matches the emotion we were aiming for.

WHAT OTH E R E XCITING USE S DO SOU N DSCAPE S HAVE

WHAT EQ U IPM E NT WOU LD

FO R IN DIVIDUAL S?

YOU R ECO M M E N D TO

Soundscapes can momentarily transport individuals to another world. On a drive home after a particularly stressful day, you can put on the sounds of the rainforest at dawn to ÞÐúÉ Ðîé é­ °É Ц éÞ Ĕ ʨ During this pandemic, if you are unable to leave your home, you might be able to escape for a bit by listening to waves.

These cannot replace the experience of being there in person, but the mind is powerful enough to recall memories and imagine É úˈâ É Þ°Ðâʨ HOW DO YOU CREATE A SOUNDSCAPE?

Usually, I begin a soundscape by describing the space or universe. For example: “What time of the day is it?”; “What are the elements around us?”; and “What emotions are we trying to convey?” Once we have these answers, we start planning the °đ Þ Éé  Ā Þâ Ц âÐîÉ ú ú°Â need and begin collecting them.

E XPE RIE N CE AN IM M E RSIVE SOU N D E NVIRO N M E NT ?

Dolby Atmos is slowly becoming more accessible, so it would be ideal to have a system to play it back, as it is an excellent format for immersive sound.

As an alternative, I recommend having speakers covering an extensive frequency range in an appropriately treated acoustic environment. Start with good headphones, at the very least.

1.GRYD is a music and audio post-production studio that provides bespoke audio services.

2. The company was established in 2016.

3. Natural sounds, such as flowing water and rustling leaves, can promote mental relaxation.

4. Yen Yu Ting is the co-founder and director of sound.

5. Using sound mixing technology, GRYD layers recorded sounds until they have created a soundscape that evokes the desired mental imagery or emotion.

HOW CAN USE RS DOWN LOAD OR STRE AM SOU N DSCAPE S?

ZÐîÉ đ éâ Ā ʂúúúʨ âÐîÉ ʌ đ éâʨ Þ ú°É ʨ Ðʨî¿ʃ is a good resource for exploring soundscapes. A mixer feature allows you to add various sounds ¦ÞÐÈ °éâ ÿé Éâ°ù âÐîÉ đ éâ library to create your own soundscape. There are also many soundscape albums on Spotify or Tidal, and I recommend checking out Wild Echoes. É ʣ ĀÐî É ĝÉ ­°§­ʌÝî °éĀ Singapore sound libraries at IX Sound (www.ixsound.co).

text MELODY BAY photos GRYD & 123RF

Visit www. gryd.studio for more information.

49

HERE FOR YOU

24/7

Trends, updates, quick tips, solutions, #lifehacks, recipes… we’ve got them all at your fingertips!

Discover our newly redesigned website that combines simplicity and style for great reads!

Find Us Anytime At

www.womensweekly.com.sg @thesingaporewomensweekly

U P C LO S E

LIM TZE PENG Lim Tze Peng, one of Singapore’s most iconic pioneer artists, turned 100 in September. He shares some of the highlights of his favourite century, his inspirations and his favourite music.

What is your favourite piece Цˈ ù° ʪ Be a good person. It is essential to be a good artist, as well as a good person. Besides keeping me focused, humble and motivated, it has reminded me to work hard, persevere to be better in art and life, and take care of my family.

What has been your biggest learning experience?

Success cannot be rushed. Hard work is the only way to succeed.

Being an artist means going through phases of doubt, but it is how one moves forward.

Nothing is easy.

What songs do you have ÐÉˈÞ Û éʪ Hokkien folk songs and Chinese pop songs from the ’70s and ’80s. The emotion they convey moves me deeply. As an artist, I hope my work impacts people in the same way.

What keeps you inspired?

Work provides inspiration. I paint and draw every day to keep ÈĀ ° â ĞÐú°É§ʣ É , ­ ù found that this is the best way to stay inspired. I also keep a notebook by my bed to jot down ideas or sketch during the night.

Of course, these ideas also need a lot of work.

What makes you smile?

Even though it can get loud sometimes, sharing a meal with my wife, sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Enjoying time with my family is my greatest joy.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?

I have painted over ȽȼʣȼȼȼˈÛ °Éé°É§âʨ

What is one thing that people don’t know about you?

My art and family are important to me. I lead a simple life, and it is not mysterious; I don’t drink or smoke, and I keep a ÂÐúˈÛÞÐĝÂ ʨ

How do you begin your day?

I wake up before dawn. I drink water and head directly to my âéî °Ð éÐ Û °Ééʣ úÞ°é ÐÞ ĝÉ inspiration. Everyone else is sleeping, the house is silent, and it feels like the world is standing still. I focus and gather my ideas at this particular time of day.

When you were a child, what did you want to do?

My passion has always been painting. I remember learning about calligraphy and painting from my teacher in school. Once he realised I was interested in art, he told me drawing every day was the only way to improve. , âé°Â Р°é éÐ é­°âˈ Āʨ What has been the most memorable part of the  âéˈ ÉéîÞĀʪ I will never forget the moment ú­ É , âРÈĀ ĝÞâé Û °Éé°É§ʨ ) ù°É§ ÈĀ đÐÞéâ Þ âÐÉ é ú°é­ others was beyond compare, but it was also humbling and has kept me striving for perfection.

text MELODY BAY photo LIM TZE PENG, ODE TO ART

51

VO I C E S

G AGEING IN PLACE WITH GRACE Seah Chee Huang, CEO of DP Architects and architect of The President’s Design Award’s Design of the Year 2020 project GoodLife! Makan, discusses leveraging design to empower seniors and anticipating the Silver Tsunami.

oodLife! Makan, an activity centre for senior citizens designed by DP Architects for Montfort Care, prepares for the Silver Tsunami.

Singapore has one of the world’s fastest-ageing populations.

Among this population are stay-at-home seniors who are isolated from society and at risk for depression, suicidal tendencies, and deaths at home.

GoodLife! Makan is one of several GoodLife! centres run by Montfort Care. While it focuses on food sharing as the primary programme, its core design ethos are propagated to transform other centres É â°È°Â Þ âÛ â °É °đ Þ Éé housing estates across the island into ageing-in-place care facilities.

The design of GoodLife!

Makan leverages the familiar setting of the HDB void deck

for the seniors. As someone who grew up in public housing, I appreciate this and other forms of everyday community spaces. The presence of void decks provides a range of opportunities for these gathering areas to be crafted according to the needs of °đ Þ Éé ÐÈÈîÉ°é° â éÐ ¦Ðâé Þ greater cohesion.

It is also easier to activate the participatory design process in these ubiquitous heartland spaces, encouraging community members to co-create and shape design outcomes and strengthen the sense of belonging among community members.

Our public housing landscape, for example, is characterised by void decks intended for social events, activities, and interactions between residents. They should remain as porous, adaptable spaces for social interaction and ÐÈÈîÉ°éĀˈ ÐÉ °É§ʨ Pandemic-related circumstances have moved the centre’s activities online and meals are sent to seniors’ homes

1 ., 2. & 3.

Various zones in the GoodLife!

Makan feature colour coding and signage for easy wayfinding for seniors.

4. Seniors prepared meals and shared food at the centre during a pre-pandemic lunchtime.

1

52

instead of being prepared and cooked by seniors on site.

Architecturally, however, the centre has been designed to ­°§­ÂĀ Ğ ÿ° Â É Þ â°Â° Ééʨ Open, porous settings are conducive to good air circulation and ventilation, which helps mitigate indoor health concerns and maintain good indoor air Ýî °éĀˈâé É Þ âʨ The interior design also makes it easier to implement social distancing measures.

Mobile furniture and seating, for example, can be rearranged,

and the capacity adjusted to suit changing standards. With of the new nursing station, seniors now also have access to the centre’s health advisory and Þ ˈâ Þù° âʨ The pandemic has compelled the consideration of safety distancing and redundancy, but it has also emphasised the importance of community as a source of support and well-being during times of uncertainty.

The fundamental principle behind GoodLife! Makan addresses seniors’ existential 2

and emotional needs by integrating them back into their communities and empowering them through group collaboration and close participation. Thus, we are mindful that any new design consideration must remain in line with our aspirations.

Through GoodLife! we hope to convey the need for more advocacy and action to support members of our society who may feel forgotten or invisible. Furthermore, we hope to demonstrate that design, when done purposefully, is a powerful vehicle for promoting social interaction, cohesion É ˈ ÐÉ °É§ʨ Design can reframe how the community sees seniors and how they see themselves.

We should encourage future generations of communities, young and old, to embrace the concept of designing spaces that support not just physical integration but also broader social synergy and community cohesion.

Seah Chee Huang is the CEO of DP Architects, and the lead architect for the GoodLife!

Makan project, which was named Design of The Year at the 2020 President’s Design Award ceremony.

Find out more at www.dpa. com.sg and pda.design singapore.org.

good to know DP Architects is currently working with Montfort Care to reimagine their network of social centres and care facilities, to elevate the sense of wellness and inclusiveness by design.

2 3

4

photos DP ARCHITECTS 53

Cora hired skilled masons to repair and restore the original stucco ceiling in this living-dining space.

OPPOSITE

Lush houseplants, eclectic furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows create a cosy atmosphere in the winter garden.

THE HOUSE OF CONTRASTS Copenhagen-based designer Cora Lucaz gave this early 20th-century house a new look by playing with opposites and mixing styles and periods. KARINE MONIE learns more.

55

C

openhagen is known as a reference for the New Nordic style, which includes clean lines, soft tones, and modern aesthetics that embody the Danish concept of hygge – a Danish expression of well-being associated with comfort and cosiness.

Interior designer Cora Lucaz, a member of the studio Suite 07, is familiar with all of these concepts. Nevertheless, she tweaked her approach for her new home in order to create âÐÈ é­°É§ˈîÉ°Ýî ʨ She lived next to this 1908

56

home for one year with her partner, Kristian Groth. Despite having remodelled and designed her previous home, she didn’t hesitate to sell it when the chance to start a new project arose, as it represented another  ɿ Éù â é­ é â­ ˈÂÐù ʨ The dilapidated 5,813 âÝˈ¦é ­Ðîâ ÛÞ â Éé â ù Þ Â challenges. Also, it had been divided into two apartments, resulting in a series of small and dark spaces. It was essential to Cora to create a modern family home while respecting the original architecture.

aÐ ÛÞÐù° â Éâ Ц ĞÐú and natural light throughout, she decided to open up é­ §ÞÐîÉ ĞÐÐÞ â Èî ­ âˈÛÐââ° Â ʨ Þ¿ §Þ Ā É Âî tones instantly create a sense of grandeur at the entrance. Using materials such as brass and marble, Cora created a staircase that features a classic design that zigzags up to the top level.

The soft grey living room, with a large B&B Italia sofa by Antonio Citterio and a Draga & îÞ Â ¦ÐÞ ÿé Þ Ðđ é  ʣ ­ â the same colour scheme as the kitchen and dining room.

AB OVE

In the dining room, herringbone timber flooring is complemented by oversize artwork and a grey paint called Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball.

RI GHT

Interior designer Cora Lucaz.

FAR RIGHT

DESPITE HAVING REMODELLED AND DESIGNED HER PREVIOUS HOME, CORA DIDN’T HESITATE TO SELL IT WHEN THE CHANCE TO START A NEW PROJECT AROSE.

Connecting the winter garden to the dining area is a set of French doors flanked by bespoke glass cabinets designed by Cora.

57

58

BE LOW

The clean-lined bathroom has a mirrored wall and a wallmounted closet.

OPPOSITE

The second-floor hallway features a contemporary painting and a library.

With a marble island, grey furniture designed by Suite 07 and crafted by Malte Gormsen, stools from 1000 Chairs, and a ceiling ĝÿéîÞ Ā ÛÛ Þ éîâ Zéî °Ðʣ é­ ¿°é ­ É ú â â°§É éÐ ĝé ÐÞ and her partner’s lifestyle.

The latter features an elegant chandelier by Zuccheri for Venini.

The Neo Vessel from Apparatus Studio sits on a table designed by Suite 07 and handmade by Toke Kunstsmed. N. 811 chairs by Josef )ÐđÈ É ¦ÐÞ #aq âîÞÞÐîÉ °éʨ At the same time, the designer wanted some cosy nooks, as Þ Ğ é °É é­ ÐÞÉ Þ Ð¦ é­ âÛ Ýî°ÛÛ ú°é­ ââ°É ʙâ Lady armchair by Marco Zanuso É ù°Éé § "Þ É ­ Ðđ é  ʨ The charming winter garden ʋ ĞÐÐ ú°é­ É éîÞ Â Â°§­é É ĝ ú°é­ Û Ééâ ¦ÞÐÈ ° ­È ÉÉ Planter, a Japanese screen, books, the FJ53 sofa by Finn Juhl, Pierre Jeanneret’s Easy chair and the  ééÞ ÞÈ ­ °Þ Ā SV ÞĞ ÿ ʋ is accessible from here.

The master bedroom has a large terrace, a closet with abundant natural light, and its own exterior space on the upper ĞÐÐÞʨ a­ °Éé Éé°ÐÉ ú â éÐ È ¿ this space feel like a hotel suite.

Cora designed the glass doors and ĝÞ ÛÂ É ­Ðâ É Living Divani armchair by Piero Lissoni, Cassina’s Lady Divano sofa by Marco Zanuso and lighting

by Michael Anastassiades and Serge Mouille.

Thanks to Cora’s precise vision, this Danish home is at once grand and intimate, displaying both vintage and contemporary elements, as well as bright and dark areas. Here, the apparent contrast has transformed into the perfect balance.

59

60

The powder blue walls and ceiling neutralise the yellow undertones in the original terrazzo floor, while large mirrors make the room feel twice its actual size.

A ROMANTIC JEWEL BOX This walk-up apartment has been beautifully renovated to create a glamorous home for entertaining in style.

ASIH JENIE susses out the details.

RI GHT

A Hermes throw, an ostrich plumed floor lamp and hot pink neon lights lend a playful touch to this glam corner.

OPPOSITE

Incorporating tropical greenery inside a greenhouse, Osborne & Little’s Palm House wallpaper brightens up the dining room and echoes the greenery outside the adjoining window.

D

uring their hotel quarantine last year, homeowners Jason Poh and Chelsea Lim contacted Design Intervention. In their 30s, the couple had just returned to Singapore from Hong Kong when the circuit breaker set in. Having read about Design Intervention in Home & Decor, they â¿ é­ ĝÞÈ éÐ â°§É their new home. “Jason and ­ Ââ â Éé îâ ĞÐÐÞ Û Éʣ

62

WHO LIVES HERE

HOME

A couple in their 30s A three-bedroom condominium apartment in District 15 SIZE 1,500 sq ft

RIGHT

The powder room, which lacks direct access to natural light, features an extractor fan, great artificial lighting, and an elegant wallpaper from Osborne & Little called Grove Garden.

64

A BOVE

More feminine touches, such as the wallpaper, bedding and colours like peach and chartreuse, exist alongside a more masculine toy collection in this bedroom.

RIGH T

Emma J Shipley’s Lemur wallpaper adds visual interest to the piano corner.

we talked via Zoom, and we were given an appointment without us ever having seen the apartment or meeting them. It’s certainly a new way to work!” says Nikki Hunt, founder of â°§Éˈ,Éé Þù Éé°ÐÉʨ The majority of architectural design decisions for the home ú Þ È ÐÉ塃 ʣ ú­°Â ĝÉ Â ÛÛÞÐù Ââ ¦ÐÞ ĝÉ°â­ â ú Þ ÐÉ °É é­ ÐĔ ʨ 7 âÐÉ °â É¿°É§ professional, and Chelsea is a beauty industry entrepreneur who owns the lash company Mink Mink Australia. The couple wanted a glamorous house with pops of colour and a sense of fun so they could entertain in style.

The apartment, located in District 15, was a run-down 1,500 sq ft walk-up with a low, 2.4m °Â°É§ É Ð é ÞÞ ąąÐ ĞÐÐްɧ in the living and dining areas that had yellowed with age. The

â°§É é È ʌ ÐÉĝ Éé é­ éʣ given the proper treatment, é­ Ā Ðî °Éé §Þ é é­ ĞÐÐÞ beautifully into the concept urged them to keep the project on time and within the budget because hacking and replacing é­ ĞÐÐÞ é ¿ â ÂÐé Ц é°È ʣ money, and noise.

Jason and Chelsea had initially wanted a light grey or white palette, but Nikki suggested a soft powder blue to balance the yellow undertones.

The use of this colour on the ceiling, walls, and cabinet doors accentuates the prominence of the room, while mirrors and trims give the impression of a taller ceiling.

Design Intervention completely redesigned the ÿ°âé°É§ ĞÐÐÞ Û Éʣ °É§ a master bathroom with a bathtub and separate his and 65

hers walk-in wardrobes. Andrea Z ù § ʣ é­ ĝÞÈʙâ Ðʌ Hʣ worked closely with Chelsea and Jason on the kitchen and walk-in wardrobe design, °È î°É§ é­ Þ â ú°é­ ĝÉ details. As Chelsea enjoys cooking and entertaining in the kitchen, she requested a bright space with an eat-in island, so Andrea found a pink marble backsplash. Meanwhile, the walk-in wardrobe features a vibrant wallpaper by English designer Emma J Shipley that pairs splendidly with the pop of turquoise on the ceiling.

The apartment’s original guest toilet could only be accessed through the kitchen, which wasn’t ideal for entertaining. As a result, the team carved out a new powder room within reach of the dining area. Since it lacks É éîÞ Â Â°§­éʣ °é °â ĝéé ú°é­ a mechanical extractor fan and dressed luxuriously with é ÿéîÞ ˈú ÂÂÛ Û Þ éÐ §°ù °é jewel box feel.

66

A glamorous wallpaper also adds a zing in the dining room, featuring a lush tropical garden design that echoes the greenery visible from the nearby window.

Although most of the home is fun and vibrant, the master suite is designed to Ðđ Þ Þ âÛ°é ʨ ʖr ¿ Ûé é­ ù° restrained and elegant, with a distinct undercurrent of romance here,” Nikki says. It ¦ éîÞ â é°È Þ ĞÐÐްɧ ú°é­ subtle textures and patterns in white, grey and silver accents.

The bathroom features white walls and lots of mirrors.

Some key pieces of furniture, including the dining room rug and chandelier, were brought from the previous owners’ residence. Except for the dining chairs, the rest of the furniture was sourced or custom-made by Design Intervention.

Navigating the lack of È ÉÛÐú Þ É Ğî éî é°É§ Ðù° restrictions, the renovation took 25 weeks, but the end result was well worth the wait.

AB OV E

OPPOSITE

Mirrored panels on the bathroom cabinet doors make the space seem larger.

The master bedroom features fur, velvet, and patterns in varying scales done in subdued colours to convey richness without overwhelming the senses.

AB OV E, L EF T

A fur rug, wallpaper with a delicate silver floral design, and a pink dresser with a curvy mauve seat decorate this vanity corner.

“WE KEPT THE VIBE RESTRAINED AND ELEGANT, WITH A DISTINCT UNDERCURRENT OF ROMANCE [IN THE MASTER BEDROOM].”

– NIKKI HUNT, DESIGN INTERVENTION

photos DESIGN INTERVENTION

67

WHO LIVES HERE

A couple in their 30s H OME Five-room HDB executive maisonette in Potong Pasir SI ZE 1,572 sq ft

68

Y

A BRIGHT OUTLOOK This home showcases the owners' personality to maximum advantage with vivid colours, bold wallpaper and patterned tiles.

MELODY BAY takes a tour.

ou can't help but feel uplifted once you step inside this executive maisonette apartment owned by Thomas and Katie, a civil engineer and a sales representative, respectively.

Following the firm's past maisonette projects, they approached interior designer Kuay Mei Yee at Distinct Identity to design their home.

As a result, their place, decked out in vibrant colours and accented with

BOTTOM

White walls and large marble-look tiles with subtle veins tie the room together.

OPPOSITE

Different textures and patterns blend in the open-concept kitchen, where the spaciousness prevents it from looking cluttered.

69

The dining room displays dishes featuring local culinary icons such as Hainanese chicken rice and nasi lemak in orbit around the clock.

OPPOSITE

Black and white tiles and wallpaper add a dramatic flair to its design.

70

“OUR WALL DISPLAYS PHOTOS OF OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER AS HUSBAND AND WIFE, WHILE THE ART PRINTS IN THE KITCHEN AND DINING AREA HONOUR LOCAL CULINARY ICONS.” – THOMAS, HOMEOWNER

71

ABOVE

Guests can converse with the couple even if they are in separate areas because of the open concept.

LEF T

Considering the shared areas already have plenty of visual drama, they chose to stick with a single pattern for the walls and floor of the common bathroom.

72

OPPOSITE

The feature wall offers plenty of room for the couple to display their travel mementos and lean picture frames.

bold tropical wallpaper and patterned tiles, has a playful personality. Yet it doesn't feel crowded or cramped, thanks éÐ É ÐÛ É ĞÐÐÞ ÛÂ É é­ é îÉ°ĝ â é­ Â°ù°É§ʣ °É°É§ʣ and kitchen areas. “It's great for entertaining family and friends,” says Thomas.

Aqua and navy blue, lemon yellow, and nude pink combine with black and ú­°é éÐ ĝÉ é­ âÛ ʨ Thomas and Katie, lovers of the sea, chose bright blue for their walls and kitchen cabinets. “Our honeymoon in Santorini was a source of inspiration,” says Katie.

This is complemented by a tropical wallpaper and a colourful backsplash, making the kitchen a focal point.

The rest of the house is equally detailed. Black and white patterned tiles adorn the foyer, while a feature wall and bright blue dress up the staircase. “Our wall displays photos of our journey together as husband and wife, while the art prints in

73

R IG HT

The ceiling on the upper floor was higher than they had realised, as the previous owner concealed with a false ceiling.

It has been restored to its original height.

the kitchen and dining area honour local culinary icons,” explains Thomas. An eclectic mix of furniture from local shops, such as Second Charm and Lims Legacy, completes é­ ˈÂÐп ÿ Ûé ¦ÐÞ Þ ÐÉĝ§îްɧ one bedroom and both bathrooms, most of the original upstairs layout has been retained. The two bathrooms were so cramped that Mei Yee suggested combining them.

“With a larger shower enclosure and double vanity sinks, the new bathroom is more spacious, providing more than enough room for the couple to get ready in the morning,” she points out.

It is also visually striking yet soothing to the eye with its mix of grey and pink patterned tiles from Hafary and Soon Bee Huat.

Pink appears on the walls and on the wardrobe in the master bedroom, but with a simpler look for a more relaxing feel. Mei Yee also

74

75

76

L EFT

The couple's beloved Star Wars memorabilia now have a dedicated space.

OPPOSITE

There are three different tile patterns in the master bathroom, but a common floral motif and soothing pink and grey colour scheme tie the look together.

suggested expanding the wardrobe into the next bedroom to provide more space. “Space planning plays a crucial role in interior design,” says Mei Yee. When a room is designed well, the space is utilised to its fullest.

The next room's sole purpose was to display the couple's Star Wars memorabilia, making it a É éîÞ Â ĝéʨ a­ Ā ÉÐú ­ ù a space with glass shelves â­Ðú â°É§ é­ °Þ ĝ§îÞ°É â under spotlights.

Overall, it took $110,000 and 12 weeks to complete the design and renovation.

The couple moved into their home in March 2021.

Thomas says, “Mei Yee shared many ideas to help us achieve our design priorities, so we trusted her greatly. Now, our home tells the story of who we are and our interests.”

photography TAN WEI TEE art direction KRISTY QUAH

77

PRIDE AND JOY The four-storey terrace house occupies a prominent corner plot near a crossroads and is home to three generations of the Kareem family, who enjoy the busy atmosphere. LYNN TAN ĝÉ â Ðîé why they are so proud of their home.

WHO LIVES HERE

A three-generation family of five HO ME A corner terrace house in Telok Kurau SIZE 2,500 sq ft (land area); 6,000 sq ft (built-up area)

78

AB OVE

The handmade leather rug in the living room is from The Cinnamon Room.

OPPOSITE

The Kareems believe that "home is a place anyone would like to live in with pride".

79

TO P

One of the most striking features of the home is the tall, fourstorey glass wall.

RI GHT

The owners chose all the furniture and art.

OPPOSITE

A trio of bespoke blown glass pendant lights hangs from the dining room ceiling.

T

he Kareems, business owners in their 50s, live in this family home with their son and daughter, both in their 20s, and Mrs Kareem's mother. They bought the property in 2020 from a developer, and hired Hans Chua, project director at Erstudio, to remodel it into a home reflecting their Û ÞâÐÉ Â°é° âʣ â Āâ AÞˈ9 Þ Èʨ As everyone works in the family business, they wanted a beautiful and cosy home where they could spend time as a family after a long day in é­ ˈÐĔ ʨ “The main entrance leads into a foyer with a concealed shoe cabinet that can store at least 100 pairs of shoes.

Following that is the family zone, consisting of the living and dining rooms, dry and wet kitchens, pantry, powder room and helpers' room. To create a cosy, lounge atmosphere, Hans chose dark wood panels to contrast with the light ÐÂÐîÞ ˈĞÐÐÞʨ On the second level is a spacious formal living and dining room where the

81

82

LE FT

The family take their daily meals together in this informal dining space on the first level.

BOT TOM

This spacious, fully-equipped kitchen is where Mrs Kareem gets to showcase her culinary skills.

family enjoys entertaining and hosting guests within the constraints of safe management measures. Making it brighter and airier is a four-storey glass wall on one side of the stairwell that lets in plenty of sunlight.

Through this glass facade, along with balconies and windows, the family gets a bird's eye view of everything §Ð°É§ ÐÉ ÞÐîÉ ˈé­ Èʨ AÞâʨ Kareem shares that passers-by have been stopping to admire and even take pictures of their house from the time they moved in in January this year.

This makes them very proud of é­ °Þˈ­ÐÈ ʨ Besides the formal living room, there is also a semioutdoor terrace with views Ц é­ éÞ Ĕ ¼îÉ é°ÐÉʨ AÞâ Kareem's mother spends her late mornings relaxing and watching the world go by here.

The two upper levels are the private zone. In addition to the guest room, there are also

83

bedrooms for the couple and Mrs. Kareem's mother, who wanted her room to have her favourite light turquoise blue, which Han incorporated into é­ ˈ­ Ð Þ ʨ For the husband and wife, he proposed a champagne and gold theme. “We love the timeless quality that makes it possible for us to live here for years and not tire of it,” says Mrs Kareem.

As with all the furnishings, the couple believes in investing in quality durable pieces that can last for years, and take pride in maintaining their family home.

Z­ Þ ¦ Þâ éÐ é­ ¦ÐîÞé­ ĞÐÐÞ as the "Kingdom of Children."

Her daughter's room, decorated with wood and her choice of pink and olive green with gold accents, opens onto a semioutdoor balcony, which Hans

84

RIG HT & BOTTOM

The Kareems' son is a gaming fan and has a dedicated corner in his bedroom, which evokes bachelor pad vibes and has a semi-outdoor balcony.

OPPOSITE

Everything in the house has been designed and furnished to last for many years to come.

"WE STRONGLY BELIEVE IN CREATING TIMELESS DESIGNS WITH A NEUTRAL PALETTE SO THE FURNISHINGS BRING OUT THE PERSONALITIES OF THE HOMEOWNERS." – HANS CHUA, ERSTUDIO

85

86

envisioned as an ideal place for her to paint.

On the opposite side, her son's bedroom has a more masculine theme. Hans elaborates, "We went with the Manhattan concept, pairing dark walnut with tan leather." As he is a gaming enthusiast, he also gets a dedicated gaming area within his bedroom.

Interior renovations came to $550,000. Despite the pandemic's workforce challenges, Hans and his team completed the project in 16 weeks. "We believe in creating timeless designs with a neutral palette so the furnishings can bring out the personalities of the homeowners. The house will then grow along with its owners," Hans explains.

photography VERONICA TAY art direction KRISTY QUAH

ABOVE

The well-curated range of home accessories reflect the homeowners' suave taste and personality.

OPPOSITE

The balcony feels like an extension of the daughter’s room. The herringbonepatterned wall tiles, coupled with fairy lights and blinds, create a warm, feminine atmosphere that isn't overly girly.

87

The loft, a new addition, shares the 3.75m height with the kitchen below it.

OPPOSITE

The "planter" in the living room is actually a console for the TV that emerges via remote control.

LOFTY GOALS From the outside, you cannot tell that this compact one-bedroom, Japandi-style condominium unit has a loft. ASIH JENIE discovers how.

88

I

s it possible to squeeze a loft into a one-bedroom condominium unit with a 3.75m ceiling without it feeling cramped? As Carmen Tang, founder of Wolf Woof, illustrates in this 527 sq ft home in North Singapore, you can. The owners, a couple in their 40s working

in the automobile industry, had a short but specific wish list.

In addition to a clean Japanese style with wall cladding, they wanted a loft space. The Japanese look was easy, but the loft's construction was more challenging because of the unit's height, Carmen shares.

WHO LIVES HERE

A couple in their 40s HOME A one-bedroom condominium in North Singapore SIZE 527 sq ft

89

90

The process of designing a home is always collaborative between its owners and designers.

Good communication resulted in innovative design elements that appear like delightful surprises é­ÞÐÐîé é­°âˈ­ÐÈ ʨ In the original design, the condo developer used brickpatterned wallpaper and uninspiring furniture É ˈ ÞÛ ÉéÞĀʨ aÐ Þ é É é Þʣ more seamless impression, Carmen covered most surfaces with wood Â È°É é ʨ a­ â °É Âî é­ Ğîâ­ʌ mounted tic tac door that opens É ÂÐâ â ú°é­ â°ÈÛ ˈÛîâ­ É conceals the bedroom entrance.

Wolf Woof's signature design strategy shows up in the custom-designed TV console in the living room that looks like a planter. Carmen is very proud of this design. “I enjoy creating playful concepts and unexpected elements,” she says. “I cannot stand the typical box behind the TV clad in wood laminate that's boring and has no personality. Toss a coin into a sea of people, and you’ll hit somebody who owns that kind Цˈ ÐÉâРʨʗ The loft's addition required a Ⱗɰĝ Éé Þ ÐÉĝ§îÞ é°ÐÉ Ð¦ é­ living/dining area, which Carmen used to rip out the existing kitchen woodwork and create a new kitchen island with a view of the pool. The contemporary kitchen Ð âéâ É Ðđʌú­°é ʣ Â é­ Þʌ textured laminate and a pull-out dining ledge. Although it and the loft are splitting the 3.75m high,

TOP & LEFT

The loft, only 1.5m tall, is great for storage, displays and naps.

OPPOSITE

The dining ledge pulls out of the island.

91

92

TOP

ABOVE

ABOVE, RI G HT

The typographic artwork makes the otherwise minimalist space pop.

Good quality, authenticlooking artificial plants add a biophilic element.

Teardrop timber handles add a touch of Scandi whimsy.

the owners, who've always wanted a loft, weren't concerned about prioritising the kitchen. It leaves the loft with just 1.5m clearance, which is still perfectly serviceable ¦ÐÞ âéÐÞ § É ˈÈ Ā occasional naps. r­°Â é­°â Þ ÐÉĝ§îÞ é°ÐÉ eliminates visual clutter and transforms the space, providing the requested Japanese look, the furniture and artwork selection add a Scandinavian vibe. Carmen says her clients like Japanese design because of its clean look, but they are not purists, so they appreciated the Scandinavian elements the furniture brought in. These include teardrop cabinet handles, a matte black loft ladder, and many framed prints throughout the home.

As part of the bedroom renovation, Carmen tells us Wolf Woof replaced the old wardrobe with a new one that includes side storage with smaller compartments for their accessories collection. The rest of the space is clean and uncluttered, while the wall is navy blue to evoke intimacy.

All told, the $40,000 renovation of this tiny home has made the most of its limited footprint and height, Þ é°É§ ­ÐÈ é­ é ¦îÂĝÂâ °éâ owners' deceptively simple â°§É Þ° ¦ʨˈ

photos STUDIO GOOWD, WOLF WOOF

93

F E AT U R E

CURVES AHEAD Curvy design elements make for an effective strategy to inspire comfort and wellness in a space.

Here are some case studies and tips to incorporate them into your own home.

94

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS A R C H E D D O O R WAY An arch is an eye-catching architectural element that not only adds a curve that softens the overall feel of the space but also frames your interior beautifully, creating Insta-worthy vignettes within your home.

Highlight the archway with contrasting finishes or beaded curtains for a retro vibe.

An arched entryway makes for a special first impression. You can create an arched doorway in any walls you like, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the structure of the building – consult your designers and or contractors! This gilded archway in the bathroom by Super Assembly and Formwerkz Architects is a daring example.

DESIGN SUPER ASSEMBLY & FORMWERKZ ARCHITECTS

DESIGN MONOCOT STUDIO

I

n our years of interviewing homeowners and designers, we have come across so many literal curves. The top reasons designers incorporate curves into home interiors is, one: to soften the feel of the space; two: the owners requested them, and three: curves are the appropriate solution to a design problem.

Meanwhile, homeowners’ top reasons are more simple: they just like them. “Why?” we asked, and the answers are usually because they make the space look and feel good.

In a home setting, it is expressed architecturally via walls and openings or via a variety of furniture both built-in and loose pieces, adding curvy elements °â É đ é°ù â°§É âéÞ é §Ā to lend an organic touch, soften an otherwise sterile space and eliminate sharp corners and edges, and thus, inspire a feeling of comfort and wellness. So how do we best incorporate them into our space? Here are some case studies and tips.

ROUNDED BEAM You can’t always hide structural beams, but they do provide an opportunity to be creative. This project by Serene Lim features an exposed beam that’s been curved to appear as if it is seamlessly meld into the wall, lending an organic touch to the room.

1

2

3

DESIGN WOLFWOOF

Circular Opening Go all the way on curves by making a full (or almostfull) circular opening.

1 . Moon door lends a dramatic yet playful touch to Daniel Boey’s home.

2 . It doesn’t always have to be a door(way), this executive apartment by Wolf Woof features a large porthole window into the child’s playroom.

3 . Don’t have the space?

Go small, like this porthole bathroom window in this HDB flat by Monocot.

DESIGN MONOCOT STUDIO

Lunette The top half circle that makes the top of the arch – which can be decorated with paintings, carvings, mosaics and others – is called a lunette. This is a free real estate to decor according to your preferred style. Fancy a classic look?

Put a gilded painting there.

Art deco? Get a geometric one. The possibility is endless.

PHOTO IVAN WONG, LIGHTSMITHCO

DESIGN LOFT CONCEPT

DESIGN SERENE LIM

LIGHTING NICHES Artificial lighting plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable indoor space after sundown.

Soft, evenly distributed indirect lighting that mimics natural light works wonders, so why not take it up a notch by installing them in curved niches? This curvy lighting niche by Loft Concept adds a welcome accent to the linear lines in the room while highlighting the majestic chandelier.

95

B U I LT- I N F E AT U R E S

96

G R I L L E G AT E An ubiquitous feature in Singaporean homes, the grille gate can add a curvy element to your entrance via its pattern. This home by Wolf Woof features grille gate with oblong pattern that echoes the furniture on the foyer and the many design elements inside the home.

DESIGN WOLFWOOF

DESIGN RT+Q ARCHITECTS

S P I R A L S TA I R C A S E What’s more breathtaking than a majestic spiral staircase in a minimalist room? When done right, it transforms into a sculptural functional artwork.

This black sculptural staircase by RT+Q Architects, for instance, features flowing lines that are exquisitely juxtaposed with the antique Chinese furniture. And it looks photogenic from all angles.

ADDING CURVY ELEMENTS IS AN EFFECTIVE DESIGN STRATEGY TO LEND AN ORGANIC TOUCH, INSPIRING COMFORT AND WELLNESS.

DESIGN RT+Q ARCHITECTS

DESIGN ASOLIDPLAN

C u r ve d Wa l l s Curved walls are a dramatic design element suitable to create a freestanding room, like this storage and display niche in the middle of open plan living space by RT+Q Architects (below).

Curved walls can also serve as a visual cue for a special space, like this powder room in this condo by PIU Design (bottom), which is accessible through a concave door.

CARPENTRY Custom cabinetry with rounded edges automatically soften the room while eliminating sharp edges – as seen in this bed platform by Asolidplan It is also an excellent method for childproofing the home.

DESIGN PIU DESIGN

DESIGN ARTISTROOM

The curved corners of this kitchen cabinetry by Artistroom plays a part in making this snug kitchen look more inviting, and also safer to touch.

97

THINK OF WALL NICHES AND BUILT-IN FURNITURE LIKE

N I C H E S & B U I LT- I N FURNITURE Niches and built-in furniture are two design elements that “deboss” and “emboss” a flat surface – both a good opportunity to add curves.

Curved niches can serve as display spaces, like in this bathroom by Wolf Woof.

This curved bench extruding from the wall creates a soft tactile profile and a poetic play of shadow in fimmaker Royston Tan’s home by Free Space Intent.

98

DESIGN FREE SPACE INTENT

C U R TA I N T R AC K S Do you know that curtain tracks don’t have to be straight? Yes, you can have curvy tracks now, like this motorised one from Japanese brand Toso, which creates a soft curving space that you can open and close as needed.

DESIGN WOLFWOOF

PHOTO TOSO

EMBOSSING AND DEBOSSING A FLAT SURFACE.

BUY IT Finally, arguably the easiest way to add curves into your space.

Is by looking into the broad selections already available in the market. From iconic pieces by renowned brands and designers to contemporary creations by emerging names and objects that exist in the realm between art and design, here are some of our recommendations.

LO O S E F U R N I T U R E

CU STOM IT When you can’t find it in the market, the best way to get the curvy furniture you want for your space is to request it from your designer. The result will be one of a kind item that you can take with you when you move, like this curvy, retro-inspired breakfast counter by Parenthesis Studio.

Samsung BESPOKE Refrigerator with custom Creme panels from Commune. Price upon request at www.samsung.com.

I t d o e s n ’ t h ave to be 3D Prints, motifs and patterns on soft furnishing or finishes like tiles and laminates incorporate plenty of curvy elements in their design work too, like this Marimekko print in this home by homeowner Alvin Sim.

Chair in Baby Pink Onyx by KSY (Nathan Yong). Limited edition of 10, $24,600 from Industry+, www. industryplus. com.sg.

DESIGN ALVIN SIM

DESIGN PARENTHESIS

Imola Ceramica Let it Bee tiles, price upon request at www.hafary. com.sg.

text ASIH JENIE

Ikea Gunnlaug sound absorbing curtain, $59 at www.ikea.com.

Vitra Panton Chairs from Vitra store by W.Atelier, $299 www.shopee. sg/vitrasg.

99

F E AT U R E

SITTING HEALTHY It’s time to invest in an ergonomic task chair at home for a posture perfect working time. But where to start? Here’s a handy starter guide.

I

t’s called an office chair for a reason – it belongs in the office. There might be a truth in this statement, back when our work life and home life were strictly separated by location, but it is obsolete now that most of us are working (or learning) part- or full-time from home. That cushy but rigid dining chair, the sofa in the living room, or your bed might be comfy enough as a temporary work chair, but work from home is here to stay.

The term office chairs could

100

be misleading. I personally like to refer to office chairs as task chairs because they have been designed to be ergonomic to sustain the correct sitting posture for an extended time. And whether or not you actually sit for eight hours a day on a task chair, it’s time to invest one in your home.

“The chair is a machine for sitting in,” said legendary architect Le Corbusier – this couldn’t be truer for task chairs, which really do have sophisticated machinery behind

its ergonomic design. A task ­ °Þ °â  ââ°ĝ â Þ§ÐÉÐÈ° when it has three basic features: adjustable seat height, seat depth and lumbar support. a­ ĝÞâé éúÐ Â È Ééâ ÂÂÐú you to sit comfortably with your legs perpendicular to the ĞÐÐÞʣ ú­°Â é­ é­°Þ ÛÞÐù° â ample support for the lower back so that your spine is in the correct position to allow for good posture. There are many other ergonomic features that support these three in providing superior comfort.

A N A LYS E YO U R WO R K H A B I T S

What kind of a sitter are you?

The answer to this question shows your habit when you work. Do you fidget much? Do you need to change posture throughout your workday?

Do you mind adjusting your chair manually? Analysing the way you work determines the features your ergonomic chair must-have. An ergonomic chair with manual levers might look great, but if you don’t bother tuning these to best suit your body, the ergonomic design will not be optimised for you, in which case it’s better to opt for a chair with a mechanism that adjusts automatically to the change of pressure and posture.

HAG CAPISCO PULS SERIES

BY FLOKK Winner of Red Dot Design Award that caters to fidgety workers with a design that invites different seating positions. Retails from $740 from www.shopee.sg/flokksg

OKAMURA SYLPHY Equipped with a Back Curve Adjustment that can accommodate any body type simply by pulling down the levers on both sides of the seat’s back. Retails from $1,119 at www.okamura.com.sg.

P R I C E & WA R R A N T Y

Ergonomic chairs do fetch higher prices than everyday, multipurpose chairs. But think about it as an investment for your health and wellness. After all, going to the chiropractor or physiotherapy to undo the damage done by prolonged incorrect sitting position will cost more than an ergonomic chair. Based on the quality implied by its warranty, an average ergonomic chair with a five-year warranty should last up to years, while those with 10 or more years of warranty should last between 12 to 15 years.

IKEA FLINTAN OFFICE CHAIR At $99 with a 10-year warranty, Flintan is a sound investment. To complete the ergonomic design, IKEA also offers separate Flintan armrests ($20) and Bortberg lumbar cushion ($12.90). www.ikea.com.

OKAMURA CONTESSA II The updated version of the brand’s best-selling office chair comes in 13 colours to suit residential spaces. Retails for $1,999 from www.okamura. com.sg

101

M AT E R I A L S M AT T E R

Materials make all the difference in both look and feel of the ergonomic chair.

Generally, there are two general types of backrest: mesh or cushioned. Mesh-back chairs are usually more lightweight, flexible and breathable, a boon in the tropical climate. The sophisticated one also comes with built-in lumbar supports.

Cushioned back ergonomic chairs are upholstered and thus, may look more at home in a residential setting or give off a proper authority in the home office setting. However, they tend to be bulkier. Always check the care instructions of the materials.

HOUE FALK CHAIR Made with post-consumer plastic recycled directly from household waste, Falk is available with or without cushion and several base options, including oak legs or castors. Retails from $968 at P5, www.p5.com.sg.

POSTURE CHEAT SHEET

• The adjustable backrest should follow the shape of the spine and support.

• There should be a two to three fingers’ length gap between your knee and the seat depth.

• The tilt mechanism should place your hip higher than your knees.

• The chair’s back should at least come up to the middle of the shoulder blades to provide ade quate support – the higher, the better.

• The seat height should be adjustable, so your feet are flat on the ground.

102

ERGOMEISTER FAEZ8ERG CHAIR Features a stately silhouette and breathable mesh seat and backs suitable for tropical climate.

Retails for $899 from www.ergomeister.com.

SUPPORT & A DJ U S TA B I L I T Y

The more sophisticated (and consequently, more expensive) ergonomic chair comes with a slew of supporting additional features, including armrests, headrest, reclining and back tension control, and a lumbar cushion. Some brands have patented technology that covers all the functions with fewer mechanisms and automation.

Always ask about these to the chair’s salesperson.

Arguably the most famous office chair in the world with its frequent appearances in pop culture, from The Simpsons to James Bond movies. Its design has been continuously updated to be more intuitive. Retails from $1,989 at Xtra, www.xtra.com.sg.

STEELCASE SERIES 2 CHAIR Features a patented Air LiveBack technology that provides support for each part of the spine. Comes in a slew of material options, too, including 3D Microknit that offers greater comfort. Retails from $790 at sg.steelcase.com.

S U B S TA N C E W I T H S T Y L E

This part ties in with the material consideration. Today, the best office furniture brands have tweaked their traditionally more ‘corporate’ look to suit residential spaces by providing more colour variants and broader finishing options. Similarly, residential furniture brands have started making chairs with ergonomic features that can serve as work chairs.

These, and gaming chairs, can work as alternatives.

TAKE IT UP A NOTCH WE’VE GOT THE WORK CHAIR COVERED. WHY NOT GET A SMART ONE TO RELAX?

OSIM’s uDiva 3 brands itself the first smart sofa in the world that provides quality massage with a broad range of customisation, built-in USB ports and Bluetooth VITRA TIP TON CHAIR This rocking chair allows for movements needed to prevent posture fatigue when working. We’ve been told it’s suitable for crafting. Retails from €279.40 ($436.52, excluding shipping) from www.vitra.com.

OSIM UTHRONE S This gaming chair made by massage chair specialist OSIM features enhanced ergonomic features, including four-way hand rests that recline up to 155 degrees and a concealed charging port.

Retails for $599 from www.osim.com

text ASIH JENIE

speakers, all packaged into a compact design suitable for Singapore homes. Price upon request from www.osim.com.

103

F E AT U R E

AN OASIS AT HOME Practise self-care with our shopping guide to creating the ultimate home spa, regardless of your budget.

O

ur home is now the centre of all activities, including work, socialising, and rest. Why not incorporate mental and physical wellness too, by creating your very own spa experience at home?

A home spa can come in all shapes and sizes, since our preferences for relaxation are °đ Þ Ééʨ r­°Â é­ é ÞÈ È°§­é conjure up images of hot tubs and massage tables, the reality is that a home spa can be just a corner of your home that you carve out for self-care. It can be a bathroom of your own (if you have the space), a meditation room, or even just a side table with your collection of crystals and aromatherapy oils. To help you out, we’ve curated a collection of our favourite items to create your own home spa experience, no matter the budget or space.

S P L U R G E O N A M A K E OV E R If you’re building a dedicated home spa, your choices run the gamut from rainshowers to bathtubs and even saunas. ¦é Þ ĀÐîÞ âÐ ¿ʣ úÞ Û ĀÐîÞâ ¦ °É é­ ĝÉ âé silk to complete your spa experience.

104

F-DIGITAL DELUXE Price upon enquiry, from GROHE.

BTS18 FREE STANDING BATHTUB $3,426, from www. bacera.com.sg.

SAWO 1414 GLASS FRONT CLASSIC CEDAR SAUNA, $14,800, from www. steamsauna.sg.

AXOR BOUROULLEC HANDSHOWER Price on enquiry, from hansgrohe.

A SAUNA HAS A VARIETY OF BENEFITS, INCLUDING DETOXIFICATION, IMPROVING SLEEP, AND AIDING RECOVERY AFTER EXERCISE.

INAX S600 FREESTANDING BATHTUB AND SHOWER MIXER Price upon enquiry, from www.inax.com.

MIRACLE ROBE $1,090, from www.instagram. com/silkymiraclesg.

105

T R E AT YO U R S E L F TO SMALL PLEASURES Even a single aromatherapy candle or a ĞîđĀ é­ éÐú Â É âÐÐé­ é­ âéÞ ââ after a long workday. Best of all, they’re easy on the wallet, and you can build up a self-care collection to store in a pretty basket or vanity tray.

IUIGA SCALP MASSAGER $3.90, from www. iuiga.com.

SHOLAYERED DIFFUSER From $44, from www. sholayered.sg.

THAT EXTRA TOUCH

How about getting a manicure or facial in the comfort of your home? Online home services platform Urban Company

WHOLE-LEAF CHINESE TEA $28, from www. ourteaties.com.

IUIGA WOODEN BODY MASSAGER

$6.90, from www. iuiga.com.

offers professional beauty treatments, massages and even haircuts at your home, so you never even have to step out the door. More in our NOW page and www.urbancompany. com/singapore.

106

SEDONA GREY VANITY TRAY $49.95, from www. crateandbarrel.com.sg.

HUSH CANDLE MARRAKECH $78 from www. hushcandle.com.

GALEN BRASS LEATHER MAGAZINE RACK $349.95, from www. crateandbarrel.com.sg.

AFFIRMATION CRYSTAL CANDLES $38, from www. innerfyre.co.

LIVING DIVANI GALILEO MIRROR $3,400, from Space Furniture.

RAINFINITY HANDSHOWER WITH POWDERRAIN Price on enquiry, from hansgrohe.

S P L A S H O U T O N I N D U LG E N C E If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, check out these accessories that’ll elevate the look and create a more indulgent experience. Think gorgeous mirrors, bathrobes, and crystals for good vibes.

TEAK LADDER $499.95, from www. crateandbarrel.com.sg.

KIRONA SCENT PURE ESSENTIAL OIL $47.90, from www. kironascent.com.

CHLOE TOWEL $19.90, from www. findinghooga.com.sg

TURKISH BATHROBE $ 199.95, from www. crateandbarrel.com.sg.

BLUE CALCEDONY SOOTHING SPECIMEN $189, from www. glacecrystals.com.

107

PROPE R T Y

THE EFFECT OF HDB LEASE DECAY What happens when HDB flat leasing decreases, and what happens to yours if it reaches zero?

Property expert Eugene Lin explains.

W

hile searching for information on HDB Ğ éâʣ ĀÐî È°§­é ­ ù heard this term and wondered: ú­ é ÿ éÂĀ °â  â Āʪ Here’s what to note as a homeowner.

W H AT I S H D B L E A S E D E C AY ?

This refers to the depreciation Ц ĀÐîÞ ) ÛÞÐÛ ÞéĀʙâ ù Âî â °éâ  â Þ â â Ðù Þ é°È ʨ W H AT I S T H E R AT E O F D E C AY ?

ÐÉ ʌâ°ą ʌĝéâʌ  ¦ÐÞÈî Éʙé é ÞÈ°É é­ Ā Þ é ʣ îé é°È ­ â É ÛÛ Þ Éé îâ Â Þ Â é°ÐÉâ­°Û ú°é­ é­ ÛÞ ° é°ÐÉ Ð¦ °éâ ù Âî ʣ ÂÐɧ ú°é­ È ÉĀ Ðé­ Þ °Éé ÞÛ Ā°É§ˈ¦ éÐÞâʨ Z°É§ ÛÐÞ ; É îé­ÐÞ°éĀʙâ  ʙâ a  °â É ÐÉ塃 ĝÉ É °  ÈÐ Â é­ é âîÛÛÐÞéâ ÛÞÐÛ Þ ÛÞ° °É§ É ù Âî é°ÐÉ in a market where land is Ðé­ Þ°é° Â Þ âÐîÞ É â Þ ʨ Ā °â ÐîÉé°É§ ¦îéîÞ income streams and comparing  ⠭ÐÂ É ¦Þ ­ÐÂ Â É ʣ é­ é   î é â  ⠭Рù Âî â â Û Þ Éé § Ц ¦Þ ­Ð ù Âî é °đ Þ Éé âé § â Ц  â Āʨ H OW W I L L I T A F F E C T ME AS A CURRENT H D B H O M E OW N E R O R P OT E N T I A L F L AT B U Y E R ?

â îÞÞ Éé ­ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þʣ ĀÐî â­Ðî ú Þ Ð¦ ÛÐé Éé° Â ÂÐââ â °É ù Âî Ðù Þ é°È éÐ 108

100%

PERCENTAGE (%) OF FREEHOLD VALUE

Ýî°Þ Â Þ Þ Û° éîÞ Ð¦ ĀÐîÞ ââ éâ É Ðù Þ Â ĝÉ É °  â°éî é°ÐÉʨ a­ Éʣ ĀÐî É îÉÂÐ ¿ ĝÿ ââ éâ °É ÿ ­ ɧ ¦ÐÞ Â°Ýî° ââ éâ É Â É Ðé­ˈ đ é°ù ÂĀʨ "ÐÞ ÛÐé Éé° Â îĀ Þâʣ °é È°§­é ÉÐé ÐÉĞ é ĀÐîÞ ĝÉ É ° Â É Þ é°Þ È Éé Ð ¼ é°ù âʨ É °ÈÛÐÞé Éé é ¿ ú Ā ¦ÞÐÈ Â ʙâ a  °â é­ é é­ ù Âî Ц a leasehold land does not fall é ÐÉâé Éé ÉÉî Â Þ é â °éâ lease decreases. Depreciation °É Þ â â Þ Û° ÂĀ °É é­ Â é Þ âé § âʣ É ĀÐî È Ā ÉÐé ­ ù âîĔ ° Éé é°È ­ÐÞ°ąÐÉ éÐ Þ Ðù Þ ÉĀ îÉ ÿÛ é ÂÐââˈé­ Éʨ

ABOUT EUGENE LIN

80% 99-year lease

60-year

96%

80%

60% 30-year

60% 40% 15-year

Leasehold Value as a Percentage of Freehold Value

20%

40%

0% 99

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

1

TERM OF YEARS

99-YEAR LEASE 96% of the freehold value 60-YEAR LEASE 80% of the freehold value

W H AT A R E M Y O P T I O N S ?

,é °â ÛÞî Éé éÐ ââ ââ é­ ù Þ°Ðîâ ÛÞÐâ É ÐÉâ Ц ÐÂ Þ Ğ éâ É îÉ Þâé É é­ °Þ °ÈÛ é ÐÉ ĀÐîÞ ĝÉ É °  â°éî é°ÐÉ É §Ð Ââʣ Þ § Þ Â ââ Ц ú­ é­ Þ ĀÐî Þ ­ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þ ÐÞ îĀ Þʨ ,¦ ĀÐîʙÞ ÉÐé âîÞ ú­ Þ éÐ §°Éʣ é ¿ éÐ ¦ È°ÂĀ É ¦Þ° É â ÐÞ â ¿ ÛÞЦ ââ°ÐÉ Âˈ ââ°âé É ʨ A R E T H E OW N E R S OF CONDOMINIUM A PA R T M E N T S A F F E C T E D BY T H I S ?

These also experience lease Āʨ )Ðú ù Þʣ îÉ°¿ ) Ğ éâʣ é­ Ā É Ð é Þ Â°â éÐ îÉÂÐ ¿ °Ýî° °éĀʣ âî ­ â AÐÞé§ § Ýî°éĀ a ÞÈ ;Ð Éʣ é­ é ÂÂÐúâ ¦ÐÞ ĝÉ É °  Рÿ° °Â°éĀ É ú Ā éÐ Û°é °â

30-YEAR LEASE 60% of the freehold value

ÐÉ ÉĀ ÛÛÞ ° é°ÐÉ éÐ ù Âî ʨ °é°ÐÉ ÂÂĀʣ é­ Ā ÂâÐ ­ ù éé Þ É ÂÐ ÛÐé Éé° Â é­ É ) Ğ éâʣ ú­ Þ ÐÉÂĀ É approximation of 4 per cent gets ­Ðâ É ¦ÐÞ É ÂÐ ʨ D O E S H D B L E A S E D E C AY D I F F E R W I T H LO C AT I O N ?

A Þ¿ é ¦ÐÞ â É °ÉĞî É )  â Āʣ îé ÉÐé Ā Èî ­ʨ SÞ°È ÂÐ é°ÐÉâ É attract healthier sales and rental demands. This means that if the demand is greater than the âîÛÛÂĀʣ °é É ­ ÂÛ ÛÞ â Þù é­ ÛÞÐÛ ÞéĀʙâ ù Âî É Â Ā é­ đ éâ Ц Āʨ )Ðú ù Þʣ Þ § Þ Â ââ Ц ú­ Þ ĀÐîÞ Ğ é °âʣ

°éâ ù Âî ú°Â âé°Â ¦  éÐ ą ÞÐ ú­ É é­ Â â °â îÛʨ H OW D O I M A N AG E H D B L E A S E D E C AY ?

HÉ Þî °  âÛ é ĀÐî â­Ðî âÈ Þé Ðîé °â È ¿°É§ the right retirement choices. Û É °É§ ÐÉ ĀÐîÞ Ðù Þ Â ĝÉ É ° Â É âʣ ÛÂ É ĀÐîÞ ÞÐîé éÐ Þ é°Þ È Éé ú°â ÂĀʣ °é ÐúÉâ°ą°É§ É â °ɧ Ðđ ĀÐîÞ § °É§ Ğ é ¦ÐÞ °é ÛÞ ° é â ÐÞ Þ Éé°É§ Ðîé the place. It’s also worth ÉÐé°É§ é­ é ú­°Â é­ ù Âî Ц ) Ğ éâ ¦ ÂÂâ â­ ÞÛÂĀ °É °éâ  é Þ Ā Þâʣ é­ °Þ Þ Éé  ù Âî remains the same.

photo 123RF

Eugene Lin is the founder of The Origins Property (TOP), which provides purposeful and objective insights on the latest trending news, tips, guides and home features that offer a brand new experience for homeowners. It also breaks the one-sizefits-all mould when it comes to finding property solutions and emphasising developing methodologies that best suit each client’s unique needs.

Find out more at www.theorigins. com.sg, Instagram @ theoriginsproperty and Facebook www. facebook.com/ theoriginsproperty.

Alternatively, e-mail contact@theorigins. com.sg and call 9636-3085.

109

I N S TO R E

P L AYS TAT I O N ’ S BEST FRIEND Were you able to get your hands on a PlayStation 5? Complete your setup with a Sony BRAVIA XR TV, which comes with exclusive features designed specifically to enhance the PS5 experience. Its Auto HDR Tone Mapping automatically adjusts to the best HDR setting based on the TV’s display specifications for vibrant picture quality. At the same time, Auto Genre Picture Mode balances input lag for gaming sessions with picture processing when watching movies. For a truly immersive experience, consider getting one of Sony’s audio systems too, where surround sound and advanced audio technologies will transport you right into the heart of the action.

Sony BRAVIA XR TVs retail from $2,999 at www.sony.com.sg.

S AY Y E S TO S C R E E N T I M E Due to the pandemic, home theatre projectors have steadily grown in popularity. As a result, there are now many new products on the market. One of them is the JMGO O1 series from the home cinema entertainment brand JMGO. Its LED projectors are ideal for use on any tabletop thanks to their compact, spacesaving design. They also only need to be placed mere inches away from a surface for the projection

BLUE IS THE N E W B L AC K . . . ... so said the good people at Dyson. The tech giant recently unveiled a limited edition in Prussian blue and rich copper colourway for their hair styling tools, and comes just in time for the festive season. Showcasing careful consideration of their colour choices, Prussian blue offers an alternative to the timeless and elegant – albeit overused – black, while the rich

110

text GERMAINE CHEAH

to work, which eliminates heat and noise disturbance commonly found in commercial projectors.

In addition to a host of other features, like powerful stereo sound and intelligent home control, JMGO is reinventing the home movie experience one vivid multimedia presentation at a time.

The JMGO O1 series retails from $941 at www.indiegogo.com.

copper accents highlight the core Dyson engineering used in each appliance. Everyone deserves a good hair day, and whether the purchase is for yourself or for a loved one, the matching presentation case will top off your gift nicely.

Dyson’s Prussian Blue and Rich Copper hairdryers retail at $599 at www.dyson.com.sg.

BUYING GUIDE xHfV HB ʐZaHS V ZHfV "HV SVH f aZ B Z Vq, Z

; aV, ; ˸ ; aVHB, Z

"fVB,afV ˸ "fVB,Z),B#Z

,Ba V,HV Z,#B VZ

ACORN

HOME 2 U GALLERY

DESIGN INTERVENTION

#02-09 512 Chai Chee Lane Tel: 6445-6144 www.acorn ceilingfan.com

#02-719/720 Suntec City Tower 4 Tel: 6737-7838

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

BRANDT ASIA

#02-51/52 Oxley Bizhub 65 Ubi Road One Tel: 6508-4639 www.brandt.sg EFENZ CEILING FAN

#06-01 1 Kallang Way 2A Tel: 6747-2742 www.efenz.com.sg ELECTROLUX S.E.A.

#07-10 Galaxis 1 Fusionopolis Place Tel: 6727-3699 www.electrolux.com. sg FISHER & PAYKEL

#03-01A Ubi Biz Hub 150 Ubi Avenue 4 Tel: 6547-0100 www.fisherpaykel. com/sg

MUJI

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

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

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

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

SCANTEAK

IMAGINE BY SK66

60 Sungei Kadut Drive www.scanteak.com.sg

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

SPACE FURNITURE 77 Bencoolen St Singapore 189653 Tel: 6415-0000 www.spacefurniture. com.sg STAR LIVING

1 Pasir Panjang Road Tel: 6273-2522 www.starliving. com.sg XZQT

"fVB,afV ʣ SS;, B Z ˸ "fVB,Z),B#Z HARVEY NORMAN

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

DWELL INTERIOR DESIGN

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

HAIRE LIVING

MOW INTERIOR DESIGN

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

#03-11 Bizhub 28 28 Senang Crescent Tel: 6746-3723 www.neukonceptz. com.sg THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE

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

;,#)a,B#

WHERE TO BUY

LIGHTCRAFT

BORIS KIMEK www.brokis.cz.

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

DSIGNEDBY www.dsignedby.com

SOL LUMINAIRE

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

GROHE GALLERY 24 Mohamed Sultan Road Tel: 6311-3611 www.grohe.sg

V BHq a,HB A a V, ;Z

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

CAESARSTONE S.E.A.

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

JOURNEY EAST 315 Outram Rd, #03-02 Tel: 6473-1693 www.journeyeast.com SCARLET SPLENDOUR www.scarletsplendour.com

COSENTINO

34/35 Duxton Road Tel: 6713-9543 www.cosentino.com DURAVIT ASIA

(Singapore Branch) 63 Tras Street Tel: 6221-9315 www.duravit.com HAFARY

105 Eunos Avenue 3 Tel: 6250-1368 www.hafary.com.sg NATURAL FOREST

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

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

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

INTERIOR DESIGNERS ERSTUDIO 25 and 26 Upper Weld Road Tel: 6909-3360 www.erstudio.design DESIGN INTERVENTION 75E Loewen Road, Tanglin Village Tel: 6506-0920, 9623-7593 www.designintervention.com.sg DISTINCT IDENTITY #01-02 LTC Building B, 12 Arumugam Rd, Tel: 6846-0033 www.distinctidentity.com.sg SUITE 07 www.suite-07.com WOLF WOOF #08-74 Midview City 22 Sin Ming Lane Tel: 6570-4833 www.wolfwoof.com.sg

T

WHAT’S TRENDING & WHAT WE THINK

INVIGORATING BODY AND SOUL

112

here is no doubt that home living has become more convenient and pleasurable with the incorporation of high-tech gadgets and smart appliances, but don’t forget that while we are busy adding another smart device to help us maintain our space, it’s also crucial to adopt practices that can help us revitalise our soul as well.

Furthermore, with mental health being a hot topic of discussion recently, more homeowners are also beginning to pay attention to making sure that their personal space is not just conducive for pampering our bodies, but lifting up our spirits as well.

Fengshui, for instance, is an ancient science of creating harmony in a room by aligning é­ Â ĀÐîé ú°é­ é­ É Þ§Ā ĞÐú of the landscape. However, if you are not ready to engage a professional to embark on a full-scale project to improve the feel-good aspects of your home, why not try smudging your home for a start.

Smudging is a simple ceremony of using burning incense or herbs to lightly perfume a room, that anyone can do to help cleanse the space of negative energies or thoughts.

It can also be used when one

is travelling, to cleanse a hotel room of stale air or any lingering energy left by the previous guest.

Just be careful not to overdo °é É â é Ðđ é­ âÈп  ÞÈ though. Using a single stick of °É Éâ °â âîĔ ° Éé éÐ âÈî § a hotel room with windows that cannot be opened.

At home, I like to smudge my rooms once a week as part of my cleaning routine. Sometimes, I also smudge my space after a particularly long day and am in need of some cheer.

The process begins with opening up the windows before lighting a bundle of dried sage leaves, and bringing it from room to room while holding it Ðù Þ ĝÞ ʌÛÞÐЦ Þ È° °â­ʨ Walk to all corners of the room, É È ¿ âîÞ é­ âÈп ĝÂÂâ up nooks and crannies, such as inside the cabinets and wardrobes. Once all the rooms have been smudged, open up the main door and let the negative energy exit your space once and for all.

For me, the act of quietly and slowly smudging each room feels like an emotional exercise to sweep away the worries hovering around my mind, and helps to calm me down. Give it a go if you are ever in need of an uplifting mood, it might surprise you how well it works.

photo 123RF

THE HARD TRUTH

AN A LL-NEW O NLINE EXPER IE NC E!

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

YOUR ENHANCED DESIGN JOURNEY INCLUDES:

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

AVAILABLE ON DESKTOPS & ALL MOBILE DEVICES.

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