Lookbox Annual 2020 - Preview

272 PAGES OF AMAZING INTERIORS, PRODUCTS AND IDEAS FOR THE PERFECT HOME

IN PROFILE!

34 exciting interior design firms in Singapore you should know Over 60 HDB flats, condos, landed homes and more to inspire your own reno A must-have furnishing guide to help you achieve your dream space

LO O K B O X L I V I N G.C O M.S G SINGAPORE S$12.00

Breaking the norm Materials make the home, and conventional ones can be used in unconventional ways. Here’s how.

TEXT ROSSARA JAMIL

1. Marble magic Typically employed in spaces like the bathroom, kitchen and living area, natural marble adds a sense of luxe to the home instantly. This home bucks the trend by using marble as a headboard material in the master bedroom. It even extends into bedside ledges for a uniform look. The result is a stunning, modern space that is understated and luxurious.

Design by atelier here

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SHORTLIST – MATERIALS

2. Bathroom glamour We know wallpaper as a material that dresses up the walls in the home and gives you the ease of changing things up a few years down the road. How about wallpaper in the bathroom then? D’ Initial Concept introduced waterproof wallpaper in this bathroom, where its texture and motif produces a gorgeous space different from a tiled bathroom.

Design by D’ Initial Concept

3. Cement art A hallmark of the industrial style, cement screed is a versatile material that makes an ideal medium for the creative mind. The living area of this home features a sculptural tree that starts on the wall and stretches across the ceiling. Cement screed is perfect for masking joint lines, creating a seamless finish.

Design by Free Space Intent

4. Real steel This kitchen uses stainless steel not only on the walls and counter but also the cabinet fronts, and the surfaces blend with the appliances for a uniform look. Besides being low maintenance and durable, stainless steel also coordinates easily with any colour to produce a variety of looks.

Design by MONOCOT

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Kitchen plan Compared to other areas in the home, the kitchen requires careful planning to work at its best. We dish out key areas of considerations to get you started.

TEXT ROSSARA JAMIL

1. Storage organisation From cutlery to cooking tools, and tableware to pots and pans, it will not take long for stuff to take over the kitchen space. For proper organisation strategies, borrow from the concept of mise en place, a French term for the preparation of dishes and ingredients before the beginning of service in a professional kitchen. Ensure that every item in the kitchen has its place with the use of hooks, shelves and storage containers. Also, label, label, and label to keep track of the expiration of foodstuff.

Design by three-d conceptwerke

2. Lighting plan An often overlooked aspect of the kitchen is the lighting. Your main source of illumination comes from lighting on the ceiling. It aims to provide even lighting so that you can move around the kitchen safely. However, if you have upper cabinets, general lighting is likely to cast shadows in certain areas. Task lighting can be fitted underneath

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the upper cabinets to provide illumination to the countertop so that you can prepare food, read labels and recipes, and cook with ease. Strip lights in your kitchen cabinets help provide a clearer view of your foodstuff. Lastly, accent lighting draws attention to your favourite features and is another key element of your lighting strategy.

LOOX5 LED lighting system from Häfele, www.hafele.com.sg

3. Layout When it comes to the layout, efficiency is the aim. In the kitchen, the work triangle consists of the sink, hob and refrigerator. That said, countertop space must also be set aside for food prep. If you have a U-shaped configuration, arrange the sink, hob and refrigerator on each arm to maximise comfort and countertop space. Other alternative layouts are the galley kitchen, with two parallel rows of cabinets, and the L-shaped kitchen.

Design by Joey Khu ID

SHORTLIST BY HANSGROHE

Stylish black kitchens With open-concept kitchens becoming increasingly popular, ensuring that this space is both functional and beautiful is an absolute must. For a timeless look, like a little black dress, go for these statement designs in black.

TEXT JANICE SEOW

hansgrohe SilicaTec Granite sink in graphite black (Left) hansgrohe Focus kitchen mixer in matte black

The beauty of granite The kitchen sink is used frequently in most kitchens, so durability and easy maintenance is a must. That’s not to say it can’t look good, too. Designed by hansgrohe in collaboration with award-winning studio Phoenix Design, the SilicaTec granite range of kitchen sinks in graphite black are the perfect marriage of style and function, and a particularly great choice for open-plan kitchens that serve as a public and highly accessible part of the home.

SilicaTec granite kitchen sinks are composed of quartz particles (the hardest constituent of granite) and acrylic resins. The resulting surface is non-porous, easy to clean, and

heat-, stain- and impact resistant.

Red wine, coffee, tea and even hot pots and pans leave no trace, so the sinks maintain their beauty and functionality for years to come, even in the most actively used kitchens.

Furthermore, the sink’s distinctive broad rim surface underscores the beauty of the SilicaTec material and serves as the connecting element for the two-hole mixer used in the innovative hansgrohe dual sink combination units. To top it off, the overflow is hidden from view on the right side of the bowl so the sink maintains its clean and uncluttered look.

A midnight splash Whether as an accent piece or to complete a sleek black kitchen, mixers in black make the perfect design statement in today’s kitchens.

The Focus range in attractive matte black from hansgrohe is big on style, substance and functionality. Designed with comfort and the user experience in mind, the products come in a wide range of options to meet different needs, while their clear, straight lines make them particularly suited for modern kitchen environments.

Hansgrohe Aquademie 69 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore 239015 www.hansgrohe.com.sg

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2. Sweet slumber A comfortable mattress, with plush pillows and luxurious bed linens to go with it, is essential to ensuring great sleep in the bedroom. So if you have limited budget, get the best mattress you can afford like the Heveya Natural Organic Latex Mattress III that moulds to the contours of your body and gives you excellent support regardless of your sleeping position. An ergonomic bed frame is important too. These days many opt for platform beds.

However, they may not be suitable for people with mobility issues.

Heveya Natural Organic Latex Mattress III from European Bedding, www.europeanbedding.sg

House to home Moving into a new home, whether newly renovated or not, is always an exciting process. And choosing just-right furnishings can make all the difference between your home looking fabulous or forgettable.

But don’t go buying every beautiful thing you see.

Instead, invest in essential and timeless pieces that last a long time.

TEXT VANITHA PAVAPATHI

1. Lounge around Unless you are one who sits on the floor, having proper seating – sofas, chairs, benches, etc – is crucial in creating a comfortable space, especially in the living room. And even if you do enjoy sitting on the floor, your guests may not feel the same way. A deep-seated sofa, the kind you sink into and never want to leave, is one to have in every living room. Throw in a couple of armchairs and an ottoman that doubles as a coffee table, and you’ve got yourself a cosy setup.

Armand sectional sofa by Flexform, www.flexform.sg

3. Loyal fan The ceiling fan is one fixture you won’t soon replace. It’s so durable that you might even take it with you should you move home.

Though usually not considered an item that beautifies a space, new generation fans have come a long way in design and are now regarded as overhead artworks.

This beauty called Hugger from the Kith collection is available in over 60 different colour combinations, comes in five different sizes and offers the option of an LED light for a stylish, space-saving alternative to traditional ceiling lights.

Hugger fan from the Kith Collection by Efenz, www.facebook.com/EfenzFan

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SHORTLIST – FURNISHINGS

S P E C TA C U L A R S I D E K I C K

4. Dine in The dining room is where people gather for food and stay for conversations. It’s sometimes even a place to work. So it’s only necessary that the space is kit out with beautiful dining room furniture. It doesn’t matter if it’s round or rectangular, sits two or 20, the dining table would still be used – regardless. Bonus points if it’s extendable, making it flexible enough to accommodate a small or large party. And of course, you need comfortable chairs to complement it. Your bottom will thank you for it.

Staying in is the new going out. That’s why most homes these days are designed for entertaining. If you’re going to be playing bartender, you’ll need to keep your beverages cold and at optimal condition especially for wines and champagnes.

Invest in a reliable wine chiller such as the Kadeka Signature, which ensures quiet, low-vibration storage condition, allowing wine to mature in peace.

Rodan dining table by PINCH,

Signature series wine chiller by

www.pinchdesign.com

Kadeka, www.kadeka.sg

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SHOWCASE – ARTISTROOM

Minimalism at its finest Inspired by clean-cut Japanese and Taiwanese apartments, this couple – who shares their home with their two teenage children – engaged Artistroom to create a minimalist home with a neutral palette that spells a classic, chic look.

TEXT ANGELA LOW

Clean-cut design This BTO unit is modelled after the minimalist, neutral-toned apartments in Japan and Taiwan with a touch of Scandinavian influence. Its streamlined, clutterfree design with an understated colour palette of white, beige and light wood will never grow old or out of style. If anything, a neutral backdrop pairs well with a diversity of decor styles, should the homeowners’ tastes evolve over time.

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Project type: 5-room HDB BTO flat – Floor area: 1,300sqft

BLACK N WHITE HAUS

E S TA B L I S H E D : 2009 W H AT I S Y O U R F I R M ’ S D E S I G N I D E N T I T Y ?

We c urate lifes t yle s tate me nts base d on the four ele me nts of our design philosophy. Balance signif ies the conce pt of visual e quilibrium. U nit y translates to the f luid integration of spaces.

Harmony relates to all aspec ts of inte rior design to c reate calm , se re ne and comfor table spaces.

L as tly, rhy thm expresses variet y to kee p a space inte res ting for years to come.

W H AT M A K E S Y O U R F I R M A N D ITS WORK UNIQUE? Blac k N W hite Haus believes that eve r y home should ref lec t the homeowne r ’s lifes t yle and c harac te r. Inspire d by the individuals we have designe d for, we have gaine d ex te nsive expe rie nce ac ross a variet y of inte rior s t yles; from conte mporar y to rus tic , and eclec tic to classical.

O ur traine d c urators delive r exquisite designs and c reate houses for our clie nts to call their beau tiful homes.

W H AT A R E Y O U R A R E A S OF E XPERTISE? O ur area of expe r tise is not limite d to c reating s torage, space planning , mate rial [selec tion] and et cete ra. We are able to incorporate individual lifes t yles and c harac te rs to spaces. We c reate bespoke pieces in c us tomise d homes.

W H AT A R E Y O U R RECENT MILESTONES? O ur condo projec t , feature d he re, was shor tlis te d for the 2019 Look box Design Awards. It was a s trong tes tame nt to our belief that a home should be a lifes t yle s tate me nt for the individual.

From left: VINCENT ANG Principal Curator MIKI SOON Senior Design Curator PINKY KYWE Senior Design Curator Location: Black N White Haus’ office The team spends a lot of time here and it’s like their second home. Apart from being a place where they bond and work together, this very space allows them to showcase their unique design style to their clients.

291 Tanjong Katong Road Singapore 437074 T (65) 6440 9766 F (65) 6440 4536 www.blacknwhitehaus.com

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Bold is gold This two-storey residence is home to a couple and their two daughters who are unafraid of loud colours and bold prints.

From the bright yellow bar stools and siren red kitchen island countertop, to the jaunty Peranakan-inspired tiles and monochrome hexagonal wall tiles, its kitchen is proof of that. To balance out these technicolour elements, the designer kept the rest of the space neutral-toned.

Open access (Top) The living room, surrounded by walls of full-length glass windows, is bathed in natural light. Further enhancing the flow and openness of the interiors, it also offers direct access to the open-concept dining area. Built on a platform with a few steps, the dining space offers a sense of segregation from the rest of the house without having to be fully enclosed.

Project type: 2-storey house with basement and attic – Floor area: 3,000sqft

When eclectic meets nostalgic This 20-year-old house was a bleak and boring property before Raymond Seow, the design director of Free Space Intent, stepped in. Besides hacking a few internal walls and extending the ceiling, he gave the interiors an eclectic update as well. Now a vibrant spectacle, it boasts a kaleidoscope of bright hues, and a potpourri of Peranakan, Danish, and Mediterranean influences, with a blend of retro and contemporary features.

TEXT ANGELA LOW

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Eclectic yet cohesive The geometric rug, purchased from Hipvan, lends a modern contrast to the retro-inspired orange and turquoise sofas, as well as the old-school feature wall of ventilation bricks.

Featuring a floral pattern, these bricks were specifically chosen to complement the femininity of the Peranakan tiles. The curves of the couches also serve as a nod to the undulating forms on the TV feature wall, offering an eclectic look that remains cohesive.

SHOWCASE – FREE SPACE INTENT

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HALL

E S TA B L I S H E D : 2012 W H AT M A K E S Y O U R F I R M A N D ITS WORK UNIQUE? We engineer living spaces, not just dress them cosmetically. Our world gets so caught up in the visuals sometimes that we forget the basics of design – developing and defining the form of the space, and thus creating a spatial experience. This is what differentiates interior designers from decorators.

W H AT C O N S T I T U T E S A M E A N I N G F U L S PA C E ?

It’s one that translates the clients’ vision well, fulfils their needs, and enhances their lives.

From left: RANDOLL LEE Principal ING HOU Creative Director Location: Hall’s studio Hall is a design-and-build studio

W H AT A R E Y O U R D E S I G N B E L I E F S ?

We strongly believe that collaboration is the key to achieving the impossible.

When people from various disciplines and industries come together, innovative ideas are born.

We also draw inspirations from various sources in each project. It could be a combination of the client’s moodboard, the architectural shell of the space, a colour scheme from a painting, the desired comfort level – it really depends on the when and where, making each of our projects unique.

that offers a holistic design service, from the initial brief to planning and construction. Naturally, its studio-cum-showroom is the most important place as it showcases the breadth of the firm’s offering.

61 Ubi Road 1 Oxley Bizhub 1 #04-15 Singapore 408727 T (65) 6298 0354 asksimon@hallinteriors.sg www.hallinteriors.sg

“Design doesn’t have a rule of thumb or equation. There is only a degree of fulfilment in every project – how much a design gives what the clients need, and how we can match their vision – that’s the real achievement.”

– Randoll Lee, Principal

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Project type: 5-bedroom condominium unit – Floor area: 3,500sqft

Ryokan in a garden city This Nassim Road residence was designed by UPSTAIRS_ for a family with a penchant for Sino-Japanese culture. Spaces transition seamlessly onto one another and bespoke feature walls harmonise the entire living space where every inch has been skillfully crafted by sister company IN-EXPAT. TEXT STEPHANIE PEH

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SHOWCASE – IN-EXPAT X UPSTAIRS_

Light and shadow Calling to mind the beauty and intricacies of Kaiseki meal principles, the dining room spots a delicate balance of natural materials. Timber strips line the back wall from floor to ceiling, save for cut out shelves adorned with family heirlooms and travel artefacts from the region. In place of imposing space demarcations are porous Seigaiha and timber screens that enable natural light to flow freely, casting dramatic shadows throughout the apartment.

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JOEY KHU ID

E S TA B L I S H E D : 2014 W H AT I S Y O U R F I R M ’ S D E S I G N I D E N T I T Y ?

We believe that simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.

We love pure forms, lines, and introducing sophisticated touches in a contemporary way.

W H AT M A K E S Y O U R F I R M A N D ITS WORK UNIQUE? Each project is consistently refined with close attention to detail and quality of work. We create timeless designs with our signature style.

W H AT C O N S T I T U T E S A ME ANINGFUL/PURPOSEFUL S PA C E ?

It doesn’t have to be exaggerated or extravagant. Subtle details can speak volumes.

JOEY KHU Founder Location: A Citygate condominium project Like all of Joey Khu ID’s designs, this apartment bears the studio’s signature aesthetic – the use of handsome and luxe material palette, alongside quirky objects

W H AT I S Y O U R B E S T D E S I G N A D V I C E ?

A designer’s goal has to be to dig below the surface, uncover that emotional resistance, and work hard to address it. Always start at the end with the story you want to tell.

and statement artwork.

1 Jalan Pisang #02-01 Singapore 199069 T (65) 6440 7920

W H AT A R E Y O U R A R E A S O F E X P E R T I S E ?

We are great at space planning and particularly meticulous in interior styling and decorating. From colour scheme to furniture selection, from decorative objects to lighting plan, we put a lot of effort into all aspects of our design, as we believe that every detail comes together to create a cohesive and spectacular design.

F (65) 6440 7924 e@joeykhu-id.com www.joeykhu-id.com

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Project type: 3-bedroom condominium unit – Floor area: 1,130sqft Cat playground Stretching across the living room, a mint green cat bridge is a playground for all three cats that co-exist with the owners in this apartment.

Designed with a transparent ground, the cat paws are visible from under, bringing joy to the homeowners too. It links to the television console (left), functioning as additional storage while hiding wiring clutter. A turquoise sofa from Grafunkt serves as a statement piece.

Fun, vibrant and purr-fect In keeping with the couple’s outgoing and funloving identity, Linear Space Concepts employed the aesthetics of thematic boutique hotels around the world in this three-bedroom condominium. A myriad of uplifting patterns and pastel colours flow throughout. A striking feature is the playful mint green cat bridge that offers the home its unique identity while keeping all three cats happy.

TEXT STEPHANIE PEH

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SHOWCASE – LINEAR SPACE CONCEPTS

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RIGHT ANGLE STUDIO

E S TA B L I S H E D : 2011 W H AT I S Y O U R F I R M ’ S DESIGN IDENTIT Y? We adopt a minimalist and reductionist approach to our work, composing spaces in a form of understated luxury. The studio’s principle is to improve the dwellers’ lifestyle by redefining the space plan as much as possible, as this will reinvigorate their spatial experience.

W H AT M A K E S Y O U R F I R M A N D ITS WORK UNIQUE? Apart from creating interiors with clean lines, a significant part of our design process is spatial planning.

When conceptualising spaces, we always design in grids. The key spaces from the layout get dissected into rectangular forms, creating invisible gridlines amongst the spaces, fixtures, and furniture.

By doing so, we can create order to the space, providing every fixture a place of belonging. This invisible order will eventually result in a composed and peaceful experience to the dweller, which we believe is the essence of minimalism.

W H AT A R E Y O U R A R E A S OF E XPERTISE? We are very particular about space planning, lighting design and the choice of materials. None of these elements can be omitted in the presence of a good piece of work. Space planning provides the visual order, while light and materials give life.

W H AT C O N S T I T U T E S A M E A N I N G F U L O R P U R P O S E F U L S PA C E ?

Whether a space is meaningful or purposeful is subjective to every individual. A space will only be desirable if it serves the requirements of the dweller; just like a suit tailored to fit a gentleman. Every project will only be deemed purposeful when it fulfils the clients’ brief.

From left: ALEX LIU Founder and Design Director JAY LIU Co-Founder, Brand and Account Director Location: A private lounge project in the Downtown core Right Angle Studio has been designing residential interiors primarily in the past, and this private lounge is the firm’s first foray into commercial spaces. Say Alex and Jay Liu: “It’s a channel that allows

W H AT ’ S Y O U R B E S T DESIGN ADVICE? Design with meaning; a well-considered design has the ability to improve a user’s lifestyle or experience.

our work to reach a wider audience, and inject tranquillity within the city.”

122 Eunos Avenue 7 Richfield Industrial Centre #04-01 Singapore 409575 T (65) 6251 1552 contact@rightanglestudio.com.sg www.rightanglestudio.com.sg

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