Lookbox Living #43

#43

SINGAPORE

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Industrial chic elevated Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen serves stunning British European fare in an equally stunning setting that you can take inspiration from for your industrial-style interiors.

TEXT CHIQUIT TORRENTE

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Designed by Wilson Associates’ specialty food and beverage design studio, Blueplate Studios, Bread Street Kitchen Singapore at Marina Bay Sands is a two-storey, 2,892.12 sqft feast for the eyes. Gordon Ramsay’s casual restaurant chain has specific design guidelines, shares associate design director, Stephan Brutti – with the brand’s East London industrial roots, industrial chic was the order of the day. But it’s an oh-so-polished industrial aesthetic, with matt black pipes used to house lighting cables, subway tiles in glossy black and yellow, and wire mesh used for storage units and customised, lanterninspired lamps. Blueplate Studios incorporated some subtle local character into the design, too: local manholes clad the walkway at the main floor entrance, while the lattice-style ceiling was inspired by Singapore’s colonial architecture.

SHORTLIST

TRENDS

Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Rules The British celebrity-chef shares how his kitchen (which can be seen on Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Home Cooking on BBC Lifestyle) is kitted out at home:

What’s your kitchen layout at home, and why?

PHOTO COURTESY OF GORDON RAMSAY GROUP

When we moved into our home in South London I designed my kitchen and it’s entirely built

around our Rorgue cooker which had to be installed with a crane through the roof! It’s got three ovens, an industrial wok, charcoal grill, planket grill, and two gas burners, it’s definitely the RollsRoyce of kitchens!

What five kitchen tools can you not live without?

(Editor’s Note: The Rorgue cooker, reported to cost £67,000, doubles as the island piece in the Ramsay home kitchen.)

Maldon salt, butter, fresh herbs, eggs, chocolate, pure olive oil, in season vegetables and a bottle of wine.

Decent knifes, cutting board, nonstick pots/pans, attractive dishware and a pasta machine.

What top items are your pantry staples?

Opposite: The dining space on the main level looks out to the waterfront. Photo by Benoit Florencon courtesy of Wilson Associates.

Below and right: Industrial design details include mesh wire lamps and subway tiles.

Photos courtesy of Marina Bay Sands.

“Bread Street Kitchen is a mix of vintage and modern... inspired by local ingredients, and a beautiful view of the waterfront and city skyline!”

- Gordon Ramsay

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SHORTLIST PROFILE

Nicely done In the span of two short years, local start-up Naiise has made quite an impact on Singapore’s design scene. Starting out as an e-commerce outfit that aimed to bring local design to the masses, it has now become a retail mainstay with multiple, largescale pop-up stores and a strong influence in Singapore’s design scene.

TEXT REDZMAN RAHMAT

As the go-to online store (and with long-term pop-up stores at Westgate, Wheelock Place and Central at Clarke Quay), Naiise has its finger firmly on the pulse of local culture, from design trends to shopping habits. Founder Dennis Tay shares some of the lessons he’s learnt building up this new-generation retail company.

WE WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT One of the biggest changes Dennis has noticed in the last two years is that there’s a shift in mentality when it comes to the home. “More Singaporeans are creating beautiful homes for themselves. They’re searching for interesting home decor products to spruce up their home. I think more people are looking for things that are different and unique,” says Dennis.

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WE WANT GOOD DESIGN The idea for Naiise started when Dennis wanted to help the local design scene reach more people.

“I used to work with a design agency, and there was this general consensus that Singaporeans don’t appreciate good design, or that you can’t make money out of design. So we’re trying to bridge that gap,” he says. The good news is, Dennis has a noticed a change over the last few years. “Singaporeans are becoming sophisticated consumers who do appreciate unique design. And thanks to the media and the Internet, it’s easy to learn about great products from brands both local and overseas.”

WE WANT MADE-IN-SINGAPORE PRODUCTS Although 2015 being Singapore’s golden jubilee has raised greater consciousness for local brands and designs, there has always been a demand for designs that celebrate (and sometimes, playfully mock) our traditions and culture. There used to be a stigma that local products by local designers are poorly made, says Dennis, but that’s long been disproved. “Local designers are becoming really creative in making products, and there’s a demand for it too. Our customers are very supportive of local designs. Some come to Naiise specifically looking for something that’s madein-Singapore.”

SHORTLIST PROFILE

What’s Trending

Dennis Tay, founder of Naiise, highlights some of his favourite design trends • “Customers appreciate products that put a modern spin on a traditional design element, such as aged wood furniture finished with pastel colours, geometric-shaped home decor products or monochrome designs with marble, copper or gold accents.”

Some of the most popular items from Naiise include the Sleeping Grizzly Bear bean bag (right) and Wheniwasfour’s local food cushion cover (opposite).

• “There’s a growing interest for traditional designs, or designs that take inspiration from culture or history. Some of our more popular items are inspired by iconic Scandinavian design or by the Asian-Oriental style. Equally as popular is the way a product is made. For example more people are interested in traditional methods of craftsmanship, such as the furniture

by Schema or Ito Kish.

• “Some of the bestsellers are custom calligraphy prints and unique graphic posters, so it’s definitely a growing trend. It shows that customers are paying some attention to their walls!”

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SHORTLIST

Singapore Indesign (Intimate)

A designer-feast for the eyes Singapore Indesign Intimate, a signature event curated

by Indesign Media, may be designed for the design industry, but its installations and exhibitors presented a visual delight for all types of visitors.

This year, Indesign Media’s signature event took on a more industry-focused bent with Singapore Indesign Intimate. The two-day affair was held on July 9-10 at the National Design Centre and Red Dot Design Museum, with a curated list of exhibitors who launched new brands and collections in Singapore.

Event highlights that drew architects and interior designers included the exclusive Architects’ & Designers’ Lunch hosted by Cubes, and the design conference, Design Conversations. For the general public, Singapore Indesign’s signature installation, The Project, was back with stunning new designer collaborations (see sidebar). New brands such as Cult from Australia, and products, such as EDL’s Fenix NTM and Schiavello’s Kayt Village, were also a visual treat for event visitors.

Singapore Indesign will be back next year in its popular design trail format.

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Opposite: Event visitors saw exhibitors such as EDL, Flos, Wilkhahn, Schiavello and Fritz Hansen at National Design Centre.

Below: EDL x K2LD Architects’ laminate installation “Hive” for The Project.

THE PROJECT Singapore Indesign’s collaborative, conceptual installation series connects exhibitors with architects and designers. Balance was this year’s theme, posing the question of finding harmony amid work, home and play. Five exhibitors paired up with five local design firms to present their interpretation of Balance, using their products.

GREENLAM with WOW Architects “Balancing Birds” (shown above), crafted from anti-bacterial laminate, perched on frosted acrylic trees illuminated by hidden lights in this installation that brought to life Greenlam and WOW Architects’ shared ethos of ecological living and building.

Greenlam and WOW Architects won People’s Choice Award in this year’s The Project.

Top and above: Exhibitors at Red Dot Design Museum included Waldmann Lighting and Jung Asia.

Below: Admira x Architology’s “Flexile” welcomed guests to the Architects’ & Designers’ Lunch.

ADMIRA with Architology Admira x Architology’s “Flexile” installation was made of laminates that flexed through space in varying sizes and curvatures, demonstrating their behaviour as a flexible skin that adapted to a differentiated structural form.

ALUSTIL with PLUS Collaboratives Alustil x PLUS Collaborative’s installation demonstrated the consequences of a balance of choice. Four cold drip coffee brewers drenched aluminium and wood bases, resulting in round full droplets of the brown liquid on the surface of the aluminium, and growing rings of damp brown stains that were eventually absorbed by the wood.

EDL with K2LD Architects Technology, nature and design intersected in this inspired installation that illustrated the potent yet unseen marvel that is nanotech. This dynamic rendering of nature showcased the new FENIX NTM® (nanotech matt) material that EDL launched at Singapore Indesign Intimate.

WILKHAHN with SCA Design Wilkhahn demonstrated the balance between your body and its working position with an installation of task chairs for a healthy posture behind your desk, from different decades.

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Unexpected pairings

TEXT CHIQUIT TORRENTE PHOTOGRAPHY MARTIN T STYLING BETTY WONG ASSISTED BY NURZULI SOBAHRI

GET THE LOOK OF LUXE WITH MATERIALS THAT ARE CONSIDERED TRADITIONALLY PLUSH – SUCH AS MARBLE, LEATHER AND GOLD. THEN ADD A FRESH TWIST FOR A TOUCH OF FUN OR EDGINESS!

Black marble tumbler, $60, from Lifestorey; Dear Maison black marble diary, $24, and Dear Maison black marble notebook, $19.90, both from Naiise; Habitat acrylic box, $99.90, from Big Box; Porcelain busts of Madame De Pompadour, Louis XIV and Louis XV, $76 each, from The Wright Gift; Marble vase, $119 and Hourglass, $23.95, both from Homes To Life; Hex acrylic tray, $77.95, from CB2; Puka marble tray, $219, and House Doctor hourglass, $25.95, both from Homes To Life; Marble tealight, $39.90, from Galanga Living; Fabric upholstered chair in classical print, $499, from Big Box.

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SHORTLIST

SHOP THE SHOOT

Classically modern Admira JAG 5658G Statuario

Admira JAG 5655G Lucido Black

Acrylic

Update your marble surfaces with a vignette of geometric forms and whimsical acrylic pieces.

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Leather

Lamitak Elodie SCX 1167D

Watercolour

Hipster in pastels Sweeten the crafted look of leather and wood with watercolour hues.

Norrmade Sheep stool, $590, from Haus of Egg3; Hue mug, $8.95, and Bubbly table runner, $44.50, both from Crate & Barrel; Wrapme glass with leather handle, $16.90, from Galanga Living; Be Brave pens, $12.90 (set of 3), from Kikki K; Hex leather pencil holder, $79.95, and Voyager Collection leather wine holder, $99 both from Homes To Life; Hurricane glass with leather holder and strap, $289 and Faux Magnolia flowers, $18.90 per branch, and Faux twigs, $15.90 per branch, all from Haus of Egg3; Be Brave journal in pink, $29.90 and Goals journal in blue, $44.90 both from Kikki K.

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(Background) Lamitak Elodie SCX 1167D (Floor) Lamitak Lipstick SCX 1168D

SHORTLIST

SHOP THE SHOOT

(Clockwise from right) Wrapme glasses with leather handle, $13.90 (small), $16.90 (large), both from Galanga Living; Be Brave pens, $12.90 (set of 3) and Be Brave dishes, $34.90 (set of 3), Be Brave watercolour giftwrap, $4.90 (a sheet), all from Kikki K; House Doctor scissors with leather handle, $25.95, and Natural leather knot keyrings, $24.95 each, all from Homes To Life; Dry & Co leather iPad sleeve, $119, from Naiise; Be Brave A5 notebook, $19.90 (set of 3), from Kikki K. (Background) Lamitak Lipstick SCX 1168D

STYLE IT WITH LEATHER

We love this comeback trend, because leather accents give an earthy, handcrafted yet utterly luxurious feel to anything – in this case, a tabletop.

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Urban haven DESIGN CONSULTANCY ARCHITOLOGY INFUSED A TWO-LEVEL COOKIE-CUTTER CONDO WITH ITS OWNERS’ COLOURFUL CHARACTER TO CREATE A SERENE RETREAT HIGH ABOVE THE BUSTLING TRAFFIC OF THE NEWTON AREA.

The honey-hued grain of the wood veneer on the kitchen counter and feature wall contrasts beautifully with the house’s theme colour, blue.

Photo courtesy of Architology

Style Kit Homes We Love

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STYLE KIT

HOMES WE LOVE

Home

4-bedroom duplex

Floor Area 3,035 sqft

TEXT CHIQUIT TORRENTE PHOTOGRAPHY JUSTIN LOH AND COURTESY OF ARCHITOLOGY (WHERE INDICATED) ART DIRECTION BETTY WONG

W

hen Jakarta-based Marge Widjaja was looking for an interior architect to transform her new Singapore duplex into a cosy family home, she already had two must-haves to work with: a colourful mixed media diptych that she purchased in Jakarta, and the idea of a double-height solid timber wall. She was quite specific about finding an interior architect because “the house required more than decorating. The all-glass double-height windows at the living area, the kitchen layout, and the space planning needed to be rethought,” she says. It was her future daughter-in-law who, while driving, spotted the studio of Architology, a multi-disciplinary design consultancy run by architects, and recommended them to Marge.

The chance discovery proved more than fruitful.

Architect Terence Quah says, “We were on the same wavelength, fortunately, in taste.” Infusing Marge’s personal style and bold choices in art into the refurbishment was an easy thing to do.

As the 25th floor duplex (two-storey unit) was brandnew, Terence sought to minimise the demolition especially of fittings and fixtures. The most major change was reorienting the dry kitchen into a more functional layout, and designing built-in beds for the common bedrooms in order to reclaim floor area from the bay windows. Terence also changed the space planning for the living area so that it flows better with the dining area. This maximises the social function of the open-plan dry kitchen, living and dining space.

DESIGN NOTES The wet kitchen takes on a cooler ambience with the shimmering blues of its mosaic tile backsplash bouncing off the sheen of stainless steel and slategrey surfaces.

Photo courtesy of Architology

Opposite: Marge, coincidentally in a blue dress that matches her home, selected most of the furniture and accessories herself, from shops in Singapore and Jakarta.

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STYLE KIT

HOMES WE LOVE

It was Marge’s mixed media artwork that Terence built the colour palette around. He found a muted jade blue wall paint that complemented the collage; he used it for the dining room wall on which he had the artwork mounted, employing that wall to frame the diptych.

Terence used the same colour to paint the high ceiling of the living area, visually bringing it down and making that space – which Marge considered too bright – cosier.

Graduated shades of blue based on that anchor hue pop up throughout the other spaces of the house. In the kitchen they come in a mix of wall tiles and the mosaic backsplash. The muted jade blue appears as feature wall in the living area and common bedrooms as well.

Brighter shades of cyan come in the form of a woven area rug, another abstract painting, a mirror’s frame and other soft furnishings throughout the duplex.

Terence used Marge’s other requirement – a doubleheight solid timber feature wall – as the contrast colour and secondary design detail for the house. With Marge’s Indonesia resources as the source of solid timber planks, Terence designed a hatched pattern for the planks to clad the double-height wall at the foyer. He found wood veneer that matched the colour of the Indonesian wood to clad a portion of the living room wall, the second level’s balustrade overlooking the double-volume living area, the dry kitchen’s breakfast counter, the bedroom doors and built-in beds – thus carrying a consistent visual and tactile theme throughout the house.

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DESIGN NOTES The two-piece mixed media artwork, which the homeowner had bought in Jakarta, became the starting point for the colour palette of the house, from the main theme of jade blue, to the accent colours, such as the golden yellow glow emitted by the Lustre lamps by Tom Dixon.

Photo courtesy of Architology

Top: A blue-framed mirror by Kare instantly perks up the neutrals of the second level hallway and cosy corner.

“We found that this blue paint that we had used for a restaurant project, Garibaldi, complemented Marge’s anchor artwork nicely, so we used it to ‘bring down’ the high ceiling.”

– Terence Quah, designer

Marge’s bookcase, which she proudly says she negotiated for at Crate & Barrel – it was a display piece that was not for sale – is ideally sized for the space overlooking the doublevolume living area.

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STYLE KIT

HOMES WE LOVE

Right: To reclaim much needed floor area in the guest bedroom, Terence custom-built the bed over the bay window, incorporating bedside tables and storage into it.

Opposite: At the foyer of the private lift, the feature wall made of solid timber planks brings warmth to a vast, otherwise cold space.

For accent colours, Terence and Marge again turned to the mixed media diptych for inspiration: corals, seafoam green, yellow-gold. These appear on the patterned throw cushions, in tableware, and even the details of the lights – the cluster of Lustre pendants

by Tom Dixon over the dining table, and the customArchitology LED downlights that have gold-hued inserts so that illumination is warmer and softer.

Marge doesn’t reside here full-time; it’s her youngest daughter Sarah who really dwells in the two-storey apartment. “She cooks a lot, and she just loves using the kitchen, which is much more functional now,” she adds.

When we joke that we can help Sarah house-sit, Marge invites us over. “The house is very welcoming after all,” she laughs. “But Jakarta is home,” Marge says. “Terence recreated the duplex nicely, however, so now this feels more like home, too.”

“I really wanted a solid wood wall, and Terence configured the best way to install one in the foyer.”

– Marge Widjaja, homeowner

DESIGN NOTES

The timber strips of the matching bed and dresser, while not exactly matching the solid timber feature wall in the foyer and the wood veneer of the builtin elements, still bring in the same aesthetic to the master bedroom.

ARCHITOLOGY INTERIORS 6A Lim Tua Tow Road Tel (65) 6284 1011 Fax (65) 62851011 www.architology.com.sg

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THE FIVE LANDED PROPERTY TERMS TO KNOW... AND MORE What’s the difference between an ordinary bungalow and a good class bungalow? What about a corner terrace and a semi-detached house? If you’re shopping for landed property (or just dreaming about it), it’s good to familiarise yourself with the different types that belong to this residential category.

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TEXT CHIQUIT TORRENTE ILLUSTRATION ANGELA SOH

Shophouses on Duxton Road. Terrace houses in Serangoon Gardens. Detached houses in Bukit Timah.

Good Class Bungalows on Chatsworth Road. Black-andwhite bungalows in Rochester Park. These are all landed residences – and it’s easy to get confused about the different types, even if you grew up in Singapore (Did you know that “bungalow” is defined in most English-speaking countries as a single-storey detached house?).

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Singapore Statistics (SingStat) classify three types of landed residences categorised under Land Title: Detached house, Semidetached house, and Terrace House. Property Guru lists five types (other property agents list six or seven), which we identify here, and in relation to the official classifications.

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1. GOOD CLASS BUNGALOWS

2. DETACHED HOUSES

Per URA guidelines on landed housing, GCBs must have a minimum land area (also called plot size) of 1,400 sqm (15,070 sqft). Built-up size is usually 10,000 sqft, with space for a car porch for 3-4 cars, a swimming pool and garden.

A detached house is a free-standing structure within the plot of land. It does not share a common wall or roof with its neighbours.

Good Class Bungalow, or GCB, is the most luxurious type of landed residence. Property Guru considers GCBs “the most sought out property type by the extremely affluent”.

GCBs are designated within the prime residential districts 10 (for example: Nassim Road, Cluny Road), 11 (Eng Neo Avenue, Swiss Club Road) and popular districts 21 (Binjai Park) and 23 (Chestnut Avenue).

In Singapore, a detached house is commonly called a bungalow, whether it is a single-storey structure or not. Good Class Bungalows (see previous type) are generally classified as detached houses.

Detached houses come in many styles: Colonial bungalows (also fondly known as black-and-white houses) that are not big enough to be GCBs, or not located in designated GCB districts, are also considered detached houses. Modern bungalows are also detached houses.

SPOTLIGHT

LANDED PROPERTY LIVING

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3. SEMI-DETACHED HOUSES

Semi-detached houses are a pair of houses built side by side, sharing a common wall called a party wall. Originally they are mirror image twins of each other in layout and facade.

Semi-detached houses are usually called “semi-d� here. In other countries, they are identified as duplex.

Corner terrace houses are also considered semi-detached houses as they share only one party wall.

4. TERRACE HOUSES

5. SHOPHOUSES

Terrace houses are also called row houses or town houses. According to URA guidelines, terrace houses should be part of a row of at least three units. The middle units share party walls with their neighbours on both sides, while the corner or end terrace houses are only attached to one other neighbour. The URA further classifies terrace houses in two (technical) categories, depending on the requirement of their front setbacks from the road.

Shophouses are simply mixed-use terrace houses where the ground level is used for commercial purposes, such as a cafe, retail outlet or office, and the upper levels are used as residences. These terrace houses became known as shophouses because the ground level was, historically, a shop.

Terrace houses have a reputation for being dark and not well-ventilated because they only have windows on their narrow ends.

Thus, the better terrace houses are often designed with an air well or inner courtyard.

Most of the remaining Singapore shophouses are now gazetted conservation shophouses, and are required to preserve their historical exterior, whether or not they maintain shops on the ground level and residence on the upper levels.

Shophouses are also differentiated from terrace houses because of the five-foot-way fronting them.

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OUTDOOR IS IN The newest outdoor furniture designs come in fashionable styles that won’t look out of place indoors.

TEXT MAVIS ANG

Gone are the days when outdoor furniture was more about functionality than looks. The latest offerings prove that you can have the best of both worlds, with designs that are made to withstand the elements, yet stylish enough to double as indoor furniture. So deck your balcony and indoor space with matching seating, tables, and decor accessories that reflect popular home interior themes such as resort, Nordic, and eclectic.

RESORT Imbue your home with the tropical elegance synonymous with dreamy beach getaways. These pieces come together to form a calming setting, enabling you to slip right into rest mode whenever you return from a day out.

Designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, the modular Quadratl can be formed into a relaxing chaise. At $20,212 (corner and centre wide modules), from Janus et Cie.

The Santamaria stool by Filipino designer Ito Kish is made of woven polypropylene and doubles as a storage compartment as well. Available at $490, from Departures & Arrivals.

The space-efficient Canaan bench is made from meranti wood, and can transform into a dining set that can accommodate up to six guests.

Available at $572.45, from Comfort Design.

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SPOTLIGHT

LANDED PROPERTY LIVING

While the Cebu Chaise is made for lounging by the pool (it’s resistant to chlorinated water), it’s also an ideal piece for the balcony’s reading corner. Available at $499, from D’Galleria.

The Navi lamp’s shade is created by weaving rope – that was once used on ships – over a wire frame. Available at $599, from Departures & Arrivals.

Line your outdoor space with a few stainless steel Rio lanterns to set the mood. Available at $696, from Janus et Cie.

The standalone suspended Hemisphere swings gently and cocoons snugly, and can lull you into a restful afternoon nap. Price unavailable, from Ohmm.

The Relais modular sofa has a premium teak frame that comes in natural or weathered finish. Available at $12,897 (corner, centre wide and ottoman), from Janus et Cie.

Sika Design’s polyrattan James trolley comes in handy for alfresco entertaining.

Available at $1,250, from Dreamweave.

Jean-Marie Massaud’s elegant Seax chair for Dedon comes in dining and lounge proportions, and can be collapsed for easy storage. Available at $3,780 (leather) and $3,110 (textile), from Xtra.

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NORDIC Clean-cut, timeless, and functional, these Scandinavian-inspired pieces will always have a place in your abode regardless of decor trends. Suitable for the lawn or living and dining rooms, these pieces will blend well with your existing furniture, and are definitely here to stay.

These vases have a raw, unfinished elegance thanks to its dark blue reactive glaze. Available from $124.95, from Crate & Barrel.

While the Freya wall mirror has an urban appeal, you can also soften its edges by weaving leaves into its steel wire frame. Available from $299, from Crate & Barrel.

Warm up the scene with these ceramic Wisteria lanterns, which casts light through its folk-inspired patterns. Available from $59.95, from Crate & Barrel.

The Equinox collection from Barlow Tyrie consists of chairs, as well as dining and bistro tables, and its contemporary composition is made up of teak, stainless steel, and mesh. Price unavailable, from Ohmm.

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SPOTLIGHT

LANDED PROPERTY LIVING

Ikea’s PS 2014 staggered plant stand has a minimalist silhouette that allows the potted beauties to take centre stage. Available at $29.90, from Ikea.

End your day by cosying up in the roomy Slant armchair with a glass of wine or book in hand.

Available at $4,394, from Janus et Cie.

Designed by Philippe Starck, the 3-seater fabric weave upholstered Rayn sofa for Dedon brings the plush comfort of indoor seating, outdoors.

Available at $18,982, from Xtra.

Perfect for a space-starved balcony, this cement stool that’s crafted from stone composite and natural fibres can also double as a side table.

Available from $299, from CB2.

Add a refined industrial slant outdoors with the Nassim bench. Available at $309.23, from Comfort.

Add an understated luxe with this statement resin turtle shell decor piece. Available at $140, from Bungalow 55.

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Project Type Two-storey terrace house with attic

Floor Area 3,700 sqft

Light touches

While white is chosen as the base colour for most of the spaces within this home designed by De Style, the outcome was far from one-dimensional thanks to the careful selection of accent colours and variety of surface materials. Interior designer Dowin Ho also made use of uncluttered, open-concept sections to ensure the seamless flow of space and natural light throughout this expansive abode.

TEXT MAVIS ANG

LIVING LARGE This sprawling living room’s larger-than-life proportions are further emphasised with its all-white walls, ceiling, and floor. White has the effect of fading back into the space, creating the illusion of a larger room. To offset the vast, monotonous white surfaces, designer Dowin Ho of De Style used a blue fabric sofa to anchor the space and give the room depth. Built-in cabinets also help keep this area looking neat and serene.

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SHOWCASE

DE STYLE INTERIOR

DINE FINELY The kitchen and dining area is located towards the back of the ground floor, where full height windows allow natural sunlight to cascade in. Once again, a mostly-white colour scheme is used, heightening the airiness of this open-plan space. The round dining table gives this area a touch of grandness, while the breakfast bar at the kitchen counter provides a more casual dining place.

SIT BACK AND RELAX This large sheltered balcony that faces lush greenery already lends itself to ultimate relaxation, so its design is kept minimal. With a couple of deck chairs for its occupants to enjoy the serenity, it’s also the best spot in the house to unwind after a long day. This outdoor area is even decked out with a corner where foot spas can be enjoyed!

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SHOWCASE

DE STYLE INTERIOR

COTTAGE QUIRK The light-coloured theme is carried on to the upper levels, where one of the bedrooms is given a fun cottageinspired design. The textured, off-white brick wall harmonises with the white walls and glossy floors, lending this room a cosy, laidback feel. A sense of visual unity is then expressed via the furniture, all of which sport a muted turquoise. Having an accordion door for this room also enables it to be fully opened up during the day, creating a larger sense of spaciousness throughout the entire floor.

“The designer imbued an added sense of spaciousness in this already-expansive landed home with maximum openings for sunlight, even with interior partitions, and an uplifting colour palette.�

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SHOWCASE

DE STYLE INTERIOR

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

BATHED IN STYLE

Another dining area is set up on the upper floors, along with a fully functional dry kitchen. This pantry-like area serves as a more private, less formal setting that can be used for more than just a dining space – it’s also a calming and quiet area perfect for reading, working, or socialising. This floor is also gently bathed in natural sunlight, thanks to the skylight located near the entertainment area.

A fine balance between trendy and classic, this bathroom hits all the right style notes with its beautiful medley of materials. While the designer hopped on the subway tiles bandwagon, its nostalgic appeal is given a new twist when paired with a classic grey and white marble countertop. To take advantage of the sunlight filtering in from the windows, mirrored cabinets were installed to reflect more light and visually enlarge this bathroom.

DE STYLE INTERIOR 62 Ubi Road 1 #01-02 Oxley Bizhub 2 Singapore 408734 Tel (65) 6555 5200 Fax (65) 6555 5212 sales@destyle.com.sg www.destyle.com.sg

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