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MAY 2022

MUST-HAVES FOR A REFRESHING & DUST-FREE BREEZE FLOOR PLANS WITH NATURAL VENTILATION

A Multi-Brand Children Furniture Store.

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www.KidsHaven.sg Virtual Showroom Follow us @sgkidshaven (25 Playfair Road)

CONTENTS

M AY

22

FEATURES T H E L AT E S T I N D E S I G N AND DECOR TRENDS

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22

EASY, BREEZY, BREATHABLE Architect and interior designer friends weigh in with tips and case studies on breathable homes.

COOL & GREEN Keeping cool in this humidity is necessary, yet detrimental to the environment. But a shift in human habits and breakthrough technologies may just change the tide towards a greener, more eco-friendly future.

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KEEP YOUR COOL Check out our guide to staying cool with the latest heatminimising products.

44

COLOUR OF THE MONTH Frette’s new colour offering soothes the senses.

NITORI This Japanese retailer creates affordable, thoughtfully designed furnishings for compact urban homes.

S H O P PI N G

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28

CLEAN & CLEAR Fresh air is essential to life. Breathe easy with these finds.

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2

32

34

45

GREAT BUYS Our monthly roundup of the hottest new design products for the home.

LIVING These off-white and neutral-toned pieces lends calmness and elegance to your space.

N E W STO R E

HOT S POT

40

46

CLIMASHIELD SHOWROOM The blinds and curtains specialist revamps its showroom to display the versatility of its new interiors range.

SOAMI The jewellery brand’s store at Raffles City Shopping Centre conducts retail therapy in a cosy, open-concept space that makes you feel right at home.

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48

COSENTINO CITY SINGAPORE The leading Spanish global brand’s new City showroom is located in the heart of the central Marina Bay financial district.

CLARITY THERAPY NYC The McGovern Project-designed space uses decor to focus on wellness and reflect a calming atmosphere.

DESIGN I D E A S A N D I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M THOSE IN THE KNOW

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CREATING MYTHOLOGY

VOICE

Ini Archibong, a Nigerian-American designer based in Switzerland, views his creations as manifestations of the sacred or spiritual.

Chris Sanderson, co-founder of Future Laboratory, talks about the evolving definition of luxury for homeowners in an urban context.

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PEOPLE

PROPERTY

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This year, over 40 new properties will be launched. In a market that is so hot it needs some cooling measures, here are some tips on refining your search.

A NEW SG-BASED DESIGN FAIR Luca Palermo, CEO of Fiera Milano, discusses FIND – Design Fair Asia.

58

TREASURE TROVE Singapore’s history is woven into the collection at this vintage store. We spoke with the owner.

52

Ini Archibong

Creating artworks that exist at the crossroad of technology, art and design.

60 8

EDITOR’S NOTE 9

H&D.COM.SG 11 5

WHERE TO BUY 11 6

FINISHING NOTE

3

CONTENTS

M AY

76

HOMES THE NEW MODERN

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84

AN ECLECTIC ESCAPE In honour of the beauty of the Mediterranean on the French Riviera, the founder of design studio Sabrina MonteCarlo has created an elegant yet fun villa for her family.

FOREVER HOME This substantial detached property with its luxury of space used to lack the intimacy of a multi-generational home.

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96

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AN ARCHITECT KNOWS BEST Kelvin Wang’s selfdesigned home is a distillation of great ideas that fit into the grand scheme of things.

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DARK DRAMA This all-black family home sports the look and feel of an upscale boutique hotel while being highly functional and affordable.

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ECLECTIC EXUBERANCE The original features of this 40-year-old flat are beautifully combined with eclectic furnishings to create a stylish retreat for entertaining at the heart of the city.

on the cover

84 ;îÿîÞĀ É đÐÞ °Â°éĀ are not mutually exclusive in this house.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

F E E L I N G T H E H E AT over climate change, we are also becoming aware of the need to explore sustainable forms of cooling solutions to help us combat the heat of the tropical sun.

In this issue, we take a closer look at simple things homeowners can do to keep room temperatures within a comfortable zone. This ranges from studying the layout of a home to see how the spaces can be naturally ventilated, to employing the use of new technology such as tinted ĝÂÈâ É °Éâî é°É§ 塃 âʣ to keep the room cool. At the same time, it is also essential to ensure that the cool air one enjoys is also clean and free from dust or allergens.

We hope these tips will help to cool you down while you’re enjoying your time at home on a balmy afternoon. See you soon in our next edition.

YO U N G L I M E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F

photography ANGELA GUO art direction NONIE CHEN

Our founding father Lee Kuan Yew once mentioned in an interview that air conditioning was one of the factors that helped to increase productivity in Singapore, “Air conditioning was a most important invention for us, perhaps one of the signal inventions of history. It changed the nature of civilization by making development possible in the tropics. Without air conditioning you can work only in the cool earlymorning hours or at dusk. a­ ĝÞâé 魰ɧ , ° îÛÐÉ becoming prime minister was to install air conditioners in buildings where the civil service worked. This was ¿ Ā éÐ Ûî ° Ĕ ° É Āʨʗ Not only has air conditioning been a boon to the country’s commercial sector, it has also improved the lives of homeowners living in this densely populated island.

Yet, with growing concerns

A N I MM ER S IV E ON L IN E EXP E RI E N C E !

YOUR ENHANCED DESIGN JOURNEY INCLUDES: THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF H&D TV WITH VIDEO PLAYLISTS & MORE THE LATEST STYLE TIPS, TREND STORIES AND DESIGN FEATURES EXCITING GIVEAWAYS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

AVAILABLE ON DESKTOPS & ALL MOBILE DEVICES.

W W W. H O M E A N D D E C O R . C O M . S G Check out popular blog posts of the month

REAL-TIME DESIGN UPDATES www.facebook.com/ homeanddecor.singapore The latest on home decor and shopping scoops.

MORE INTERIOR STYLES FROM OUR ONLINE IMAGE LIBRARY

SIGHTS & INSPIRATION Follow us @Homeanddecor_sg for the latest news, events and happenings about town.

THIS MONTH ON OUR “LIVING ROOMS TO DIE FOR” BOARD www.pinterest.com/homeanddecorsg

F E AT U R E

EASY, BREEZY, BREATHABLE Architects and interior designers share tips and thoughts on best practices and design strategies to create airy and breathable spaces in our hot and humid tropical climate.

I

think the aircon is one of the greatest inventions in the 20th-century,” says Rene Tan, founder and principal architect of RT+Q Architects. He is joking, he says, but this is true for a great many denizens of Singapore, especially on a sweltering day, where we can’t wait to take refuge inside the nearest air-conditioned room. Nonetheless, aircon should be used sparingly to control the indoor climate of your home.

The MVP should be your home’s ventilation system, allowing °Þ éÐ ĞÐú é­ÞÐ ĀÐîÞ âÛ ʣ creating a breathable space.

“To use the word “breathable” to describe ventilation of spaces tells how vital it is,” says Quck Zhong Yi, architect and partner at Asolidplan. “If a space can’t breathe, its occupants âé°Ğ ʨʗ î°Â °É§ ÐÞ Þ ÉÐù é°É§ a house with a well-working ventilation system will save so much energy, both literally and ĝ§îÞ é°ù ÂĀʣ °É é­ ÂÐɧ ÞîÉʨ There are two kinds of ventilation systems: natural and mechanical. Natural ventilation is É °ÞĞÐú é­ÞÐ ÐÛ É°É§âʣ âî ­ as windows or doors, induced by ÛÞ ââîÞ °đ Þ É éú É inside and outside the building, facilitating passive cooling (a term you might have heard), while mechanical ventilation is É °ÞĞÐú ÐÉéÞРĀ âÛ °ĝ devices. We asked architect and interior designer friends to weigh in with tips and case studies.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER Natural, Mechanical or Hybrid?

The tropical climate is a boon for seamless indoor-outdoor spatial connection. Theoretically, it is possible to rely 100 per cent on natural ventilation in Singapore. But our weather can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to rain. “Water is destructive to man-made structures,” says Rene. “So it’s best to have a little mechanical help to keep the space dry and comfortable, like ceiling exhaust or fans.” This is called hybrid or mixed-mode ventilation.

Temperature vs Thermal Comfort These two are not the same thing but are often mixed up as we tend to equate low temperature with thermal

comfort, hence our aircon dependency. “Thermal comfort is not only affected by air temperature but also by the temperature of the surfaces in the room, the humidity, and the wind speed,” says Laura Tan, architectural associate at Goy Architects. “These can be improved through design, and thus even if the temperature is 27 deg C with natural ventilation, instead of 24 deg C in an airconditioned room, a naturally ventilated room would still feel comfortable for the user.”

Fans vs ACs One of the common misconceptions that architects noted among homeowners is that you can only turn one on at a given time. “But actually,

photo ALBERT LIM K. S.

photo ASOLIDPLAN

photo STUDIO IF

they can help each other,” says Rene. The breeze from the fan can better distribute the cool air. “With the fan on, the AC can be set warmer, thus saving energy. The motor of a fan uses much less electricity than the compressor of the AC,” shares Zhong Yi. Glass is Not The Enemy “Most people assume that glass skylights are not tropical climate-friendly,” says Gwen Tan, principal architect at Studio iF. “But it can reduce energy consumption as part of a passive cooling strategy. The sunlight heats the air around it, making the hot air rise and cool air sink.

This causes airflow. Skylights also need to have gaps to allow hot air to escape.”

ABOVE, LEF T

The screened skylight at this project by Asolidplan casts an interesting shadowplay while creating a stack effect that cools the house.

ABOVE

Holes in the skylight near the wall in The Alleyway House

by Formwerkz Architects and Studio iF skylight allow the hot air to escape.

LE FT

The Origami House by Formwerkz Architects and Studio iF uses plenty of glass and porous brick walls.

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photo JEREMY SAN

FITTINGS TO FACILITATE AIRFLOWS

“Heat can come in from different sources, but there needs to be a way to remove it. That is how a space can be cooled, or more cross ventilation can be induced,” says Gwen. “Even if a house can’t be naturally ventilated, some tools and fittings can be used to help.” These are some of her recommendations.

CONVENTIONAL FITTINGS • Ceiling fans to help circulate the air.

• External blinds to reduce the heat on glass.

• Louvre system for breathable skin.

UNCONVENTIONAL FITTINGS • Heat pump water heater

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It uses less electricity and cools the air, and reduces humidity as it heats up the water.

So, when placed in the right location within the house, it can create a space that’s a few degrees cooler than the outdoors – helpful in rooms where there are not many crossventilation opportunities.

• Roof ventilator wind turbines These are the spinning onion-looking objects seen on the top of factories. Studio iF has used them in residential developments to cool the attic.

• Motorised skylights with rain sensors These open up when it’s sunny and close up when rain is approaching. Suitable for projects where you can’t drastically alter the building, but you can add fittings to existing roofs.

CASE STUDIES We get it. It could be hard talking about these rather technical things without examples.

Here are some seen in our experts’ built projects.

USE GREENERY “Every window is a garden,” says Ling Hao of Ling Hao Architects.

In this semi-detached house renovation, he removed all glass windows and turned them into planters so the homeowners could live closer to nature in a semi-open space.

The plants serve as natural screens.

C R E AT E S TAC K E F F E C T a­ âé ¿ đ é °â ú­ É ú ÞÈ °Þ moves upward in a building. In this house, Asolidplan places a skylight at the top of the stairwell, which would heat the air, draw more hot air from the house, and release it outside.

photos FABIAN ONG

“IF THE HOME IS A PLEASANT SPACE WHERE THE INTENDED USERS CAN REST, WORK, AND SOCIALISE WHILE FEELING RELAXED, IT WOULD BE A SUCCESSFUL BREATHABLE HOME.”

T E R R AC E D C O U R T YA R D A staggered courtyard with ascending balconies allows natural light and ventilation to enter this house by RT+Q Architects without allowing excess water inside.

photo MASANO KAWANA

–LAURA TAN, GOY ARCHITECTS

photo FABIAN ONG

photo ASOLIDPLAN

O P E N TO T H E ELEMENTS Everyone’s comfort level is °đ Þ Ééʣ É âÐÈ ­ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þâ don’t mind being exposed to the elements inside their house.

Ling Hao Architects is known for creating breathable houses where the interior is sheltered but exposed to the elements via a series of oversized openings. This home in Serangoon is built on a 15m x 7m plot, and the interiors are sheltered by an external cocooning wall but open to the elements.

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photo GOY ARCHITECTS

C R E AT E A M P L E S H A D E Goy Architects created large and low roof overhangs at the Sukasantai Farmstay in Indonesia to provide adequate shade from the heat but not compromise air ventilation. These overhangs extend ú  ĀÐÉ é­ ĞÐÐÞ Û é ʣ âÐÈ even lower than eye level.

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photo FABIAN ONG

photoS FABIAN ONG photo XXXXXXXXXXXX

DOUBLE SKIN An external envelope in Studio iF’s Ramp House acts as a shading device to prevent the internal walls and spaces from overheating while allowing for air movement within the two envelopes to circulate and cool the house.

photo FABIAN ONG

photo ASOLIDPLAN

C R O S S V E N T I L AT I O N The ultimate mark of a breathable home is cross ventilation, which traditionally requires openings on more than one wall in the room. But did you know that those openings need not be of the same size within direct sight of one another? “The pressure around the building and microclimate is not necessarily the same for every home. Thus wherever there is a °đ Þ Éé° Â ÛÞ ââîÞ ʣ é­ °Þ ú°Â ĞÐú ÐÞ °É§ÂĀʣ É ú°É Û é­ will be created,” shares Gwen. This area in Studio iF’s Open House ÛÞм é â­Ðúâ ÐÛ É°É§â °É °đ Þ Éé sizes that facilitate breeze.

BREATHABLE HDB FLATS Most Singaporeans live in HDB flats, which have been designed to be breathable by HDB. But we can improve on the existing architectural shell by ensuring there are no dead ends in the renovation, and adding screens and porous partitions.

A D D WAT E R F E AT U R E Water features with a vast surface like a âú°ÈȰɧ ÛÐРÐÞ ĝâ­ ÛÐÉ ÐÐÂ é­ °Þ entering the house. Studio iF’s Open House features a semi-outdoor pool with a screen that ÛÞÐù° â â­ ú­°Â ÂÂÐú°É§ °Þ éÐ ĞÐú °Éâ° ʨ Asolidplan, meanwhile, created a pond below the stairs at its project the Envelope House.

text ASIH JENIE 15

F E AT U R E

KEEP YOUR COOL A tropical climate and a denselypacked city make for unbearably hot days, especially now. Check out our guide to staying cool with the latest heat-minimising products.

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AIR CONDITIONERS These state-of-the-art air conditioners (ACs) will keep you comfortable as they regulate the temperature without draining much power.

MIDEA INVERTER SINGLE SPLIT AIRCON MSEOD-09/MSEID-09(S) Installation and cleaning are a breeze with this Midea îÉ°éʨ a­ ĝÂé Þʣ È °É Û É Âʣ ­ ââ°âʣ É Â â É easily be removed for maintenance. A key feature is the Follow Me function, which measures the ambient temperature around you and directs cool air to you accordingly. Pretty impressive.

Retails for $1,099 at all Courts stores.

“GOOD DESIGN ALLOWS THE WIND TO CIRCULATE THROUGH THE HOME. FOR HIGH CEILINGS, IT HELPS TO HAVE VENTILATION AT THE TOP SO THE HEAT CAN DISSIPATE. YOU CAN ALSO CONSIDER CHANGING THE WINDOWS TO DOUBLE-GLAZED GLASS OR INSTALL SOLAR FILMS TO REDUCE HEAT.”

ID DISTINCT IDENTITY

– DESS CHEW, THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE

Retails from $2,918 at Best Denki, Courts, Harvey Norman, Mega Discount and Gain City.

LG A R TC O O L + A I R CONDITIONER ( SYS T E M 3 , A M N C 0 9 G DJ R 0 ) An air conditioner that cleans itself and the surrounding air?

Yes, please. The LG ArtCool+’s Plasmaster Ionizer+ releases some three million ions to eliminate airborne bacteria and other microscopic contaminants, ensuring fresh, cool air that’s 99.9 per cent cleaner. As it’s WiFi-enabled, you can also control it remotely with the LG ThinQ app. On a hot day, you can turn on the air-conditioning before you arrive home or monitor its performance with the smart ° §ÉÐâ°â É ĝÂé Þ È É § È Ééʨ

STYLE DEGREE COMFY AIRCON WIND DEFLECTOR Those who prefer regulated temperature without a direct blast of arctic air, may be interested in é­°â É°¦éĀ éé ­È Éé é­ é ĝéâ ÐÉéÐ ĀÐîÞ °Þ ÐÉ °é°ÐÉ Þ éÐ Ğ é ú°É more evenly. Available in two sizes, It features adjustable holders to get the perfect angle for your room.

Retails from $12.90 at www. styledegree.sg.

GOOD TO KNOW Most ACs have a dehumidifier function to keep the air cool and dry, and the electricity bill low. Look for the droplet icon on the remote control.

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FANS AND AIR PURIFIERS For still afternoons, fans are a must for air circulation. These Āâʣ È ÉĀ ÐÈ ú°é­ ÛîÞ°ĝ é°ÐÉ functions for cleaner, more breathable air. Here are stylish ventilation options.

SAMSUNG SMART AIR PURIFIER This boosts indoor air quality. a­ ÛîÞ°ĝ é°ÐÉ âĀâé È ­ â é­Þ  Ā Þâ é­ é ÛéîÞ É ĝÂé Þ Ðîé ù É é­ ĝÉ âé îâé Û Þé° Â â ¦ÐÞ redistributing the clean air with a 3-Way Air Flow. With the SmartThings app, you can monitor and control the unit while you’re out, ensuring healthy air for pets and loved ones at home.

Retails for $899 at www.samsung. com and at authorised retailers.

“HOUSEPLANTS ARE MORE THAN JUST DECORATIVE ACCENTS, BESIDES KEEPING YOUR INDOOR AIR CLEAN, THEY COOL YOUR HOME NATURALLY.” –RAHUL VYAS THE BUSINESS HEAD OF FERNS N PETALS

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N OV I TA G R E E N FA N F 3 Weighing less than 3kg with a built-in rechargeable battery, the Novita GreenFan F3 is lightweight and portable enough to be moved to wherever it’s needed. Each full charge has it running for up to 28 hours. Plus, the Bluetooth remote control and a smart sensor enable it to auto-adjust settings according to the surrounding temperature and humidity levels, so you won’t have to get up to change its speed.

GOOD TO KNOW When it gets hot, make sure your ceiling fan circulates counterclockwise, so the air is directed downwards, cooling the area immediately below it.

ID THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE

ID THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE

Retails for $269 at all Courts stores.

DYS O N P U R I F I E R C O O L A U T O R E AC T Breathe easy with the Dyson SîÞ°ĝ Þ ÐРîéÐÞ éʨ a­ âÈ Þé ÛîÞ°ĝ Þ É ¦ É ú°é­ °Éé §Þ é sensors continuously monitor the air for pollution levels. Dyson’s Air Multiplier Technology draws in pollutants from all corners of the ÞÐÐÈ É ÛÞм éâ é­ ÛîÞ°ĝ °Þ back out in a powerful stream, with an adjustable oscillation angle of up to 350 deg C to cover all areas.

MISTRAL BLADE-FREE FA N W I T H A I R P U R I F I E R M B FA P 5 0 0 r°é­ âÂ°È ÛÞÐĝ ʣ ÂÐú Éаâ emittance, and a built-in night light, this is ideal for the bedroom. ­ÐÐâ ¦ÞÐÈ ȽȾ °đ Þ Éé âÛ â É é­Þ °ÞĞÐú ɧ âʣ ÐÞ â°ÈÛÂĀ set it to Baby or Sleep mode before éîÞɰɧ °Éʨ a­ ) S )Ƚȿ ĝÂé Þ traps pollutants – dust mites, pet É Þʣ É Ðé­ Þ ĝÉ °Þ ÐÞÉ particles, so you can breathe easily.

Retails for $749 at Dyson stores and www.dyson.com.sg.

Retails for $599 at all Courts stores.

Natural Shade for Your Home Do you get a lot of direct sunlight? Rahul Vyas, the business head of Ferns N Petals, says plants may be the solution to providing shade. “Houseplants are more than just decorative accents,” he says. “Besides keeping your indoor air clean, they cool your home naturally.” Here are his top indoor plant recommendations:

Anthurium.

Peperomia.

Money plant.

Jade plant (pictured with cacti).

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WINDOW TREATMENTS

id HOME JOURNAL

Insulating a room with curtains or blinds will keep the heat Ðîéʨ 塃 â é­ é ĝé é­ ú°É Ðú frame create an extra layer of insulation by creating a pocket Ц °Þʨ ,Éù âé °É âÐÂ Þ ĝÂÈ éÐ block out UV rays if your room gets a lot of sunlight.

PAC C O H Y B R I D S E R I E S Z780 Pacco Window Films’ Hybrid Series Z780 blocks up to 99 per cent of UV rays. Using a combination of metals and sputtered ceramics, the ĝÂÈʙâ ÂÐú Þ Ğ é°ù°éĀ É °É¦Þ Þ Þ ¼ é°ÐÉ ­ ÂÛ Ğ é ­ é ¦ÞÐÈ areas where sunlight is intense.

Light can pass through the Z790 at ɂɂ Û Þ Ééʣ îé é­ Þ Þ °đ Þ Éé light transmissions among its siblings in the same range.

A LT E X S E C U R E Z I P BLINDS Designed especially for Singapore’s climate, these blinds keep the tropical heat and rain away from your balcony. The minimum gap feature creates a secure barrier that even keeps debris and insects out while retaining indoor airconditioning with minimal heat loss – even on the hottest days.

Retails for $24.80 psf at mc2 Gallery, 33 Ubi Ave 3 #01-28.

For more information, please visit www.paccowindowfilm.com.

3 M S U N C O N T R O L W I N D OW F I L M P R E S T I G E S E R I E S The 3M Sun Control Window Film Prestige Series keeps harmful rays out.

It blocks up to 97 per cent of infrared radiation, keeping your home cool É ÛÞ ù Éé°É§ ¦îÞɰ⭰ɧ⠦ÞÐÈ ¦ °É§ʨ a­ Þ Þ ĝù °đ Þ Éé é°Éé  ù Ââ to choose from, depending on how much light you want to let in. If you use ȿAʌ Þé°ĝ °Éâé  Þʣ ĀÐî § é ȽɁʌĀ Þ ú ÞÞ ÉéĀʨ For more information, please visit www.3m.com.sg.

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ZIPTRAK INTERIOR BLINDS Ziptrak’s interior blinds will keep you cool in style. You can choose ¦ÞÐÈ âÐÈ ȽȾȼ °đ Þ Éé ¦ Þ° options and even create a custom art print that looks like a tapestry or painting when the blind is down.

The blinds are guided by a track system that minimises clatter, even at high winds, in addition to creating a pocket of air between the window and blind for additional insulation.

For more information, visit the DuraBlinds showroom at 32 Old Toh Tuck Rd, #01-14 (read more about it in our New Store page).

COOL BEDDING For a good night’s sleep, you need to regulate your body temperature. Stay comfortable on humid nights with these bedding products that wick moisture away.

S E A LY P O S T U R E P E D I C ENHANCE Get a refreshing night’s sleep with the Sealy Posturepedic Enhance mattress range. With Ice-Touch technology, the surface immediately cools the skin, helping you fall asleep faster. Additionally, its moisture-wicking SmarTex fabric regulates the temperature of the mattress surface throughout the night, activating when your body temperature increases.

GOOD TO KNOW Electrical appliances and bulbs generate a lot of heat that gets trapped in the home. Switch off all electronics when not in use, and replace incandescent bulbs for LED ones.

For more information, visit www. sealy.com.sg.

P R OT E C T YO U R I N V E S T M E N T S Collectors of artwork and fine wine know how difficult it is to maintain optimal temperatures and humidity levels in Singapore’s climate, particularly if you have limited living space.

Renting a humidity- and temperature-controlled space is an excellent way to safeguard your investments. Space Next Door, a local storage platform, has partnered with WineBanc to offer chilled storage units with humidity control and

N ITORI N -CO OL S H EE T TOPPE R Hot, sweaty nights are done for with this product. The fabric’s waterabsorbing, quick-drying properties wick away moisture. Plus, it’s antibacterial and self-deodorising.

And, if you’re wondering how it stays cool, Nitori’s technology kneads “cold ores” into the yarn to produce a lingering coolness you can feel on your skin.

The N-Cool Sheet Topper retails from $39.90 for a single size at the Nitori store and www.nitori.com.sg.

S I L KY M I R AC L E P U R E SILK DUVET Silk is the ultimate standard in luxury bedding when it comes to breathability and thermal control.

The Pure Silk Duvet is made of pure 6A-grade mulberry silk, which °â éú° â đ é°ù â ÐééÐÉ é wicking away heat and moisture while regulating your body temperature.

regulated temperatures of 13 to 15 deg C. You can store up to 10 cases of wine.

To enquire, visit www.enquiry.spacenextdoor.com.

Retails for $1,990 for a queen size at www.silky-miracle.com.

text MELODY BAY

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F E AT U R E

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COOL & GREEN Keeping cool in this humidity is necessary, yet detrimental to the environment. But a shift in human habits and breakthrough technologies may just change the tide towards a greener, more eco-friendly future.

ID EDGE INTERIOR

FA N S V S .

AIR CONDITIONERS In South-east Asia, the heat and humidity are ever present and sometimes even unyielding, making cooling solutions like a fan or an air conditioner a necessity. Of course, each cooling solution has its merits and drawbacks.

Air conditioners are the best appliance to combat against the potent heat. They do, however, consume up to 10 times as much power as a conventional fan. As such, it is neither the most economical option nor the greenest solution to cooling.

Though modern technology has mitigated some of that problem, there is still much to do.

The two appliances cannot be more different. Simpler in design and function, fans simply move cool or warm air around. Because of their simple mechanics, they are inherently more economical to run with usage numbers air conditioners can never match. However, they also have a limited scope of use due to poor temperature management and a tendency to recirculate warm air. Better suited to open spaces with sufficient air flow, they ventilate more than they regulate.

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KEEPING COOL T H E E C O WAY During the hotter months, it may seem like air conditioning is the best option. Keep your cool and follow these passive cooling tips before you make the switch.

C LO S E T H E B L I N D S

Although this may seem like common sense, with modern interiors designed for natural light to flood in, blinds are used less often than desired.

As a result, up to 30 per cent of unwanted heat in a home comes from the windows. The simple act of pulling the blinds or installing some will prevent your home from becoming a greenhouse and save you an average of 7 per cent in your electricity bill.

C H E AT S H E E T S Tossing and turning at night? Your bed linen might be wrong for our weather. Flannel and fleece sheets are comfortable, but they are definitely not for warm nights as they are heat insulators; you will be making yourself warmer than desired. You can’t go wrong with cotton, which breathes well and cools faster. You can go one step further, by choosing bamboo

ID ALLY WONG INTERIOR

sheets to ward off unwanted heat.

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M I N D A N D B O DY Focus on your body, not the environment, because your home does not care if it is hot or cold. Do not rely on thermostats, but keep an eye on your own body temperature and regulate from there. Simple things like sipping cold lemon tea or putting a chilled cloth on your neck and wrists will cool you down, reducing the need for

ID P5

ID EDGE INTERIOR

ID TJ

air conditioning.

K I T C H E N S E PA R AT I O N Separate your wet and dry kitchens, and place the wet kitchen outside if possible. As most of the cooking takes

IF FINANCES ARE IN THE GREEN, CONSIDER AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN FOR WEEKENDS WHEN THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN TIME OUTSIDE WHILE FRESH PATTIES COOK ON THE GRILL.

place here, it’s logical to set up where the heat generated would dissipate outwards rather than inwards. Alternatively, if finances are in the green, consider an outdoor kitchen for weekends when the whole family can spend time outside while fresh patties cook on the grill. Quality time well spent and electricity consumption reduced!

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PLANT PLANTS What better way to conserve nature than with nature itself? Besides making a space feel welcoming, plants are also capable of lowering the ambient temperature. To survive, they rely on photosynthesis to survive, which consumes water, sunlight, and energy, in this case heat. If you place enough plants in a room, you could lower the ambient

ID STUDIO SUPER SAFARI

temperature by up to 10 degrees.

GREEN COOLING CHOICES Due to their sheer complexity and the fact that they cool air rather than simply move it around, air conditioners cannot match fans in terms of energy consumption. Smart, eco-friendly air conditioners, however, are becoming more common. Here are some of our favourites.

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SENSITIVE ”EYES”

WI-FI CHILL

Its ability to ‘see’ the condition of the room in which it

Samsung has introduced 21st-century smarts into its

resides is what distinguishes the Hitachi RAS-VX13CG

cooling experience. Built-in Wi-Fi allows users to connect

Premium Inverter. The aptly named Scene Camera

to their Smart Series air conditioners using an app on their

Ceiling uses a pair of Thermo and Image cameras to see

smartphones, which negates the need for a conventional

the room’s heat distribution, activity level, and occupant

remote control. On top of that, one can command the air

presence to control the set temperature and air flow

conditioning unit from anywhere, which means a room

direction for optimum cooling and maximum efficiency.

can be pre-cooled and turned off remotely afterwards.

In addition, the bundled feature called Air Sleep Ceiling

The D’Light Cool Mode gives the homeowner access to

whips up a tornado flow that creates a soft cocoon of

the room’s temperature and humidity readings, so one can

chilly air around occupants for faster cooling.

adjust the temperature accordingly.

EXHAUST AND VENT Consider using the kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans to pull rising hot air out of the house instead of relying on the primary cooling devices. When left on for a long time, their effect spreads throughout the home, not just in the kitchen or bathroom. Furthermore, they use smaller motors, which consume less

ID COTTAGE CFAFTS

power than powerful ceiling fans.

B R E AT H E E A S Y

DOUBLE THE COOLING

The Samsung Triangle Wall-Mount Air Conditioner

The LG Dualcool air conditioner is the first product to

with Virus Doctor is designed to be efficient from

be fitted with the brand’s latest energy-efficient Dual

the ground up. Its energy-efficient Digital Inverter

Inverter Compressor, for tremendous energy savings.

maintains a set temperature without frequently

Verified by the world-renowned testing organisation

shutting on and off, thus conserving power. It also

TÜV Rheinland, the Dualcool can reduce energy

has a Single User mode which reduces power while

consumption by up to 70 per cent while providing

providing adequate cooling. Plus, it comes with

upwards of 40 per cent faster cooling. This advanced

the Virus Doctor and Easy Filter systems, which

compressor technology also allows the Dualcool to

filter out dust, dangerous airborne contaminants,

remain silent, which is ideal for apartments or homes

allergens, bacteria, and viruses. Energy-efficient and

with toddlers. In addition, LG offers Mosquito Away

an excellent air filtration device, this Samsung air

technology – a unique ultrasonic frequency that repels

conditioner is one for the masses.

mosquitoes. Perfect for South-east Asian homes.

text ARIC TING

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F E AT U R E

CLEAN AND CLEAR

PHOTO ELECTROLUX

Fresh air is essential to life.

Breathe easy with these finds.

A

s our homes become a place for work, sleep, exercise and play, many of us are spending more time indoors. With poor indoor air quality associated with adverse health and well-being, it is increasingly a concern.

So how does indoor air ÐÈ °ÞéĀ °É é­ ĝÞâé Û ʪ Gases and contaminants often îÈî é ʨ Hđʌ§ ââ°É§ Ð îÞâ when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) escape from furniture, paints, and cleaning products.

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Common VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene and toluene.

Formaldehyde, for instance, is a colourless gas often released by furniture, wooden products with formaldehyde-based resins like ÛÂĀúÐÐ ʣ ĞÐÐÞ Â Ýî Þâʣ É È ÉĀ plastic products. Studies show that exposure to VOCs can lead to such symptoms as headaches and fatigue.

Common allergens that trigger asthma symptoms include mould, bacteria, mites and dust that accumulate or get trapped in

crevices and soft furnishings.

The combination of inadequate ventilation and our climate can also worsen the concentration of these gases and pollutants.

Additionally, the pandemic has also highlighted the need to keep the air clean and well-ventilated to minimise the transmission of viruses. So, there’s no time like the present to start shopping for low-VOC products and avoid more paint and solvent products than you need as these can leak VOCs while in storage.

DYS O N V 1 2 D E T E C T S L I M

a­ â ÉâÐÞ ÐÉ é­ S­°Â°Ûâ ȿȼȼȼ° é éâ °É ÐÐÞ °Þ ÛÐÂÂîé Ééâ âî ­ â ÛРÉʣ îâé È°é âʣ ÈÐî âÛÐÞ â É Û é É Þʨ a­ ¦ âéʌ é°É§ °Þ ÛîÞ°ĝ Þ É Â É é­ °Þ °É ȾȽɁ âÝ ¦é ÞÐÐÈ °É  ââ é­ É °§­é È°Éîé â É °â âî°é  ¦ÐÞ ÞÐÐÈâ Ц îÛ éÐ ȽʣȽȽɅ âÝ ¦éʨ ,éâ ĝÂéÞ é°ÐÉ é ­ÉÐÂЧĀ Þ ÈÐù â ɅɅʨɅɃ Û Þ Éé Ц Û Þé° Â â â é°ÉĀ â Ʉȼȼ é°È â âÈ ÂÂ Þ é­ É SAȾʨɁ É )ȽBȽ ù°Þîâ ÞÐâÐÂâʨ Retails for $689 at authorised stores.

PHOTO XIAOMI

PHILIPS AIR PURIFIER 3000I

PHOTODYSON

PHOTO PHILIPS

ĀâÐÉʙâ ĝÞâé ù îîÈ Â É Þ ú°é­  â Þ é é é ­ÉÐÂЧĀ  éâ ĀÐî Ýî° ¿ÂĀ â îâé Û Þé° Â â Ā °Éé §Þ é°É§ É É§Â §Þ É Â â Þ °ÉéÐ °éâ Â É Þ ­ ʨ ù° É ; â Þ Éʣ é­ Ðîâé° îâé Z Éâ°É§ â ÉâÐÞ ÛÞÐù° â é ÐÉ é­ â°ą É ÉîÈ Þ Ð¦ Û Þé° Â âʣ âÐ ĀÐîʙ ¿ÉÐú ú­ É Û Â É °â ­° ù °É Þ Âʌé°È ʨ a­ qȽȾ é é ZÂ°È îéÐÈ é° ÂÂĀ °É Þ â â âî é°ÐÉ ÛÐú Þ ú­ É °é é éâ ÈÐÞ îâéʨ

X I AO M I S M A R T A I R PURIFIER 4 SERIES

­ÐÐâ ¦ÞÐÈ é­Þ ÈÐ Ââ °É w° ÐÈ°ʙâ  é âé ZÈ Þé °Þ SîÞ°ĝ Þ ɀ Z Þ° âʨ HÉ ­°§­Â°§­é °â é­ éÐÛ SÞÐ ÈÐ Â ú°é­ é­Þ ʌ°ÉʌÐÉ ĝÂéÞ é°ÐÉ âĀâé Èʨ ,é ÐÈ °É â É Â éÞÐâé é° ­ Þ§ ú°é­ ÛÐú Þ¦îÂ È ­ É°  ĝÂéÞ é°ÐÉ é ­ÉÐÂЧĀ éÐ éÞ Û É ÉÐʌâ°ą °Þ ÛÐÂÂîé Ééâ É ÐÈÛ é ÂĀ ĝÂé Þ é­ °Þ °É ɀȼ âÝ ¦é ÞÐÐÈ ù ÞĀ ȽɁ È°Éîé âʨ Retails from $199 at Xiaomi Lazada and Shopee, and authorised and partner stores.

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E L E C T R O L U X F LOW A 4 AIR PURIFIER

Sleep with clean air at a barely noticeable sound level by running the Electrolux Flow ɀ °Þ ÛîÞ°ĝ Þ é ZÂ Û AÐ ʨ ,é ­ â ¦ÐîÞʌâé Û ĝÂéÞ é°ÐÉ ¦ÐÞ 99.99 per cent particle removal Ĕ ° É Āʣ Â°È°É é°É§ È° ÞÐʌ îâéʣ odours, and harmful airborne pollutants, such as bacteria and é­ )ȽBȽ ù°Þîâʨ ,éâ  â Þ Û Þé° Â sensors evaluate air quality and automatically adjust the fan speed, too.

DYS O N P U R I F I E R COOL FORMALDEHYDE AIR PURIFIER

Dyson’s latest generation of air ÛîÞ°ĝ Þâ ¦ éîÞ â âа ʌâé é ʣ formaldehyde-sensing technology to monitor precise levels. The fully sealed machine is designed to capture the H1N1 virus and 99.95 per cent of Û Þé° Â â â âÈ Â â ȼʨȽ È° ÞÐÉâʣ â well as prevent dirty air from bypassing é­ ĝÂé Þâʨ xÐî É ÂâÐ éÞ ¿ °É ÐÐÞ pollution, temperature and humidity levels via the Dyson Link app.

THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO START SHOPPING FOR LOW-VOC PRODUCTS .

Retails from $1,099 at www.dyson.com.sg

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PHOTO DYSON

and Dyson Demo stores.

PHOTO ELECTROLUX

Retails for $399 at authorised retailers.

PHOTO LG PHOTO ELECTROLUX

LG D UA L I N V E R T E R DEHUMIDIFIER WITH IONISER

E L E C T R O L U X U LT I M AT E H O M E 9 0 0 VAC U U M C L E A N E R

Appliances with multiple functions save space in small homes. This stick ù îîÈ Â É Þ ú°Â ­ ÂÛ ĀÐî â ù é°È ʣ éÐÐʨ ,é  éâ ĀÐî ÈÐÛ Ğ ÐÐÞâ ú°é­ rotating cleaning pads after vacuuming. Besides the high suction power ¦ÐÞ Û Â É°É§ʣ °éâ ù É ĝ ù ʌâé Û ĝ ÂéÞ é°ÐÉ Þ ÈÐù â ɅɅʨɅɅ Û Þ Éé of micro dust particles from your indoor air as you vacuum.

Retails for $1,299, inclusive of a free FA31-202GY air purifier, at authorised retailers.

LG P U R I C A R E 3 6 0

SINGLE PET MODE AIR PURIFIER

,¦ ĀÐî ­ ù Û éâʣ ¿ ۰ɧ é­ ­ÐÈ Â É °â â° Þ ú°é­ é­°â ;# ÈÐ Â that packs two unique features: a special pet mode that removes dust, É Þ É ¦îÞ °É é­ °Þʣ É Û­ÐéÐ é ÂĀé° Ð ÐÞ°â é°ÐÉ ĝ Âé Þʨ BÐ more unpleasant odours, harmful gases and bacteria, viruses, dust and allergens, too.

A dry indoor environment slows down mould and bacteria growth. Waterfront homes, for ÿ ÈÛ ʣ úÐîÂ É ĝ é ¦ÞÐÈ ­îÈ° °ĝ Þâʨ LG’s automatic features provide intelligent É Ĕ ° Éé ­îÈ° °ĝ é°ÐÉ Ā °É Þ â°É§ its intensity when humidity rises. The ioniser function also emits ions to eliminate airborne bacteria and microorganisms.

Retails for $899 at LG Lazada and Shopee, and authorised retailers.

PURIFY THE AIR WITH PAINT What if your walls could purify the air? Cair interior paint products, a brainchild of Singapore company Gush, are free of VOCs. By using a proprietary catalyst, they break down indoor pollutants into water and carbon dioxide. In addition, the paint material can regulate humidity by absorbing moisture into the surface when it is humid, and releasing it when the air is too dry.

Retails from $25 at www.gowithgush.com.

text AIRIS ABDULLAH

PHOTO GUSH

PHOTO LG

Retails at $899 at LG official brand stores on Lazada and Shopee, and authorised retailers.

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C O LO U R O F T H E M O N T H

CALMING GREEN There is a growing awareness of personal wellbeing, and the need to be in touch with nature.

But that’s easier said than done, especially when one is living in a densely populated city. A simple way to remind oneself of the great outdoors is to add a dose of green to the interiors. Not only is the colour soothing to the eye, it also provides a beautiful backdrop to showcase your accessories with.

While various shades of the colour have been trending over the years, from the luscious and rich jade tone to the more conventional mint hue, it is this delectable variation of olive green that is on point at the moment.

With its matte finish and earthy feel, this muted olive evokes a rustic ambiance harking back to the simpler days of lazy afternoon naps and picnics by the beach. This is a green that draws you in and makes you feel relaxed.

When applied on the walls, olive green creates an intimate atmosphere full of warmth and cosiness. Anything else you add to the space becomes a reflection of your personality. In this case, we suggest elevating the look with a dash of richness by using velvet cushions in various equally muted tones for an elegant but vibrant finish.

While you might be tempted to include metallic accents to amp up the look, opt for choices in brushed or patina finishes instead of anything glossy. The point is to create a scene that ages beautifully with time in an understated and poised manner.

Consider using natural materials, such as wood and stone to complement this tone, and create a space that feels timeless and utterly soothing.

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C O LO U R O F THE MONTH PANTONE 5793C

PANTONE 1265C

PANTONE 7545C

Frette’s luxury silk velvet cushions (65cm x 65cm) are available in a variety of muted tones and retail for $560 each.

the expert says

WO N G L IA NGYUAN Colour expert at Haven Lifestyle.

photo FRETTE

“Green can be a tricky colour to use, especially when used over a large surface, but this version has a slightly washed-out effect, which makes it suitable as a wall colour. It allows the other colours in the room to stand out too, making it a very versatile option.”

AT H O M E W I T H KI N G GI V EAWAY Whether furnishing a home for the first time or looking for a refresh, this is your chance to elevate your living space with award-winning furniture from KING, renowned for timeless design and unparalleled comfort.

SHARE YOUR HOME STORY TO WIN YOUR CHOICE OF KING FURNITURE.

JOIN NOW! Visit www.kingliving.com.sg

1st Prize: $5,000 worth of KING products 2nd Prize: $3,000 worth of KING products

for details.

Contest ends 15 May, 2022.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

What crossed your mind when you heard the word “blinds”?

A neater alternative to curtains? Yes, but with Durablinds, it could be so much

endless, whether as part of the walk-in wardrobe shown or as a partition to section off spaces while providing a degree of visibility, or as black-out surfaces for an ideal gaming environment. The best part? It comes in various finishes, including custom prints, to suit your home’s design.

more. The window blinds specialist’s new Ziptrak Interior versatile, quiet trackguided blinds work in a Visit www. variety of ways indoors. sg.ziptrak.com for The possibilities are more information.

TILE OF THE MONTH

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

PEARLESCENT LUSTRE Your flooring materials can set the visual temperature of your space. As an example, browntoned wood lends warmth, while natural marble appears and feels cool to the touch. The Akoya porcelain tile collection by Italian brand Ceramica Sant’Agostino is unique because it combines the appeal of natural stones with the lustrous quality of pearls. Made

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using the brand’s signature Krystal sanding technique in large 180 x 90cm format, Akoya echoes the pattern of onyx and alabaster, along with the pearlescent properties of coveted Japanese Akoya pearls.

The Ceramica Sant’Agostino Akoya collection is available at Hafary for $13.40 per sq ft. Visit www.hafary.com.sg for more information.

Seletti’s Hybrid tableware collection, designed by CRTLZAK Art & Design Studio, has maintained a special place in the contemporary design lexicon, thanks to its collage style that blends East and West motifs. A recent addition to the Hybrid universe combines Eastern chinoiserie fabric with classic European motifs to create three cushions that will spark conversations.

Seletti Hybrid cushions retail at 129 euros (S$190) each at www.seletti.it.

Add to cart

REST EASY In Hindi, so jao means “to sleep”.

It was chosen as the name of this home-grown brand as a tribute to the Indian cotton farmers behind its bestselling bed sheets. Founded by Priscilla and 7 É° a É °É ȾȼȽɄʣ Zм Ð Ðđ Þâ ethically produced bed linens, loungewear, bath towels, and soft interior furnishings made ¦ÞÐÈ ÐÞ§ É° ĝ Þ â Þé°ĝ Ā Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Now, you can sleep easy knowing that your quality linen and loungewear are made from eco-friendly materials.

Sojao bed sheets start at $98 at www.sojao.shop. Free local delivery.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH EUGENE KOSGORON Singapore-based, US-educated Indonesian artist Eugene Kosgoron’s work explores new fabrication methodologies through material investigation. With a background in fabrication and robotics, he approaches art in an experimental way that combines it and architecture, from painting to sculpture and installation. Eugene is currently a project director at design-to-fabrication consultancy Superstructure and runs his own art studio.

LET’S GET LOUD The new Roam SL by Sonos lets you crank up the volume at home or on the go. Using Wi-Fi to pair with other Sonos speakers for a stereo system, it integrates seamlessly into your current Sonos set-up. The speaker automatically switches to Bluetooth when you take it outside, and can last up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, so you can enjoy music without interruption. It even has an impressive IP67 rating, which ensures that it’s dustproof and waterproof.

The Sonos Roam SL retails for $299 at www.tcacoustic.asia and the official Sonos Shopee store.

Find out more at www. superstructure.com.sg and www. instagram.com/eugenekosgoron.

LET US GATHER Now that gatherings are almost back to normal, celebrate in style with Christofle’s Mood Asia. A set of six soup spoons, dessert forks, and silver-plated chopsticks with chopstick rests, the collection is a tribute to Asian gastronomy and the spirit of communal meals, while showcasing the quality and style the French silversmith has been delivering for nearly two centuries.

The Christofle Mood Asia collection retails at $2,510 at Christofle boutique at #01-12, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Takashimaya.

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1

2 4

1

CAPTURING THE IMAGINATION

TRENDING

3

TABLETOP FANCY These table lamps illuminate your workspace and lend elegance to your decor. Go minimalist with thin âé Èâʣ ÐÞ §Ð Þ éÞÐ ú°é­ ÛÐú Þʌ Ð é ĝ É°â­ É classic accordion arm.

1 . & 2 . Azucena Base Ghisa, $2,400 and Flos Oblique table lamp, $680, from Space Furniture www. spacefurniture.asia.

3. DelightFULL Billy table lamp, $2,400, from The Beuro, www. thebeuro.com.

4. House Doctor Precise table lamp in brass, $430, from Journey East, www. journeyeast.com.

The Capture collection by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition comprises a stand, hanger and hook inspired by tree branches. Featuring a powder-coated, graphite body with multicoloured or oak knobs, these blend well into any aesthetic. “Capture aims to be easy, light, and versatile,” explains Space Copenhagen founders Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rutzou.

For more information, visit www. andtradition.com.

BOUNTIFUL BLOSSOMS With spring in the air in many parts of the world, what better way to celebrate than with the cherry blossom? The Moleskine Sakura 2022 Limited Edition Collection celebrates the much-adored flower in a series of notebooks in

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different designs and sizes, including two 18-month planners. Japanese textile designer Yuri Himuro collaborated on this design, inspired by a popular cherry blossom viewing location in Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo.

The Sakura Collection retails at Moleskine, #02-20 Paragon.

SOPHISTICATED AIR With its sophisticated design, Air Decor provides maximum comfort and clean air. Two designs are available for this °Þ ÛîÞ°ĝ Þʢ ÐÉ â É ÐÞÉ È Éé Â É decorative accessory, and one as a functional tray. The air is drawn through a screen and treated with UV rays and â  é°ù ĝ Âé Þâ éÐ ¿ Û °é ¦Þ â­ʨ " éîްɧ leather in a variety of colours, or Canaletto walnut wood, the Air Decor will look great in any room.

For more information, visit turri.it.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

CONTEMPORARY SPIN Furniture brand Poltrona Frau celebrates its 110th anniversary with the launch of a limited edition of its iconic Archibald Armchair. Originally designed by French maestro Jean-Marie Massaud in 2009, it features an exuberant graphic leather cover by Argentinian-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone, renowned for his frescoes, murals, and paintings blending analogue and digital techniques. Printed directly onto Impact Less leather, the brand’s signature sustainably processed leather, the pattern features a gradient grid of reds, oranges, yellows, whites, and blues inspired by the heat map. There are only 110 pieces available at Poltrona Frau’s online shop.

Poltrona Frau’s Archibald Armchair (limited edition) will be showcased at Milan’s Salone del Mobile in June. Visit Poltrona Frau at www. poltronafrau.com or contact local retailer Proof Living at www. proof.com.sg.

EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH (RE)BIRTHS

PHOTO ARRON TEO PHOTOGRAPHY

What: An exhibition celebrating NotreDame Cathedral Where: Alliance Francaise Singapore, 1 Sarkies Road When: Until June 15 Architecture, history, speculative works, and an exhilarating VR show combine at this exhibition. It features the rise, fall, and rebirth of NotreDame Cathedral in Paris, with artefacts, models, archival photos and a VR tour created by

game company Ubisoft. The firm RT+Q also presents works by local architecture students that reimagine the cathedral’s reconstruction following the 2019 fire.

Admission is free.

On from Tuesday to Friday (1pm to 7:30pm) and Saturday (9am to 5:30pm). Closed on Monday. Visit https:// alliancefrancaise.org. sg/notre-dame# for more information.

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NO FINGERPRINTS!

SOUNDS DYNAMIC The Devialet Dione stands out for sound quality and design, with a best-in-class performance-tothinness ratio.

The sleek central orb-shaped rotatable channel Þ Ğ éâ S­ ÉéÐÈʙâ

trademark aesthetic with its anodised aluminium core and premium materials. Whether it is mounted on the wall or placed Ğ é ÐÉ Û° of furniture, the device maintains

perfect front-facing orientation. For the environmentally conscious, it’s made of fully recyclable materials.

Metallic surfaces jazz up a space, but they are notoriously high-maintenance and require frequent wipe downs to keep them free of fingerprint smudges.

Enter Formica’s new Decometal SRM (Scratch Resistant Matt) decorative metallic laminates that, as the name suggests, are highly resistant to scratches and fingerprints, and present a rich, matte finish that makes everything look expensive. The range includes many metallic colours, from cool-toned silver to warm copper and bronze in various textures.

For more information, visit https:// formicasingaporeshowroom.com.

The Devialet Dione retails for $3,790 at www.devialet.com.

NEWS

A New Dawn DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) has a new executive director.

Dawn Lim came on board on May 1 and will take over from Mark Wee on June 1. Prior to the appointment, Dawn headed the commercial and professional services team at the Economic Development Board (EDB). “I look forward to working with our partners to make Singapore better by design and continue elevating the Singapore design brand on the world stage,” she said.

An Intelligent Kitchen City Energy, Singapore’s only piped town gas provider, has launched the Kuche Smart Collection, an Internet of Things-enabled collection of kitchen appliances. Launched under City Energy’s retail sub-brand Life

by City Energy, it includes a smart gas hob, a hood, an oven and a water heater.

Their shared innovative

features include remote Wi-Fi control via an app, enhanced safety control, data analytics, and reduced energy consumption.

Pre-order at Life by City Energy, #03-78 Plaza Singapura, for delivery in July 2022.

Visit www.kuche. com.sg for more information.

New Name, Fresh Focus Hansgrohe Aquademie, luxury bathroom brand hansgrohe’s showroom at Mohamed Sultan Road, opened in 1995 to showcase hansgrohe and AXOR’s complete offerings. Last month, it was renamed The Water Studio, with a greater focus on demonstrations and the interaction of water experiences in the kitchen and bathroom.

For more information, visit www.hansgrohe. com.sg.

For more information, visit www. designsingapore.org.

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text ASIH JENIE, MELODY BAY, NIKKI ANDREA BOUNAPARTE & KRISTY QUAH

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N E W S TO R E

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CLIMASHIELD S H OW R O O M The blinds and curtains specialist revamps its showroom to display the versatility of its new interiors range.

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alconies are one of the most underutilised spaces in Singapore’s hot and humid climate.

Increasingly, more homeowners, especially HDB dwellers, are using blinds to transform this neglected area into a semi-indoor space, say Durablinds’ founders, interior designer Ong Shu Hwai and her husband Kevin Ng, who set it up in 2017.

Based in I.Biz Centre, Durablinds, currently the exclusive distributor of Australian brand Ziptrak in Singapore and Malaysia, shares the space with ClimaShield, its service-oriented sister

company specialised in precision semi-outdoor installations. Together, they distribute, fabricate and install blinds in living, retail and commercial spaces, and also carry a European brand, Glass Curtains.

During the two and half years of the pandemic, the company saw the demand for its products and services spike as homeowners spent their travel budget improving their living spaces. As a result, the company expanded its showroom, taking over an adjacent unit, and started revamping its second-floor showroom to

BOT TO M

The sleek black and white kitchen setting.

O PP OS IT E , TOP R IGHT

The reception area of the showroom.

O PP OS IT E , TOP LE FT

The meeting area setting featuring custom printed blinds.

O PP OS IT E , BOT TO M

The dining room setting features double-layer textured blinds with a resort vibe.

good to know Ziptrak Interior’s custom print option turns the blind into an artwork.

welcome its latest product, Ziptrak Interior, last March.

Visitors are received in a double-storey space. Behind the reception desk is a display cabinet installed with Ziptrak Interior in lieu of doors. Paired with LED strips, the blinds provide a degree of visibility and visual interest with their metallic finish and protect the

contents of the cabinet from dust and exposure.

The second level is designed like an apartment, with living, working, kitchen and nursery spaces outfitted with Ziptrak Interior blinds. “The shrinking living spaces in our high-rise developments have made it harder for homeowners to carve out separate areas for different purposes,” says Shu Hwai. “Our goal is to maximise living spaces with our solutions.”

Ziptrak Interior’s fabric samples and finishes are strategically placed all over the showroom. Even the bathroom has a blind, demonstrating its complete blackout capability.

The living room displays a limited-edition print cocreated with local artist Nadirah ‘Inkten’ Razak of local visual artist duo Ink & Clog that depicts an abstract painting

in blues and yellows that expresses the fusion of the indoors and outside. Ziptrak Interior is customisable with different prints.

Ziptrak Interior’s blackout capability makes it ideal for a gaming room or alternative projection screens. Visitors can view this in the nursery, which has floor-to-ceiling Glass Curtains overlooking Durablinds’ fabrication service area downstairs that can be blocked out and turned into a projection wall when the interior blinds are closed.

By examining the different options for installing indoor blinds in the showroom, one leaves feeling inspired.

The Showroom is at #0114/15/16 I.Biz Centre, 32 Old Toh Tuck Road. Visit www.climashield. com.sg and www.sg.ziptrak.com for more information.

text ASIH JENIE photos DURABLINDS / CLIMASHIELD

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N E W S TO R E

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COSENTINO CITY SINGAPORE The leading Spanish global brand’s new City showroom is located in the heart of the central Marina Bay financial district.

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ith its towering skyline and vantage point by the mouth of the Singapore river, Marina One is one of the most hotly sought after public landscaped developments comprising a mix of both commercial and residential spaces. Widely regarded as the new heart of Singapore’s commercial zone, Marina One became a natural choice for Cosentino when it was searching for a new location for its City showroom.

Formerly located in a conservation shophouse unit along Duxton road, which opened in 2014, Cosentino’s City showroom officially reopened its

doors to visitors at The Heart at Marina One in May. Designed by the Cosentino City design team in Spain, the garden-inspired showroom consists of multiple areas featuring the Silestone, Dekton and Sensa brands under Cosentino.

The impressive 10-metertall ceiling height gives depth to the space and allows for a showcase of various indoor and outdoor application using Cosentino’s innovative surface materials, such as wall cladding and façade applications.

The space also includes multipurpose and open-plan areas for workshops and events.

The 4,000 sq ft state-of-the-

LE FT The new City showroom was developed at the cost of $1.8 million.

B E LOW More than just a showroom for hard surfaces, the showroom’s atelier offers ideas on how its products can be complemented with other materials.

B E LOW, R IG HT The showroom’s double-height ceiling is accented with strings of crystal beads.

A BOVE Visitors can use the digital experiential center to envision the look of their spaces in a virtual setting.

B OT TOM There are plenty of examples on ways to incorporate Cosentino’s surfaces throughout the showroom.

good to know The Cosentino Singapore City showroom is one of 20 flagships located in major cities around the world to feature the brand’s newly revamped concept.

art showroom includes a fully equipped kitchen, an atelier with a vast library of locally and globally-sourced materials, where designers can draw insipiration from, as well as a materials and applications gallery and a digital experiential centre. The showroom is also the first of

its kind to showcase Dekton’s ultra-slim wall cladding with a thickness of 4 mm and a height of 6.25m.

Cosentino City Singapore is located at 5 Straits View, Marina One The Heart (West Tower) #01-16/17. Call 6713-9543 to make an appointment.

text YOUNG LIM photos COSENTINO CITY SINGAPORE

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N E W S TO R E

LEFT

Living setups invite customers to test out the furniture and visualise possible layouts for their home.

N ITO RI

BELOW, LEF T

This Japanese retailer creates affordable, thoughtfully designed furnishings for compact urban homes.

The range of stylish and affordable serveware.

BELOW

The furniture is organised by themes such as Vintage, Natural, and Japanese Modern.

A

ffordable functionality meets Japanese minimalism at Nitori, Japan’s largest home furnishings brand. Its new flagship store takes up 31,630 sq ft on the fourth level of Courts Nojima The Heeren, selling everything from bedding to kitchen accessories.

The store features the same minimalist decor and warm, bright lighting as the floors below. From sofas to beds to dining sets, every room in a home has a section. A unique aspect of Nitori’s offerings is how suitable they are for compact Singapore homes. The modular sofas, in particular, are ideal for smaller living rooms, with several stylish fabric and leather options.

An extensive range of mattresses and pillows in the sleep section features proprietary Nitori Original N-Cool Technology and antibacterial, deodorising, as well as moisturewicking fabrics – everything one needs to stay comfortable in Singapore’s humidity. Sleepers can even choose from three levels of cooling technology: N-Cool, N-Cool Super, and N-Cool W Super. The pillows also meet the needs of different sleeper profiles and bed types, with different heights, lengths, and firmness levels.

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Pre-fabricated kitchen cabinets designed for a quick and inexpensive kitchen setup.

Though its products are affordable, Nitori strives to maintain a high standard of craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Additionally, there is a dining section with dining tables, chairs, and movable carts. There are also kitchen cabinets with niches for essential appliances such as rice cookers and microwave ovens. Then there is the Nitori Studio line produced in the brand’s factory.

For those looking for accessories, you will find everything from water glasses and cushion covers to diatomite mats in the large homeware section.

“With over 20 active years working with manufacturers in South-east Asia, we are very excited to finally be expanding our retail footprint into the region,” says Soichi Oda, executive officer and head of ASEAN at Nitori Holdings.

“Our central location at Courts Nojima The Heeren is strategic and in line with our aim of enabling Singaporeans from all walks of life to freely design their homes with comfort and fun in mind.”

Nitori is located at Courts Nojima The Heeren, Level 4. For more information, visit www.nitori. com.sg.

text MELODY BAY photos NITORI

LIVING

1

2

1 . Eldvarm Ninne Bench, price upon request, from https://eldvarm. com.

2. Space Copenhagen Swoon Lounge Chair, from $4,968 from www. danishdesignco. com.sg.

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2 3. Cole & Son Woods 112/3010 wallpaper, price upon request, from www.coleand-son.com.

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4. & 6. Arflex Marenc (indoor) armchair, from $5,860, and ClassiCon Material bench, from $6,735, from www. spacefurniture. asia.

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5 . Gangzai Arti Show Tea Towel, $40, from www. journeyeast.com.

7. Ethnicraft Ellipse sofa, $4,120, from www. soulandtables. com.sg.

8 6 5

8 . Bogarel Celestial cat bed in Liege Creme, $850, from www. bogarel.com.

9. Vista Alegre Cracked Large Thin Spiral Vase, price upon request, from https://vistaalegre. com/eu.

W H I T E , B U T N OT Q U I T E These off-white and neutral-toned pieces lends calmness and elegance to your space.

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H O T S P OT

F S OA M I The jewellery brand’s store at Raffles City Shopping Centre conducts retail therapy in a cosy, open-concept space that makes you feel right at home.

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ounded in 2017 by Mindy Alethia Tan, a Nanyang Technological University School of Art, Design & Media graduate, SOAMI’s (pronounced “sow me”) wide-ranging offerings run the gamut of affordable stainless steel and 14K gold vermeil jewellery to bridal and bespoke fine jewelleryDion by SOAMI. By offering engraving services on almost all of its products, it distinguishes

itself from its competitors, adding a personalised element that’s perfect for a gift.

Before opening its monobrand store on the third level of Raffles City Shopping Centre, SOAMI was stocked by many retailers. The 387.5 sq ft space was designed by local creative and branding agency Parable Studio. “Mindy wanted to position SOAMI as an accessible luxury brand that creates custom tokens

good to know Parable Studio also designed the interiors of Lee Hwa Jewellery stores and Calla Lily.

of important moments,” says Parable Studio founder Ken Yuktasevi. “Our team fell in love with the idea that the smallest things could communicate the biggest stories, and it inspired us to make the store appear much larger than it actually is through architectural proportions and placemaking that breaks the mould of maximising every square inch for display.”

The store’s foyer makes it stand out. The arches, textured walls, planters and patterned tiles evoke the feeling of stepping into a fancy house, yet it is not out of reach. An antique finish on the wooden display cabinets inside makes them appear like they were inherited from one’s grandparents. With a timber top and Travertine marble legs, a custom display table dominates the space, while a sensuously curvy Pacha

TOP

RIG HT

Curves, soft lighting and plants frame the neon sign.

The teal mosaic tiles and light blue grouting lend freshness at the checkout counter.

ABOVE

The jewellery are displayed in an inviting setting free from traditional jewellery store glass boxes.

lounge chair from Danish brand Gubi provides a resting spot.

There is even a craftsman corner where customers can consult staff on engraving the jewellery. The wall behind the checkout counter provides a refreshing splash of colour with its teal mosaic tiles and light blue grouting, a graphic and decidedly modern counterpoint to SOAMI’s predominantly neutral palette.

Golden and mellow interior lighting is enhanced by a simple pendant light and a naked bulb table lamp. Combined with the decorative everlasting flowers and artificial plants placed throughout, it makes you feel comfortable and unhurried as you shop.

SOAMI is at #03-27 Raffles City.

Visit www.soami.co for more information.

O PPOSIT E

The store stands out at the mall thanks to its foyer.

text ASIH JENIE photos ELSEN HO

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H O T S P OT

T CLARITY T H E R A P Y N YC The McGovern Project-designed space uses decor to focus on wellness and reflect a calming atmosphere.

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he 3,014 sq ft Clarity Therapy NYC occupies a building built in 1892.

Originally a hotel designed

by George Edward Harding & Gooch, the structure was a replica of Holland House in London. While still maintaining the architectural glory of its past, especially on the exterior, it is now a commercial office building.

“We were engaged to create a high-end residential feel for a boutique psychotherapy practice,” says Chris McGovern, founder of McGovern Project.

The interior designer worked

with Dr Logan Jones, founder of Clarity Therapy NYC, to shape seven therapy suites and a reception area in a harmonious colour scheme. “While most therapists were abandoning their offices and many clients were reevaluating their lives in New York City, I wanted to think of the future and how we could be of service to our community,” shares Logan.

The project’s objectives were to preserve the building’s history and charm through architectural details while adapting the spaces to meet functional needs, thus creating

good to know The idea of introducing bespoke interior design is unique within this industry and was part of a new vision, which included using beauty as an essential ingredient in therapy.

TOP L EFT

This therapy office was designed with a residential feel.

TOP

Director, owner and founder of Clarity Therapy NYC Dr Logan Jones (left) with interior designers Helen Ng and Chris McGovern.

LEFT

Custom sized and printed Heron wallpaper mural from Rebel Walls makes a bold, whimsical statement in this room.

BOT TOM L EFT

The design includes a harmonious blue and white palette OPPOSITE

The goal of the project was to create a boutique set of office suites with access to natural light.

a relaxing and timeless aesthetic, and striking a balance between urban and coastal living.

To ensure privacy, Chris took special care to soundproof the space and used durable textiles such as custom-cut indoor/outdoor sisal rugs for high traffic areas and body-inclusive furnishings to accommodate bodies of all sizes. “Mirrors were an important design element to add depth and enhance natural light reflection throughout the space,” he says. “They were carefully placed on the walls to ensure patients weren’t distracted by their reflection during sessions.”

The therapists chose artworks that were both insightful and soothing. A variety of images featuring water and shorelines adorn the rooms, evoking the endless horizon and constantly changing nature of the ocean.

There are individually themed rooms with colours and patterns that play a key role.

For example, the Navy Room has dark navy walls. Textiles and decorative objects in the Malibu Room are reminiscent of beaches and striped umbrellas.

In every nook, the serene atmosphere is an invitation to a meditative state, even in the city described as the one that never sleeps. Through this project dedicated to wellness, Chris demonstrates the importance of interior design to improve mental health with techniques that could work in any space, including at home.

For more information, visit www.claritytherapynyc.com and www.mcgovernproject.com.

text KARINE MONIE photos KYLIE FITTS

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E H T F O T R A P E B

y jo n e o h w s r e v lo Meet fellow food . g in k a b d n a g in k o o dining out, c

, ts n e v e to s e it v in e iv s lu Join us now for exc eals and discounts! giveaways, dining d

TA S T E S O C I E T YS G

I D E A S A N D I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M T H O S E I N T H E K N O W

C R E AT I N G M Y T H O LO GY Ini Archibong, a NigerianAmerican designer based in Switzerland, views his creations as manifestations of the sacred or spiritual. He describes to ¯΅U' a ` a΅ DELSALLE his process of distilling his perception of the world around him into artworks easily accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of background or social situation.

photo ANDREAS ZIMMERMANN FOTOGRAFIE

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SPOTLIGHT

knew he was destined to make objects with a long lifespan instead.

1

I 2

52

ni Archibong has come full circle. After following Tim Kobe, the creator of the Apple store concept, from San Francisco and New York to Singapore in 2012, the Southern Californian designer joined Eight Inc. to work on the cutting edge of industrial design and the latest technologies. However, deeply aware of the inherent obsolescence of technology, he

Singapore Dream “I developed a lot of that mindset because I spent two and a half years in Singapore working on that technology stuff,” he recalls. “It’s true that my goal is to have a lasting impact with the things that I make, so it was a bit frustrating that by the time anything got made, we were already thinking about the next thing.

Experiencing the approach to luxury in Singapore made me start to look at it in a different way and valuing luxury.”

Ini’s recent creative consultancy work with Swiss consumer electronics giant Logitech marks his return to the technology field a decade later, except this round, his inaugural project was designing the high-end Ultimate Ears CSX earphones that fit the ear shape of each individual. “It was part of the reason we decided to work together,” he says.

“Before, my work in technology felt so innovation-focused, and I knew that I had more to offer.

I feel like Logitech is putting me in a position to use its platform to impact people’s lives and show how technology can be a catalyst for creativity in longlasting, impactful experiences.”

Although Ini has participated in numerous group exhibitions and design fairs, Hierophany, his first solo gallery show last October at Friedman Benda in New York marked the first time he had the opportunity to fully immerse visitors in a cohesive body of work and create the

environment for which it would be experienced. The unique sculptures of “pure expression” he created for the showcase are more like the freedom one feels when given a block of wet clay, rather than the rigid direction you get when making massproduced products.

They are his most personal works, which he considers art, and include the cantilevered obsidian and glass Shade table, the blued steel and glass Dark Vernus chandelier, the Manna chandelier with oblong, multi-coloured glass orbs echoing the console of the same name, and the white marble or black granite and blown glass Obelisk lamps.

Beyond the surface Ini presented his own vision of spiritual reality, where his pieces are artefacts based on mythology or storytelling

that is universal or spiritual.

“The spirituality of any culture can be a huge help in understanding that culture,” he explains. “Having a very church-centred life as a kid opened my mind to it, and being an avid fan of fantasy makes it quite natural to feel a connection to the spiritual realm. Once you feel that connection, exploring it is second nature.”

“A PERSON’S CREATIVE EXPRESSION IS AN AMALGAMATION OF ALL THEIR EXPERIENCES AND HOW THEY HAVE INFLUENCED THEIR WORLD VIEW UP UNTIL THAT POINT.”

Global child Ini’s creations reflect his upbringing and passion for global philosophies, cultures, world religions, and mathematics. “I’m somewhat of a cultural sponge, and it allows me to move comfortably in foreign places,” he discloses.

“I’ve been to a lot of places where I don’t speak the language and don’t know the cultural norms, but I absorb a

3

1. VIP guests interacting with ini’s Theoracle installation.

2. The Kadamba Gate table and benches were showcased during the London Design Festival.

3. The Murano glass sculpture Africa displayed at the Empathic – Discovering a Glass Legacy exhibition at Venice’s Punta Conterie gallery in April 2022.

4. The Ultimate Ears CSX earphones are made to fit the shape of the user’s ears.

4

5

5. Hierophany, Ini’s first solo gallery exhibition at Friedman Benda, New York.

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photo JULIAN ANDERSON

“I’VE TRAVELLED TO MANY COUNTRIES WHERE I DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OR UNDERSTAND THE CULTURAL NORMS, BUT I ABSORB A LOT. WHEN I MAKE THINGS, I CAN SEE THE CULTURAL INFLUENCES QUITE CLEARLY.” lot. When I make things, I can look at them afterwards and see the cultural influences quite clearly.”

“A person’s creative expression is an amalgamation of all their experiences and how they have influenced their world view up until that point.

There is no escape. If you’ve lived somewhere, it is going to influence the form or the use of the objects you create.” Ini’s Se furniture collections, for example, are inspired by his time in Asia, and some of his tables exhibit a West African sensibility combined with European materials.

Born in 1983 in Pasadena, California, Ini is the son of 54

Nigerian immigrants who came to the US as scholars. A hyperactive, troublesome child in a high-achieving household, he dropped out of business school at the University of Southern California and became a musician, before falling in love with architecture and collecting books on Shigeru Ban, Tadao Ando and I. M. Pei. “I started to question the trajectory of my life, what I was doing and what I was meant to be doing here on earth, and becoming a rich banker didn’t seem right any more,” he says. “I realised my passions lay elsewhere and that I had a better way to serve the world.”

Ini studied environmental

design and architecture at ArtCenter College of Design and founded his studio Design

by Ini in 2010 while still a student, and after training under Tony George for three years.

After earning a master’s degree in luxury design and craftsmanship from Ecole Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne in 2015, he remained in Switzerland. At present, he works alone from a lakeside home studio in Neuchatel, teaming up with L.M.N.O. Creative, which includes designers Jori Brown, Ebony Lerandy and Maxwell Engelmann, when needed.

Personal Touch Whether ultra limited or mass produced, luxury or everyday, Ini adds layers of meaning into any object he crafts. A chair is never just a chair, but communicates an idea to the user like a 3D piece of poetry.

The second black designer to join Knoll’s roster of masters such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Frank Gehry and Eero Saarinen, after GhanaianBritish architect Sir David Adjaye, Ini recently launched

6

6. The Stargazer chair was created for the Wanted Design showcase at New York Design Week in 2012 thanks to a Kickstarter campaign that raised US$9,200 (S$12,539) in 30 days.

7. The Heracles Side Table is part of furniture brand Se’s Collection IV. 8. Collection IV also includes this Circe Lounge Chair that Ini says, “provides character as well as comfort.”

9. The Iquo chair for Knoll was named after three generations of Archibong women who share the name.

KEY DESIGNS

GALOP D’HERMES WATCH Ini was also invited to design for French luxury house Hermes. Rather than design a watch based on traditional shapes, Ini imagined a timepiece that was both futuristic and classic.

The watch is available in rose gold or steel, with or without diamonds and references Hermes’ equestrian roots with the number eight on the dial shaped like the unusual stirrup-shaped case upside down.

9

the Iquo indoor-outdoor cafe table and chair collection, which combines femininity with strength and durability. After designing furniture with which one can interact in a fully tactile manner, he aspires to move up in scale to create architectural spaces that enrich people’s lives, maybe even a skyscraper.

Meanwhile Ini’s most ambitious project yet is the Pavilion of the African Diaspora, an exhibit inspired by the transatlantic slave trade that premiered last year in London. It was conceived as a trio of twisting, free-standing structures that are a place for collaboration, education, and dialogue. The Shell echoes with the voices of the African

diaspora, which gains shape in the Wave Gate, which in turn propels sound waves into the world by filling the Sail, taking us to a brighter future.

Together, they serve as a platform for reflection on the past, present and future of the African diaspora.

Through his designs, Ini wants to provide a moment for pause and contemplation, inviting users to experience a transcendental experience. “I feel that if I can create a piece in someone’s home that makes people pause and appreciate the light streaming through the coloured glass and how it colours the room, or appreciate a curve in a coffee table, then that is something spiritual.”

BERNHARDT DESIGN SERIF TABLE The elegant piece remains one of Ini’s most popular products to this day, having been launched as a student project with John Phillips and Stephanie Stalker at ICFF 2011, after meeting Bernhardt president, Jerry Helling, at ArtCenter College of Design.

VERNUS 3 CHANDELIER This Swiss-made chandelier with a profusion of glass pendants, acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was partly influenced by the work of Ettore Sottsass.

Ini wanted to convey the feeling of hope fulfilled when you see a bunch of flowers on the first day of spring after a bleak winter.

photo ANDREAS ZIMMERMANN FOTOGRAFIE

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SE BELOW THE HEAVENS COLLECTION A combination of wood finishes, hand-blown glass and marble, these sculptural and sensual pieces evoke serenity and celestial beauty at the threshold between heaven and earth.

photo ED REEVE

8

PAVILION OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA Winner of the 2021 London Design Biennale’s Best Design Medal, the billowing sail-shaped architectural folly in aluminium, sail fabric and stone is the first of three structures, which served as a space for performances and talks where black contributions and voices could be seen and heard.

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PEOPLE

O A NEW SG-BASED DESIGN FAIR Luca Palermo, CEO of Fiera Milano, discusses FIND – Design Fair Asia that begins this September.

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ver the years, Singapore has been a hotbed for international trade fairs.

In the design community, we have seen the Asian version of some of Europe’s most established fairs, such as Maison & Objet Asia and 100% Design, as well as our own fairs, including, Artstage and IFFS (International Furniture Fair Singapore), and Singapore Design Week come and go.

Then design fairs took a break in Singapore in the year before the pandemic, promising to return with fresh concepts.

With the global pandemic, however, international fairs came to a halt, providing more reason to rethink their relevance in a changing world.

FIND – Design Fair Asia will Z°É§ ÛÐÞ ʙâ ĝÞâé â°§Éʌ oriented international fair after the pandemic. FIND stands for Furniture, Interiors and Design.

Taking place at the Marina Bay

Sands Expo and Convention Centre from Sept 22 to 24, it is one of the highlights of Singapore Design Week 2022.

The event is also a partnership between the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and Italy’s renowned event organisers dmg events and Fiera Milano, the name behind Salone del Mobile. Let’s hear from Fiera Milano CEO Luca Palermo.

WHAT DOES THE DESIGN TRADE FAIR LANDSCAPE LOOK LIKE THIS YEAR?

The outlook is positive. As more restrictions are streamlined and lifted, borders are becoming increasingly permeable. People Þ Â éÐ éÞ ù  éÐ °đ Þ Éé parts of the world to explore and discover more designs and trends. However, there is âé°ÂÂ É °ÉâîĔ ° Éé ÈÐîÉé Ц information on the Internet to cover the needs of designers and consumers. We still need tangible and tactile experiences – touching and feeling materials, seeing furniture close up, and more.

As a result of streamlined restrictions more people with similar interests can gather in one setting, gathering more information and having a deeper understanding of trends. In our

observations, people have developed a strong desire to meet in person to exchange ideas.

In Europe, we’re seeing fairs in hotspots such as Paris, Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki. In Milan, the 60th edition of Salone del Mobile will be returning with more fervour in June. It will focus on sustainability, and showcase the progress made by creatives, designers and companies. It will be at Salone del Mobile that FIND – Design Fair Asia will be introduced to the design community, and ú Þ ÐÉĝ Éé é­ é é­°â ú°ÂÂ generate a great deal of interest among exhibitors and fair goers.

ARE VIRTUAL DESIGN FAIRS HERE TO STAY?

As a result of the unprecedented pandemic, we have adapted to new norms, such as presenting through digital means. Using hybrid event management, visitors can interact with exhibitors virtually or physically at dmg events. Attendees can access a virtual event platform where exhibitors will be allocated an online space to showcase their brands/products. Speakers can Û Þé° °Û é ù° ­°§­ʌâÛ digital platform. Content for marketing campaigns, event schedules, and exhibitors’

“THE ITALIANS HAVE SHIFTED THEIR MINDSET FROM MADE-IN-ITALY TO MADE-WITH-ITALIAN APPROACH.”

ʌ é ÂЧî â É ÛÐâé to the website for viewers to browse as well. Virtual visitors and exhibitors can also connect using advanced technology.

Through virtual design fairs, companies can expand their outreach, and provide visitors with an alternative way to attend. However, while this may augment and amplify the experience, digitalisation cannot replace physical interaction and seeing and feeling accessories up close.

COULD YOU COMMENT ON THE SHIFT IN CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC?

As the world begins to recover and reopen its economies ¦é Þ È É §°É§ é­ Ðù° ʌȽɅ crisis, the period of contagion, â ¦ʌ°âРé°ÐÉʣ É ÐÉÐÈ° uncertainty – while not entirely behind us – is beginning to seem distant.

Travel has been severely curtailed since the pandemic, so interior designers and architects aren’t as footloose as they used to be. A fair like this, set in a design hub and gateway to Asia enables more than 500 international exhibiting brands and over 15,000 physical and virtual attendees to exchange ° â É éÞ ʨ â é­ ĝÞâé new international design fair to emerge amidst the pandemic, it is an important part of Singapore Design Week.

Visitors in Asia can view collections from across the globe in one venue over three days without having to travel to key design fairs in Europe or to individual countries, gaining access to solutions that will grow their business.

Though FIND is a global event, we want to promote and introduce the East’s creative and design talent to the West.

Our hope is that designers, architects and corporations will be inspired by the curated content of exhibits, talks, showcases and more that we have developed, and that they ú°Â ĝÉ úÐÞ¿ é­ é ­ â  âé°É§ impact on the design scene and society. Consumers will also be able to pick up inspired pieces that can add interest to their living spaces.

COULD YOU ALSO SHARE SOME OF YOUR OBSERVATIONS ABOUT HOW BRANDS EXHIBIT TODAY?

The exhibiting strategies of brands are far more nuanced these days. Furniture and accessories designers are focusing more and more on storytelling, formulating holistic solutions, and setting a scene or context for use rather than â °ɧ Û° â ÂÐúʌ Āʌ ÂÐúʨ Sustainability, climate change, and fair trade are also more widely understood.

Additionally, the Italians have shifted their mindset from

text ASIH JENIE photos FIND – DESIGN FAIR ASIA

A ʌ°Éʌ,é ÂĀ éÐ A ʌú°é­ʌ Italian approach. Using this consultative approach, Italian brands are now creating pieces tailored to markets such as Singapore that take into account the market context as well as spatial constraints and climatic factors.

WHY NOT CREATE A SOUTHEAST ASIAN-FOCUSED VERSION OF THE SALONE LIKE SALONE DEL MOBILE. SHANGHAI? WHY START FROM SCRATCH?

Because FIND – Design Fair Asia wants to embrace more design. As the host of the Salone del Mobile. Milano and the organiser of HOMI, the Italian lifestyles trade fair, we will share our expertise with partners such as Dsg, dmg events, and STB. FIND will be the showcase and host to design tastemakers and key opinion leaders such as Tony Chambers, Yoko Choy, architect Andre Fu, and more.

Additionally, we wish to create a platform where ZÐîé­ʌ âé â° É â°§É Þâ can exhibit their work, shine on the international stage, and achieve positive outcomes in terms of branding and revenue.

Our goal is to create a radically °đ Þ Éé ÿÛ Þ° É ¦ÐÞ é­ design community by avoiding templates and formulas.

For more information, visit www. designfairasia.com.

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PEOPLE

TREASURE TROVE Singapore’s history is woven into the collection at this vintage store. We spoke with the owner.

WHAT DRAWS YOU TO THE BUSINESS?

Collecting is in my blood! Almost all of my dad’s siblings are collectors or have an artistic inclination. People collect because they appreciate the

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artistic value of an item, whether it’s the design, the material or the craftsmanship, or all three.

I appreciate the stories behind the items, too. Each tells a story of the era in which it was made and the way of life then.

Well-made items also have a very long shelf life, so it’s more sustainable to use something that’s ready-made and lasting.

When the things we own fall into our hands, I am always grateful for the opportunity to save and appreciate them before passing them on to the next owner. As I see the value in everything, I ĝÉ °é ­ Þ éÐ °â Þ é­°É§âʣ which is also not good when storage space is limited!

WHAT GIVES VINTAGE ITS VALUE?

,É °é°ÐÉ éÐ Ýî Éé°ĝ  ù Âî ʣ such as rarity, craftsmanship, and monetary value of the material used (like brass, copper, type of wood, and others), vintage is often valuable because of the value the owner places on it. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as the saying goes.

I have a fruit knife that belonged to my grandmother é­ é ĝÞâé ÂÐɧ éÐ ­ Þ ¦ é­ Þʨ One part of the blade has completely worn away because of years of use (it’s more than 100 years old), but looking at it

makes me think of my grandma, so it’s priceless to me but of no value to another person.

The value we place on items is often tied to our personal history. As my customers are Þ úÉ éÐ °đ Þ Éé °é Èâ °É the shop, it’s great when they see something that triggers a personal memory, which they often share with me!

HOW HAS THE PUBLIC APPRECIATION OF VINTAGE OBJECTS EVOLVED?

Collecting vintage items is a niche interest. People start appreciating vintage items when they get older, which is understandable. Getting older, I think, makes people nostalgic for the simpler times of their childhood and school days.

Our rapid development has resulted in the loss of much of Singapore’s built heritage and traditional streetscape. Many traditional businesses struggle to survive, (and many have shuttered because of rising business costs such as rental, manpower and the lack of successors. In the last 10 years, there’s been more dialogue about conservation and heritage, and a rising awareness of what we are losing in the name of progress.

People, especially the younger ones, are becoming

Photographer VERONICA TAY Art Direction PAUL SOI Stylist JET ONG Hair&Makeup AARON NG, DECORUM SALON, USING KEVIN MURPHY & DIOR BEAUTY

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eusing and repurposing old items makes perfect sense to former design editor Rebecca Wong. It not only gives them a new lease of life, but also preserves the rich history behind them, and minimises the environmental impact – a cause dear to Rebecca’s heart. As a result, it was only natural that she joined her father Winston Wong in the stewardship of By My Old School, a vintage shop selling a variety of homewares and other items he has collected over the years. It is a portal to the Singapore of yesteryear, with a veritable treasure trove of relics from a forgotten era. Vintage luggage and signs, kopitiam cups and kopi socks, and other items jostle for room, each bearing its own unique history. The shop has such a magnetic draw that it’s almost impossible to just stop for a quick browse. Visitors spend a lot of time perusing the collection, and Rebecca is happy to share the stories behind each item. She talks about what it’s like to be a collector.

interested in learning more about Singapore through heritage tours and events.

Younger people are also curious about how our way of °¦ ÉÐú °â âÐ ù âéÂĀ °đ Þ Éé from life in the past.

Some are even fascinated and passionate about analogue and mechanical objects such â ĝÂÈ È Þ âʣ Þ ÐÞ players, and typewriters.

I guess it’s a pushback on the homogeneity of digital materials, which possess very little character.

Nostalgia has also proven éÐ ÛÐé Éé É đ é°ù marketing tool, especially when it comes to food.

Heritage businesses highlight their long histories or traditional recipes to draw customers.

Recently, vintage items have also been used as part of therapy for dementia patients as they can be powerful triggers for one’s memory, for the sharing of memories. Most elderly care or activity centres have a corner where such items are placed for familiarity and for them to interact with.

Many customers also spontaneously share their memories with us when they visit our shop and see all the items they have used before, or have seen their parents or grandparents using.

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH THOSE WHO WANT TO DISPLAY THEIR COLLECTION AT HOME WITHOUT IT LOOKING CLUTTERED?

Sort items into groups. Put a few of your favourites on a tray, but make sure they are of varying heights or shapes to make the display visually appealing.

Vintage books can add height to the display. Odd numbers also look better.

Rattan baskets and wooden boxes with an aged patina are ideal for storing and displaying loose items.

Display multiples of the same item, such as a collection of

text MELODY BAY

colourful Peranakan tingkats ÐÞ é­ ÞÈÐâ Ğ â¿â Ц ù Þ°Ðîâ colours to create a theme. For Ğ é Ð ¼ éâʣ ĀÐî É ÈÐîÉé é­ È on a pegboard with cable ties.

Make sure there’s a theme, so it creates a story.

If you don’t have enough ĞÐÐÞ ÐÞ °É é âÛ ʣ ÈÐîÉé shelves on the wall. In the shop, we mount old teak drawers on the wall and use them as shelves. Using tiny magnets and masking tape, enamel trays can be ‘attached’ to walls.

By My Old School is at #03-24, 15A Commonwealth Drive. Visits are by appointment only. Call 9879-2088 for appointments.

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VO I C E S

O

DEFINING LUXURY IN MODERN TERMS Chris Sanderson, co-founder of Future Laboratory, talks about the evolving definition of luxury for homeowners in an urban context.

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ur perception and idea of luxury has changed.

Many would say that the real luxury nowadays is actually time. Time for ourselves to do whatever we want or to spend with our families and friends.

Some of the most important things in life are intangible and small in size. In addition, it’s also changing in some fundamental ways due to the fact that it is really no longer so much about the products in a home but the space itself.

It’s more about the experience, and in this decade that we’ve termed ‘the transformative twenties’ our concerns as individuals, as humans are so much more existential. We’re really increasingly concerned about water, about heat, about energy, about light and about space. And we’re concerned about those things from the idea of both how much we use and consume those resources, but also how much we’re going to share them.

In the past, luxury traditionally meant âîÛ ÞĞî° °éĀʨ ,é ú â Ðîé having more of everything. But as we move into a situation where more and more of us are living in more densely populated megacities, I think it’s really crucial to rethink this notion of luxury.

We are moving into a time where 68 per cent of the world’s population are going to be living in urban areas by 2050, so architects and designers are going to be concerned with the issue of space for decades to come. At the same time, more urban dwellers now Þ Ýî°Þ úÐÞ¿ Ğ ÿ° °Â°éĀʣ éÐ úÐÞ¿ from home or perhaps to be able to move from city to the countryside. These factors are changing the way that

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we view the spaces that we have around us.

THE MODERN HOME

Homeowners want to imbue their homes with a greater sense of meaning aside from being just a place of rest. The homes of today are a sanctuary for wellness. Home is about comfort and renewal. And I think we’re going to be investing much more of our focus and energy in perfecting the details and Þ ĝɰɧ ÐîÞ É¼ÐĀÈ Éé Ц é­ simple things in life.

Luxury used to mean waste and excess, but now increasingly it means fewer but better. So the new luxury is no longer about buying a lot of things and big dimensions and possessions, but we see the meaning of luxury moving towards having more possibilities and experiences.

1 . Urban homeowners are looking for new ways to redefine their living spaces.

2 . Modern homeowners want experiential spaces that enhance their lifestyle.

3. As cities grow in population, there is a growing need to help urban dwellers create spaces that can enhance their wellbeing.

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In order to cater to the needs of modern homeowners, brands will also have to think about developing sustainable products that encourage us to use less often, less water, less energy, or even using less moving parts so it’s easier to manufacture.

PRECIOUS SPACE

Space is often considered a luxury for many modern homeowners and it is a challenge trying to optimise ù ÞĀ °É ­ Ц ÐÈÛ é ĞÐÐÞ plan in order to utilise the available space we have. So how does one achieve a luxurious space that does not compromise on form and function? To do that homeowners are now focusing on three key areas: Liberated luxury is a kind of boundary-less mindset that we see emerging from consumers.

,éʙâ Ðîé Ğî° °éĀʣ Þé °É element of freedom and îÂéîÞ Â Ğî É Āʨ HġġÁőäŅĆÁě ÁƇŖäĢÚä stems from the fact that consumers are often forgoing those traditional markers of wealth (gold taps, for example) and embracing increasingly more inconspicuous forms of luxury.

And then thirdly, this idea of ĩĢʼnÚĆĩŖʼn ūäěěÙäĆĢú is the concern around the desire for holistic spaces that facilitate the improvement of individual and collective wellbeing.

And I think we really are beginning to see the continued growth of a consumer who is thinking so much more carefully about what they want from life and therefore what they want from the brands that they buy into and whether that’s a functional need, an essential

need, sometimes luxurious or even peripheral. Homeowners have also grown to be more demanding, with high levels of taste, sophistication and discernment. Increasingly, we’re beginning to see how shared living spaces are going to need to facilitate the shift in attitude over the next decade.

We’re already seeing the requirement for condominium buildings to have a much better air control or air quality system incorporated into the building. It’s not just about airconditioning, it really is about air purifying and air quality and whether that’s achieved through the introduction of certain types of plants and/or technology.

And interestingly, once upon a time, we would have put the gym in the basement because we thought it could just be in a dark room that we didn’t want to see. Increasingly, we’re seeing gyms being moved to the top of the building, where we get great panoramic views so that we actually get that sense of engaging with the city for a ÈÐÈ Éé Ц Þ Ğ é°ÐÉ ú­°Â ú ʙÞ exercising. So it’s no longer about that kind of idea of working out, îé é­ ­ Âé­ É ĝéâ é­ é ÐÈ from relaxation, exercise and engaging with the view.

Chris Sanderson is the co-founder of the Future Laboratory, a global consumer insights consultancy that specialises in trend forecasting.

úĩĩà őĩ ėĢĩū Chris Sanderson was part of a panel for AXOR Futures, a digital platform organised by the brand for the design community to discuss topics on emerging trends within home interiors. Visit www.axor-design. com/asia for more information.

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photos AXOR / HANSGROHE 61

PROPE R T Y

SPOTTING THE GEMS This year, over 40 new properties will be launched.

In a market that is so hot it needs some cooling measures, here are some tips on refining your search.

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n 2021, investors and homebuyers were both riding the wave of groundbreaking transactions to nab the hottest properties. As a result of the cooling measures introduced in December 2021, the number of new launches this year may be less than expected. Here are all the new properties you can look forward to, whether you’re waiting for the market to settle or investing right away.

Last year was fantastic for the property market, marked by many record-breaking transactions and new highs.

They included a tripling of HDB Ğ éâ âРú°é­ Ȱ°ÐÉʌ ÐÂÂ Þ price tags compared with 2020, a 10.6 per cent surge in private

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homes prices, and a 13.3 per cent increase in landed property prices.

HAS 2022 BEEN DA M P E N E D B Y COOLING MEASURES

A hot market requires cooling È âîÞ â éÐ ÉâîÞ đÐÞ °Â°éĀʨ â Þ âîÂéʣ âÐÈ È°§­é ĝÉ themselves hesitant to buy a property, which is undoubtedly ÐÉ Ð¦ é­ ÈÐâé Ⱗɰĝ Éé investments in one’s lifetime.

These measures are likely to dampen the market a tad and cause some unease for both developers and buyers.

Even so, developers launch new projects, banking on who will continue to make

purchases rather than those adopting wait-and-see tactics.

Approximately, there will be 40 new launches this year, with nearly half of them located in the Outside Central Region (OCR). Now, let’s take a look at these new launches, their locations and districts, and their estimated launch dates.

B E LG R AV I A AC E AT T R AC T S OV E R W H E L M I N G INTEREST

Over 90 per cent of the Belgravia Ace strata landed housing units were snapped up immediately after its launch on Jan 22.

The developer received over 200 cheques as a show

of interest for the 107-unit project, which illustrates an extremely high demand despite the implementation of cooling measures.

According to the table below, 26 new launches (excluding Belgravia Ace) are coming our ú Ā °É é­ ĝÞâé ­ ¦ Ц ȾȼȾȾʨ Some landed projects Þ ÐÉÂĀ Ðđ ްɧ îÉ°éâ °É é­ double digits (exclusive freehold properties), so those who don’t want to miss out should check out upcoming condos in Northumberland Road or North Gaia, which have 407 and 640 units, respectively.

And here are the remaining 14 new launches expected this year.

So, what does the list tell us?

NE W LAUN C HE S I N T HE F I RST H ALF O F 2 02 2

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N E W L AU N C H E S I N T H E S E C O N D H A L F O F 2 0 2 2

Boulevard View Pte Ltd (subsidiary of IOI Preperties)

T H E R E I S A H E A LT H Y MIX OF HOUSING TYPES

There will be a good mix of executive condos, condominium apartments, mixed-use developments, and landed housing. Many of these new launches will be situated in Districts 5, 9, 14 and 15, where many popular 2021 projects are located, such as Midtown Bay, Midtown Modern, and Meyer House.

If you are looking to purchase a condominium, you need to pay attention to the releases in the second half of this year. Although the prices haven’t been released yet, you can estimate the selling price by examining the developers’ costs and comparing them with the prices of nearby properties.

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P R O J E C T L AU N C H E S WILL BE SMALLER THAN THOSE IN 2021

There won’t be any developments with more than 1,000 units, like last year’s mega development Normanton S Þ¿ʣ ú­° ­ Ðđ Þ ȽʣɄɂȾ îÉ°éâʨ Of course, sales could slow down due to the cooling measures. Despite this, it wouldn’t be prudent to expect a Ⱗɰĝ Éé ÛÞ° ÞÐÛ ÉĀé°È soon due to the continuous demand for housing; an example would be the aforementioned Belgravia Ace. While such measures È°§­é ÉÐé ­ ù É đ é ÐÉ é­ wealthy, as they can still own multiple homes as long as they are willing to fork out the high transaction costs, property investments for the rest of us

THERE WON’T BE ANY DEVELOPMENTS WITH MORE THAN 1,000 UNITS, LIKE LAST YEAR’S MEGA DEVELOPMENT NORMANTON PARK, WHICH OFFERED 1,862 UNITS.

have become less attractive as price increases start to lull and transaction costs rise.

HÉ é­ Ğ°Û â° ʣ é­°â can help combat wealth inequality, especially with the government increasing the supply of housing units. As a result, prices will be more

đÐÞ Â É °Éù âé°É§ ú°Â be less appealing, reinforcing the logic that (governmentbuilt) homes are meant to be lived-in instead of bought for investment purposes.

Needless to say, it is imperative to consider all available factors prior to making a purchase.

Property expert The Origins Property will update the tables listed in this article with more information as and when projects are launched. Check the online version of this article at www. homeanddecor.com.sg for more information. Interested in the estimated prices and whether it is a good project to invest in?

Leave your details at www.theorigins.com.sg/contact-us, and the Origins Property team will be in touch.

text WENDY KER/WWW.THEORIGINS.COM.SG images 123RF

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TIMELESS QUALITY This couple chose KING for their latest home because of its durability, versatility and timelessness.

This corner terrace house in Kembangan is home to a family of seven: husband and wife Alywin and Joey, their two children aged 12 and 9, Alywin’s parents, and a helper. With its clutterfree design, it is unthinkable that the couple has lived in this home since 2017. “Our family spend a lot of time at home. My parents are retirees, and both my wife and I are still working from home. So, our furniture must serve the needs of our multi-generation family – they have to be durable and comfortable,” shares Alywin on choosing the right furniture. The couple is not new to KING. Having been loyal customers for

the past decade, they can attest to its craftsmanship and excellent quality. Hence, it was a natural choice that they return to KING to furnish their new home.

Their choice includes the award-winning KING Zaza Sofa and the Sleep+ bed base.“The Zaza looks good and also supremely functional and comfortable.

When I want to lounge in the living room, I can fold the arms out to make it into a daybed,” says Alywin.

Charles Wilson, an award-winning Australian designer, and KING inhouse design team created Zaza, which has a unique steel frame, detachable backs, foldable arms, and

interchangeable legs.

With its distinct design and versatility to fit many interior styles, Zaza also won the Good Design Award 2018. “We often receive compliments on it.

My sister even bought one for her place,” he adds.

Alywin and Joey chose KING Sleep+ bed base to match their custom

headboard and bedside tables. The removable bed base covers are available in over 200 fabrics and leathers, making it a breeze for the couple to match it with the headboard. Crafted with precision and backed by a 25-year warranty, the signature frame is built to last, providing optimal support for years to come.

G L IN IA K EC P S

STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE The secret to creating a timeless interior? Furniture that offers classic looks and great flexibility.

If you have moved into a new home to accommodate current needs or the changes in your life since the pandemic, you’ll be relieved to hear that flexibility has gained prominence in furniture design, and is more important than ever today. However, a timeless interior is not only about a style that stands the test of time. It is also about the ability to adapt with it. KING recommends:

KATO SOFA The latest from KING modular sofa collection, Kato’s generous volume rests on a light base and deceptively robust thin legs that make it appear as if it is floating. The Kato modules include a double or grand double chaise, a curved corner, integrated timber components, a contrasting base finished in European leather, and a host of addons like a reading lamp and wireless charging table. The covers are also removable for cleaning. When you move into a new space down the road, simply reconfigure the modules and refresh the look with new covers.

VERTIO WALL SYSTEM If you’re on the fence about investing in a wall system because you plan to move in a few years, Vertio may just convince you to take the leap. The wood shelves, cabinets and powdercoated black metal frames can be reconfigured to suit any space. The unit can be mounted on the wall or compressed between the floor and ceiling.

It can also stand alone or act as a room divider. KING online configurator also makes planning Vertio a breeze. Drag and drop the components to build your custom package based on your ceiling height. You can also choose from KING popular packages.

For more information, visit www.kingliving.com.sg

KING Kallang Showroom #01-00 Hong Aik Building, 22 Kallang Avenue Singapore 339413 KING Alexandra Showroom #01-02/03 Thye Hong Centre, 2 Leng Kee Road Singapore 159086

AN ECLECTIC ESCAPE In honour of the beauty of the Mediterranean on the French Riviera, the founder of design studio Sabrina Monte-Carlo has created an elegant yet fun villa for her family.

KARINE MONIE learns what makes it her dream home from her.

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An open terrace that looks out into the ocean provides the ideal space for afternoon naps and cosy chats.

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WHO LIVES HERE

A family of four and their cat HOME A three-storey summer home in French Riviera

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nterior stylist Sabrina Monteleone-Oeino has found and designed her personal piece of paradise along the coast of the southeast corner of France.

“The view is amazing”, she says. “We can see all the bays, from Monaco to Saint-JeanCap-Ferrat to Saint-Tropez, and sometimes even Corsica when the weather cooperates. The house is far from the chaos of Monaco, and in a very peaceful neighbourhood, yet it is only a short drive away.”

The project, completed in spring 2016, was a complete renovation. “It used to be an old, traditional house”, Sabrina says, “but we tore it down and only left the structure’s four walls.”

The founder of design studio Sabrina Monte-Carlo, established in 1999 in Monaco, uses the property as a summer house, where she, her husband, two daughters and cat spend May to September. ʖr ú Éé éÐ Þ é ĞÐú between the indoor and outdoor spaces, using natural materials to blend with the landscape”, she says. To achieve that, the same S° éÞ ° ;îÉ ĞÐÐްɧ ú â îâ both inside and outside, linking all levels of the home.

The living room, kitchen and balcony occupy the second level, while the entrance with a garage and gym sits above them. The second balcony, the guest rooms, a spa, the pool and a garden reside on the ground level. A separate garden under a forest of lemon trees exists on the lower level, where you can dine and cook outside.

HÛ ÉʌÛÂ É °Éé Þ°ÐÞâ ĝÂÂ with natural light showcase furniture, lighting and accessories by Tom Dixon, the Campana brothers, Paola Lenti and Tai Ping, among others; Sabrina designed some, too.

Crystal pieces, such as the Baccarat chandelier in the living room, add chic touches.

Colourful decorative elements and artworks contrast with the clean architectural lines and whitewashed walls.

“The neutral whites and ivories are combined with pops of blue and green to recall the sea and garden outside,”

AB OVE

FAR RI GH T

The predominantly white theme in the living room creates an ideal backdrop for the various pops of colour from the furnishing and greenery.

The home’s architect adapts seamlessly into the sloping landscape.

R IGHT

The homeowner loves to host gatherings in her summer home.

OPP OS ITE

The outdoor dining table under the shade of the lemon trees is one of Sabrina’s favourite spaces in the house.

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Sabrina explains, “The pool, surrounded by cacti and leopard prints, as well as soft pastel colours such as aqua, light pink and yellow, is the most colourful. We spend entire days there.”

In this eclectic and fun area, where many things from trips around the world exist, a Mediterranean spirit mixes with A ÿ° É °ÉĞî É âʨ Marble, onyx, teak, rattan and bronze provide warmth in the contemporary and comfortable spaces with breathtaking views. Sabrina’s private refuge is also inspired by the Mediterranean.

“It is my dream home,” the designer says. “It has a very positive energy. Although I have other homes, this is where I feel most at home. Just like I do with ÈĀ ÐĔ âʣ â­ÐÛâʣ É Ðé­ Þ homes, I constantly try to make things better, buy new pieces or make improvements. That is the problem when you are an interior designer!”

Sabrina describes the lifestyle here without hesitation: “It can be very relaxing when we spend the day at the pool and have a long lunch. But we also have huge parties and large dinners. The house is very social; friends and family come and go all the time.”

The sun shines nearly all year round in this oasis of colour and contrast where sophistication and fun meet đÐÞé ââÂĀʨ ) Þ ʣ Z Þ°É ʙâ motto – echoed by the name of her favourite artwork in the house, a sculpture by French artist Mr Brainwash – permeates every corner: Life is Beautiful.

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The garden is as much a part of the home as the interiors, allowing guests to flow freely from the inside to the outside effortlessly.

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“IT CAN BE VERY RELAXING WHEN WE SPEND THE DAY AT THE POOL AND HAVE A LONG LUNCH. BUT WE ALSO HAVE HUGE PARTIES AND LARGE DINNERS. THE HOUSE IS VERY SOCIAL; FRIENDS AND FAMILY COME AND GO ALL THE TIME.”

A B OVE

Full-length sliding doors help to frame the beautiful vistas outside when viewed from the living room.

R IG H T

Sabrina kept the design of the bathrooms simple yet unique.

FA R RIG HT

Imagine waking up to the sight of a prestine ocean with the sound of waves lapping down the coast.

OPPOSITE

Artworks and sculptural installations are tastefully scattered around the property.

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photos YVAN GRUBSKI

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Large format cement-look Italian tiles accentuate the magnitude of space in the living room. The coffee table has been finished in the same cement-look to create a sense of uniformity.

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AN ARCHITECT KNOWS BEST Kelvin Wang’s self-designed home is a distillation of great ° â é­ é ĝé °ÉéÐ é­ §Þ É â ­ È Ð¦ 魰ɧâʨ LYNN TAN °â Ðù Þâ é­ ʖ Þîé Âʗ éÞîé­ʨ

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WHO LIVES HERE

A couple in their late 30s HOM E A five-room BTO flat at Bedok South Road SI ZE 1,215 sq ft

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úÐ Ā Þâ ¦ÐÞ Þ ÉÐù é°ÐÉâ § É ¦ÐÞ this home of registered Þ ­°é é 9 Âù°É r ɧ É ­°â É¿ Þ ú°¦ ʣ 7Ð ÂĀÉ B Ðʣ é­ design wheels were already °É ÈÐé°ÐÉʨ a­ Þ° ¦ ùÐÂù îްɧ é­°â é°È ʣ îé é­ Ā ú Þ ù ÞĀ Â Þ Ðîé âÐÈ é­°É§â ¦ÞÐÈ é­ ÐÉâ éʨ ʖa­ â°§É ÉéÞ â ÐÉ é­ îâ Ц §Þ Ā ÐÉ Þ é ʣ ÞÐúÉ úÐÐ é ÿéîÞ â É é­ ÐÂÐîÞ Â ¿ ʋ É îéÞ Â Û Â éé é­ éʙâ É ù Þ Ðîé Ц ¦ â­°ÐÉʨ r ÛÂ É éР°ù ­ Þ ¦ÐÞ é  âé é­ É ÿé Ƚȼ Ā Þâʣ âÐ é­ â°§É É â éÐ Þ Ğ é ÐîÞ âÛ°Þ é°ÐÉâʣ âî°é ÐîÞ Â°¦ âéĀ â É âé É é­ é âé Ц é°È ʨʗ Ðé­ ¦ Éâ Ц Þîé °âé Þ ­°é éîÞ ʣ é­ Ā ú Éé é­ ÈÐÉа魰 É ùÐÂîÈ éÞ° Þé° î é°ÐÉʣ é­ Þ ú é ÿéîÞ â É Û é°É ʣ É é­ ú °ʌâ ° Û­°ÂÐâÐÛ­Ā Ц È Þ °É§ °ÈÛ Þ¦ é°ÐÉâ éÐ °É ÐÞÛÐÞ é ʨ )Ðú ù Þʣ é­ Ā ÂâÐ ¿ÉÐú § é­ é é­ Þîé °âé âéĀÂ È Ā ÉÐé Éé°Þ ÂĀ ÛÛÞÐÛÞ° é ¦ÐÞ ­ÐÈ ʨ ʖ,É °éâ ÛîÞ âé ¦ÐÞÈʣ Þîé °âÈ É ʣ ú ÂÂʣ Þîé Âʣ ùа Ц ú ÞÈé­ É Ðâ°É ââʨ aÐ È°é°§ é é­°âʣ ú °É ÐÞÛÐÞ é Z É °É ù° É Â È Ééâ âî ­ as wood and green to tame the ­ Þâ­É ââʣʗ 9 Âù°É ÿÛ °Éâʨ ÂÈÐâé ÂÂ é­ Û ÞéÈ Éé ú â ÐÈÛ é ÂĀ §îéé ʨ Hé­ Þ é­ É é­ ú ÂÂâ ÞÐîÉ é­ éúÐ é­ÞÐÐÈâʣ ÂÂ é­ Ðé­ Þ °Éé ÞÉ Â walls were either demolished

ÐÞ Þ Â°§É ʨ a­ ĞÐÐÞâ ú Þ Þ ʌé°Â ÐÞ Ðù Þ ° ʣ é­ Â°§­é°É§ É Â éÞ°   ĀÐîé ú â Éé°Þ ÂĀ Þ ÐÉĝ§îÞ ʣ É ÞÐÛ °Â°É§â ú Þ °ÉéÞÐ î °É âÐÈ Þ â éÐ ÐÉ Â â Þù° âʨ "îÞɰ⭰ɧâ ÿ Âî ʣ é­ Þ ÉÐù é°ÐÉ Ðâé Ðîé ˏȽɁȼʣȼȼȼʨ The heart of the home is the °É°É§ʌ¿°é ­ É Þ ʨ 7Ð ÂĀÉ °â ¦ÐÐ ° ʣ âÐ é­°â °â ÉÐ âîÞÛÞ°â ʨ ʖZ­ Ðпâʣ â­ ÐÞ Þâ °ù ÞĀ ¦ÐÐ É â­ âÉ ¿âʨ É ú­ É â­ éâʣ , é â ú ÂÂʣʗ â­ Þ â 9 Âù°Éʨ a­ éʙâ ­Ðú é­ °âÂ É È °É°É§ é  ʣ éÐÐʨ a­  ¿ É §Ð ¿éÐÉ éÐÛ ÛÛ Þâ â  ާ âéÐÉ â ÐÉ éÐÛ Ð¦ é­ Þù úÐÐ ú°é­ é Û Þ â ʨ ,éâ ÈÐÉа魰 ¦ÐÞÈ °â °Þ é Þ ¦ Þ É éÐ

ABOVE

Registered architect and homeowner, Kelvin Wang, was very clear about what he wanted for his self-designed home.

L EFT

A dark-tinted mirrored wall visually expands the space while The ceilings and walls’ cementtextured paint carries through the brutalist theme. The ceiling conduits are galvanised iron instead of the commonly used black PVC pipes.

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Þîé °âé Þ ­°é éîÞ ʨ â Þ âîÂé Ц Þ ÈÐù°É§ é­ ÞÐÐÈ ú ÂÂâ É Þ âé éÐ é­ °É°É§ É ¿°é ­ É Þ ʣ É éîÞ Â Â°§­é âéÞ Èâ °ÉéÐ é­ âÛ ¦ÞÐÈ é­ ÞÐÐÈ ú°É Ðúâʨ HÉ ÞÐÐÈ ­ â ÐÈ âéî Ā 7Ð ÂĀÉ îâ â ú­ É â­ úÐÞ¿â ¦ÞÐÈ ­ÐÈ ʨ a­ Þ °â Û é¦ÐÞÈ ­ ÂÛâ éÐ ĝÉ é­ âÛ âÛ°é °éâ ÐÛ ÉÉ ââʨ Z° °É§ ÐÐÞâ ÛÞÐù° ÛÞ°ù Ā ú­ É â°Þ ʨ a­ °ù°É§ ÞÐÐÈʣ é­ ¿°é ­ Éʣ °É°É§ É âéî Ā Þ â Â É â È ââÂĀ É ¦  °¿ ÐÉ Â Þ§ ÐÈÈîÉ Â âÛ ʨ 9 Âù°É °â 80

ù ÞĀ Û â ú°é­ é­°â Ðîé ÐÈ ʨ ʖr Ðî é°É§ é é­ °âÂ É é  ÐÉ ÈÐÈ Éé É úÐÞ¿°É§ ÐÉ °é é­ É ÿéʣ ÐÞ ­ ɧ°É§ Ðîé with family and friends over Þ°É¿âʨ a­  ĀÐîé ÂÂÐúâ ù°âî Â Þ ¿â éú É é­ °âÂ É É é­ âéî Ā ÐÞ Â°ù°É§ Þ ú­°Â Þ È °É°É§ ù°âî ÂÂĀ ÐÉÉ é ʣʗ ­  ÐÞ é âʨ ¦é Þ âÐÈ Þ ÐÉĝ§îÞ é°ÐÉ Ð¦ é­ Â ĀÐîé é­ é °ÉùÐÂù ­ ¿°É§ ú ÂÂâ É Þ ÈÐù°É§ ÐÞ Þ ÛÐâ°é°Ðɰɧ ÐÐÞâʣ é­ ÞÐÐÈ ¼ Éé éÐ é­ È âé Þ ÞÐÐÈ °â ÉÐú ú ¿ʌ°É

ABOVE, L E FT

OPPOSITE, TOP

The study also serves as a breakout space.

Concealed sliding doors allow the space to be closed off when privacy is needed.

An island finished in a black-and-gold Saint Laurent Dekton top is the centrepiece in the diningcum-kitchen space.

ABOVE

OPPOSITE, BOTTOM

The entrance foyer is a vestibule between the external corridor and the internal living space. It is accented by Peranakaninspired tiles with a granulated pebble finish border.

The dropped black ceiling visually connects and elongates the living and dining areas.

LEFT

“Floating” kitchen cabinets convey a sense of lightness.

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THE LIVING ROOM, THE KITCHEN, DINING AND STUDY AREAS BLEND SEAMLESSLY AND FEEL LIKE ONE LARGE COMMUNAL SPACE.

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L EFT

Large format tiles minimise the number of grout lines to keep the design of the common bathroom clean.

BOTTOM

The sleeping platform in the master bedroom is finished in a wood-textured laminate in deliberate contrast with the concrete finishes.

OPPOSITE

Fluted panels line the rear walls, with stone flower carvings inset into black recessed niches.

ú Þ ÞÐ ʨ a­ È âé Þ ÞÐÐÈ °â É Ð â°â Ц ÂÈ ú°é­ É Â ù é Û é¦ÐÞÈ é­ é ÛÛ Þâ éÐ ĞÐ éʨ a­ °Â°É§ é­ é îÞù â °ÉéÐ îÞé °É Û ÂÈ é °â îÉ°Ýî element that marries the È â î°ɰéĀ Ц é­ È ÉéʌÂÐп ĝÉ°â­ â ú°é­ âЦéʣ ¦ È°É°É éÐî ­ʨ ,é ÂâÐ È é ­ â é­ ÞÐîÉ § â Ц é­ ÛÂĀúÐÐ Û É Ââ é­ é ÐÉ Â é­ ÐÈ â­ Âé Þ É âéÐÞ § âÛ âʨ a­ ÐîÛ ÈÐù °É ¼îâé ¦ÐÞ ­Þ°âéÈ â °É ȾȼȾȽʨ As with many renovation ÛÞм éâ ÞÞ° Ðîé îްɧ é­ Û É È° ʣ  ¿ Ц úÐÞ¿ Þâʣ ÛÞÐ î é°ÐÉ ­ Âéâʣ â­°ÛÈ Éé  Āâʣ É Ðé­ Þ ÂЧ°âé° Â °ââî â îâ é­ ÛÞм é éÐ é ¿ ĝù ÈÐÉé­â éÐ ÐÈÛ é ʨ â É Þ ­°é éʣ 9 Âù°É È°éâ éÐ °É§ ­°â ÐúÉ úÐÞâé ° Éé ʖ îâ é­ ÛÞм é °â âÐ ÂÐâ éÐ ÈĀ ­ Þéʣ , é É to get overly involved onâ°é ʨʗ )Ðú ù Þʣ é­ É ĝé Ц designing his own home is that ­ Ðî ¦ÐÞÈîÂ é ­°â Þ° ¦ É âé Þ é­ â°§É ÛÞÐ ââ éÐú Þ â Þ Â°â°É§ °éʨ ) ° ù â ­ ­ â âî °É é­ é Þ § Þ ʨ

photography PHYLLICIA WANG art direction KRISTY QUAH

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The design team's main challenge was to make the expansive space in the living area feel cosy and intimate.

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FOREVER HOME It is hard to believe that this substantial detached property with its luxury of space used to lack the intimacy of a multi-generational home. LYNN TAN ĝÉ â Ðîé ­Ðú é­ designers enhanced and enriched the existing spaces.

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he owners, a retired couple in their 50s, bought this home so all three generations of the family could live under one roof. As the property was only five years old, it was still in fairly good condition, and they were prudent about what to retain and what to replace or change.

The external structure and some existing finishes, such as the living room floor and master bathroom tiles, have been preserved. Nonetheless, some changes were needed to make the home suitable for its new owners. So who better to take on this project than Collective Designs, which also designed their previous home?

On the to-do list were making the sloping vehicular access to the basement car porch easier to navigate, adding an outdoor gazebo, reconfiguring the back of the house to create a covered laundry and washing area, as well as making an interior entrance to the helper’s room, rather than an exterior one.

Despite being large, the existing living and dining rooms on the first floor felt rather cold. “We modified the 85

A B OVE

RI GHT

Vertical fluting panels in the feature walls add a chic design vibe to the home.

Simple lines running through the design of the home help to bring a sense of proportion to the spaces.

B OTTOM

The design team also managed to include an indoor gym for the threegeneration family.

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ceiling height and added a fullheight, floating bookshelf in front of the staircase. Besides creating a focal point within the expansive living and dining areas, it also disguises an existing column,” says principal designer Selina Tay. Another major modification to the living area is a fulllength feature wall with hidden doors leading to the guest room and powder room adjacent to the living area. The feature wall’s vertical fluting, curved elements and subtle gold trim showcase the design team’s attention to detail, brought to life by impeccable carpentry.

As the homeowners enjoy cooking and entertaining, and the family eats most of their meals at home, a commodious wet kitchen and beautiful dry kitchen were important additions to the spacious dining room. “Apart from its size, the workflow within the wet kitchen was also crucial to the clients, as it was for their previous kitchen,” says head designer Jane Febrina.

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ABOVE

L EFT

OPPOSITE

The living and dining areas feel more intimate now thanks to the use of a simple colour palette.

Concealed storage and hidden doorways help to keep the various parts of the home looking neat and clean.

The marble dining table adds a touch of detail to the minimalist feel of the white theme.

WHO LIVES HERE

A multi-generational family of seven HOME A detached home in Bukit Timah SIZ E 7,700 sq ft (land area); approximately 10,000 sq ft (built-up area)

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Floor-to-ceiling cabinets along one wet kitchen wall provide plenty of storage, including space for a large, double-door refrigerator. An L-shaped worktop houses the cooker hob, hood and sink.

An island in the middle not only serves as a preparation and storage area, but it is also where social interactions begin even before the actual dining commences. Additional new windows near the ceiling give the space a bright and welcoming feel.

The dry kitchen provides an aesthetically pleasing backdrop to the dining area. The wall and island bar counter are clad in specially imported, largeformat Italian porcelain tiles that were book-matched to make a visual statement.

The homeowners, their daughter and two sons – one of whom is married and has a three-month-old daughter – each occupy one of five bedrooms on the second and third storeys. All were reconfigured, with particular attention to the walk-in wardrobes and bathrooms.

Their entrances are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, often concealed as part of a feature wall within the room.

The homeowner’s master bedroom is on the second level, together with two other bedrooms for the daughter and the other son. The massive master bedroom was reconfigured as a progression of spaces. The entrance from the staircase landing opens onto a sitting room. A hidden door reveals the sleeping area, while another one leads into the walk-in wardrobe and the en suite bathroom. “Each space

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R IG HT

The spacious walk-in wardrobe is a dream to behold, enhanced with a variety of storage spaces and a luxury boutique feel.

within the master was carefully designed to retain the sense of expanse, while imbibing a cosiness and intimacy befitting a private bedroom realm,” Selina explains.

The existing enclosed wardrobes were transformed into a bespoke, open-concept one with a combination of full- and half-height units to accommodate gowns, suits and separates. Folded clothing and accessories are stowed in an assortment of cubby holes, drawers and other covered storage. New his and hers basins, a wall-to-wall mirror above the vanity and spacious shower and bath areas separated by a new glass screen make the master bathroom feel so sumptuous, it can rival one in a luxury hotel.

Adjacent to the master bedroom is the daughter’s room, which enjoys views of verdant green through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The bed and armchair have been oriented to maximise the appreciation of the lush foliage.

Occupying the top floor are the junior master bedroom and nursery for the married son’s family. They are connected by an outdoor terrace. It is divided into four zones: sleeping area, study alcove, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. The sleeping area was conceived as an intimate, cocoon-like space.

The wall-mounted TV set and console, built-in cabinets and

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THE MASTER BEDROOM WAS RECONFIGURED AS A PROGRESSION OF SPACES. A HIDDEN DOOR REVEALS THE SLEEPING AREA, WHILE ANOTHER LEADS INTO THE WALK-IN WARDROBE AND EN SUITE BATHROOM.

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A B OVE

The design language in the bedrooms has been kept simple, in keeping with the look of the other rooms in the home.

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L EFT

Various rooms cater to different members of the family, so everyone can find their personal spot to lounge in.

BOTTOM

The balcony doors open onto a verandah overlooking the lush greenery outside.

a hidden door leading to the bathroom are lined up along the wall facing the bed.

A built-in desk at one corner doubles as a small study table and vanity, with half-height cabinets behind it serving as a mini pantry with a water dispenser and integrated bar fridge. The walk-in wardrobe can be accessed from the end of the TV wall or through the bathroom. Mirrored wardrobe doors create the illusion of even more space within an already generously-sized footprint.

Despite the scale and complexity of the project, and the various restrictions posed by the pandemic, Collective Designs managed to complete the renovations and hand over the home to the clients in just under a year. Regardless of the constraints or the size of the project, Selina and Jane firmly believe that it is the smallest details that matter to execute the “Living Timeless by Design” philosophy the company is best known for.

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The bedrooms in the home have been transformed into an oasis of calm and serenity, accented by interesting accessories and unique lighting design.

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THE HOMEOWNERS, THEIR DAUGHTER AND TWO SONS – ONE OF WHOM IS MARRIED AND HAS A THREE-MONTHOLD DAUGHTER – EACH OCCUPY ONE OF FIVE BEDROOMS ON THE SECOND AND THIRD STOREYS.

photos COLLECTIVE DESIGNS

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DARK DRAMA This all-black family home sports the look and feel of an upscale boutique hotel while being ­°§­ÂĀ ¦îÉ é°ÐÉ Â É đÐÞ Â ʣ é­ É¿â éÐ meticulous planning and detailing. Here’s what MELODY BAY learned.

Warm elements such as brass fittings, wood, and greenery help enliven the all-black palette.

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RI GHT

Concealed blinds can be pulled down to convert the living area into a guest room or a darkened media room.

BOTTOM

The family has two young children, Julian, aged 4 and Alexis, 1.

OPPOSITE

Dark marble laminate, paired with gold nonweight-bearing legs, lends glamour to the shoe cabinet in the entryway.

WHO LIVES HERE

H OM E

A family of four and their dog Four-bedroom executive condominium S IZ E 1,108 sq ft

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ɧ É Z° x°ʣ Ðé­ î éÐÞâ °É é­ °Þ ȿȼâʣ see every home as a new adventure. With their two young children and pet Ч A°¿ ʣ é­ Ā ÈÐù °ÉéÐ é­ °Þ  é âéʣ É ÿ îé°ù ÐÉ ÐÈ°É°îÈ °É É ­ÐÞù  ʣ °É December 2020.

Since each is a chance to Þ é âÐÈ é­°É§ îÉ°Ýî ʣ é­ Ā asked Carmen Tang of Wolf rÐЦ éÐ â°§É Þ È é° ʣ all-black look for this one.

Compared to their previous home and its red-brick °É îâéÞ°  âéĀ ʣ é­°â ú â ù âéÂĀ °đ Þ Ééʨ The look Carmen created is ÂîÿîÞ°Ðîâʣ ¦îÉ é°ÐÉ Âʣ É comfortable. Because of her  ù Þ îâ Ц é ÿéîÞ âʣ °§­é°É§ʣ É §Þ É ÞĀʣ  ¿ °â é­ È °É ¦Ð îâʣ îé °éʙâ ¦ Þ ¦ÞÐÈ Ðްɧʨ

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A raised platform delineates the living room in the communal area. Lift-up doors and drawers under the platform not only distinguish it â ÐâĀ ÉÐпʣ îé ÂâÐ ÛÞÐù° additional storage space. ÞÈ É ÿÛ °Éâʣ ʖ, â°§É °é this way with the storage area underneath so it becomes part Ц é­ ĞÐÐÞʣ §°ù°É§ é­ âÛ É ÿÛ é ÂĀ °đ Þ Éé ¦  ú­°Â maintaining an open view.”

The living room can also be converted into a guest room by pulling down the roller 塃 âʣ éî ¿ ú Ā ¼îâé Ðîé Ц â°§­éʣ â é°Ðɰɧ Ðđ é­ area for privacy when friends or relatives stay over. Adding furnishings like a tan leather âЦ ʣ Þî§ʣ É Þé°ĝ °  greenery softens the look. "ÐÞ é ÿéîÞ ʣ â­ îâ §ÞÐÐù laminate on the carpentry and walls.

Whenever the family wants to hang out in a semiÐîé ÐÐÞ â éé°É§ʣ é­ Ā § é­ Þ on the spacious balcony area Ðîéâ° é­ Â°ù°É§ ÞÐÐÈʣ which has another seating area and a small bar with an overhead wine glass rack. ) ù°É§ °đ Þ Éé â é°É§ §°ù â them a variety of options for entertaining.

Personal touches make this home truly unique. The four-year-old’s room has the same dark palette – they ú Éé éÐ ¿ Û °é é°È  ââʣ ÿÛ °Éâ ÞÈ É ʋ îé ú°é­ Super Mario-themed feature ú ÂÂʨ aÐĀâ É ĝ§îÞ°É â Þ ÞÞ É§ ÐÉ ­ ʖ ù Âʗ ÐÉ é­ ú ÂÂʨ ;°¿ é­ Â°ù°É§ ÞÐÐÈʣ é­ °â  ù é ÐÉ Û é¦ÐÞÈʣ and there is plenty of room ¦ÐÞ ÂÐé­ âʣ Ðпâʣ É Ðé­ Þ necessities.

As both a designer and âéĀ°âéʣ ÞÈ É È ¿ â °é 99

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TOP

Pull-out drawers beneath the living room platform give the family easy access to toys and learning materials for the children.

AB OV E

Semi-sheer blinds protect the family’s privacy while still giving them a view of the street outside.

LE FT

A compact bar and seating area turn the spacious balcony into an al fresco living space.

point to advise her clients on ÞéúÐÞ¿ °É é­ °Þ ­ÐÈ ʨ ʖHÉ of my favourites is Reuben ,Þ Â É ʣ É ­ âÛ ° °â â °É black and white portraits with strong imagery and refreshing ɧ âʣʗ â Āâ ÞÈ Éʨ )°â âéĀ ĝéâ é­ â°§É Ð¦ é­°â ­ÐÈ âÐ ú ÂÂ é­ é â­ ¼îâé ­ to introduce his work to the ­ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þâʣ ú­Ð °¿ °é éÐÐʨ The artist’s work now adorns the master bedroom and corridor.

The renovation cost of this upscale boutique-hotel look ú â ¿ Ûé đÐÞ Â é ˏȿɁʣȼȼȼʣ ÉÐé °É Âî °É§ ¦îÞɰ⭰ɧâʣ °§­é°É§ʣ É é­ â°§É ¦ ʨ ,é ÂÂ È ÐúÉ éÐ ¿ÉÐú°É§ where to splurge and where 101

R IG HT

Display shelves house Julian’s collection of toy figurines within reach of his bed.

B OTTOM

For the feature wall, Carmen designed shelves that resemble the levels in Super Mario, one of Julian’s favourite games, OPPOSITE

The homeowners wanted to keep the children’s room timeless, so that they would be able to stamp their own personality on it as they grow up.

éÐ â ù ʨ a­ ÐÞ°§°É  ĞÐÐްɧʣ °ÉÉ Þ ÐÐÞâʣ É ú Þ ÞÐ ú Þ ¿ Ûé °Éé éʣ â ù°É§ ÐÉ ÞÛ ÉéÞĀʨ ʖr ° Éʙé ú Éé éÐ Þ ÛÂ é­ °ÉÉ Þ ÐÐÞâʣ âÐ ú úÐÞ¿ ú°é­ é­ °Þ ÿ°âé°É§ ÐÂÐîÞâʣ °É§ éÐî ­ â Ц é­ same brown throughout the âÛ ʣʗ â Āâ ÞÈ Éʨ As long as you know where éÐ ÛÂ é­ Èʣ é­ Â°éé éÐî ­ â É ÉÐé ÿÛ Éâ°ù ʨ a­ §Þ É ú  °É é­ Â ÐÉĀʣ ¦ÐÞ °Éâé É ʣ °â ĝÉ°â­ ú°é­ Þé°ĝ °  éîÞ¦ʨ "îÞé­ ÞÈÐÞ ʣ Carmen elevated the look of the shoe cabinet in the entryway Ā °É§ ÐÞÉ È Éé Âʣ ÉÐÉʌ weight-bearing gold legs. The attention to detail is what È ¿ â é­ ­ÐÈ ¦  ÂîÿîÞ°Ðîâʨ ʖ,éʙâ é­ Â°éé 魰ɧâ é­ é È ¿ °đ Þ É ʣʗ â Āâ ÞÈ Éʨ 102

LIKE THE LIVING ROOM, THE BED IS ELEVATED ON A PLATFORM, AND THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR CLOTHES, BOOKS, AND OTHER NECESSITIES.

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L EF T

A custom typographic sign stands out against the chevronpatterned carpentry.

FAR L EFT

The utility room is kept simple, adorned only with line artwork of their children when they were babies.

BOT TOM

Artificial greenery is lowcost and lowmaintenance.= BOT TOM , L EF T

The original interior doors and flooring were kept to keep the renovation costs within budget.

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To add drama, Carmen framed the artwork in the bedroom with two black strips for a “suspenders” effect.

photography VERONICA TAY art direction NONIE CHEN

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ECLECTIC EXUBERANCE The well-preserved original features of this 40-yearРРé Þ îé°¦îÂÂĀ ÐÈ °É ú°é­ Þ° ­ÂĀ Â é° ¦îÞɰ⭰ɧâ éÐ Þ é âéĀÂ°â­ Þ éÞ é ¦ÐÞ Éé Þé °É°É§ é é­ ­ Þé Ц é­ °éĀʨ ASIH JENIE é ¿ â éÐîÞʨ

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This formal dining room is the centrepiece of the home.

OPPOSITE

The oversized archway lined with brass laminate frames the social space.

Y

u Ran and his partner were turning 35 and é­°É¿°É§ Ðîé îĀ°É§ ­ÐÈ ú­ É é­ Ā ­îɧ Ðîé é é­ ʂÉÐúʌ ÂÐâ ʃ Þ Û Þ¿ʌ éîÞÉ ʌÞÐЦéÐÛ Þ a­ #Þ é â Û é Z­ ú aÐú Þâ °É ȾȼȽɅʣ Ā Þ È°É§ Ðîé °ù°É§ °É é­ ÉéÞ Â Þ ʨ ʖa­ É ú â ú é­°â ) ÂÐ ¿ ¦ÞÐÈ é­ é âÛÐéʣʗ â­ Þ â xî V Éʣ Þ ¦ Þްɧ éÐ é­ ÂÐ ¿ ÐÉ °É ZéÞ é ú­ Þ é­ Ā °ù ÉÐúʨ ʖ É , â ° ʢ ú­Ā ÐÉʙé ú ÂÐп ¦ÐÞ ÛÂ é­ Þ ʪʗ

They found the three ÞÐÐÈ îÉ°é ÐÉ SÞÐÛ ÞéĀ #îÞî É ú Éé ¦ÐÞ ù° ú°É§ é­ É ÿé Āʨ ʖ,é ú â ÂÐù é ĝÞâé â°§­éʣʗ Þ ÂÂâ xî V Éʨ ʖa­ Ğ é È°§­é ɀȼʌĀ Þâ Рʣ îé °é ­ É ù Þ ­ ɧ ÐúÉ Þâ­°Ûʣ and the previous owner had ¿ Ûé °é °É âî ­ §ÐÐ ÐÉ °é°ÐÉʨ r È É Ðđ Þ é­ ¦ÐÂÂÐú°É§ Ā É §Ðé °éʨʗ xî V É úÐÞ¿â in the fashion industry and his Û ÞéÉ Þ °â °É Ûî ° â Þù° ʨ Ðé­ Þ â°§É ĝ °ÐÉ Ðâ ú­Ð

WHO LIVES HERE

H OME

A couple in their 30s A 40-year old HDB Flat on Bain Street S IZE 883 sq ft

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ABOVE

Old elements like the wall tiles, mosaic archway and terrazzo floor coexist with new ones like the Opus XXXVI tapestry art by Mira Sohlen and the Synergy painting by local artist Inkten.

OPPOSITE

Organic forms like the archway, the mirror, and the voluminous leather sofa lend softness, while thick curtains block noise from outside.

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109

R IG HT

The minimalist bedroom encourages rest. Here, the bed’s custom retro-inspired scalloped headboard takes centre stage.

The circular rug is deliberately placed offcentre to break the monotony.

OPPOSITE, TOP

“We knew we’d run out of closet space soon, so we added these Ikea cabinets as extra storage,” says Yu Ran. He hand-painted these himself.

OPPOSITE, B OTTOM L E F T

To evoke lightness, the cabinets are mounted to the wall. They can replace them with full-height cabinets when they need more storage in the future.

OPPOSITE B OTTOM R IGH T

The arched mirror visually enlarges the walk-in wardrobe area.

110

“WE DIDN’T TRY TO MATCH EVERYTHING.” - YU RAN, HOMEOWNER

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111

RI GHT

The kitchen coffee counter‘s open shelves are filled with plants and small vessels.

BOTTOM

The yard features a sink area articulated with floating shelves, a round mirror and glossy subway tiles from Hafary, which also adorn the bathroom.

OPPOSITE

The original flat’s dining area used to be inside the kitchen.

With the new dining room, the renovated kitchen is much roomier.

aúÐ ÈÐÞ ÞÐÐÈâ ú Þ ÐÈ °É éÐ Þ é È âé Þ âî°é ú°é­ ú ¿ʌ°É ú Þ ÞÐ É ÞÐÐÈ â Û Þ é Ā Ğîé §Â ââ â° °É§ ÐÐÞʨ Ðé­ Þ È°É°È Â°âé éÐ Þ é ÐÉ î °ù È ° É ¦ÐÞ Þ âéʨ a­ ú ¿ʌ°É ú Þ ÞÐ ÐÈ â éÞ°ÈÈ ú°é­ Û ­ʌéÐÉ É îéÞ Ââʣ ú­ Þ â é­ ÞÐÐÈ is awash with deep green and É ùĀ Âî ­î âʨ ÐÈÛÂ é °É Z Ûé È Þ ȾȼȾȼ ¦é Þ â°ÿʌÈÐÉé­ Â Ā îâ Ā é­ Û É È° ʣ é­ Þ ÉÐù é°ÐÉ Ðâé ˏɂɄʣȼȼȼʣ ÿ Âî °É§ é­ ¦îÞÉ°éîÞ ʨ Hù Þ ÂÂʣ é­ Þ âîÂé °â ÿî Þ Éé ú°é­Ðîé °É§ Ðù Þú­ ÂȰɧʨ âÛ°é °É§ ­ ÛÛĀ ú°é­ é­ Þ âîÂéʣ é­ ÐîÛ Ȱéâ é­ é °é °â âé°Â úÐÞ¿ °É ÛÞÐ§Þ ââʨ r ú°Â ¦ÐÂÂÐú°É§ ù° ,Éâé §Þ È ­ É Â ˺ °ÉâéÞ éâÐ ° Âʨ

112

photography ATHIRAH ANNISSA art direction KRISTY QUAH

113

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115

F I N I S H I N G N OT E

PURE SOUND, PURE AIR With the Dyson Zone air purifying headphones, Dyson has entered the world of wearable technology. The set of noisecancelling, high fidelity over-ear headphones promises to deliver immersive sound to the ears and purified air to the nose and mouth.

“Air pollution affects us everywhere; it is a global problem. At home, at school, at work, and as we travel, whether on foot, on a bike or by public or private transportation.

The Dyson Zone purifies the air you breathe on the move,” says chief engineer Jake Dyson. “Unlike face masks, it delivers fresh air without touching your face, using highperforming filters and two miniaturised air pumps.”

More than 500 prototypes were created

by Dyson teams across the UK, Singapore, Malaysia and China over a six-year period as the product evolved from a snorkellike mouthpiece with bulky backpack to a compact, contact-free visor with mechanism embedded in its ear cups. Globally, it will be available this autumn. Timing will vary by region. Dyson will announce more details in the coming months. We can’t wait!

text ASIH JENIE photo DYSON

Visit www.dyson.com.sg for more information.

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