Lookbox Living - Issue 47 Preview

#47

SINGAPORE

S$8.0 0

YOUR SOURCEBOOK FOR HOME INTERIORS, DESIGNERS AND PRODUCTS

SHORTLIST 6 OF OUR FAVE FINDS AT SALONE DEL MOBILE 2016

SPOTLIGHT 10 HARDWORKING MULTIFUNCTIONAL ROOMS

SHOWCASE 12 MADE-IN-SINGAPORE HOMES THAT ARE BUILT TO IMPRESS

SUPER SPACE SAVERS The definitive guide to maximising your square footage: what to buy, where to put them and how to live large in a small home

The coolest offices in Singapore (and the interior design ideas you can steal) Get your home dressed for less with luxe-looks below $100

TINY HOMES, BIG ON DESIGN Incredible micro apartments, capsule houses, transformer homes and small studios from Singapore and beyond LOOKBOXLIVING.COM.SG

Photo by Owen Raggett

9 offices you won’t mind staying late in If you think that an office is a cold, white space, the new offices popping up all over town will make you think again.

Introducing comfy booth seats, clever space dividers, and swanky well-stocked pantries, these 9 workspaces have discarded the traditional layout of an office to create a space where you’d find yourself hard-pressed to leave when the clock strikes five (or six).

TEXT JASMINE GOH

FACEBOOK Year of completion 2016 Designer Siren, www.sirendesign.com.sg The different floors are connected by a central staircase, which by now has become the most distinguished feature of the Singapore office. Looking down the stairwell, it seems that confetti is perpetually in the air. This visual feast is made possible by the optical effect of Dawn Ng’s artwork titled Bang.

IDEA TO STEAL

Fix cushions on several wooden crates for a funky chill-out corner at home

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SHORTLIST DESIGN TRAIL

AIRBNB Year of completion 2016 Designer FARM, www.farm.sg In the Singapore office of Airbnb, the design of each meeting room is inspired by an actual home available for rent on Airbnb, including a boat shed in New South Wales, an art loft in Bangkok, and a caravan in Cornwall. Staff at Airbnb not only selected the Airbnb listings, but was also roped in to decorate the room to exact likeness.

JUSTCO Year of completion 2016 Designer Siren, www.sirendesign.com.sg This co-working space is designed to support a wide variety of work settings, from open and collaborative environments to private office spaces. Raw surfaces are paired with light colours and woodgrains to create a warm and energising environment with an industrial vibe.

IDEA TO STEAL

Positive empowering statements on the walls made from decals and neon lights

IDEA TO STEAL

Concrete ventilation blocks as a room divider

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LEO BURNETT SINGAPORE Year of completion 2015 Designer SCA Design (a member of Ong & Ong Group), www.sca-design.com Designed to inspire creative work and encourage collaboration among staff, the Singapore office of Leo Burnett uses geometric designs on the carpet to differentiate communal areas from personal workstations.

Meeting rooms have colourful feature walls while break-out spaces come in different configurations from long benches to suspended swing seats.

IDEA TO STEAL

Unconventional wall art like food menus, LDs from the 1980s, and Chinese shophouse doors

TWITTER Year of completion 2015 Designer Siren, www.sirendesign.com.sg The design of Twitter’s Singapore office embodies both the company’s brand and Singapore’s heritage through the motifs and materials used.

Meeting rooms are named after regional birds, while Peranakan-inspired tiles and classic 1970s window grilles clad the walls.

IDEA TO STEAL

Grow an indoor herb garden by hanging them on the walls

SPOTIFY Year of completion 2016 Designer Spotify’s in-house design team A laid-back atmosphere permeates the Singapore office of Spotify. Music fills the air, beanbags line two entire walls, and break-out areas are littered throughout the place. The interior architecture of the shophouse where the office is located in lends a certain charm to the space.

IDEA TO STEAL

Liven up all-white surroundings with colourful cushions and wall art

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SHORTLIST DESIGN TRAIL

Photo by Jovian Lim

TRIPADVISOR

HONESTBEE

Year of completion 2013 Designer Kyoob, www.kyoob.com.sg

Year of completion 2016 Designer Wynk, www.wynkcollaborative.com

Given its line of business, it’s no surprise the company went for a travel-themed workspace. Road signs along the passageways provide directions to the various departments and resource areas. Over at the pantry, a world map emblazoned on the wall keeps up the spirit of wanderlust.

The new hive of local start-up Honestbee reportedly has a secret mezzanine (which is not so secret now), a theatrette, and an indoor slide. Bold punches of blues and yellows are used throughout the space, from the walls to the seats, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.

IDEA TO STEAL

IDEA TO STEAL

Re-create the iconic London telephone booth with a desk to demarcate your workspace at home

Create a feature wall using your personal collection

INFOCOMM INVESTMENTS Year of completion 2015 Designer SCA Design (a member of Ong & Ong Group), www.sca-design.com The new office of Infocomm Investments, known as BASH (Build Amazing Startups Here), is an environment built for budding start-ups to develop their business ventures. BASH contains five different zones, including a co-working space that features customisable workstations and meeting booths.

IDEA TO STEAL

Movable space dividers and privacy screens to adapt your room for different purposes

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LUXE FOR LESS THESE OPULENT-LOOKING PIECES ARE SURPRISINGLY LESS THAN $100 EACH! WITH THESE FAB BUYS, YOU WON’T GO BROKE PRETTYING UP YOUR SPACE! TEXT & CO-ORDINATION DISA TAN

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1. House Doctor Dip dye vase

Transparent top with a copper finish bottom: truly an unexpected pairing.

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4. Fundamental Berlin Raute photo frame

The sleek grid is actually inspired by the diamond patterns of the Bavarian flag! $50, from Naiise

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5. Doftrik tealight holder

Cast enchanting shadows during sundown with cross-shaped cut-outs. $4.90 each from IKEA

2. Nice cushy cushion

Dream big with this ‘high-roller’ cushion. $29.99, from Typo

3. Maddy marble wall clock A solid black marble face with thin gold hands is understated glam at its best. $89, from Maissone

$25, from Journey East

6. Arabian candle holder (medium)

7. House Doctor Upcycled metal birds

$39, from Maissone

$12 a pair, from Journey East

Clean lines and neutral colours make for an easy-to-pair style accent.

The distressed tones add a pinch of character to this metal twosome.

8. What a corker board

Where haven’t you been? Pin down your next destination with this cork world map. $39.99, from Typo

SHORTLIST

SHOP THE SHOOT

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LIVE IT UP 10

Your living room has never looked this good, especially with knickknacks that look like a million dollars!

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9. Hostfibbla cushion

10. Penninggras cushion

These cheerful geometric prints add a brilliant burst of colours to your home.

Aside from its fun confetti-like patterns, this long cushion can be both a neck and lumbar pillow.

$9.90, from IKEA

$9.90, from IKEA

11. Wooden photo holders (set of 5) Fun, colour-blocking shapes to display Instagram-worthy snaps.

12. Coloured flamingo wooden symbol

Pink and preppy, the famed lawn ornament looks just as good indoors.

$7.99, from Typo $5.99, from Typo

13. Temerity Jones Small Heart carnival light

Make a lovely statement with this light-up wall ornament; a musthave for retro-lovers. $59.90, from Monoyono

14. Qualy Cloud hook

This cute cloud hook hides keys and little secrets with its secret compartment. $16.90, from Naiise

15. Qualy Book mountain bookend and bookmark folder Keep your reads in order and keep track of which page you’ve stopped at.

16. Svenska Hem Sma Stunder vase

17. ‘Flawless’ Poster (40cmX50cm)

$29.90, from kikki.K

$17.99, from Typo

The tiny design flourishes on this Swedish floral print vase will complement dainty blooms.

Who doesn’t want to wake up like this? This poster is a reminder to love yourself.

$59.90, from Naiise

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BED, BATH AND BEYOND

Splurge on pretty ornaments and accessories for your bedroom and bathroom, without spending a bomb.

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18. Triple Milled soap collection

These heavenly scented soap bars come in such pretty packaging, they look as good as they smell.

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19. Pjatteryd picture

More than just a pretty picture, this artwork functions as a mood board as well. $25.90, from IKEA

20. Assembli Paper Rhino decor

From the pretty pastel to its alluring faceted surfaces, this wall ornament is a scene-stealer! $39, from Deer Industries

$15 each, from Crabtree & Evelyn

21. Madam Stoltz lantern This brass lantern will cause a visual stir with its grenadeshaped outline. $39, from Make Room

22. HK Living velvet cushion

Get your eight hours of soothing sleep with this velvety cushion and its hypnotic colour gradient.

23. Washable paper bag with gold spots (small) Having gone through a tanning process similar to leather, this leather-like paper bag can be washed without worries.

$49, from Make Room $39, from Maissone

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24. Vasily teal bath carpet

Take home a piece of Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral with this bath carpet inspired by its gorgeous inlays. $45, from Departures & Arrivals

25. House Doctor sand glass

A soothing timekeeper makes the perfect bedside accessory. $35, from Journey East

SHORTLIST

SHOP THE SHOOT

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26. Rose gold round clock Time-telling becomes an elegant affair with this clock’s embossed number and rose gold frame. $42, from Maissone

27. House Doctor stripes laundry bag

A laundry bag that looks good enough to wear; the on-trend striped design is a fashion musthave for the home.

28. Stillhet tealight holder With its alluring petal-shaped form, its beauty blooms without lighting up.

29. ‘A Sentence a Day’ journal

Get over your writer’s block with this habit-forming journal.

$9.90, from IKEA

$29.90, from kikki.K

32. Gorlose rug

33. Bunting wooden frame

$35, from Naiise

30. Qualy tree accessories tray

31. Mr & Mrs sign

Continue your bedroom’s relaxed vibe with this serene-looking accessory tree.

Just married? Shout it out to the world with this sign that promises a happily-ever-after fairy tale ending.

This ultra-affordable area rug has a soft and thick pile that helps to dampen sound and minimise disruption in your quiet zone.

$39.90, from Naiise

$24.90, from Monoyono

$39, from IKEA

Display your favourite memory in a frame with beach vibes trimmings. $38, from Arete Culture

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CHIC SERVING

Impress your guests at the dining table (or in the kitchen) with chic yet cheap servingware.

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34. Kate Spade New York Salut! salad plate

35. Glass beads round mat

36. House Doctor Hyacinth vase

$29.90, from Monoyono

$19, from Departures & Arrival

S$25, from Journey East

37. Svenska Hem Sma Stunder tea set

38. Qualy Flower fruit tray

39. Rimforsa basket

The gold foil floral prints make teatime a lot more special.

Great for fruit or potpourri, the pleasing form of this tray enhances anything it displays.

Prices from $12.90, from kikki.K

$22.90, from Naiise

$18.90 each, from IKEA

Made of durable melamine, this pretty plate will be free of chips and cracks.

Bring some texture to your dining setting and highlight your homecooked dishes.

This vessel’s beautiful depth gradient is perfect for the cultivation of hydroponic plants.

Free up some space on your countertop by hanging this bamboo basket on the wall.

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40. Madam Stoltz porcelain pineapple with lid

Stash your favourite treats in this Nordic-style canister that also doubles as a decorative element. $49, from Make Room

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41. Rimforsa tablet stand

Sturdy enough to support cookbooks or your tablet, you can either place it on your countertop or hang it up to free up tabletop space. $15.90, from IKEA

SHORTLIST

SHOP THE SHOOT

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42. Aljir Fine Crafts marble cup (large)

These cups are handcrafted from marble and takes two months to make. Available in matt and polished white marble finish.

43. Qualy Forest party fork set

Forget toothpicks and start serving with this washable and reusable fork set. $16.90, from Naiise

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$47 each, from Naiise

44. Doftrik serving bowl

Made of stainless steel, this eyecatching serving piece is ideal for single servings of salad or crisps.

45. Giant straight up mug Fuel your mornings with a giantsized caffeine hit.

46. Qualy Baibua coasters Just like a lotus pad, its role is to keep condensation and spills off the table.

$17.99, from Typo $6.90, from IKEA

$14.90 a pair, from Naiise

47. Comme Home hexagonal marble boards Made of 100% Italian Carrara marble, no two pieces of this carefully cut and hand-honed piece bears the same veining.

48. Herdmar Tiffany cutlery

This flatware table collection comes in a range of stylish finishes, including this beautiful Tiffany matt gold. $78 (4-piece set), from Mountain Teak

$49 each, from Naiise

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Home away from home TO MAKE THIS RENTED APARTMENT FEEL LIKE HOME TO ITS EGYPTIAN EXPATRIATE OWNER, INTERIOR DESIGN JOURNEY BROUGHT THE MAGIC OF THE MIDDLE EAST TO SINGAPORE.

Home

1-bedroom condominium

Floor Area 678 sqft

TEXT REDZMAN RAHMAT PHOTOGRAPHY WONG WEILIANG

W

hen Shahira Elkady moved to Singapore last year for her job, she rightfully felt a little displaced. Coming from Egypt, the busy professional struggled to find her place in this bustling city. She quickly moved into this rented private apartment, hoping to settle in and begin her new life in a new country.

Things however, didn’t go as she had planned. “I’ve lived here for four months, but I never felt like I was truly at home,” Shahira laments. “It was a bit weird because I wasn’t too comfortable in my own place. It was just plain and white and it didn’t feel very homely. I didn’t feel connected to my place.”

It was through a friend’s recommendation that Shahira was introduced to interior stylist Priya Naik of Interior Design Journey. Originally from the UK, Priya has an

Left: What makes this stylishly contemporary home unique are the accessories and décor pieces littered throughout the rooms.

Glass lanterns, colourful tassels and intricate lattice patterns are just some of the details that encourage a Middle Eastern vibe in this apartment.

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Opposite: Taking its cues from lavish summer chalets in Egypt, this apartment combines Middle Eastern craftsmanship with tropical vibes and then updated with a contemporary collection of furniture and accessories. For example, the Persian rug is complemented by the clear glass coffee table, and is further accentuated by the mirrored TV console.

Style Kit Homes We Love

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DESIGN NOTES

Transform a plain corner of the room into a social hotspot. An area rug, a couple of poufs for seats and an ottoman as a table set the scene for casual gatherings.

extensive design portfolio that showcases her knack for giving homes their own unique spin. “I got really excited speaking to Priya because she immediately understood what was missing and what I needed. I told her that I wanted something that feels like home and would reflect my Middle Eastern heritage. It’s really important that she gets where I’m coming from, because we can work well together.”

With the client’s brief and requirements in mind, interior stylist Priya quickly came up with her initial design ideas.

“It’s a modern take on the Middle Eastern look,” she describes her work. “This includes Egyptian and Moroccan influences, but all with a contemporary flair. It’s not the traditional look, but a modern take on what you’d expect to see.”

The Middle Eastern influences are evident – a Persian rug, a painting of Sufi dancers, Moroccan poufs and Egyptian glassware are just some examples – but Priya also incorporated modern touches to the interior. This includes the mirrored television console and the clear glass table, both furniture pieces that also alleviate the apartment’s inherent small space problem.

Another update to the Middle Eastern look lies in Priya’s take on colours. “I knew I wanted the home to fit with Shahira’s personality, so it has to be very feminine but not

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STYLE KIT

HOMES WE LOVE

“It’s a modern take on the Middle Eastern look. This includes Egyptian and Moroccan influences, but all with a contemporary flair.

It’s not the traditional look, but a modern take on what you’d expect to see.”

– Priya Naik, designer

In this expansive outdoor deck, designer Priya Naik wanted to encourage a laidback atmosphere for lazy evenings with friends.

Outdoor furniture pieces, including a swing set, make for the ideal al fresco dining area.

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This balcony proves that an outdoor space doesn’t have to look cold and unwelcoming. Here, the addition of cushions, a table runner and a weather-friendly rug helps to soften the look.

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STYLE KIT

HOMES WE LOVE

too overwhelmingly girly. So there are shades of pinks and purples throughout the apartment to really tie the look together.”

Styling this home only took Priya roughly 20 working hours to complete. According to the interior stylist, working with Shahira was easygoing because they both quickly pinpointed a look and narrowed down their shopping list. Shahira agrees: “One of the best parts was going shopping with Priya. She brought me to several shops, and because we already know what to look for, finding the right furniture and accessories was a breeze.”

Putting the look together was just as smooth, with stylist and homeowner working hand in hand to dress up the home. For Shahirah, finishing the styling job came with a welcome sense of relief. With its refreshed design and culturally familiar interiors, Shahira finally feels comfortable in her own home.

DESIGN NOTES Liven up your balcony by hanging glass baubles from the awning. In this home, pretty pink petals in clear glass bubbles are suspended in mid-air.

“I wanted the home to fit [the homeowner’s] personality, so it has to very feminine but not too overwhelmingly girly. So there are shades of pinks and purples throughout the apartment to really tie the look together.”

– Priya Naik, designer

INTERIOR DESIGN JOURNEY Tel: (65) 9062 7974 info@interiordesignjourney.com www.interiordesignjourney.com

Right: As with the rest of the home, pastel shades of pinks and purples abound in the bedroom.

There are also dashes of blue in the mix, bringing visual contrast to the space. Although space is tight, adding scatter cushions, pretty pillows and a fluffy throw is all it takes to give this bedroom a burst of personality.

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IT’S A SMALL WORLD It’s a common complaint in Singapore: our homes are too small! But many cities around the world are facing this same problem. As a result, designers and architects have stepped up with their take on micro-apartments, transformer homes and small-space living. Check out how the rest of the world is getting creative with even tighter footprints.

TEXT YUEN YI YING

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SPOTLIGHT TINY HOMES

Left: When this living space is not used for entertaining or as an office, the sliding divider pulls away from the wall to reveal a Murphy bed.

5-IN-1 APARTMENT IN NEW YORK CITY This 1920s co-op has a lot going for it, thanks to its prime location in the Gramercy Park neighbourhood of Manhattan.

However, at 390 square feet, it’s short on liveable space.

Architects Michael Chen and Braden Caldwell came up with an ingenious way of fitting distinct living, working, sleeping, dressing and entertainment zones within this studio apartment.

The secret lies with the motorised ‘wall’ that sits on a sliding track, a movable element that lets this home transform and adapt to its owner’s requirements. As the ‘wall’ moves from one end of the room to the other, different spaces are created, exchanging functions between day- and night-time use.

In its default position, the studio space is a living room, entertainment area and home office all rolled into one.

When the ‘wall’ is partially extended, a dressing area is revealed with a built-in wardrobe hidden behind sliding doors. As the motorised element extends further, a folddown queen-sized bed is revealed.

It’s amazing to see how architecture firm MKCA maximised the usability of a single room, with the addition of a single, adaptable design element. Other ideas to steal for your own home include the pivoting television (it swivels to face different corners of the apartment), sliding doors that conceal and reveal parts of the home, and an abundance of LED lights to brighten up the interiors.

Right: The current kitchen has been expanded to provide more working space, with new solid surface counters and lacquered cabinetry going in.

Bottom right: The bathroom was also thoroughly renovated, integrating a new linen and laundry cabinet, as well as a pocket door.

UNITED STATES Project Name 5:1 Apartment Location New York City Designed by MKCA // Michael K Chen Architecture Site area 390 sqft Photography Alan Tansey

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Left: The open rooftop lets owners and guests escape the confines of the petite home. Here, they can catch a movie, soak up the sun, enjoy a few drinks or get in a workout.

Below: Collapsible deck chairs are built into the flooring. When not in use, they fold completely flat so you don’t realise they’re there.

WELLNESS SANCTUARY IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL, HONG KONG Amid the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s city centre, a 400-square foot studio apartment becomes an inspirational small space solution tailored for city living. According to design firm Liquid Interiors, health and wellness are at the forefront of the apartment’s design, with ecofriendly features playing a major part in its makeup.

Double-glazed windows keep out noise while keeping the interiors

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cool, and programmable circadian lighting mimic the sun’s hues to regulate the body’s natural sleep and wake rhythm. Blackout blinds were also installed in the bedroom, along with HEPA air purifiers and a hotel grade bed.

When not used for sleeping, the bedroom can be transformed into an entertainment space with moveable beanbags and a discreet TV wall.

The home also features hydraulic-

powered hidden storage, as well as transforming furniture that makes full use of the limited floor plan.

HONG KONG A connected roof terrace plays up this home’s stance on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

This outdoor space serves as an exercise and meditation area, complete with a canopy bed and deck chairs that collapse into the floor when not in use.

Project Name Eco Smart Home Location Central Designed by Liquid Interiors Site area 400 sqft Photography Liquid Interiors

SPOTLIGHT TINY HOMES

DOUBLE-STOREY MINI HOUSE IN TOKYO

Top: Pale wood interiors keep this home from feeling closed in, and discreet lighting keeps the aesthetic simple and free of distractions.

Although it’s not an apartment, this house in Tokyo still occupies a plot size that’s only as big as a 3-room HDB flat.

Mount Fuji Architects Studio squeezed a two-storey house into an L-shaped piece of land; a common necessity in land-scarce Japan. Now, a pair of double-storey structures are laid out perpendicularly to each other and connected by a walkway.

Large panes of glass illuminate both wings, making them feel open and airy. Most rooms are also decked floor to ceiling with open shelving. This decorative feature is also a functional necessity in a home that’s desperate for storage space.

The Japanese aesthetic of rectilinear minimalism is evident in this home, and plays an essential part in its clean and streamlined design.

JAPAN Project Name Near House Location Tokyo Designed by Mount Fuji Architects Studio Site area 715 sqft Photography Shigeo Ogawa

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20 TH CENTURY MICRO-APARTMENT IN MOABIT, BERLIN Built in the early 1900s, the flat in this Altbau (‘old building’ in German) originally had two small rooms, with a shared bathroom in an outbuilding downstairs. In order to make this home compatible with modern standards, Germany-based architects Spamroom + johnpaulcoss had to make drastic changes to the interiors while utilising the height of the 3.2-metre flat.

Firstly, the designers removed all the existing internal walls to reveal the home’s vertical and horizontal potential.

They then built a 2sqm bathroom in the middle of the studio and equipped it with contemporary fittings installed in the most compact layout.

The wraparound structure made with white-washed Maritime Pine is built around the bathroom, housing the sleeping quarters upstairs and creating subtle sections in the open space.

Next, the design team fully utilised the height of this home, building a mezzanine sleeping deck accessible from a steel staircase. Climbing up to this upper level reveals the skylight situated right above the bathroom.

Other nifty ideas in this small space include the use of mirrors to bounce natural light around the home, wraparound cabinets in the kitchen, and a windowsill that has been extended to become a working desk.

GERMANY Project Name Micro-Apartment Moabit Location Moabit, Berlin Designed by Spamroom and John Paul Coss Site area 226 sqft Photography Ringo Paulusch

TRICKED-OUT PAD IN MANCHESTER Conceptualised by Simon Woodroffe, the man behind YOTEL and YO! Sushi, the idea for YO! Home is to offer urban, luxury living at an affordable price. By economising on space but being more innovative with design, homeowners aren’t missing out on any functions, while enjoying maximum value with minimum cost.

Through incorporating moving parts using engineering technology taken from fields as diverse as yacht and automotive design, and the mechanics of stage production, the innovations in YO! Homes help the 41sqm space feel much bigger. In each unit, the false floor and ceiling system conceals a bed, inconspicuous storage and a ‘sinkable’ dining table. The long panel of shiny doors on one side of the house also hides a pocket kitchen where you’ll find the cooker, sink, washing machine and more storage.

At present, Prototype 2 of the YO! Home is currently being built for the first block of 24 apartments in Manchester. They’re assembled modularly in a factory and the finished apartments can be stacked like building blocks. With these modular homes, luxury living can be afforded to all at budget-friendly prices.

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The lively living space takes on a more serene vibe once the dining table is stowed away and the kitchen clutter is hidden behind doors. Perfect for getting a restful’s night sleep.

UNITED KINGDOM Project Name YO! Home Location Manchester Designed by Simon Woodroffe, Jack Spurrier and Glenn Howells Architects Site area 441 sqft Photography YO! Home

SPOTLIGHT TINY HOMES

SMALL YET SMART HOME IN HONG KONG Space may be tight, but this room cum American-sized kitchen can also be used for dining or enjoying movies on the pull-out 4K curved TV.

The homeowners may have purchased a small home in Central, the heart of Hong Kong, but they weren’t about to ditch their big dreams. On their wishlist: a full kitchen, large bathtub, home cinema, gym, cat-friendly spaces and plenty of storage. It sounds like a lot to squeeze into a small space, but design firm LAAB managed it with aplomb.

Beyond thinking about the physical dimensions of the space, the team thought to include the element of time, when parts of the home would be exposed or hidden. The result is a transformer home wherein each space can pull off multiple duties. For example, the bathtub – located behind the sofa and separated by a retractable waterproof screen – can unexpectedly

become a guest room. The owners simply need to board up the tub and fit it with a mattress.

In this home, all elements are designed to lay flat for a spacious feel. Storage space for example, remains hidden beneath the floors and is accessible with a pneumatic mechanism. Other clever elements include a swivelling wall that opens to accord the main sleeping area more privacy and also reveal the library and makeup counter.

HONG KONG Project Name Small Home Smart Home Location Central Designed by LAAB Site area 309 sqft Photography LAAB

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SHOWCASE WEIKEN.COM

Scandi style with a twist of glamour The Scandinavian style gets a glamorous update in this condominium unit with classic embellishments. The homeowners were initially set on a clean-cut Nordic look but after consulting the designers from Weiken.com, they realised that they preferred something more sophisticated. Embellishing the warm functionality of the Scandinavian design with classic European accents proved to be the solution in this home for four.

TEXT DISA TAN

Project Type 3-bedroom condominium

Floor Area 1,510 sqft

NORDIC CLASSICS A seamless integration of classic meets Scandinavian is most prominent in the dining space. Designer Jacob Lee, from Weiken’s showroom at Midview City, applied wall mouldings onto the white feature wall with a plaster finish. The feature wall sports a faux brick texture, a subtle nod to the Scandinavian look, complemented with wooden mouldings.

Jacob reveals: “The initial thought was to use wrought iron for the detailing but wooden frames are a more practical choice.”

“The brick wall treatment for the living and dining areas is of a plaster finish. We decided against real, rustic-looking bricks as it wouldn’t fulfil the European-style aesthetic.”

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PREMEDITATED MEASURES

VERTICAL SOLUTIONS

The homeowners had bought their furniture prior to the renovation, and designer Jacob had to design around these purchases. A palette of whites and wood textures was the solution, as it provides a neutral backdrop that can complement any type of furniture. Taking cues from the furniture selection also led to further design details, like the slate blue ceiling that pairs well with the sofa.

Once the king-sized bed was placed, not much room was left in the master bedroom. Jacob turned to the wall to create vertical storage, an entertainment unit and a dresser. With these practical amenities flush against the wall, the objective of having ample storage without compromising on foot traffic space is well met.

SHOWCASE

WEIKEN.COM

SMALL BUT SAVVY The daughter’s bedroom may be petite but its layout is fully maximised with the addition of the suspended joinery. These wallmounted fixtures allow the young daughter to have a well-equipped study area complete with open and closed storage compartments.

Even the bay window is put to better use with the addition of flip-up storage units.

DESIGN SENSIBILITY The two kids’ bedrooms are pretty much identical in terms of colour palettes and the carpentry designs.

The main differences are the rooms’ orientation and the wallpaper. To keep both rooms consistent in style, Jacob echoed the white and wood colour combination found in the living areas.

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