Vol 93 S$5.00 RM13.50
D E C O R A T I O N S
summer
IDEAS
BRIGHT SPOT · IN EVERY SEASON · GETTING CLOSE TO NATURE · IN A TREE HOUSE
PLEASURES INSIDE & OUT
FUN FURNITURE FOR PATIOS, POOLS AND GARDEN PARTIES!
HANG TOUGH The lamp to hang over the dining table for that perfect illumination. Designed by Louise Campbell and available at Space Furniture.
ROOTING FOR PERPETUAL CALM.
GLACIAL GLAM Go for full on Hollywood glamour with a white-on-white colour palette in your home. Custom furniture by Mudian. WABI SABI Conjure the art of Japanese serenity with this origami armchair by Nendo. Available at Moroso.
GOING POTTY Made of rotational-moulded polyethylene, these planters are perfect pot holders on wheels, indoors and out. Designed by Marc Newson, Tubby is available at Xtra Designs.
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HOT HUE
TABLE TALK Hands down, a round table top always induces warm familial gatherings. While its tree-like base calls for a great conversation starter, the table works double duty and convertible from coffee table to dining. Designed by Eoos, this Dedon Mangrove coffee table is available at Xtra Designs.
LIGHTEN UP These candle-stands scream French chic and delightfully adjustable in height. Available at Grafunkt. SHELVE IT A shelf this slim will effortlessly display your most bulky of literature neatly on the wall. Available at Grafunkt.
BOWLED OVER Soups suddenly taste better in these pretty bowls. Available at Grafunkt.
SAY YOU SAW IT IN DECORATIONS Grafunkt, grafunkt.com Moroso Singapore, www.moroso.it Mudian Pte Ltd, mudian.com.sg Space Furniture, www.spacefurniture.com.sg Xtra Designs, www.xtra.com.sg
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architecture for dogs PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOSHIAKI TSUTSUI | TEXT BY BELLE CHUNG
AN EXTREMELY SINCERE COLLECTION.
U
ninspiring with its simplistic imitation of a house, the conventional kennel is a morbid
space that stoically characterizes the relationship between dog and man. That is until Kenya Hara (Creative Director of MUJI) kick-started his newly founded company, Architecture for Dogs (AFD). Breaking into this niche field, its aesthetic mission is bold : By revolutionizing the form and challenging the functions of the kennel, the AFD collection will ignite a new joy within the relationship between dog and man. This collection comprises 13 extremely sincere yet sophisticated breed-specific designs. To realize this, AFD’s creative roster collaborates with 13 world-class designers who each picked a breed of choice before embarking on the design journey. These architects and designers include Kenya Hara himself (Teacup Poodle), Atelier Bow-Wow (Dachshund), Shigeru Ban (Papillion), MVRDV (Beagle), Toyo Ito (Shiba), Konstantin Grcic (Toy Poodle), Kazuyo Sejima (Bichon Frise)and Kengo Kuma (Pug), among others. Conceived years ago, Hara desired Architecture for Dogs to be an innovative venture that blurs the lines between exhibition concept, commercial company and crowd-sourced, interactive online project for the global community. With that in mind, he worked in conjunction with Imprint Venture Lab on a multi-tiered business strategy which incorporates online interactivity, cultural exhibitions and integration of a traditional retail component, to see the project to fruition.
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DESIGN IN MIND
Download the blueprint of your favourite architectural structure and get hands-on!
November 2012 saw AFD move in accordance
brought on board – allowed us to help develop
with its plan as it launched its interactive website,
this concept into a start-up that’s unlike any we’ve
www.architecturefordogs.com. Designed by Yugo
ever seen.”
Nakamura, the brainchild behind Uniqlo, Louis
Indeed, as the exhibition moves steadily to
Vuitton, MoMA’s Design and the Elastic Mind
its final location at Tokyo’s Toto Gallery this
websites, it is a cyber-platform where anyone
October 2013, and followers of AFD continue
anywhere in the world is able to view the full AFD
to grow in numbers across the various social
collection, enjoy feature videos, download free
media platforms, spring of 2013 is anticipating
blueprints and access in-depth instructions on
the roll-out of AFD’s third phase : Retail. Flat-
how to build and assemble each structure. The
packed versions of each design in the collection
website also allows users to upload their own
will be introduced, allowing visitors to
versions of each structure upon building them.
www.architecturefordogs.com or retail outlets
This is to come up alongside the second phase
around the globe the opportunity to purchase
of the venture, an equally fun and comprehensive
ready-to-assemble versions of each design. Then,
exhibition, which opened on 39th Street in Miami
set to coincide with the final exhibition, October
on December 9th, 2012. Here, the conceptual aim
2013 will also see the publication of a book on
is to grow and evolve AFD. Ideally, as more and
the project, written by Kenya Hara.
more users begin to interact with the project by
Bringing a whole new concept of “kennel”,
making their own versions of each design and
its approach is nothing short of intriguing.
uploading them onto the AFD website, others will
Innovatively tapping into the ever-changing media
be roped into the loop through exhibition tours
environment and boldly exploring the potentiality
and from there, share their involvement with the
of the creative industry, Architecture for Dogs is the
project via other social media channels.
marriage of modern consumerism and creativity at
“When we first began discussing the
Kenya Hara, Director of Architecture for Dogs
FACING PAGE_TOP TO BOTTOM Wanmock by Torafu Architects for the Jack Russell Terrier. Mount Pug by Kengo Kuma for the Pug. Architecture for Long-bodiedshort-legged Dog by Atelier Bow-Wow for the Dachshund. D-Tunnel by Kenya Hara for the Teacup Poodle.
its best. Concerned with more than the display of
Architecture for Dogs concept with Kenya Hara,
aesthetics alone, it is at once a lesson in design and
we were immediately intrigued,” says Julia Y. C.
a creative movement that spurs Man on to revisit
Huang, Founder and CEO of Imprint Venture Lab.
the bond that they share with their dogs and re-
“We, of course, have a great deal of respect for
experience their interaction each other.
Hara’s work with MUJI as well as his academic and curatorial work, but the multi-pronged approach we were able to develop in conjunction with him – as well as the incredible roster of talent he
SAY YOU SAW IT IN DECORATIONS Architecture for Dogs, www.architecturefordogs.com
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DCRS @ HOME
in every season AN AESTHETIC TRANSLATION OF HOME AS CONCEPT AND PURPOSE.
Celebrating spring and summer with dynamic visuals, this 1 + 1 bedroom unit type is flourished in laser cut floral patterns. To further reflect the cool yet lively vibes of spring-summer time, the showroom is lime washed in white and splashed in vibrant colours.
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DCRS @ HOME
FACING PAGE_CLOCKWISE What better way to awaken each dawn than to the illusion of inhabiting a garden paradise. Bold and refreshing, the wall of greenery truly lends punctuation to the entire design scheme. Lime washed in white, the kitchen keeps faith to the palette. Finished in glossy white laminates, its bespoke cabinetry adds to the sense of spring-time freshness whilst creating the illusion of wider space.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWARD HENDRICKS | TEXT BY BELLE CHUNG
Beauty meets brawn in this study room. Simple but multi-faceted, this space effectively doubles up as both study room and a lady’s dressing room. Splendid yet practical, the laser cut floral wall is mindful of storage needs with its clever incorporation of shelving units.
E
nter the premises of the show units at
indulging in two things crucial to creating
Gambir Ridge Residences and you’ll
luxurious form : motif and mood.
find yourself caught in a delicious whirlwind
Where the sprightly seasons of spring and
of seasons. Spring, summer, autumn, winter –
summer dominates in the one-plus-one-bedroom
skipping across the interiors, their individual
showflat, floral motifs and brilliant colours dance
charm is poignant. Yet, there is more than meets
across the palette. This is boldly embodied in the
the eye beneath its entire aesthetic flourish.
feature wall that separates the living room from
Possessing stylistic candour that is at once
the private enclaves of the study and master
captivating yet unassuming, the beauty of this
bedroom. Visually stunning, the intricacy of
interior spread is not lost even to the most
its floral patterns is well-balanced against the
fastidious crowd.
singular shade of white wood. Thus combined, its
Conjured by Hilary Loh, Design Director of
aesthetic effect is one of whimsical class, delicate
2nd Edition, the design aim is all about evoking
and dream-like. Full of contemporary elegance
purpose through form so as to meaningfully
and nostalgic fun, it rightly embraces the spirit of
contextualize space. This she achieves by
spring and summer.
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Like a snow-capped winter, this 3 bedroom unit type apartment is a visage of glacial class and timeless elegance.
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DCRS @ HOME
Frozen in time – Hilary pays careful attention to decorating details too. Photos of winter landscapes reinstate the design theme.
Where the soulful seasons of autumn and
Enter into the private enclaves of this 3-bedroom unit type and be transported into a different season, a different time.
in unique yet familiar warmth. Like its counterpart,
winter reside, a similar pairing of hues and well-
this show unit too, successfully captured the
themed motifs is used to appropriate the mood.
aesthetic nuances of autumn and winter.
Here in this three-bedroom show unit, white and
As we drink in the attitude that each season
silver shades along with a feature wall of snow-
brings to the home space, we begin to appreciate
covered tree motifs define the living and dining
the wider meanings of Hilary’s design scheme. On
areas in wintry elegance. Venture into the deeper
the one hand, her decision to create a nature-
recesses of the home space and autumn comforts
inspired interior is her innovative answer to the
take precedence. Symbolically representing
current design trend, which places increasing
these are the gold-leafed wallpaper adorning the
emphasis on extracting the extraordinary from
corridor and brown tones colouring the bedroom
the ordinary as a creative means of expanding
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Quaint are the textured wall and ceiling lamp with its tree branch base.
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DCRS @ HOME
Doubling up as a dressing table, this feature wall of mirrors will serve its lady well.
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TOP & FACING PAGE Spotting a palette of crisp browns and rustic candour, the space takes you into the heart of autumn where there is soul yet in the things of old.
our aesthetic experiences beyond conventional boundaries. On the other hand, her interpretation of “bringing the outdoors in”, allows the space to become an aesthetic tribute to Mankind’s first purpose for homes. Conjured in Hilary’s design signature of unassuming class, the 4000 square feet show units are also a celebration of our modern day concept and purpose of home as a space of delightful pleasure, joyful relaxation and soulful reflection. Each a romance unto itself, the show rooms of Gambir Ridge Residences stand as testimonies of Hilary’s design finesse and sensitive understanding of spatial concepts and purpose. SAY YOU SAW IT IN DECORATIONS 2nd Edition Pte Ltd, www.2ndedition.com.sg
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DCRS @ HOME
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getting close to nature DO YOU HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE?
TEXT BY ROSIE “POPPS” MY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESIGN HOTELS™ & PAOLA LENTI
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VISUAL ESSAY
IN OBLIVION When life throws you a sea view, enjoy it on the deck with streamlined outdoor furniture that’s fit for the queen. Interior concept by La Réserve Ramatuelle.
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VISUAL ESSAY
ALMOST OUTSIDE
UNDER COVER
Too hot and bothered for al fresco dining? Enjoy
Should the outside get a little too much for you,
the sunshine while being just barely outdoors.
put up the canopy whilst enjoying a day by the
Interior concept by Mykonos Theoxenia.
pool. Interior concept by Mykonos Theoxenia.
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SWING!
GARDEN SHOWER
When outside is all too wet, stay indoors and relax on a
Velaro is a stunning outdoor shower with material that is made
swinging sofa, reminiscent of those carefree school days happy
exclusive to Garvida. Most of Garvida’s garden furniture and
on a swing. Designed by Francesco Rota, the Swing Columpio
products, including Velaro is made of Gardan, a handcrafted
Wabi is available from Paola Lenti.
quality synthetic wicker fiber that is developed specifically for outdoor use. With the silhouette of a sail, the garden shower has a modern sleek look whilst providing privacy and a quick freshen up any time. Available from Garvida.
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VISUAL ESSAY
TREE INSPIRED Can’t have a tree in the house, embrace its silhouette in your home like this tree jewellery holder. Available from Howards Storage World.
SAY YOU SAW IT IN DECORATIONS Garvida, www.garvida.de Howards Storage World, www.hsw.com.sg La Réserve Ramatuelle, www.lareserve-ramatuelle.com Mykonos Theoxenia, www.mykonostheoxenia.com Paola Lenti, www.paolalenti.it
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