Lookboxliving #49 Preview

#49

YOUR SOURCEBOOK FOR HOME INTERIORS, DESIGNERS AND PRODUCTS

SHORTLIST DESIGN TRENDS WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2017

SPOTLIGHT WEATHERPROOF FURNITURE FOR ANY OUTDOOR SPACE

STYLE KIT A HOME INSPIRED BY BLACK-AND-WHITE COLONIAL HOUSES

THE LUXE FACTOR

Dress your home in luxury with art, technology and grand fashion statements

A peek inside some of Singapore’s most glamorous landed homes Functional art: Extravagant furniture that doubles as showstopping sculptures

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SHORTLIST TRENDS

Denim on denim

Dress down in Denim Drift, the Colour of the Year in 2017.

TEXT REDZMAN RAHMAT

Every year, AkzoNobel, the manufacturer of Dulux paint, predicts the hottest colour that is set to become the international trend in the coming new year. AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre leads a group of international experts to study emerging trends in industries such as architecture, interior design and fashion, translating the results into the forecasted ColourFutures and Colour of the Year.

In 2017, the colour experts have studied worldwide trends, and can confidently claim that Denim Drift is the new Colour of the Year. Also known as smoky grey, Denim Drift is an ash blue or slate grey tone that you may have already seen in homes, on buildings and even in the latest fashion collections.

If you have trouble mixing and matching Denim Drift with other colours, AkzoNobel has come up with four colour palettes that you can easily incorporate into your home design.

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COLOUR OF THE YEAR: DENIM DRIFT A smoky grey hue with just a hint of blue, the Denim Drift colour is one that’s very accessible. You can easily see it being used in different places to achieve different effects. Paint an entire room to create a laidback ambiance, or introduce the colour on choice walls or accent pieces for a more playful approach.

Denim Drift is versatile, easy to manage and forgiving to homes of any size.

SHORTLIST

TRENDS

New Romanticism Shared Individualism What’s in it? Denim Drift + yellows, oranges, reds What is it? Alongside Denim Drift, you’ll also find warmer colours like sunshine yellow, zesty orange and scarlet red. These hues contrast greatly with the cooler Denim Drift blue, giving you the possibility of playing up the differences and focusing on emphasising personalities.

How to use it? Singapore is a prime example of the changing ways we live at home. Nowadays, it’s common to have three generations staying under one roof and this highly contrasting colour palette is great for marking out shared spaces. With its cheery tones, this palette works well if you want a home that’s fresh, playful and energetic.

What’s in it? Denim Drift + greens, emeralds, violets, What is it? Shades of solid greens complement the smokiness of Denim Drift. This is a palette that’s designed to remind us of the importance of sustainability, eco-consciousness and being environmentally aware. This connection to nature results in an eclectic palette for the soulful homeowner.

How to use it? There’s a strong tropical vibe in the New Romanticism palette but at the same time, it avoids using predictable shades of wood. Lush greens and deep violets can bring an air of chic creativity to your spaces, especially if you’re a nature-lover.

The Working Home What’s in it? Denim Drift + blues, greys, citrus What is it? Colours complementary to Denim Drift are grouped together – some blending in while others contrasting sharply. The Working Home blurs the line between work and home with colours to signify the fluid shift from one function to another.

How to use it? This colour palette understands that the home isn’t just a space for you to retreat to after a hard day’s at work. If we’re being realistic, many of us end up bringing work home. On the other hand, many offices are being designed to look more homely. This blurring of the line between work and life is echoed in this colour palette. The Working Home is effective in homes where you want to subtly, but visually, mark out spaces by how you use them. Carve out a niche in your living room where the study table is. Or mark where your bedroom ends and your dressing room and wardrobe space begin.

Considered Luxury What’s in it? Denim Drift + off-whites, greys, taupes, violets What is it? 2017’s Colour of the Year is soft, subtle and an almost pastel shade. The Considered Luxury palette plays up these properties, with a combination of colours that include neutral tones, earthy taupes and shades of off-white. Considered Luxury focuses on the “new idea of luxury”, where it’s not about what you possess, but the experiences you want to cultivate at home.

How to use it? If you’re into the ‘slow life’ movement (taking life easy and keeping designs clean and minimal) then this is the colour palette for your home. It’s also effective if you’re opting for a clean and minimalist aesthetic, or even a pared down take on the Scandinavian look.

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FUTURE TRENDS This year, we’ve seen the Scandinavian and Industrial looks flooding our shores. If you’re in search of something different, here are three design trends we’re betting will make a statement in 2017.

BÖJA pendant lamp

(Above) It’s all about natural materials, and this handmade rattan lamp embodies the Shaker look. It emits a soft and alluring glow which in turn transforms your space into a cosy haven. $99, from IKEA, www.ikea.com.sg

SÖDERHAMN three-seater sofa

(Left) Clean and fuss-free, this low-slung sofa sports a simple and laidback look. No frills, just a hardwearing microfiber sofa to lounge away those lazy afternoons.

TAKE IT SLOW WITH THE SHAKER STYLE

This pared-back look will be a hit with folks who prefer to take things slow. With its muted tones and natural textures, homes will take on a raw and rustic look that harks back to simpler times.

Pearl Akemi Ash laminate

The Shaker look is all about muted neutral tones so this pale ash wood definitely fulfils the criteria. It bears a textured surface that adds a sense of realism to vertical applications like wall coverings and carpentry works.

Price on enquiry, from Lamitak, www.lamitak.com

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HAY tray table

(Right) Practicality reigns with this simplistic beauty. We love that it has a guard to prevent spills and drops, and that the tray can be detached and used as a separate serving platter. $340 onwards, from Grafunkt, www.grafunkt.com

$805, from IKEA, www.ikea.com.sg

Home Solutions ‘Bob’ stool

Inject some distressed textures to shake up the soothing aesthetics of the Shaker style. These shabby chic stools will do nicely. $240 each, from Journey East, www.journeyeast.com

MAIN IMAGE COURTESY OF BEMZ.COM , FEATURING PS ARMCHAIR FROM IKEA

TEXT & CO-ORDINATION DISA TAN

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Ian Mankin Stripe fabrics

The beauty of these clean-lined fabrics lies in its simplicity, so choosing the ones you like shouldn’t be that hard. This falls very much in line with the design rationale of the shaker style: casual and breezy. $65 per meter onwards, from E & A Interiors, www.eandainteriors.com

Linea tile collection

With this interior design look, you’ll want tiles that can quietly complement the rest of the room. The large sized Linea tile (1200x600mm) comes in three different prints that are minimalist yet elegant, presenting the ideal backdrop for your accent pieces.

Open House planter set

These ‘homely’ wrought iron planters can be nested together to create a threedimensional effect, or separated into two to showcase more plants. It also works beautifully as a jewellery display. $45 for a set of two, from Cluster Cluster, www.cluster-cluster.com

Price on enquiry, from Hafary, www.hafary.com.sg

Waterdrop Chatter vase

(Right) Without the application of glaze, this handmade vase retains the natural colour of clay and highlights its traditional chatter textures. Its neutral hue also accentuates bright, floral colours well.

Helki Sheer Extra Wide curtains

To get the look right in your home, opt for sheer yet textured window coverings, like these pocket weave day curtains. There’s a raw quality to it that will bathe your room in both light and serenity.

$30, from Oh!eaf, www.ohleafsg.com

$207 per metre, from Bode, www.bode.com.sg

Herringbone Grey textured throw

(Above) Let this woven textile throw take over your couch with its understated herringbone textures.

It’ll be the best snuggle partner you can ask for! $165, from at Arete Culture, www.areteculture.com

Wood/Marble square platter (Left) Grey-flecked white marble and tropical mango wood face off in this clean-cut composition. Good for serving small bites like cheese and sushi. $54.95, from Crate & Barrel, www.crateandbarrel.com.sg

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THE JUNGALOW STYLE BRINGS HOME THE URBAN JUNGLE

Contemporary meets tropical with this look that celebrates colour, pattern and texture, in carefully measured doses.

MAIN IMAGE COURTESY OF PIXERS (WWW.PIXERSIZE.COM) FEATURING BOTANY WALL MURAL

Alma Patina laminate

What goes well with the flamboyantly lush greenery? An earthy natural hue, of course. The zinc design on this laminate sets the scene for a tropical setting, while the metallic oxidised sheen encourages a more down-toearth vibe.

Price on enquiry, from Lamitak, www.lamitak.com

BlĂĽfink Hood three-seater sofa (Below) A powerful look like the Jungalow needs to be balanced with neutral tones and simpler lines. This modern and customisable beauty sits quietly amidst the relative chaos, but holds its own with its stoic presence.

$1,990, from BlĂĽfink, www.blafink.com

Artesia tray

Pineapple knob

$79.95, from Crate & Barrel, www.crateandbarrel.com.sg

$9.50 each, from LavaVella, www.lavavella.sg

Made of 100 per cent rattan, this tray is handwoven in a pattern, known as hapao, that originates from a remote village in Luzon, Philippines.

Each piece is finished in a rich honey brown hue.

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Dress your home down to the details.

These playful brass knobs are shaped like the king of tropical fruits; the pineapple.

Adding them to drawers and cabinet doors adds a thoughtful piece of frivolity to your home.

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Timorous Beasties Opera Botanica Superwide wallpaper

(Left) Using striking wallpapers with punches of colour will bring the visual drama in your home. We say be fearless, and the results will pay off! $297 per metre (1,380mm width), from Bode, www.bode.com.sg

Gregoria Chair Natural

(Above) Can’t take your eyes off this arresting form? The finely hand-woven rattan seat features ornately carved balusters, made from sustainable gmelina hardwood and set in staggered heights. It’s a statement piece that deserves a prime spot in your Jungalow setting. $4,490, from Departures & Arrivals, www.livingdna.sg

Maui handtufted rug

(Above) If you prefer bright botanical prints over subdued leafy patterns, this rug will draw out your carefree sprit. Comes in two rectangular sizes and a round shape. $490 onwards, from Departures & Arrivals, www.livingdna.sg

Dax rug

(Right) Enjoy the sensation of a leafy canopy underfoot with this 60% wool and 40% viscose area rug. Available in two sizes, it is large enough as a centrepiece for your living room. $2,095 (170x240cm) onwards, from BoConcept, www.boconcept.com

Arizona Cactus candleholders

(Below) These wrought iron candleholders are shaped like the cacti you associate with the American Wild West. They’re a fun way to add a touch of classic Americana to your table, along with a wink and a smile. $20 onwards for each, from Cluster Cluster, www.cluster-cluster.com

Boskke Sky planter

Now you can have a room full of plants without compromising on floor space! Available in two sizes and assorted colours, this vertical planter hangs form the ceiling, complete with an internal reservoir system that gradually feeds water to the roots. $29.90 onwards, from Hipvan, www.hipvan.com

Grasshopper floor lamp

Designed by Greta Grossman for Gubi, the classic aesthetics of this three-legged floor lamp looks good anywhere. Case in point: It can stand its own ground amidst a strong tropical setting. $1,355, from Danish Design, www.danishdesignco.com.sg

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IMAGE COURTESY OF DESIGN HOTELS, WWW.DESIGNHOTELS. COM, FEATURING WANDERLUST HOTEL, WHIMSICAL SUITE, $309++ PER NIGHT.

THE COSMIC CHIC LOOK BRINGS GLAMOUR THAT’S OUT OF THIS WORLD

We’ve reimagined the sci-fi room into something sleeker. You don’t have to keep the spaceship but dark, erratic textures, geometrical shapes and luxe finishes can get on board.

Geode bookends

Take a trip to the centre of the Earth and organise your sci-fi reads with this violet-hued faux geode bookends. $39.99, from Typo, www.cottonon.com/typo

Diesel with Seletti Cosmic Diner plates

(Right) Enjoy an out-of-this-world dining experience with the Seletti Cosmic Diner plates. Each plate is emblazoned with the photographic realness of a celestial object, ranging from neighbouring planet Mars to Jupiter’s third moon, Callisto. $50 onwards, from XTRA, www.xtra.com.sg

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Audrey rug

The smooth gradient tones of this cowskin rug echoes the volatile surface of a space crater but yet, all you will feel is the plushness underfoot. $2,845 onwards, 170x240cm, from BoConcept, www.boconcept.com

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MENU POV candleholder

It’s all in the angles. When viewed from the front, this candleholder appears as a flat, graphical drawing. But move to the side and its thin lines seem to float in mid-air! $110 each, from Grafunkt, www.grafunkt.com

Assorted cushions

If you ever feel like lounging in space, these NASA ‘style approved’ cushions are your gateway to a galaxy far, far away. $24.99 each, from Typo, www.cottonon.com/typo

Ball pendant lamp

You can’t go wrong with this versatile dome-shaped pendant lamp that can complement almost any setting! With more colours to choose from, this matt antique brass coloured option emits a cool retro-futuristic vibe. $195, from BoConcept, www.boconcept.com

Eilersen Spider coffee table in green marble

As its name suggests, the intriguing brass frame of the Eilersen Spider coffee table is reminiscent of an eightlegged creepy crawly. But we’re sure even arachnophobes are willing to overlook that for its exquisite green marble slab. $568 onwards, from Danish Design, www.danishdesignco.com.sg

Moroso Net table

Letting light and air through its lasercut carbon steel surfaces, the Net table reminds us of a spectacular steel mesh walkway— the kind you’ll find on a sci-fi movie set. It’s available in different sizes and proportions, making it an easy fit in most interiors. $2,769 onwards, from XTRA, www.xtra.com.sg

Moroso My Moon My Mirror table

The Cosmic Chic look is all about interstellar décor, and this Moroso table is a statement piece for sure. If your significant other is asking for the moon, give him or her a piece of the night sky with this coffee table. The tabletop features a piece of tempered glass with a photographic print in a silver mirror finish.

Tacchini Dot lounge chair

Designer Patrick Norguet is renowned for the meticulous amount of attention he pays to his furniture designs, and this upholstered armchair is proof.

Its alluringly curved backrest and a contrasting architectural frame sits pretty in a Cosmic Chic room.

Price on enquiry, from Lifestorey, www.lifestorey.com

Price on enquiry, from XTRA, www.xtra.com.sg

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Style Kit Homes We Love

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Work of art A PHOTOGRAPHER COMBINES HIS LOVE FOR ART, DESIGN AND COLOUR IN THIS ECLECTIC HOME THAT OOZES MODERN GLAMOUR.

In this two-storey penthouse unit, the living-dining area and bedroom are situated on the second level while the study room and the guest room are on the first. Since the homeowners work from home at times, they have developed a rule to keep their laptops and work equipment on the lower level. This helps them to separate work and leisure, creating a sanctuary on the upper level that is purely for rest and relaxation.

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Above: Being on the highest level, this apartment enjoys an abundance of sunlight that streams in beautifully through the row of skylights overhead.

Right: The unexpected pairing of colours against cement screed walls in this living and dining space creates just the right amount of excitement without being too loud. Nemo Crown minor chandeliers add an elegant touch to the space.

Home

4-bedroom penthouse

Floor Area 1,722 sqft

TEXT JASMINE GOH PHOTOGRAPHY WONG WEILIANG ART DIRECTION BETTY WONG

W

hat do you expect when you step into the home of a fashion photographer? Will it be an extension of his creative portfolio or a staid dichotomy as a respite from work? In the case of Sazeli Jalal, it was his massive love for colours that influenced the design of his new penthouse in Sembawang.

The self-taught photographer was trained in interior design but found his professional calling in the field of fashion photography. When it came to his pad however, Sazeli took it upon himself to design and furnish it. He first came up with a moodboard, and together with Jack Ong, who shares the apartment with him, decided on the look and the furnishing that would best reflect their individual styles. “Studying interior design in college came in useful after all,” Sazeli chuckles as they talk about the process of doing up this two-storey apartment.

“We were influenced by art galleries. We like visiting galleries and that gave us the idea to have cement screed walls for our art pieces,” explains Sazeli. The duo have

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DESIGN NOTES

The Artemide Shogun lamp is paired with the Molteni & C. Panna Cotta table, creating a sleek sculptural piece that adds visual interest to this corner.

Above: Instead of buying a matching set of table and chairs, the homeowners paired their black Saarinen dining table with Artifort Tulip chairs in blue and green. The iconic Flos Arco floor lamp illuminates the dining space when night falls.

Opposite bottom: Blending into the recessed section of the wall, the Miniform Galena chest of drawers provides storage space for the homeowners to store entertaining essentials.

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DESIGN NOTES

Inspired by a mirror that they saw at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Sazeli and Jack went to craftsmen in Indonesia to custom make a mirror for themselves. A closer look at the mirror reveals a design that depicts hunting scenes.

been collecting art for over ten years and have chalked up quite a sizeable collection. It’s no wonder that one of their priorities was to be able to display these art pieces in the apartment. Instead of plastering only selected walls with cement screed, they decided to have all the walls undergo the same treatment, creating not just a cohesive look but also allowing them the freedom to put up art pieces on any wall.

Clearly satisfied with their choice wall finishing, Sazeli says, “Because the texture is quite raw, the artwork really pops. It helps to bring out the colour of the art.” Other than being the perfect canvas for artwork, the cement screed walls also serve as an ideal backdrop to the colourful furniture pieces and accessories that Sazeli and Jack have chosen.

Sazeli’s love for colour is shown in his choice of a bright green version of the Cassina LC2 armchair. “Many of my designer friends were shocked and asked, ‘Are you sure you’re going to get lime green?’” Sazeli recounts, “But when they come here, they find that it’s quite easy on the eye. The colours complement one another.”

Even though the pair moved into this condominium unit last year, it was only recently that the apartment was

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With such a spacious balcony, the homeowners put in an outdoor dining set and bench, providing a place for their guests to enjoy outdoor dining whenever the weather permits. The surrounding greenery is a boon to the view.

“Mixing and matching is quite fun. But if you simply go to the furniture store and replicate the look of their displays, then there’s no fun anymore.”

– Jack, homeowner

considered “fully furnished”. The collective process of sourcing, purchasing and awaiting the arrival of their orders took about ten months, as they bought their furniture pieces from a variety of shops.

The final pieces of the puzzle are the chairs for the dining room. It was a toss up between two designs that both of them liked. They had such a hard time deciding between the two that they even took to Facebook to get friends and family to weigh in on the decision! Jack lets on, “In the end, it was the colour that made the difference. The other

set was black and made of rattan. We were afraid that the dining room would look dim.”

Clad in blue and green, the Artifort Tulip chairs that now sit in the dining room certainly add a sophisticated splash of colour to the space. Explaining his choice of colours, Sazeli says, “The colours were carefully selected to complement the other furniture pieces and the painting.”

In fact, Sazeli’s attention to detail goes beyond the choice of colour. The placement of each colour is also planned so that the colours pop in the right places.

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DESIGN NOTES

The art piece, Bloom by Rene Twigge, adds a vibrant dash of colour to the cool palette and completes the look. Outside on the balcony, a vertical garden by Greenology livens up the space.

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“We enjoy visiting art galleries and that’s where we had the idea to have cement screed walls for our art pieces. ” – Sazeli, homeowner

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DESIGN NOTES

The study room and guest room are located on the first floor of this two-storey apartment. Bunk beds in the guest bedroom maximise the space and allow Sazeli’s nephews to stay over for the weekend.

Right bottom: A built-in desk offers ample space for Sazeli and Jack to work at the same time while store-bought bookshelves house their library of books, magazines and ornamental objects.

Left: The walls in the apartment are plastered with cement screed to create the ideal backdrop for the homeowners to showcase their art collection. Having this wall treatment all around also helps to unify the different areas in the apartment, so that the upper and lower levels form a cohesive space.

“Due to my work in fashion, we are very detailed, in terms of hair, make up, and colours,” he adds with a laugh, “Being sensitive to colour is a work hazard, and I’m very particular about the different shades. If it’s green, it has to be this exact shade of green.”

It’s this labour of love that results in a home brimming with personality and flair. From the placement of art to the choice of furniture to the bold use of colour, Sazeli and Jack made a concerted effort to imbue their home with their own unique take on design. This home is indeed a work of art, where every brush stroke and every dab of colour culminates in the final artwork.

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Style Kit Homes We Love

House of style OPEN CONSULTATIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THEIR INTERIOR DESIGNERS FROM HABIT HELPED THIS FAMILY OF THREE TO ACHIEVE A DESIGN THAT NOT ONLY SUITS THEM BUT IS TIMELESS AS WELL.

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Home

3-bedroom condominium

Floor Area 1,350 sqft

TEXT JASMINE GOH PHOTOGRAPHY KELVIN CUFF ART DIRECTION BETTY WONG & NICCO LIM

Opposite: The ledge behind the sofa is as functional as it is decorative. Since a lot of time is spent lounging on the sofa, the homeowners wanted it to be a place where they could charge their phones and laptops without having wires running all over. A number of electrical points are built into the ledge, on both the vertical and horizontal surfaces.

(Lanterns and sculpture, from Journey East)

DESIGN NOTES

The cement screed treatment of the entryway differentiates this space from the living area. A fullheight shoe cabinet and a cantilevered bench make this a convenient place for the homeowners and their guests to put on their shoes before they go.

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DESIGN NOTES

Blue bi-fold doors frame the entrance to the kitchen.

The designers from Habit gave it a Chinoiserie take by designing it with rounded door handles.

Below: Light grey cabinets and Silestone countertops in a white marble pattern are used to create a light-coloured kitchen. The backsplash of white hexagonal tiles helps to brighten the space and subtly serves as a feature wall. (Round black tray, from Journey East) Opposite: Anglepoise brass pendant lamps in a dusty blue shade help to anchor the dining space. To provide the couple with more storage and countertop space, Yanling and Denise added an island in the space between the dining and the cooking area.

Unlike a traditional bulky kitchen island, this freestanding counter is made compact so that there is still ample walking space. (Wire bowl, gold bowl, vase and tea towel, all from Journey East)

I

t was almost instinctual, the way Terrence and Rena made their choice of interior designer. They had met with a couple of other designers, but after they saw the design proposal from Li Yanling and Denise Chng from interior design studio Habit, it didn’t take very long for them to make a decision.

Denise recounts the episode with much amusement, “They came in once, then met us a second time for the proposal.

That night itself, just 30 minutes after they left, they sent us a text saying that they wanted us to do the house.”

With a laugh, Rena reveals her side of the story, “We were hungry so we left. But after we sat down and ordered food, we decided to go with them.”

Since moving out of their previous place which had a more industrial-looking slant, Terrence and Rena wanted their new home to have clean lines with a colour palette that is timeless and easy on the eye. While they had their individual preferences, they were open to new ideas and design concepts that the designers from Habit offered.

“I learnt a lot from them through the whole renovation process,” says Rena, describing their working relationship, “I need to understand the options before I make a decision and they were very patient to explain the choices.”

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Right: The original kitchen was opened up and merged with the dining area to create this light-filled space. Full-height cabinets and storage units were built into the wall to maximise the floor area.

(Tea towel on bar stool, yellow dish, pink vase, cheese board and yellow-footed bowl, from Lemongrass & Aubergine)

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DESIGN NOTES

With a ceiling height of 3.7metres, this wellventilated apartment enjoys fresh air and a sense of spaciousness.

One of the first things that Yanling and Denise proposed for the apartment was to alter the layout of the dining area and the master bedroom. The original boundary wall was taken down in order for the master bedroom to absorb space from the dining area. This provided the bedroom with more wardrobe space and a dressing area. Since Rena wanted to be able to put on her make up without going into the bathroom or interrupting her husband’s rest, a larger bedroom would offer sufficient space to create separate areas for the bed and the vanity area.

Instead of having overhead lights, the couple hung a Nelson Bubble lamp in a corner of the room to gently illuminate this restful space. The spherical shape and clean lines of the pendant lamp add visual interest and also help to soften the angular look of the space. A set of wooden side tables from Castlery completes the look.

Although the dining space is now smaller, it still feels airy and spacious due to the open layout of the communal area.

The light grey hue of the re-constructed wall that now separates the dining area and the bedroom also helps to create an illusion of depth.

The entrance to the kitchen was widened to improve the flow of the space. To prevent cooking smells from entering the living area, a pair of bi-fold doors allow the kitchen to be closed off from the rest of the home. Made of glass and metal coated in a beautiful blue shade, these doors are no doubt a focal point in the dining area.

Rena lets on that this colour was actually a last-minute decision. “Yanling and Denise suggested blue door frames but we wanted black, because it was a safer colour. In the end, my husband made the final decision and we went with the blue.” The decision proved to be an excellent one as the couple found themselves falling in love with their blue doors. “It grows on you. It doesn’t shout for attention but it makes you want to have a second look,” says Rena.

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“While they [the interior designers] exercised their originality and creativity, they took in what we wanted and who we are, and infused it into the design.”

– Rena, homeowner

Above: Rena’s love for the vintage can be seen in the slightly rustic decor that she has set up in the apartment. While an old typewriter sits on the console in the living room, a baby-sized version can be found in her daughter’s room.

Opposite, bottom: Clad in soothing shades of grey, the bathroom has a slight industrial look but retains its modern feel with mirrored cabinets and a halfheight glass wall.

DESIGN NOTES The couple wanted their two-year-old daughter to feel comfortable sleeping in her own room so they dressed it up with a houseshaped bed frame and lots of pretty accessories.

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The rest of the home, including the bedrooms, keeps to a mostly monochromatic palette of white, black and grey. It is a clean and neutral colour combination that is balanced out by the designers’ use of tones and textures. Terrence and Rena too have an active hand in dictating the look of the home, carefully selecting furniture pieces with the right woody accents to create an atmosphere of warmth.

The consultative relationship between interior designer and homeowner has resulted in a stylish home that is designed to the taste and needs of its occupants. It seems that Terrence and Rena’s instinct that fateful night was right on point.

HABIT 14C Keong Saik Road +65 6222 2240 askhabit@gmail.com

DESIGN NOTES

His and hers vanity counters in the master bedroom allow the couple to have their individual space to get ready for the day. A dressing area that is separate from the bed also means that they will not disturb each other if one has to get up earlier.

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Above: While the balcony is made distinct with its tiled flooring, sliding doors allow the indoor space to have unobstructed access to the outdoor area.

Right: The right combination of grey, black and white makes this master bedroom bathroom a sight to behold. To meet the couple’s needs, space is fully maximised with wall-hung ledges and bottom cabinets for storage.

Far right: The existing master bedroom was merged with part of the original dining area to create a much larger room for the couple. Their private quarters now comprise a lengthy wardrobe, a dressing area with a full-height mirror, their individual vanity counters and the bed.

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ARTISTIC ALLURE

Live in style with these functional objects that also double as oneof-a-kind statement pieces for your interiors. From furniture to accessories, these sculptural pieces combine style, sophistication and artistry.

Moooi Charleston chair This upended sofa from Dutch design great Marcel Wanders is sure to leave your guests with confusion on their faces. What looks like a vertical Chesterfield sofa is actually an armchair!

You sit on the armrest while leaning against the back, drawing quizzical looks from everyone you’ve invited over.

Art can be unexpected and this is a controversial piece that will indubitably turn heads.

TEXT JOSEPH LIM

When dressing up the home, it’s always a good idea to have that one ‘wow’ piece of furniture that deserves all the attention from your guests. For the artistically inclined, splurging on sculptural furniture is similar to investing in a piece of artwork. It’s there for everyone to revel in, but at the same time, it’s functional enough for you to use in an everyday capacity. Here’s our pick of statement pieces that successfully merge art with furniture.

Cassina Deadline mirrors You can count on Israeli design great Ron Gilad to always come up with something novel with his designs. His latest for Cassina is the Deadline series of 12 mirrors that come in various forms and artistic expressions. Some of our favourites include the one that looks like a window and one that appears to be cut out from its frame. www.dream.com.sg

www.spacefurniture.com.sg

BD Barcelona Aquario cabinet The zany Brazilian duo – the Campana brothers – is constantly astounding us with their unusual products that are functional but also artistic. Inspired by an aquarium, the Aquario cabinet is characterised by coloured glass where numerous “bubble-shaped” windows are flushed with its ash wood or stained pine frame. Place a table lamp in its confines and enjoy the interplay of shadows and reflection; clearly an artistically arresting piece for any space! www.xtra.com.sg

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SPOTLIGHT

ART MEETS FURNITURE

Lasvit Fungo chandelier The Campana brothers are really observant designers as their Fungo chandelier attests.

They spotted fungi growing on the beams of Lasvit’s factory and this turned into an idea to create a glass and wood chandelier for the reputed Czech furniture and lighting brand. Each piece of glass shade is mouth-blown to create an organic form, making it undeniably beautiful. www.macsk.com

Casamania Maria leaves Designed from the observation of autumn’s falling leaves, the Maria leaves installation is a playful way of giving Singapore’s tropical location a more sophisticated spin. Hundreds of polypropylene “leaves” can be arranged and configured to your liking. Use them as a screen to demarcate rooms, or as wall art to express your love for autumn.

Cappellini Next Cutting Edge sofa The Cutting Edge sofa by rising Dutch designer Martijn Rigters is made from a single block of foam that’s pushed through a hot wire system to churn out these unique, one-of-a-kind sofa modules. The Cutting Edge sofa may look daunting and uncomfortable but its unexpected cosiness is just part of its appeal. www.dream.com.sg

www.thebeuro.com

BD Barcelona Couture armchair This throne-like armchair is made from a tedious technological process where birch plywood pieces are sewn together in layers. Its beautiful shape and gothic design is the result of many months of painstaking trial and error.

Even when it’s not occupied, the chair’s layered backrest adds panache to your home. www.xtra.com.sg

Moooi “Charles” armchair Renowned designer Marcel Wanders is never one to follow trends. His latest Charles armchair for Mooi clearly demonstrates his playful love for renowned Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. With armrests, seat and backrest in different colours, these geometrical forms look like a Mondrian painting brought to life! www.spacefurniture.com.sg

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Ginger & Jagger Fractal sideboard Inspired by the Art Deco era, the Fractal sideboard is intriguingly stylish and artsy.

Doors are inlayed with different types of marbles, including Negro Marquina, Estremoz, Rose and Guatemala green, resulting in a kaleidoscopic effect that pays tribute to Mother Nature. www.asiatiquecollections.com

Cappellini Adaptation sofa It’s just your eyes playing tricks on you!

Fabio Novembre’s whimsical sofa has a shortened leg that causes it to look lopsided but the seat itself is lined parallel to the floor. Functional in use and definitely a conversation starter, it will add punch and whimsy to a cherished living room. www.dream.com.sg

Meridiani Plinto dining table With three types of marble, four types of wood and 12 hues of lacquer to choose from, you have unfettered creativity in designing your very own Plinto dining table. Linear, sculpted and architecturally arresting from any angle, your humble dining table can be elevated to an artistic form. www.marquis.com.sg

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SPOTLIGHT

ART MEETS FURNITURE

Delightfull Botti chandelier Chris Botti’s stellar trumpeting career is now materialised into a very fashionable and striking luminaire! The “Botti” chandelier consists of an array of brass trumpets pointing in all directions but with each snout holding a light bulb. It is an ode to a musical genius and will certainly glamourise a big dining space or a cavernous hallway. www.thebeuro.com

Andrea Cingoli Qwerty sofa While he may not yet be a household name, Italian designer Andrea Cingoli has already won numerous Red Dot Design awards. His latest achievement is this Qwerty sofa, which snagged the trophy for 2016. The designer was inspired by the keyboard archetype we so often take for granted.

Each “key” is a pillow that can be adjusted in height using a remote control, allowing you to customise the entire surface of the seat to your preference. www.concepticondesign.com

Brabbu Cygnus Display side table Made up of vintage brass rectangles and cubes, this elegant design piece is a scene-stealer that’s also very functional. Its legs resemble a human’s while it holds a bronze glass top for you to display something a little more mundane. www.thebeuro.com

Fiam Dorian mirror This mesmerising mirror has beautiful curves that look equally organic and futuristic. It does its job perfectly fine as a wall mirror, but as a piece of wall art, it’s truly a standout piece. The construction is equally amazing: a mere 6mm hightemperature fused glass is backed in silver with a 5mm flat mirror.

Diesel Moroso Aircraft mirror The asymmetrical aesthetics of the Aircraft mirror from Diesel Moroso make it such a stunner even if you’re not standing in front of it. With its jagged frame, it looks gothic at certain angles, perfect for a hallway where guests can ogle freely. www.xtra.com.sg

www.proof.com.sg

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