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A PLACE FOR WORK & PLAY COOLEST CO-WORKING SPACES THAT ALLOW FOR KIDS & PETS
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CHIC GADGETS FOR A NEAT STUDY DESK MODERN HOME OFFICE IDEAS & EXPERT TIPS FOR IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY
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A Multi-Brand Children Furniture Store.
This is Çilek. It boasts an extensive range of more than 30 themes of bedroom furniture, all made in Turkey. Here, we feature the award-winning Dark Metal study desk as an example of how Cilek prizes attention to details, and blends together textures, and materials, to create a wide range of thematic products catered to toddlers, tweens, teens and adults. With more than 500 stores worldwide, Çilek draws inspiration from all over the world, to produce amazing designs at great prices. Whether you are building a dainty nursery, an adventurous pirate themed room, an industrial vibe, or a victorian design, be sure to explore our wide range of options, with information online, and physical displays in our flagship showroom. Imagine, with Çilek.
Happy Birthday Singapore! From now till 9 Aug 2022, enjoy 5% storewide with us when you flash this magazine, or enter the promo code H&DXKH when you shop on our website. See you Singapore!
www.KidsHaven.sg Virtual Showroom Follow us @sgkidshaven (25 Playfair Road)
CONTENTS
J U LY
12
FEATURES T H E L AT E S T I N D E S I G N AND DECOR TRENDS
35
I N STOR E
50
COLOUR OF THE MONTH Cooling grey and gradient blues breathe a fresh air.
41
MARGUERITE Dine in floral splendour at this restaurant at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome.
NEW STO RE 36 12
24
HOME OFFICE, NOW Design tips and case studies to make a case for a permanent home office.
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD Choose your next office from our roundup of seven co-working spaces that cater to different kinds of professionals.
20
MAKING IT WORK Home offices are here to stay. Here’s all you need to carve out a permanent spot in your home that make work, well, work.
S HO P P I N G
EDL GALLERY MALAYSIA The creative hybrid space comprising a showroom, a warehouse, event spaces and an office, EDL’s Malaysian outpost offers an immersive retail experience.
30
GREAT BUYS Our monthly roundup of the hottest new design products for the home.
38
LIVSPACE EXPERIENCE CENTRE The 2,000 sq ft centre showcases the home renovation platform’s offering.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DESK FOR YOUR CHILD Some options and tips from the boutique children’s furniture store Kids Haven.
L I V IN G 41
TROPICAL BOUNTY Lush flora and fauna adorn these items.
52
THE CELLAR AT 665°F See the stunning addition to Andaz Singapore’s crown jewel by Andre Fu. 54
H OT S POT 42
PALIHOUSE SANTA BARBARA Vintage vibes meets cool Californian aesthetic.
EMECO HOUSE A once rundown sewing shop has been transformed into a creative community space. 56
46
THE MADRID EDITION The new hotel merges the old and the new.
LYF FARRER PARK Lyf’s Little India outpost is a haven for digital nomads and creative self-starters.
48
30
2
FURLA PROGETTO ITALIA The factory complex celebrates its surrounding Tuscan landscape.
58
THE GESSNER A new membersonly club-inspired living experience in London.
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
61
70
THE ART OF GENEROSITY Jeff Koons talks about his family, new projects and the meaning of art.
UP CLOSE LivingwithArt Singapore founder Zak Lo on what makes good art and how travel inspires him.
PEOPLE 66
72
CONSCIOUS CONSTRUCTION Kevin Lim of Studio SKLIM talks about the studio’s installation at the Marina Barrage,
VOICE Microbiologist Joanne Kang reveals the ugly facts about dust collecting in our homes and what we can do about it.
68
RESHAPING THE ORDINARY Trailblazer Nathan Yong shares his current views on design and art, and the inspirations behind his recent collections.
74
PROPERTY The Origins Property shares three ways to boost the viewership of your home.
68
Reshaping The Ordinary Nathan Yong talks about his new direction.
61
66 8
EDITOR’S NOTE 10
H&D.COM.SG 11 5
WHERE TO BUY 11 6
FINISHING NOTE
3
CONTENTS
J U LY
HOMES THE NEW MODERN
on the cover 78
100
ECLECTIC ENSEMBLE This home manages to tackle its complex design brief and addresses the homeowner’s priorities thanks to a major reconfiguration.
GETAWAY HOME A patio filled with plants, an aquarium centrepiece, a view of the condominium pool, and the sound of falling water make this apartment feel like a private villa on a resort island.
90
HER HERITAGE This condominium apartment is a celebration of Peranakan culture, carefully designed to showcase the homeowner’s antique collection while keeping the overall look streamlined.
78 r âé ÞÉ °ÉĞî É downstairs, Eastern °ÉĞî É îÛâé °Þâ °É this maisonette. PHOTOGRPHY VERONICA TAY ART DIRECTION NO NIE CH EN
106
AS YOU LIKE IT Having worked with various notable designers on previous homes, this savvy homeowner knows exactly what he wants.
106
91
4
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6
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Decor are those of the authors or
MCI (P) 060/12/2021 Expiry date: 30/11/2022. For back issues, e-mail: circs@sph.com.sg. Subscribe online: www.homeanddecor.com.sg.
EDITOR’S NOTE
WO R K I T O U T Ā Þ° úÐÞ¿ ÞÞ É§ È Éé °â é é ,ʙÈ ÉÐú  éÐ ÛÂ É ÈĀ é°È ÈÐÞ ÛÞÐ î é°ù ÂĀ Ā cutting down on commuting time. On the days where I am úÐÞ¿°É§ ¦ÞÐÈ ÐÈ ʣ  , É °â ĝù È°Éîé â °É é ÈÐÞɰɧ éÐ §Ð ¦ÞÐÈ ú ¿°É§ îÛ éÐ ÂЧ§°É§ °ÉéÐ é ÐĔ â Þù Þʨ )Ðú ù Þʣ ù°É§ ââ° °Â°éĀ éÐ ĀÐîÞ úÐÞ¿ É ÂâÐ éÞ°È Éé  â ĀÐî È Ā ¦  Р°§ éÐ ÐÉ âé É Ā úÐÞ¿ ÈР é é°È ʨ aÞîé éРʣ °é é ¿ â ÂÐé Ц ÐÉéÞР¦ÐÞ È éÐ ÉÐé é ÈÛé éÐ ¿ ÈĀ úÐÞ¿ È °Â ÐîéⰠЦ ÈĀ â°§É é úÐÞ¿°É§ ÐîÞâʣ â°ÈÛÂĀ îâ ÈĀ terminal is always within reach. ú ÂÂʌ â°§É ÐÈ ÐĔ É ÂÛ éÐ ÉîÞéîÞ é discipline you require to get îâéÐÈ éÐ é É ú úÐÞ¿°É§ arrangement. This issue is ĝ ú°é Û ÉéĀ Ц ° â ÐÉ Þ ââ°É§ îÛ ĀÐîÞ úÐÞ¿ âÛ ʣ perhaps it is time for you to § é úÐÞ¿°É§ ÐÉ Þ ÉÐù é°É§ ĀÐîÞ ÐÈ ÐĔ â ú ÂÂʪ
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
It seems that after a long period of uncertainty, life is ĝÉ ÂÂĀ §Ð°É§ ¿ éÐ ÉÐÞÈ Âʣ or rather, a new normal. Companies around the world are realising that employees Ð ÉÐé É éÐ âé é°ÐÉ é é °Þ ÐĔ â¿â °É ÐÞ Þ éÐ productive, while employees Þ ÂâРɼÐĀ°É§ ÈÐÞ úÐÞ¿ʌ °¦ Â É Ā Ðé ⿰ɧ ¦ÞÐÈ é °Þ ÐÈ ÐĔ âʨ With this revelation, more homeowners now see the value in setting aside proper space °É é ÐÈ ¦ÐÞ úÐÞ¿ âé é°ÐÉʨ ÐÈ ÐĔ ÐÞ âéî Ā Ð âÉʙé ù éÐ Ðްɧ ÐÞ âé Þ°Â ʣ ú ÂÂʌ â°§É ÐÈ ÐĔ ÉÐé ÐÉÂĀ â éÐ ĀÐîÞ Ĕ ° É Āʣ °é É ÂâÐ ÂÛ éÐ °ÉâÛ°Þ ĀÐî ú°Â ĀÐî úÐÞ¿ʨ , °¿ éÐ ù Û ÉéĀ Ц É éîÞ Â Â°§é °É ÈĀ úÐÞ¿ Þ ʣ ù°É§ §Þ é ù° ú ÂâÐ ÂÛâ îâ , É Þ âé ÈĀ Ā â Ā ÂÐп°É§ Ðîé °ÉéÐ é â É ÞĀ éú É é â¿â ÐÉ é ÐÈÛîé Þʨ ÉÐé Þ §Þ é é°É§ Ðîé
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F E AT U R E
HOME OFFICE, NOW â°§É é°Ûâ É â âéî ° â éÐ È ¿ â ¦ÐÞ Û ÞÈ É Éé ÐÈ ÐĔ ʨ
M
Ðâé Ц îâ ù É Â ¿ éÐ é ÐĔ ÂÞ Āʨ îé é ú Ā ú È É § é ÐîÉ ÞĀ éú É úÐÞ¿ °¦ É ÐÈ Â°¦ â ɧ ʨ Z°È°Â Þ éÐ Ðú é âé ÐÈÛ É° â ù Ûé é °Þ ÈÛÂÐĀ ʙâ úÐÞ¿ ÞÞ É§ È Ééâ éÐ ÛÞÐù° ÈÐÞ Ğ ÿ° °Â°éĀ °É é°È É ÂÐ é°ÐÉâʣ é â°§É Ð¦ ÐîÞ ÐÈ â ù ÂâÐ ùÐÂù éÐ ÐÈÈÐ é úÐÞ¿ É â ÐÐÂʣ Û ÞÈ É ÉéÂĀʨ )ÐÈ ÐĔ ʣ ¦ éîÞ é éʣ ¦ÐÞ é Û É È° ʣ â È éÐ É ÿéÞ ¦ éîÞ ʣ â ÐÈ âÐî§éʌ ¦é Þ ÐÉ é é °É Þ â â é ù Âî Ц ĀÐîÞ ÐÈ ʨ ZÐ Ðú Ð ú â°§É ÐÉ é é âî°éâ ÐîÞ É âʪ ) Þ Þ âÐÈ é°Ûâ É â âéî ° âʨ
Situated adjacent to the living room, this predominantly white home office by EHKA Studio places its occupants side by side.
12
SHARED HOME OFFICE Your family members or your guests might be your coworkers in your home office. Think about how to best arrange multiple workstations in the same space.
ID EHKA STUDIO
ID DESIGN INTERVENTION
This home office by Design Intervention seats its occupants back to back, with a shared view in the middle.
“INSPIRATION COMES FROM THE MOST UNLIKELY PLACES! IT’S YOUR OWN WORKING SPACE. FILL THE ROOM WITH POSITIVITY AND ENTHUSIASM. LET THE COLOURS BRIGHTEN UP YOUR MOOD AND HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS!” – NIKKI HUNT, DESIGN INTERVENTION
13
PHOTO DESIGN INTERVENTION
This working corner designed by The Monocot Studio comprises a simple cantilevered working surface and a chair placed near the wardrobe.
C H A N N E L YO U R I N N E R C E O This masculine home office by Design Intervention features dark wood furniture, Ralph Lauren wallpaper and a cool colour palette. The sculptural desk is the centrepiece of the room that lends a stately touch.
“THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO AVOID ADDING TO ONE’S HOME OFFICE IS NOT AN ITEM, BUT CLUTTER. CLUTTERED SPACES CAN ADD STRESS AND ANXIETY WHILE CLEAN, ORGANISED SPACES CAN CONTRIBUTE TO HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY AND BETTER WORK. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A DECLUTTERED SPACE.” – CARMEN TANG, WOLF WOOF
14
PHOTOS DESIGN INTERVENTION
PHOTO WOLF WOOF
ID THE MONOCOT STUDIO
INSIDE THE WA R D R O B E A flat’s spare bedroom is most often converted into a walking wardrobe, a home office, and in some cases – both.
This dark walk-in wardrobe by Wolf Woof also has a study or home office area. The dark scheme inspire a cocooned feeling that allows its occupants to concentrate. If natural light is desired, one can simply open the blinds.
T H E F E M I N I N E G LOW Shades of pink, curves and delicate shapes are not reserved for rooms with traditional domestic function, they can also soften the house’s designated workspace, as seen in this pink-hued and curvy golden home office by Design Intervention.
15
ID WAFF
This shared home office by WAFF takes it up a notch with sliding glass doors and open wall partition.
This simple yet effective home office window by Haven Lifestyle allows the homeowner to keep an eye on their charge while working. It also creates a nice vignette from the living room.
16
ID HAVEN LIFESTYLE
THE INNER VIEW Those who juggle work from home with parenting or caretaking often need to have their eyes in many places. Internal windows from the office that open up to the rest of the house is a great idea.
T H E H O B BY S PAC E “Surround yourself with the things that you love” is not only a mantra that works for living space, but also working space. These case studies shows how to combine hobby and work - pleasure and business - at home.
“NATURAL LIGHT AND GREAT VENTILATION HELP REGULATE YOUR MOOD WHILST WORKING IN THE HOME OFFICE. WHAT NOT TO ADD INTO THE HOME OFFICE? IT HAS TO BE KIDS, 100 PER CENT.”
This home officecum-gaming room by Hello Embryo is encased with a glass display case, allowing the occupants to admire the content while keeping a visual access to the area around it.
ID HELLO EMBRYO
ID WOLF WOOF
This open work area by Wolf Woof uses the owner’s toy collection as decoration that is sure a balm to the tired eyes after a long work day. The Qeeboo Rabbit chair is a nice personal touch and an example of how you don’t have to stick to conventional office furniture in your home office.
DESIGN CALVIN HO
This self-designed, dark wood-clad home office by entrepreneur Calvin Ho doubles as a den for his most precious figurine and memorabilia collections, most of which are placed higher up on the wall, away from his dog’s reach, freeing the space below.
– LIN WEIZHANG, SUPER FAT DESIGNS
17
This home office by Space Matters has it all: great view, great natural light, and access to indoor and outdoor sitting areas that can serve as breakout or entertaining space.
18
ID SPACE MATTERS
Is your home office your only office? Lucky you! Consider giving it the best view in the house, like this home office at Space Sense Studio founder Kelvin Teo’s home. The glazed wall and ceiling allow for a spectacular view and ample natural light.
PHOTO SUPER FAT DESIGNS
ID SPACE SENSE STUDIO
Artwork and wallpapers can also serve as stand-in for views, like seen in this work corner by Super Fat Designs.
NO VIEW? NO PROBLEM Everyone works differently. Some like their workspace to be free of distractions, even if the said distractions are a great view. Others need a great view, but that’s not always possible. These projects show how to work that to your advantage.
This nook near the bookshelves designed by Studio Wills + Architects is a great example of maximising your space. It is also partially enclosed to inspire focus, yet still connected to the rest of the house.
A ROOM WITH A VIEW Spectacular views, natural light, and great ventilation are the trinity of the intangible spatial quality you’d want for your home office. The home offices blessed with these also make for great entertaining spaces.
Who has access to the home office? Will it be accessible to guests and visitors? The answers to these questions will determine the look location of the home office. The opposite also applies, where you carve the space for the home office may also determine the design. Discuss with your designer, design is problem solving after all.
ID STUDIO WILLS + ARCHITECTS
QUESTIONS TO ASK
text ASIH JENIE
19
PHOTO THEOMNIDESK
F E AT U R E
EPSON EXPRESSION HOME XP-2101 INKJET ALL-IN-ONE PRINTER Small but mighty, this handy, easy-to-use printer makes printing a breeze. Built with enhanced wireless connectivity, you can easily print documents with your phone to enjoy fussfree printing anytime, anywhere.
MAKING IT WORK
W
hether you’re working from home a few days of the week or full-time, it’s essential to carve out a space that separates your work and personal life. As hybrid working is here to stay, it is paramount to ensure your workstation is fully kitted out with the right gear and accessories to make the work day ĞÐú âÈÐÐé Þʣ ÈÐÞ ÐȦÐÞé  and more organised.
P H YS I C A L N E E D S Retails for $98 at Epson official stores on Lazada and Shopee.
O M N I D E S K I C H I (O N E ) K AWA PRO 2020 FRAME The Omnidesk Ichi (One) embraces the monolith of mother nature and distils it into a single desk that will elevate your space. Its tabletop is made from teak, featuring dark heartwood and buttery brown tones of outer sapwood. It has a highly sensitive anti-collision mechanism and a childlock feature that makes adjusting to your most comfortable sitting or standing positions with a touch of a button. The console features smart memory programmable presets to save up to two favourite profiles. Retails from $2,190 at theomnidesk.com/pages/ichi-collection.
20
PHOTO EPSON
Home offices are here to stay. Here’s all you need to carve out a permanent spot in your home that make work, well, work.
INTERNET NEEDS
MI WI-FI RANGE EXTENDER PRO The Mi Wi-Fi Range Extender Pro can help you easily connect to your home’s network to speed up your connection and avoid lag during video calls. It comes with a QR code and application to configure your device. Once, configured you can move the location of the Range Extender for the best signal quality and coverage in your house, without needing to re-configure. Retails for $19.90 at Xiaomi official stores on Lazada and
Retails from $749 at everdeskplus.com.
Retails for $199 at Courts.
I PA D P R O With the latest M1 chip, the iPad Pro takes full advantage of next-level performance and custom technologies like the advanced image signal processor and unified memory architecture. Its 5G capabilities allow you to download files, stream movies, collaborate with colleagues and upload content on the go. With its power efficiency, iPad Pro is still thin and light with all-day battery life, making it as portable as it is powerful. Retails from $1,199 at www.apple.com/sg.
PHOTO APPLE
EVERDESK + MAX Get healthier at your desk, painlessly. The Everdesk+ Max has three built-in custom height presets, with a sit and stand reminder that nudges you into healthy desk habits. Its dual motors provide the fastest, quietest, and most robust standing desk that can support a set-up of up to 120kg. The sensitive sensors detect obstacles when the desk moves up and down, halting movement before any damage occurs.
GOOGLE NEST WI-FI POINT The Nest Wi-Fi Point works to blanket your whole home in fast, reliable, uninterrupted Wi-Fi. The Nest Wi-Fi automatically updates itself to get new features and help your network stay safe. Nest Wi-Fi points have a speaker with the Google Assistant, allowing you to command hundreds of compatible devices with ease.
PHOTO GOOGLE NEST WI-FI
PHOTO EVERDESKPLUS
PHOTO XIAOMI
Shopee.
21
HYBRID WORKING IS HERE TO STAY. IT IS PARAMOUNT TO ENSURE YOUR WORKSTATION IS FULLY KITTED PHOTOS LOGITECH
OUT WITH THE RIGHT GEAR AND ACCESSORIES TO MAKE THE WORK DAY FLOW SMOOTHER, MORE COMFORTABLE AND MORE ORGANISED.
IT NEEDS
R A Z E R H U N T S M A N V 2 A N A LO G These Razer gaming devices double up to provide a comfortable work set-up in your home office. The Razer Huntsman keyboard features a soft, cushioned wrist support that magnetically snaps to the keyboard to relieve pressure on your wrists, so you feel less fatigued when working over long periods.
PHOTOS RAZER
Retails for $399.90 at www.razer.com.
LO G I T E C H M X MASTER 3S The MX Master 3S mouse has new features for ultimate tactility, performance and flow. Quiet Clicks deliver the same satisfying feeling with 90 per cent less click noise for focused work. It is also sculpted to provide all-day comfort with a tilt angle for a more natural hand position and intuitive controls for quick access and fast navigation. Retails for $169 at www.logitech.com/en-sg.
22
H U AW E I W I R E L E S S C H A R G I N G M O U S E PA D G T This ultra-smooth polymer mouse pad comes equipped with a USB-C port for universal cable charging as soon as it’s plugged in. It can charge any smart device that supports the Qi standard and provides extra oomph by fast-charging Huawei devices. It automatically cuts off power when the device is fully charged to preserve battery life.
LO G I T E C H M X M E C H A N I C A L This keyboard allows users to choose between three switch options: Tactile Quiet (Logitech’s quietest mechanical keyboard), Clicky and Linear to match your typing style. Smart backlighting, available in six options, automatically adjusts brightness for ambient light and switches off when not needed for efficient battery consumption. Retails for $299 at www.logitech.com/en-sg.
Retails for approximately $107 at Huawei
PHOTO HUAWEI
PHOTO LOGITECH
official stores.
C LO U D S TO R AG E N E E D S
TYPE
ONEDRIVE
D R O P B OX
GOOGLE DRIVE
F R E E S T O R AG E
5GB
2GB
15GB
$2/month for 100GB of storage; $70/year ($7/month) for 1TB of storage. Microsoft 365 Family offers a one-month free trial, then it’s $100/year ($10/month). Family package offers 6TB of storage.
$20/month for one user with 3TB of storage; $15/ month for 5TB of space for Teams. $25/month for customisable team storage.
(With a Google One membership) 100GB: $2/month or $20/ year; 200GB: $3/ month or $30/year; 2TB: $10/month or $100/year; 10TB: $100/month; 20TB: $200/month; 30TB: $300/month.
AVA I L A B L E PA I D P L A N S
SUPPORTED OS
Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Windows
Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
text NIKKI ANDREA BOUNAPARTE
Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, MacOS
23
F E AT U R E
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD Choose your next office from our roundup of seven co-working spaces that cater to different kinds of professionals.
W
ith hybrid and remote work on the Þ°â ʣ ÈÐâé Ц îâ ù é Ğ ÿ° °Â°éĀ to work from anywhere we choose. But sometimes, working from home can be °âРé°É§ʣ âÛ ° ÂÂĀ °¦ ĀÐî ÐÉʙé ù ° é ÐÈ ÐĔ ʨ ÐʌúÐÞ¿°É§ âÛ È°§é ¼îâé é Âé ÞÉ é°ù ĀÐî É ʣ ú°é Û ÉéĀ Ц ÐÛÛÐÞéîÉ°é° â ¦ÐÞ °Éé Þ é°ÐÉ É Ð ÐÞ é°ÐÉʨ
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THE GREAT ROOM FOR ENTREPRENEURS W H O VA L U E P R E S T I G E AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR B U S I N E S S G R OW T H
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R AT E S ˏɃȼ ¦ÐÞ Ā Û ââʣ ˏɃɁȼ ÈÐÉé ¦ÐÞ
hotdesking
Enquire at www.thegreatroom.co.
THE HIVE CARPENTER
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F O R T H O S E W H O LOV E A T R E N DY, C R E AT I V E V I B E I N T H E WO R K S PAC E
"ÐÞ éÐâ úÐ ÛÞ ¦ Þ é Ğ ÿ° °Â°éĀ Ц Ā Þ° â î ʣ a )°ù ÞÛ Éé Þ Ðđ Þâ É đÐÞ Â Û Þéʌé°È ÛÂ É é é  éâ ĀÐî §Ð °ÉéÐ é ÐĔ ¦ÐÞ Ƚȼ Āâ ÐÞ ù É ¼îâé îâ é ÐĔ ¦ÐÞ é Ā ú É ù Þ ĀÐî ¦  °¿ °éʨ r°é ù Ééâ °¿ ÞÐЦéÐÛ ĀЧ ʣ ÞîÉú Ā ¦ â°ÐÉ âÐúâʣ É ÐÛ É È° É°§éâʣ a )°ù â °éâ ĝɧ Þ ÐÉ é ÛîÂâ Ц Â é°É§â éÞ É Āʨ
FAC I L I T I E S a Þ Þ éúÐ meeting rooms to host gatherings Ц °đ Þ Éé â°ą âʣ ÛÂîâ È °Â Ðÿ ÂÐ ¿ Þâʣ ¦ âé r°"°ʣ É ÛÞ°Éé°É§ ù °Â  ʨ "ÐÞ }ÐÐÈ È é°É§âʣ ÛÐÉ ÐÐéâ Þ ù °Â  ¦ÐÞ ĀÐî éÐ é ¿ ÂÂâ °É ÛÞ°ù é ʨ R AT E S ˏȿȼ ¦ÐÞ Ā Û ââʣ ˏȾɁȼ
¦ÐÞ Ƚȼ Āâ Û Þ ÈÐÉéʣ ÐÞ ˏɀȼȼ ¦ÐÞ hotdesking Enquire at www.thehive.sg.
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JUSTCO F O R T H O S E W H O WA N T A GOOD MIX OF FUN AND PRESTIGE
rÐÞ¿ É Û Ā ÐÈ éЧ é Þ đÐÞé ââÂĀ é 7îâé Ðʣ ú° â â ù Þ Â ÐĔ â Ðéé ÞÐîÉ é °âÂ É ʣ °É Âî °É§ é ÞéÂ É âʨ ÐĔ °â îÉ°Ýî îé â É Ýî ÂÂĀ ù° Þ Éé éÈÐâÛ Þ ʋ ú ÂÐù é Þîâé° âú°É§â É Þ éÞ ¿ °É é V ė â Uî Ā Þ É °É Û Þé° î Þʨ FAC I L I T I E S a Ðé â¿
ÛÂ É §°ù â ĀÐî ââ éÐ é °Þ â Þ È É°é° â °¿ È é°É§ ÞÐÐÈâʣ °§ʌâÛ r°"°ʣ È °Â É Â°É§ʣ É ÛÞ°Éé°É§ ¦ °Â°é° âʨ B Ýî° ¿ Û° ¿ʌÈ ʌîÛ ¦ÐÞ È é°É§ʪ #Þ °é é é ú ÂÂʌâéÐ ¿ Û ÉéÞĀʨ R AT E S $398 a month for
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Ðé ⿰ɧ ÐÉ é °Þ 7îâé â¿ fÉ°Ȱé Û Éʣ ú° §°ù â ĀÐî îÉ°Ȱé ââ éÐ ÉĀ ù °Â  â éâ °É é Ðʌ working area.
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Enquire at www.justcoglobal. com.
WEWORK F O R T H O S E W H O WA N T FLEXIBILITY IN THEIR P L A N S A N D LO C AT I O N S
HÉ Ð¦ é ÈÐÞ âé °â ÐʌúÐÞ¿°É§ âÛ âʣ r rÐÞ¿ Ðđ Þâ Ğ ÿ° Â É ú ÂÂʌ Ýî°ÛÛ ÛÞЦ ââ°ÐÉ Â âÛ ¦ÐÞ îâ°É ââ â Ц Â ⰹ â ʋ ú é Þ ĀÐîʙÞ âÐÂÐÛÞ É îÞ or a growing team. When you â°§É îÛ ¦ÐÞ é ÂÂʌ ââ È È Þâ°Ûʣ ĀÐîʙ ÂâÐ § °É ââ éÐ é §ÂÐ Â r rÐÞ¿ É éúÐÞ¿ʣ âÐ ĀÐîʙ Âú Āâ ù ââ éÐ É ÐĔ âÛ no matter where you are in é úÐÞ ʨ FAC I L I T I E S È É°é° â
photos WEWORK
vary by branch, but most have Û Þ¿°É§ âÛÐéâʣ ÈÐé Þʙâ ÞÐÐÈʣ É É âÛÞ ââÐ Þʨ ZÐÈ ÂâÐ ù ù Éé É ú ÂÂÉ ââ âÛ âʨ R AT E S ˏȿɅɅ˥ ¦ÐÞ é ÂÂʌ
ââ ÈÐÉéÂĀ È È Þâ°Ûʨ Enquire at www.wework.com.
WEWORK OFFERS A FLEXIBLE AND WELL-EQUIPPED PROFESSIONAL SPACE FOR BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES – WHETHER YOU’RE A SOLOPRENEUR OR A GROWING TEAM.
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GATHER COWORK F O R T H O S E W H O WA N T A P E T- F R I E N D LY O F F I C E
Ðâé Ц úÐÞ¿âÛ ÐÛé°ÐÉâʣ ¦ÞÐÈ ¦îÂÂĀ ¦îÞÉ°â âéî °Ð ÐĔ â éÐ âÛп âî°é âʨ a Þ Þ ÂâÐ ù Éé âÛ â ¦ÐÞ ÛÞÐ î é  îÉ âʣ úÐÞ¿âÐÛâʣ É éúÐÞ¿°É§ â ââ°ÐÉâ É Ðé Þ âÐ °  é°ù°é° âʨ R AT E S ˏɃɁȼ Û Þ ÈÐÉé ¦ÐÞ
ĝÿ â¿ Enquire at www.gather-cowork. com.
photos PAPERSPACE ASIA
photos GATHER
ÐÉʙé ú Éé éÐ Â ù ĀÐîÞ Û é é ÐÈ ʪ a°â Û éʌ¦Þ° É ÂĀ ÐĔ  éâ ĀÐî ްɧ ĀÐîÞ ÛîÛ to work, so you never have to Û Þéʨ a éʙâ ÉÐé é ÐÉÂĀ ú ÂÂÉ ââ °É°é° é°ù # a) V â ʋ °é ÂâÐ â â ù Þ Â Û ÞéÉ Þâ°Ûâ ú°é Þ É â âî â Ð Ā "°é aÞ °É°É§ʣ BîéÞ°¦Ā A Ââʣ É HÈÉÐ â Û Þé Ц °éâ È È Þâ°Û Û Þ¿âʨ
FAC I L I T I E S # a) V Ðđ Þâ
PAPERWORK F O R C R E AT I V E S A N D D E S I G N P R O F E S S I O N A L S
Z°éî é é  ù  ȿ Ц é B é°ÐÉ Â â°§É ÉéÞ ʣ S Û ÞúÐÞ¿ °â îąą°É§ î ¦ÐÞ Þ é°ù РÐÞ é°ÐÉʨ a ÐĔ °â Ýî°ÛÛ ú°é ° Þ ÞĀ Ц â ÈÛÂ È é Þ° Ââ É Þ ¦ Þ É â ¦ÞÐÈ âîÛÛ° Þâʣ âÐ â°§É ÛÞЦ ââ°ÐÉ Ââ ù âĀ ââ éÐ ù ÞĀé°É§ é Ā É ¦ÐÞ úÐÞ¿ʨ
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photos TREHAUS
TREHAUS F O R T H O S E W H O WA N T A FA M I LYF R I E N D LY O F F I C E
aÞ îâ °â é ĝÞâé ÐʌúÐÞ¿°É§ âÛ °É Z°É§ ÛÐÞ éÐ Ðđ Þ °Â Þ ¦ °Â°é° â É Þ Þâʣ âÐ ĀÐî É Þ°É§ ĀÐîÞ ¿° â éÐ úÐÞ¿ ú°é ĀÐîʨ Þ°§éʣ ú  ÐȰɧ âÛ °Éù°é â Ðé îÂéâ É °Â Þ É éÐ Û Āʣ âÐ °éʙâ  ââ Ц ÐÉù Éé°ÐÉ Â ÐĔ É ÈÐÞ Ð¦ â ÐÉ ÐÈ ʨ FAC I L I T I E S Ā Þ ¦ °Â°é° â ¦ÐÞ ĀÐîÞ °Â ʣ
FAC I L I T I E S a Þ ʙâ
Þ âÐîÞ Â° Þ ÞĀʣ ÂÐ ¿ Þâʣ È °Â°É§ â Þù° ʣ É Þ Â Þ éÐ ¦î  ĀÐîÞ Þ é°ù É Þ§Āʨ
ÐÈÛ é ú°é Þ §°ù Þâʣ Þ °É Âî â Û Þé Ц é rÐÞ¿ É Þ A È Þâ°Ûʨ ÐÐâ ¦ÞÐÈ ù Þ°Ðîâ Ğ ÿ°  Û Éâ é é é Þ éÐ °đ Þ Éé É âʣ ¦ÞÐÈ ÂÐ ¿ Þ âéÐÞ § éÐ ° é â¿â éÐ È °Â É Â°É§ʨ R AT E S ˏɀɄȼ Û Þ ÈÐÉé ¦ÐÞ Ƚȼ Āâʙ ââʣ îÛ
R AT E S ˏɀɁ ¦ÐÞ Ā Û ââʣ ˏȿȾȼ
Û Þ ÈÐÉé ¦ÐÞ ° é â¿ Enquire at www.paperwork.asia.
text MELODY BAY
éÐ ˏȽʣɄȼȼ Û Þ ÈÐÉé ¦ÐÞ îÉ°Ȱé Ðé ⿰ɧ with daycare. Enquire at www.trehaus.co.
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SNUGGLE UP
TRENDING
The mattress is the main piece of furniture in the bedroom, and what better way to accord it the presence it deserves than with a beautifully-designed bedframe. Here are our top picks from this season.
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3 1. & 2. Poltrona Frau Volare Due and Lola Darling beds, both from $15,260 at Proof Living, www. proof.com.sg. 3. Eden headboard, starts at $3897 for a European Queen sized headboard in fabric, at Danish Design Co, www. danishdesignco. com.sg. 4. Miniforms Shiko Wein bed, $8,050 at P5 studio, www. p5studio.com.sg. 5. Gervasoni Plumeau Bed, price upon request, at The Beuro, www. thebeuro.com.
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SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
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Plasma Science started off as a passion project of a team of engineers, scientists and technology enthusiasts. The company collaborated with A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) to launch the Trident air purifiers. These feature &Safe Air Dome technology that combines cold plasma ions, advanced graphene electrostatic plates, and built-in ultraviolet-C that can eliminate up to 99.8 per cent of viruses and bacteria in 15 minutes. The Trident air purifiers retail at $799 (Trident Mini) and $1,199 (Trident Plus, pictured) at www.tridentair.sg.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
DOUBLE THE FUN Designed by Verner Panton in 1959, Vitra’s sinuous Panton Chair is one of the most recognisable chairs in the world. Its silhouette is widely regarded as an icon of 20th-century design. Recently Vitra launched a special limited edition Panton Duo collection, ÐÈÛÞ°â°É§ ĝ ù ù Þ° Ééâ with contrasting front and back colours. The colour combinations reference the legendary Fantasy Landscape, which Verner Panton created in 1970 for the installation in Cologne.
Available at Vitra Store, distributed by W.Atelier in Singapore, price upon request. Visit www.watelier. com for more information.
ART OBJECTS At Milan Design Week 2002, tile brand Mutina skirted the realm of art with Paesaggi collection. It comprises three decorative models originally designed by the late designer-artist Nathalie Du Pasquier, one of the founding members of the legendary Memphis group. Her original models are sold for exorbitant amounts in leading galleries around the world, so cop these while you can!
THE MEAL MAKER No space? No problem. The Tefal Multifunctional Easy Fry Oven and Grill combines a whopping nine functions into one compact appliance – so you can fry, roast, grill, bake, and more even in the tiniest of kitchens. With a large capacity of 11 litres, you can prepare up to three meals at once when guests come over. Its versatility doesn’t stop there: it also comes with various accessories, including a fries basket, two dehydrating racks, and even a grill plate. Yum! The Tefal Multifunctional Easy Fry Oven and Grill retails for $339 on Amazon, Lazada, Qoo10, and Shopee platforms and at authorised retailers.
Mutina Paesaggi model retails for 2,938 Euros (approximately $4,316) at www. mutina.it.
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SLEEK MAKEOVER With its red hot colour scheme and ĞÐÐÞʌéÐʌ °Â°É§ ù° Ð ÛÞм é°ÐÉâʣ Versace Home’s presentation last month was one of the highlights of Milan Design r ¿ ȾȼȾȾʨ Zé É °É§ Ðîé °É é°â ĝ ÞĀ backdrop was the new La Medusa sofa. Designed by duo Roberto Palomba and ;î Ðù° Z Þ ĝÉ°ʣ é âЦ ú â  îÉ last year and this year, its latest iteration has undergone a sleek makeover with high-gloss vinyl upholstery for adding that edgy Versace touch to any room.
Price upon request. Visit www.versace. com for more information.
LET’S GET LOUD
Level up your home theatre with the Sonos Ray, a small but mighty soundbar that’s the latest in the Sonos lineup. Its É ú ââʌÞ Ğ ÿ âĀâé È Â°ù Þâ Ûé balanced with precise mid and highrange frequencies, while the custom â°§É ú ù §î° â ĝ é ÞÐÐÈ ú°é sound thanks to its ability to project sound from wall to wall. The Sonos Ray retails for $529 at www. tcacoustic.asia.
EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH
EVER PRESENT: FIRST PEOPLES ART OF AUSTRALIA
ORIGINAL ANGLES Sometimes you need a fresh angle to discover something new. These angular tables from Japanese furniture brand Chorus Living designed by Tomoyuki Matsuoka, are a fun, if a little literal, take on that. The table features an angular top that considers the user’s movement around it. Say goodbye to banging your hips on the table corner! The Chorus Living Table retails for $2,580 from Atomi, www.atomi.shop.
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What: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art showcase When: Until Sept 25 Where: National Gallery Singapore Showcasing over 170 artworks produced by over 150 artists, this exhibition is the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection to travel to Asia. Borrowed from the
National Gallery of Australia and The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, the collection highlights the diversity of First Peoples’ art, with works dating back to 1890, ranging from bark paintings, and sculptures to video installations and cutting-edge contemporary art. General Admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs.
TILE OF THE MONTH
BREATHABLE BEDDING Home-grown furniture brand Castlery has introduced three new bedding collections made from 100 per cent cotton. The Waffle Collection adds a decorative element with a lightly textured duvet. The topside has a cosy waffle weave, while the underside is made with a soft, breathable Percale for comfort. Percale is a durable material that holds its shape over many washes, making it ideal for bedroom staples. For more information, visit www.castlery.com/sg.
Add to cart
TIMELESS ELEGANCE Few materials can do timeless elegance like marble. Well, unless perhaps, that material is an exquisitely crafted marblelook tile. The Mystic porcelain tile collection from Ceramica Sant’Agostino features highdefinition graphics fashioned after natural marble, lending a touch of luxe to any space, from living to home offices. Available in polished and matte finishes. In Singapore, Ceramica Sany’Agostino is available through Hafary. Price upon request. Visit www. hafary.com.sg for more information.
LUXURY GAMES Online luxury retailer Net-A-Porter’s home division has welcomed luxury lifestyle brand Aerin into its offerings. Founded by Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of Estee Lauder, the Aerin collection available via Net-APorter includes glass vessels, cocktail set, jewellery boxes and board game sets like backgammon, Jenga, domino and tic-tac-toe. The Aerin collection starts from $237 (cocktail shaker and jiggle set) to $4,748 (backgammon set) at www.net-a-porter.com.
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ARTIST OF THE MONTH SIEW KEE LIONG
PERFECTLY JUICY With WMF’s Fusiontec Aromatic cookware series, everyone will be talking about your roasts and stews for days! Its latest Soup Pot has a double-walled body and a unique lid with a stainless steel knobbed surface to evenly distribute condensation, preserving up to 25 per cent more juices from meat and such in the pot to intensify flavours. Utterly delicious, we say. The WMF Fusiontec Aromatic Soup Pot retails from $399 at the WMF Official Store at Lazada, Takashimaya and Tangs at Tang Plaza.
A graduate of the University of Miami’s Science in Motion Pictures and Fine Arts in Photography, Siew Kee Liong’s works with large-scale photography and digital videography both in digital and analogue formats. His digital works are usually black and white photographs of people, while his analogue works are of found objects and photographs altered via scratching, burning, dyeing, or even by simply allowing for the
proliferation of mould and fungi to interact with the photographic emulsion. In Singapore, Siew Kee Liong is represented by the Gajah Gallery. Visit www.gajahgallery.com for more information.
NEWS Automated Rental One-stop home rental platform Cove has announced a property management tech platform developed specifically for its landlord partners. The platform will provide live portfolio data and insights into the property’s performance, allowing for ease of progress monitoring. Visit www.cove.com. sg for more information.
Fine Crystal Fine crystal heritage brand Baccarat has opened a pop-up store at Marina Bay Sands. Decked out like an opulent Parisian apartment, the store features French-style wall mouldings, cabinets in the style of Maison Baccarat in Paris, and finishes like marble and walnut to enhance its
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crystal offerings, which include iconic pieces like Mille Nuits chandelier, New Antique bowl and various limited editions from the Haute Couture collection. The Baccarat pop-up store is at L1- 09 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, www.baccarat.com.
The Artling Does NFT The Artling has launched an art and design NFT collection, expanding its diverse offerings. Its NFT marketplace is powered by Startrail, a blockchain system designed for the art market operated by
text ASIH JENIE, MELODY BAY, NIKKI ANDREA BOUNAPARTE & KRISTY QUAH
Tokyo-based Startbahn. This new platform allows artists and designers to present their physical and NFT pieces side by side. Visit www.theartling. com/en/nfts for more information.
C O LO U R O F T H E M O N T H
COOLING GREY Having been experiencing the hottest days in a long while, we in Singapore have a collective longing for the cooler climate of our favourite destinations. So why don’t we bring it home via shades of blues and greys? We don’t have to necessarily stick to one colour either – tonal gradations are all the rage right now, see Valentino’s recent hot pink fashion show and Versace Home’s bold red presentation at Milan Design Week. Lladro shows how it’s done with its latest lighting collection, Seasons. We particularly love the use of cooling tones in the Winter chandelier, which comprises exquisitely crafted porcelain pieces in gradients, starting from deep blue with burgundy undertone at its base, to medium blue with mauve, and light blue to clear blue at the tip of the chandelier, expressing the gradual arrival of winter, that is also apt to express the arrival of a cooling drizzle after a sweltering day. Pair these gradient blues with teal-toned grey, seen in this room, to create a backdrop with enough contrast, yet keeping it in the cool-toned family. Want to add a little popping contrast, go to the opposite side of the colour wheel and pair it with mustard upholstery and soft furnishings like throws and cushions. Thanks to its calming effect, these blues can go in any room in our home, from the communal to the most private.
PANTONE 7700C
C O LO U R O F THE MONTH PANTONE 447C
PANTONE 7411C
You can add the cooling gradients of blues via artworks, and photographs, too. Imagine an oversized print of Santorini or Chefchaouen delightful!
the expert says
WO N G L IA NGYUAN Colour specialist, Haven Lifestyle
photo LLADRO
“Greys and blacks are becoming popular colour options for home interiors. Not only do they make a room feel cosier and more intimate, they also help to turn your walls into an instagrammable backdrop. The great thing about these dark shades is that they help to accent other colours you add into the space, making it much easier to style your sanctuary.” 35
N E W S TO R E
E EDL GALLERY M A L AYS I A A creative space comprising a showroom, a warehouse, event spaces and an office, EDL’s Malaysian outpost in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area offers an immersive retail experience.
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DL, the purveyor of decorative laminates, worktop solutions, designer handles, and knobs for architects, interior designers and homeowners, opened an experiential gallery, EDL Division, in Sungei Kadut in 2016. Designed by Formwerkz Architects, the award-winning gallery showcases the richness and potential of laminates in a visual narrative that unfolds throughout the space. This year, EDL brought its creative showroom approach to Malaysia with the opening of EDL Gallery in Petaling Jaya,
Greater Kuala Lumpur. The first gallery to be launched in the country by a laminate supplier, it was designed by prominent Malaysian architect Tan Loke Mun, founder and principal of DrTanLM Architect. Located in an industrial technology park, the two-storey gallery is a hybrid space comprising a showroom with lounge and event spaces, a warehouse and an office. “Since entering the Malaysian market in 2009, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented shift in end
BOT TOM
A smoky glass partition wall and curvy reception desk make for a great first impression. OPPOSITE, TOP L EFT
The pullout drawers showcasing the laminate in their full glory. OPPOSITE, TOP L EFT
The cosy lounge and discussion space. OPPOSITE, BOT TOM
The lounge has a view of the warehouse.
good to know Brands carried by EDL include EDL Compact, EDL Module, Aptico, and Viefe.
users visiting us to understand their options, and we’re pleased to now offer a creative space where they can see our complete line of laminates to make more informed decisions,” says EDL managing director Richard Lim on the gallery’s mission. Laminates often play a huge role in setting the tone
of your home, and because of the nature of samples, homeowners in Malaysia often do not get to see the laminates in their full glory. The showroom aims to fill that need. “Our new Malaysia gallery is an immersive experience that appeals to the consumer market, supporting their desire to play an active role in the materials selected for their new or renovated homes,” says Richard. The gallery’s white exterior gives way to a dark and handsome interior articulated with various laminates. Mirrored surfaces double the spatial perception while decorative pendant lights and moody indirect lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere. The centrepiece of the gallery is a suspended handcrafted black steel installation that displays the
text ASIH JENIE photos EDL
EDL samples. Visitors can browse EDL’s full range of laminates on its shelves. They can also see the laminates in their large format to better understand how they look and feel when covering a large surface by pulling out the many thin drawers lining the library’s wall. Here and there are spaces large and small for discussions, making the gallery an ideal space for architects and interior designers to bring their clients for a discussion. No wonder the gallery has won the Silver Award for the MIID REKA Awards for excellence in corporate office interior design and Silver Award from Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia for Category 7 Interior Design. Visit www.edleuro.com for more information.
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N E W S TO R E
L EFT
The living room on the ground floor was designed with a family in mind.
L I V S PAC E EXPERIENCE CENTRE The 2,000 sq ft showroom gives homeowners an opportunity to experience in person what the interior design and home renovation platform can offer.
L
ooking for an interior designer but not sure where to start? The Livspace Experience Centre might be your answer. An interior design and home renovation platform that connects homeowners and designers, Livspace is a one-stop-shop for all your renovation needs. The brand was founded in 2014 and has grown from strength to strength – you may have seen their services online or in Ikea stores. Today, the Experience Centre is a testament to the brand’s strong presence in the region.
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Spanning over 2,000 sq ft, the new showroom takes up two floors in the heart of Oxley Bizhub. “We chose Oxley Bizhub because it’s a well-known interior design hub frequented by interior designers and homeowners,” says Srikanth MVS, the assistant VP of sales, operations, and category management. “There’s a whole ecosystem of stores selling furniture, fixtures, and sanitaryware in the area.” Designed with Singaporean homes and needs in mind, the Experience Centre offers a mix of open discussion spaces and
room sets where homeowners can experience and interact with the materials and craftsmanship for themselves. The lower floor showcases a living room, bathroom, kitchen, and children’s room, while the upper floor has another living room and a bedroom doubling up as a study. “We considered the conditions that we usually find in Singapore homes, be it HDB flats, condominium apartments, or landed properties,” says Srikanth. These design sensibilities materialised in the form of compact yet stylish spaces, all custom-built by Livspace. For instance, the L-shaped kitchen area is sized to fit most homes and features plenty of storage space, including niches for appliances. The children’s bedroom is cosy yet practical, with a bunk bed, wardrobe, and study area. Each room set displays the Livspace designers’ work to its fullest extent, including the concept and craftsmanship. Customers are welcome to examine the carpentry, tiling and other fixtures to see how Livspace executes the designs to their standards. There’s an extensive array of material samples in their library, including a full range of laminates, tiles, stone, glass, and acrylic. You’re welcome to take a seat in one of the many discussion areas and go through these samples at leisure with your designer, who will be assigned to you after Livspace
LEF T
There are plenty of discussion areas throughout the showroom, and material samples within easy reach should you need inspiration. BELOW
Get up close and personal with the design and workmanship, brought to life by the room sets on display. BELOW, LE FT
Oxley Bizhub was chosen as the centre’s home due to its close proximity to several suppliers.
good to know
BOTTOM
Discover spacesaving concepts perfect for compact homes.
Livspace helps homeowners manage the entire design and renovation process from end to end, and even has a twoyear warranty for projects.
assesses your requirements, budget, and timeline. Need more visualisation? The Experience Centre offers a Smart Photos feature, a 3D rendering on their screen where you can choose from a menu of different loose furnishings and accessories to create a look that’s as close to your dream home as possible. “This is the first of many experience centres in Singapore over the next few months. We want homeowners to see what they can expect when they work with Livspace and how we can help them achieve their dream home,” says Srikanth. The Livspace Experience Centre is at 63 Ubi Rd 1, Oxley BizHub #01-46. For more information, visit www.livspace.com.
text MELODY BAY photos LIVSPACE
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I N S TO R E
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DESK FOR YOUR CHILD There are countless options available out there. Here are some options and tips from the boutique children’s furniture store Kids Haven.
G R E AT E R A DJ U S TA B I L I T Y
Having the correct desk size for your child is essential in designing the study. But remember that children grow up fast, so think about products that can accommodate their growth spurt while remaining ergonomic. The Intelligent Kids Desk & Chair 1.0 from Tomato KidZ includes a height-adjustable desk with a tiltable top, ensuring the child has the correct posture even when growing. Retails for $1,499 at www.kidshaven.sg.sg.
AS THEY LIKE IT
Kids love themed interiors. They might not be timeless, but sometimes they are worth the happiness and motivation they can inspire within the child. This Champion Racer Concept Desk With Unit from Cilek looks promising. Retails for $1,399 at www.kidshaven.sg.
A M P L E S TO R AG E
Teach your children early to have a tidy workspace. To do so, ensure they have ample storage to put all their play and study equipment. The Dark Metal Line Study Desk from Cilek has a cool industrial vibe that will age well and offers plenty of open storage and a handsome drawer. The collection also includes wall-mounted overhead shelf units sold separately. Retails from $529 (desk only). The shelf unit retails from $270, all at www.kidshaven.sg.
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LIVING
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TROPICAL BOUNTY
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Lush flora and fauna on your homeware for achieving that coveted biophilic touch.
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1 .& 2. Vista Alegre Amazonia centrepiece and Tucano vase, prices upon request at www. vistaalegre.com. 3 . Gubi upholstered Beetle chair in tropical, from $3,358, at www. danishdesignco. com.sg. 4. Cole & Son Hoopoe Leaves wallpaper, $234 per roll at www. cole-and-son. com.
6 . Gangzai Gorizen Rectangular Tray, $270, at www. journeyeast. com. 7. Moooi Perch wall light, from $1,675, at www. spacefurniture. com.sg. 8 . Driade Ziqqurat console in floral, from $8,050 nett, exclusively available at www.p5studio. com.sg.
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5 . Christian Lacroix Maison for Designers Guild Feather Park in Marais throw, $581, at www.christianlacroix.com and www. designersguild. com.
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H O T S P OT
PA L I H O U S E S A N TA B A R B A R A This new boutique hotel on the California coast combines vintage vibes and a cool aesthetic.
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RI GHT
B OTTO M
The inviting entrance to the bar.
Checkered tiles, pink chandelier and textured brown walls create an inviting atmosphere at the bar.
FAR RIGHT
A cosy corner table at the bar area.
OPPOSITE
The street view of the hotel.
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ocated about 150km north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara has a tranquil atmosphere that invites visitors to enjoy the warm weather and beautiful landscape by the Pacific Ocean. A few months ago, Palihouse Santa Barbara opened its doors in the charming city’s historic Presidio neighbourhood. “Santa Barbara has long been known for five-star beach retreats and luxurious getaways, but we saw a need for a smaller, truly unique offering that could [provide] a European club-style environment with all the touchpoints of a quaint inn where personality, design and understated service could shine,” says Avi Brosh, founder of Palisociety, the company that owns and manages Palihouse Santa Barbara. Avi reinvented the twostory Spanish colonialinspired property, once the site of the Santa Barbara School of the Arts founded in 1920, with the help of Palisociety’s in-house design team. Designed with the concept of “vintage preppy meets American Riviera,” the new Palihouse Santa Barbara
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ABOVE
BELOW
Vintage wood furniture meets Art Deco wallpaper and scones.
The pool area features lush palm trees and a charming European atmosphere.
comprises 24 rooms, ranging from 366 to 829 sq ft, adorned with light blue walls and ceilings – a tribute to the coastal environment. From the Classic to the El Apartamento, each of these private spaces has a gas fireplace and an outdoor area (balcony or patio). Some also include a kitchenette with amenities for longer-term stays. The intimate atmosphere also prevails in the public areas, including in the lobby with its fireplace and cafe-style seating; the cosy light-filled living room; the bar decorated with an eyecatching pink chandelier; and the outdoor Mediterraneanstyle courtyard characterised by its lush gardens, water fountain, pale pink
vintage-style umbrellas, floral armchairs, marbletopped tables and woven dining chairs. Situated at the back of the hotel, which also houses a private club room for dinners and events, as well as a fitness centre, the pool is the perfect place to relax and soak in the Californian lifestyle. The old soul of the property pervades while its new spirit, exemplified through the decor, allows this hideaway to start a brand new chapter. Vintage and modern at the same time, the revived look of Palihouse Santa Barbara is here to stay. Visit www.palisociety.com/ hotels/santa-barbara to find out more.
L EFT
Woven furnishing lends a handmade touch to the corridor. FAR L EFT
A fountain next to the al fresco dining area makes for quintessential coastal vibe. BOTTOM
The hotel’s lounge area looks as at home in 1920 as it does in 2022.
good to know Palisociety operates seven properties in California, and one each in Oregon, Florida and Washington.
text KARINE MONIE photos PALISOCIETY
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H O T S P OT
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THE MADRID EDITION Spain’s cultural capital welcomes a new contemporary hotel designed to merge the old and new.
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istoric architecture, vibrant culture, impressive art, and rich culinary history make Madrid one of the most captivating cities in the world. The latest inclusion to the Edition hotel brand makes a spot in this Spanish capital. The Madrid Edition boutique hotel offers 200 rooms, including 23 suites, connecting units and an exclusive selection of rooms with private terraces. The rooms feature a sophisticated design scheme. A dark oak-panelled entrance leads to a reception area filled with a muted palette of whites and creams. Each room houses custom-made furnishings and is finished with a wealth of natural materials like linen, limestone and solid timber. The hotel sits on Plaza de la Descalzas, occupying an 18th-century building designed by renowned baroque-age Spanish architect Pedro de Ribera. The new hotel’s architecture marries the original baroque features, including its 18thcentury ornate portal, with contemporary elements courtesy of celebrated 21stcentury architects John Pawson and Francois Champsaur. The hotel is accessible via a plaza in the lively neighbourhood of Sol, which is lined by a broad sweep of glorious architecture comprising tapas bars, cafes, the Royal Theatre and the Royal Palace. The hotel features two restaurants helmed by awardwinning chefs. Jeronimo offers Mexican fusion fare. The restaurant is a multilayered space with an explosion of
fourth floor and is helmed by Peruvian Chef Diego Munoz. It offers a convivial setting framed by a blackened steel cage clad with climbing plants and coloured glass panels. The restaurant serves a Peruvianinspired tapas menu with influences from Spain, Africa, Italy, China and Japan. Oroya’s terrace garden houses a fireplace and a vinecovered pergola. Bleached teak bar and rattan bar stools, alongside a long oak table, is perfect for casual lunches with friends and family. The hotel also houses Madrid’s biggest rooftop pool. Sip cocktails and snack on small bites from one of the 60 sunbeds and 10 cabanas while admiring the setting sun. A prime spot with westfacing sunset views, The Madrid
colours, featuring four distinct areas seamlessly blending in with each other. A double-height dining room distinguished by carved dark oak wall panels takes its cues from the ornate detailing of the baroque portal outside. Next, bright yellow leather chairs, banquettes and plaster pendant lights by Emmanuel Level Stenne make the space reminiscent of celestial planets. Anchored by a long green marble bar and white oak floors, the lounge features original art and elements bathed in blues, while the softly lit last space features limestone floors, white marble tables, and a mural inspired by the work of architect Luis Barragan in bright pinks, magentas and oranges surrounded by greenery. The second restaurant, Oroya, sits on the
Edition also houses the two largest Penthouses in the city. With an unrivalled panoramic terrace and an infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery, the Madrid Penthouse is a sprawling private retreat perched above the city’s rooftops. A large travertine marble dining table with lacquered metal feet and a leather and wood daybed by lifestyle brand BassamFellows enhance the refined interiors. The Madrid Edition also has a fully-equipped gym, and a wellness facility with five signature treatment rooms, including a private steam suite and their signature mud bath. For more information, visit www. editionhotels.com/Madrid.
A BOV E
The dining room at Jeronimo features dark oak panels that pays homage to the baroque era. R IGH T
Eyecatching Mondrian-like graphics meet greenhouse concept at the rooftop restaurant Oroya.
good to know The Edition Hotels collection comprises five properties in London, Barcelona, Madrid, Bodrum and Reykjavik.
FAR RI GHT
The Lobby Bar offers an extensive beverage menu in a handsome setting. OPPOSITE
This beautifully restored, stately baroque portal was designed by renowned architect Pedro de Ribera.
text NIKKI ANDREA BOUNAPARTE photos JOE THOMAS
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H O T S P OT
K F U R L A P R O G E T TO I TA L I A The 462,848 sq ft complex celebrates creativity with a connection to its beautiful surrounding landscape.
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nown for its signature style and fine Italian quality, luxury brand Furla has just unveiled its new creativity and research hub in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Florence. The new complex, Furla Progetto Italia, joins the manufacturing platform which the company acquired in 2018. With their generous patios and green roofs, the three main wings of the complex integrate almost seamlessly into the surrounding beauty of the Tuscan landscape. Built at
different heights, with plenty of open spaces and natural light streaming into the interiors, the complex celebrates the connection between the indoors and outdoors. The design was conceived by Udine’s Geza studio, which has won several accolades, such as the American Architecture Prize and the Architizer A+Awards Prize. Spanning over 462,848 sq ft, the complex is home to offices, laboratories, and the iconic Furla square in the centre.
good to know Tavarnelle Val di Pesa in Florence, is famous for producing the red wine chianti.
There’s more to the complex than just looks. As part of the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility, the buildings in the area have been designed to minimise the impact of industrial activities by reducing energy use and treating pollutants. These include the manufacturing plant, which uses a photovoltaic system and solar panels. The facade is also treated with Airlite paint, which has air-purifying properties. A rainwater harvesting system helps to gather water for the gardens. Furla Progetto Italia is poised to become the heart of the company’s manufacturing and creative supply chain, welcoming its 130 employees and fresh talent from the new
Furla Academy. The academy’s training programme combines the rigour of academic studies with the practicality of handson classes such as patternmaking and sampling, offering an opportunity for young artisans to join the company and hone their skills. “Furla Progetto Italia is the first step towards the Furla of the future, a company that looks ahead without forgetting to exalt its legacy and DNA,” says Furla Group CEO Mauro Sabatini. “It is a hub for experimentation where we can attract and train new talents. It has an agile and dynamic structure where art, creativity, and craftsmanship meet and cross-pollinate within an environment rooted in environmental sustainability.” For more information, visit www. furla.com.
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The fullyequipped working benches. LEF T
The stately glass-encased reception area. OPPOSITE
The sprawling facility has an awe-inspiring entrance lined with cypress trees and beautifully integrated into its Tuscan landscape.
text MELODY BAY photos FURLA GROUP
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H O T S P OT
MARGUERITE Dine in floral splendour at this minimalistinspired restaurant situated within the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay.
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ocated where former fine-dining restaurant Pollen used to be, Marguerite opened its doors to guests in January this year. Helmed by chef owner Michael Wilson, the restaurant serves up contemporary cuisine with the chef’s focus on craft, provenance and produce. On arrival at Gardens by the Bay, guests are treated to a scenic buggy ride around the exterior of the Flower Dome before arriving at a nondescript entrance to the restaurant. A corridor, lined
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with interesting keepsakes from the chef’s travels, leads to the main dining area where two large hand-sculpted boulders provide visual contrast to the Scandinavianstyle setting, complete with handmade wooden furniture and white marble table tops. Taking prime space within the restaurant is a large open kitchen lined with three wide islands, which is another highlight at the restaurant. The seamless concept allows guests to watch the chefs at work, in addition to the
A BOVE
The main dining area is surrounded by a line of flowering shrubs, with a view of Marina Bay beyond. L EF T
A wall of dryaged meats stands in one corner, providing diners with a glimpse of the fine quality produce the chef uses.
FAR L EFT
breathtaking views of the lush gardens outside. This becomes the perfect setting for the chef’s novel offerings inspired by a bustling garden in full bloom. In keeping with the natural theme of the location, the dishes are served with a hint of playfulness. Diners are encouraged to use their hands to partake of some courses, while other selections are plated on handmade ceramics. The attentive service adds to the intimate atmosphere too. Visit www.marguerite.com.sg for reservations.
Chef Michael Wilson worked with renowned chef Guy Rossi at the highly acclaimed Cutler & Co before travelling to Asia. L EFT
The chef employs a wide range of cooking techniques to extract, concentrate and intensify flavours. BE LOW
The open kitchen islands in the main dining area.
good to know Melbourne-born chef Michael earned his first Michelin star five months after opening restaurant Phenix at the Puli Hotel & Spa in Shanghai.
text YOUNG LIM photos MARGUERITE
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H O T S P OT
T H E C E L L A R AT 6 6 5 ° F What does a cellar located on the 38th floor look like? As Andre Fu Studio shows in Andaz Singapore’s refurbished crown jewel restaurant, it looks simply stunning.
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ndaz Singapore has been revamping its many restaurants recently to refresh its F&B offerings. The latest to be completed is the premium steakhouse on level 38, 665°F. Designed by Andre Fu studio, the steakhouse serves prime cuts and sustainable seafood cooked in its signature Pira charcoal oven in a cosy setting with breathtaking views. It seats just 30 pax, and since it opened in 2017, it has always been popular. Andre Fu’s refresh of the restaurant saw it taking over the 1,300 sq ft space adjacent to the main dining room that was the hotel’s engineering room and turned it into The Cellar, a stunning wine vault that stores 400 bottles and seats 20 diners.
A BOVE
The beautifully lit, gently curving ceiling gives the dining room a jewel box feeling. BOT TOM
The dramatic foyer of the restaurant.
“Once all the machinery had been cleared out, our first impression was that its rectangular shape was reminiscent of a cellar,” Andre says of the existing narrow space. “But cellars are typically located below ground. So, the design proposition was to bring the cellar up 38 floors into the sky. What kind of cellar would this look and feel like?” It looks like a jewel box and feels like something that is at once grand but familiar. The Cellar presents a dramatic entrance sequence, starting with a foyer with a vaulted ceiling dressed in burgundy, warm-toned timber and smoky mirror finishes. The plush teal velvet curtain pulls back to reveal The Cellar’s intimate dining room. The floor plan is narrow, but the design skillfully turned it into a feature. The most eyecatching design highlight is the beautifully lit arched ceiling with copper and oak ribs. It pairs well with the room’s copper shelves with industrial rivet details, timber mouldings, and a mirrored clerestory. “We were careful to not be thematic but rather to capture the spirit of the cellar, which is why the ceilings, for example, are not literal interpretations of a vaulted ceiling.” explains Andre. “We didn’t want to create something that might be regarded as ‘just’ an extension,” he adds. “Rather, it would be an aspirational destination in its own right that, nevertheless, was definitely part of 665°F. I think we’ve managed to carve out a hidden gem.”
good to know 665°F was named after the degree to which its signature charcoal PIra oven is heated to prepare its prime cuts and sustainably sourced seafood menu.
TOP
The entrance to The Cellar is through plush teal velvet curtains. TOP, L EFT
The shelves are gently curving niches with copper rivet detailing. LEF T
The private dining space at the end of the room features a spectacular view.
665°F is at level 38 Andaz Hotel, 5 Fraser Street. Call 6408-1288 for reservations.
text ASIH JENIE photos ANDAZ SINGAPORE
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H O T S P OT
O EMECO HOUSE A once rundown sewing shop has been transformed into a peaceful space where designers, architects, and locals can live and work in.
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nce derelict, a former sewing shop has undergone a radical transformation, and its creators have dubbed the project the “old kid on the block”. Today, it’s a bright and welcoming space for designers, architects, and the local community in Venice, California, to collaborate and live in. David Saik, an architect based in Berlin, designed the space with Emeco. It was important to retain and restore as much of the old building’s heritage as possible while
incorporating new elements that were a natural fit for the design narrative. Keeping the original building was important to the team as sustainability and connection to the local community are at the core of Emeco’s mission. It hopes the space will inspire dialogue on sustainability and craftsmanship among its occupants. The new configuration includes living and working areas, as well as spaces for workshops and exhibitions. “It’s not a commercial space. It’s a conversation place,” emphasises
good to know Emeco’s founding principle is “Begin with what’s left over. Turn it into what will last.”
Jaye Buchbinder, a product development engineer and the daughter of Emeco owner Gregg Buchbinder. “Nothing is flashy, but everything is well thought out. We hope the quiet comfort will help foster a closer connection between visitors.” The space is clean-lined, minimalist, and bright. It was designed to be flexible, so the occupants could rearrange the furniture for different purposes. With neutral colours and lots of open space, it provides a restful retreat for the creative mind. During the four-year development process, the team drew inspiration from nature. “Jaye and I would meet once a week for an early morning surf session. Emeco House was inspired by the sunrise, pelicans dive-bombing minnows and dolphins playing in the waves,” says Gregg. “Our love for furniture comes from our love of nature; we wanted to create architecture that reflects the Emeco ethos.”
AB OV E
BOT TOM
Old and new architectural elements create a dialogue between past and present.
The former dilapidated sewing shop is now a hub for local designers and architects.
RIGH T
OPPOSITE
A giant cactus adds an organic touch to the courtyard.
The spaces are designed for conversation and reflection.
For more information, visit www. emeco.net/emeco-house.
text MELODY BAY photos MARTIN TESSLER
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H O T S P OT
The One of a Kind suite features fun and fresh interior. B OTTO M, L EFT
The Two of a Kind suite’s shared kitchenette. B OTTO M, R IGH T
The exterior of Lyf Farrer Park.
LY F FA R R E R PA R K Co-living brand Lyf’s sixth Asian property opens in Little India, offering digital nomads and creative self-starters a dynamic environment to live, work, and play.
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yf has opened its third Singapore property in Little India. Lyf Farrer Park is the co-living brand’s sixth property in Asia, with 12 more in the pipeline around the world. Lyf Farrer Park’s 240 units, as well as its many communal facilities, were designed by award-winning local interior studio Architology. There are three tastefully designed apartment types to choose from. One-of-a-Kind is a studio apartment that houses a couple comfortably, Side-by-Side is a twin-bed studio apartment that fits two, and Two-of-a-Kind is a two bedroom apartment with a shared kitchenette that can house up to four occupants. All units are suitable for mid- to long-stay and is fully furnished with an ensuite bathroom and high-speed wi-fi. Architology drew inspiration for Lyf Farrer Park’s interior design from the vibrant culture of its locale. The apartments feature a black and white
graphic of Singapore’s urban icons, and are furnished with pale wood built-in furniture with pastel colour accents and glossy tiles favoured by the next-gen urban dwellers. Throughout the property, custom-built furniture systems hide plenty of storage spaces – benches double as storage chests, bed frames reveal rooms for luggage, and so on. The communal spaces are designed with the same youthful look. A Giraffe in Love Chandelier from Qeeboo presides over the working space on the ground floor while the gym and the laundry area are decorated with murals by local artists Kenneth Koh Qibao and Bandom Lim Jing Hong. Topping the offering is the rooftop, which has an open air gym, a communal kitchen and a lawn dotted with swing seats that invite guests to, as the signs on the interior suggest, gather and bond.
good to know Lyf Farrer
Five more Lyf properties are slated to open this year in Bangkok, Cebu, Kuala Lumpur, Xi’an and Melbourne.
Park is located
TOP
The groundfloor gym.
at #01-01 2 Perumal Rd. Visit www. discoverasr.com.
ABOVE
The laundry room. LEF T
The communal rooftop kitchen. FAR R IG HT
The rooftop garden features a lawn with cosy seating.
text ASIH JENIE photos LYF
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H O T S P OT
THE GESSNER A new members-only club-inspired living experience in London.
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ay of Life is a real estate company that strives to make renting a home an enjoyable experience by providing highquality amenities and stylish interiors. The company has partnered with design studio Fettle to create The Gessner, a luxurious members-only, clubinspired living experience in Tottenham Hale. Fettle’s recent projects include The Hoxton Rome and the Mortimer House Roof Bar in London. The studio’s first large-scale residential project, drawing on its experience in high-class hospitality, 58
The Gessner consists of 164 apartments. As part of Way of Life’s philosophy, residents can design their own homes or move into curated spaces. Custom furniture and signature lighting were carefully selected for apartments and shared spaces. The studio’s attention to finer details is evident in the fully equipped Borough kitchen, Earl of East bathroom products, Samsung smart TV, YogaMatters equipment, handmade ceramics from local artisans. Gavin Chetty, creative director of Way of Life, said: “Fettle’s design sets a new
standard for stylish, quality yet accessible rentals in London, with high calibre design that has been considered down to the last detail.” Inspired by the artworks of Oisin Byrne, Becky Blair, and Lizbeth Holstein, the furniture and finishes reflect an autumnal palette. The artworks themselves hang throughout the building. As an added luxury, The Gessner was built with natural materials like wood and stones. This design approach extends to communal areas like guest kitchens, dining rooms, and lounges. Offering a gym,
LEF T
The same retro ambience at the cafe gets modern spin with curved corners. BELOW
The communal kitchen gets biophilic touch via planters. BELOW, LE FT
The cosy balcony of the guest suite. BOTTOM
The top-floor guest suite feels like it comes alive from a stylish period movie set in the 1950s.
good to know The Gessner’s two top-floor suites offer guests a comfortable crash pad perfect for visiting family or friends.
AB OVE
The public lobby presents a sophisticated retro look with warmtoned wood and graphic artworks.
cafe and a dedicated support staff, The Gessner aims to provide a fuss- and stress-free lifestyle. Its neighbourhood, the Tottenham Hale, is a vibrant place dotted with many independent restaurants, community spaces, and nightlife options, and the ideal location. “Our vision for The Gessner is to raise the bar for hospitality-inspired living in London and create spaces for residents, guests and visitors to enjoy however they choose.” For more information, visit www.wayoflife.com/thegessner.
text NIKKI ANDREA BOUNAPARTE photos WAY OF LIFE
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“ART CONNECTED ME WITH PHILOSOPHY, SOCIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY, ALL THE HUMAN DISCIPLINES, AND I TRY TO SHARE THAT SAME TRANSCENDING POWER TO EVERYONE I KNOW.”
photo PACE GALLERY
3 . & 4. The limited edition M850i xDrive Gran Coupe 8 x Jeff Koons displayed in New York and in production in Germany.
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After having masterminded the 17th BMW Art Car in 2010 that raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – joining the likes of Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and David Hockney, who turned an automobile into art – Jeff has now conceived a special 99-piece limited edition of the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe from BMW’s luxurious 8 Series, dubbed The 8 x Jeff Koons. Currently produced at BMW’s Bavarian plants, the car’s multi-layer paint job requires more than 250 hours of painstaking hand-application – the most time BMW has spent on the exterior paintwork of any automobile. Featuring 11 different shades ranging from blue and silver to yellow and black and vibrant red-and-blue superhero leather seats, it is at once flashy and minimal. Encapsulating the essence of power yet touching upon the human element, its comic book aesthetic showcases bold aerodynamic lines, vapour thrust imagery and the word “POP!” emblazoned on both sides in tribute to popular culture, and comes with a 350,000 Euros price tag.
photo BMW AG
2 . Moon Phase (Leonardo da Vinci) within its case rendering and other artworks to be sent to the moon.
BMW X JEFF KOONS
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photo ENES KUCEVIC PHOTOGRAPHY
1 Puppy (1992), a four-storeytall topiary sculpture of a West-highland White Terrier at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa.
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photo © JEFF KOONS
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5. Balloon Venus Hohlen Fels (Magenta), 2013-2019. 6. Venus, 2016-2020. 7. Jeff Koons photographed in 2021.
photo SEAN FENNESSY
8. Hanging Heart (Red/ Gold), 19942006.
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Âé°ÈÐÞ É ° §Ðʨ ) Þ È È Þâ § ą°É§ °É ú é é ȽȽʌÈ éÞ ʌ°§ âé éî Ц S°Â ÂÛ° ʙâ ¦ÐîÉ Þʣ r°Â° È S ÉÉʣ éÐÛ °éĀ )  é é § Ц ĝù ʨ ʖxÐî úÐî ÈÐù Ā °éâ â Â É ʣ é é â È é°È ʣ ĀÐî úÐî ÂÐп Ðîé Ðù Þ é °éĀ É ¦  ÐÉÉ é°ÐÉ éÐ ÐÈÈîÉ°éĀʣʗ â Āâʨ ʖ, ÉÐ ° ʣ îé é éʙâ é ÈÐÈ Éé , Þ ÂÂĀ È ÛéîÞ Ā Þé îâ °é ú â âÐÈ é°É§ §Þ é Þ é É é â ¦ʨʗ "ÞÐÈ é Þ ʣ Þé È ù °  ¦ÐÞ 7 đ éÐ Ûé °â ÐúÉ °âéÐÞĀʨ ʖ Þé ÐÉÉ é È ú°é Û°ÂÐâÐÛĀʣ âÐ °ÐÂЧĀʣ ÛâĀ ÐÂЧĀʣ  é îÈ É °â °Û塃 âʣ É , éÞĀ éÐ â Þ é é â È éÞ Éâ É °É§ ÛÐú Þ éÐ ù ÞĀÐÉ , ¿ÉÐúʣʗ ÿÛ °Éâʨ ʖ,é È ¦ÞÐÈ Ûé°É§ ÈĀâ ¦ʨ a°â °Éú Þ ¼ÐîÞÉ Āʣ , é É¿ é
photo © JEFF KOONS
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“I WANTED TO CREATE A HISTORICALLY MEANINGFUL NFT PROJECT ROOTED IN HUMANISTIC AND PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT.”
ZîÞÞ Â°âéâ É °âéâ ¦ÐÞ Â Ā°É§ é Û é¦ÐÞÈʣ îé ÐÉ ĀÐî §Ð °Éú Þ ¦ÐÞ ú°Â É Ûé ĀÐîÞâ ¦ʣ é  âé Û ĀÐî ú Éé éÐ °â ¼îâé é Þ ʨ xÐî ù é ÐÉĝ É éÐ §Ð Ðîéâ° É ÐÛ É ĀÐîÞâ ¦ îÛ éÐ é úÐÞ ʨ , ¦ÐîÉ Â°¦ Èî ÈÐÞ °Éé Þ âé°É§ É ÛĀâ° ÂÂĀ éް°ɧʨʗ ,ÉéÞÐù Þé é ) Þé r É ÉÐé °É B ú xÐÞ¿ °éĀʣ ú Þ °â âéî °Ð °â â ʣ 7 đ É Ð¦é É ¦ÐîÉ ÐÉ °â S ÉÉâĀÂù É° ¦ ÞÈʣ ú° °â ú Þ âÛ Éé é Ðù° ʌȽɅ ÂÐ ¿ ÐúÉâʣ úÐÞ¿°É§ Þ ÈÐé ÂĀʣ âÛ É °É§ é°È ú°é â°ÿ Ц °â °§é °Â Þ É âÐÐé°É§ ÛÐÐÂ É â°éé°É§ ú°é é °Þ Ðúâ É îÂÂâ éРɼÐĀ é ÈÛ éĀ é é é Ā ù ¦ÐÞ Ðé Þʨ ʖa â É°È Ââ Þ Ðîé Ðé Þ âÐ Èî ʣʗ ÉÐé âʨ ʖ,¦ Ðú °â ù°É§ ¦ʣ é Ā  § é Þ ÞÐîÉ É ú Éé éÐ â é É ú È È Þ Ð¦ é ÐÈÈîÉ°éĀʨ a é ú â âÐ °ÉâÛ°Þ é°ÐÉ Â éÐ îâ É ¿ Ûé îâ ù°É§ ¦ °é °É îÈ É°éĀʨ , ɼÐĀ ÈĀ ¦ È°ÂĀ âÐ Èî É ú â  éÐ âÛ É ÂÐé ÈÐÞ é°È ú°é é Èʨʗ a°â Ð â é â È ÂÐù 7 đ ú â âÐúÉ §ÞÐú°É§ îÛ °É È°  ʌ  ââ ¦ È°ÂĀʨ )°â Û Þ Ééâ ¦Ðâé Þ °â Þé°âé° é  Ééâ É ÞÐî§é °È É °â â°âé Þ ÐÉ ù é°ÐÉ éÐ Û â °¿ A Þ°É rÐÞ °É A° È°ʣ ú Þ â ú ÐÂÛ°Éâ Ð éÞ° ¿â ʋ °È § â Ц ú° Þ °É °â úÐÞ¿ éÐ Āʨ Þ°âéÈ â éÞ Â°§éâ ú Þ ÂâÐ âÐîÞ Ð¦ °ÉâÛ°Þ é°ÐÉʣ â °â ÿ °é
photo LAURENT LECAT
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RABBIT In 2019, Christie’s New York sold the shiny stainless steel sculpture for a record-breaking US$91.1 million, making Jeff the most expensive living artist at auction. The immaculately rendered, eye-catching creation that some consider kitsch showcases an apparent simplicity dissimulating the use of groundbreaking techniques.
BALLOON DOG Considered one of the most emblematic works from the “Celebration” series of symbols and rituals surrounding celebratory occasions, it portrays a monumental balloon twisted in the shape of a dog. Cast in colourful mirrorpolished stainless steel, it references children’s birthday parties and the playful nature of infancy.
photo PACE GALLERY
ONE BALL TOTAL EQUILIBRIUM TANK An ordinary basketball in a specific mix of water and salt allowing it to hover magically at the centre of an aquarium instead of floating at the surface, the simple work recalled Duchamp’s readymade aesthetic and proposed a new direction in art that addressed the socio-economic realities of 1980’s consumer culture. MICHAEL JACKSON AND BUBBLES The life-size porcelain sculpture depicts Michael Jackson on a flower bed holding his pet chimpanzee in his lap. Referencing mass-produced figures of saints commonly manufactured in porcelain and gold leaf, the King of Pop’s godlike manner parallels Christian icons. PLAY-DOH First shown publicly at Jeff’s 2014 retrospective at the Whitney Museum, the towering threemetre-tall sculpture reproduces the appearance of modelling clay used for arts and crafts projects by young children. It comprises 27 pieces of polychromed aluminium held together by their own gravity. photo TOM POWEL IMAGING
â Þù° éÐ Û ÐÛ ʨʗ Z Þù°É§ é Ûî ° °â Ðú 7 đ â Âú Āâ ù° ú é ÞÐ Ц é Þé°âéʨ Þé È Ā âé Þé ú°é é °É °ù° î Âʣ îé °é Ð âÉʙé Þ °éâ Û ¿ îÉé°Â °éʙâ °É ÐÈÈîÉ°éĀʨ ʖ,éʙâ Ðîé § É ÞÐâ°éĀʣʗ ÐÉ Âî âʨ ʖr É ĀÐîʙÞ ĀÐîɧ Þʣ °éʙâ Ðîé  Þɰɧ Ðú éÐ Þ é â Éâ é°ÐÉâ ú°é°É ĀÐîÞ ÐúÉ Ð Āʣ îé é É ĀÐî é ¿ éÐâ â Éâ é°ÐÉâ É ÐÈÈîÉ° é é È éÐ Ðé Þâʣ É ĀÐî âé Þé éÐ ù ÂÐÛ Þ âÛÐÉâ° °Â°éĀʨ ;°¿ îÉé°É§ʌ§ é ްɧ âÐ ° éĀʣ ÐÉ ĀÐî  ÞÉ Ðú éÐ é ¿ Þ Ð¦ ĀÐîÞâ ¦ʣ ĀÐî ââîÈ é Þ âÛÐÉâ° °Â°éĀ Ц é ¿°É§ Þ Ð¦ Ðé Þâʣ É é éʙâ ú Þ é ¼ÐĀ É Þ Â ÐÉéÞ° îé°ÐÉ ÐÈ ʨʗ
photo TOM POWEL IMAGING
É âé°Èî é Ā é úÐÞ ÞÐîÉ °Èʨ r É ú â É°É ʣ °â °Éé Þ°ÐÞ â°§É Þ ¦ é Þ Û H A âé Þ Û °Éé°É§â é é ÐÛ° °É °â ¦îÞÉ°éîÞ âéÐÞ ú°É Ðúâʨ ʖ,  ÞÉé âé é° â ¦ÞÐÈ ÈĀ ʣʗ 7 đ Þ ÂÂâʨ ʖAĀ ú â Û Þ¦ é°ÐÉ°âéʨ ) Þ ù ÞĀ Èî Ðîé °â Éù°ÞÐÉÈ Éé É Þ ÂÂĀ éÐî§é Ðîé °â â°§Éâʨ ,  ÞÉ ÂÐé Ц ÈĀ ްɧ ¦ÞÐÈ ÈĀ ¦ é Þʨ AĀ ÈÐé Þʙâ ⰠЦ é ¦ È°ÂĀ ú â È Þ Ééâʨ ,é ú â  Ðîé °Éé Þ é°É§ ú°é Û ÐÛÂ É é°â ÛÐÂ°é° Â âÛ é Ц °É§  éÐ Ð ÛÐâ°é°ù é°É§â ú°é°É é ÐÈÈîÉ°éĀʨ a éúÐ é°É§â éЧ é Þ Þ é ÈĀ ù° ú Ц é úÐÞ ʣ ÈĀ ¼ÐĀ Ц °Éé Þ é°É§ ú°é Û ÐÛÂ É éÞĀ°É§ éРЦ
photo CHRISTIE’S
KEY ARTWORKS
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PEOPLE
I CONSCIOUS CONSTRUCTION Kevin Lim, founder of Studio SKLIM, talks about the award-winning design practice’s collaborative installation at the Marina Barrage, recent construction technologies that he’s excited about and how we can reduce our carbon footprint in our daily lives.
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f you have visited Marina Barrage lately, you would have seen an elegant timber pavilion at the base of the green ramp. This is +Pavilion. Designed for Swiss Weeks 2022, it is a collaborative project of the Embassy of Switzerland in Z°É§ ÛÐÞ ʣ đÐÞ Â Ð âʣ Deloitte Singapore, EHL Campus (Singapore), Haring Timber Technology, Hilti, Marina Barrage, Nespresso, Studio SKLIM, UBS, and Vitra. Constructed from engineered timber, the pavilion showcases innovative and sustainable designs, building materials and solutions, including tricked-out furniture pieces from Vitra. The built environment
is responsible for 39 per cent of global carbon emissions. +Pavilion aims to educate its visitors on how we can reduce that via innovative materials and technologies showcased îÉ Þ °éâ ĝù ʌÈ éÞ Éé°Â ù Þʨ We asked Kevin Lim, founder of award-winning practice Studio SKLIM and +Pavilion’s designer, to share more. WHAT HAS DESIGNING THIS PAVILION TAUGHT YOU?
In recent times, design in architecture and construction has been more about creative collaboration rather than egotistical pursuits. The pavilion’s materialisation has É é È đÐÞéʣ °É Âî °É§
content curatorial to educate the audience through print, social media and video. The construction process was also a learning curve for the contractors and fabricators, but their resolve to successfully erect this glulam timber structure has been stellar. WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE WILL TAKE AWAY FROM +PAVILION?
We hope to educate visitors about sustainable construction methods like using prefab gluelaminated timber structural Â È Ééâ É ÈÐ îÂ Þ Ðđʌâ°é bolt and nut systems. We also hope to tickle the young ones’ curiosity by creating a whimsical
playground with sustainable materials. By grafting modern iconic furniture pieces with rattan, we wish to showcase the furniture in a new light. And we want to inspire visitors with the story of how a bottom-up initiative came together. Sustainability is a shared responsibility where everyone can play their part by being proactive and pushing this green agenda. The +Pavilion is just the start of this conversation. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RECENT INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGIES THAT YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT?
The increasing use of timber as
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1 . Kevin Lim (right) with Laurent Corpataux from Haring Timber Technology discussing the model of +Pavilion. 2 . Kevin tweaking Vitra’s Cork stool and Eames Elephant with rattan for the playground.
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3. The +Pavilion will stay at Marina Barrage until August, after which it will be dismantled and displayed at the EHL Campus.
“SUSTAINABILITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY WHERE EVERYONE CAN PLAY THEIR PART BY BEING PROACTIVE. ”
full structural members in highrise buildings and bamboo in low-rise structures. Engineered timbers like Glulam and crosslaminated timber (CLT) reduce our carbon footprint and are renewable compared to concrete and steel. Using Glulam, we could achieve more than a ĝù ʌÈ éÞ ʌÂÐɧ Éé°Â ù Þ éÐ support the roof of +Pavilion. On a smaller scale and in lower-rise structures, the use of bamboo and rattan, coupled with hybrid technology, is a nod in the right direction. The materials are renewable and help revitalise the artisans’ trade, introduce new technologies and keep the craft relevant to modern lifestyles. Another one is the increasing use of biocomposites °É ù ÞĀ Ā °¦ ʨ HÞ§ É° ĝ Þ â like sugarcane bagasse and hemp, and waste materials such â Ðđ §ÞÐîÉ â ù § é Þ traction. Our studio has recently concluded material research ( supported by DesignSingapore Council’s Good Design Research grant ) into the production of biocomposites using kenaf plant ĝ Þ â É °É Þâ éÐ ÛÞÐ î interior/exterior architectural tiles. We have been working with đÐÞ Â Ð â éÐ Þ Â°â some of the kenaf biocomposite ÞÐÐĝɧ Û° â ĀÐî É â on the pavilion, such as the translucent mesh reinforced skylights and the turmeric ombre dyed roof eave shingles. Besides preventing rain
¿ĞÐú ÐÉéÐ é âéÞî éîÞ ʣ the kenaf biocomposites exhibit wabi-sabi aesthetic with its unique texture. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS?
Cork – biodegradable, recyclable, hydrophobic (repels water). Harvesting cork does not kill the Cork Oak Tree. It is also resistant to mould and mildew, thanks to its impermeable yet porous nature. Rattan - the fastest growing tropical wood that renews in ÐÉÂĀ ĝù éÐ â ù É Ā Þâʨ ,é °â ÂâÐ long-lasting in humid tropical weather. It requires low-tech manufacturing that does not pollute the environment. Renewable, sustainably sourced timber. The trees sequester carbon from carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere â é Ā §ÞÐúʣ âéÐÞ °é ¦ÐÞ ĝÉ°é period and re-release it back into the cycle. SHARE SOMETIPS TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT IN OUR DAILY LIVES.
Cut down on single-use plastics by bringing your own utensils, containers, and eco-bags. It might be convenient to store these in backpacks, handbags or bicycles. Use public transport or bike to work if your workplace the relevant supporting facilities. Visit www.sklim.com for more information.
text ASIH JENIE photos ONG CHAN HAO & THE EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND, SINGAPORE
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PEOPLE
RESHAPING THE ORDINARY Trailblazer Nathan Yong shares his current views on design and art, and the inspirations behind his recent collections.
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is name has been known in the design scene â°É ȽɅɅɅ ú É ĝÞâé co-founded award-winning furniture brand Air Division. But these days, Nathan Yong goes by many other titles and monikers – design director at Grafunkt, leader of the Product Design programme at Lasalle College of the Arts, and more recently as the multi-hyphenate creative KSY, an alias inspired by his birth name Kok Seng. This return to his birth name marks a milestone in
Nathan’s artistic journey. While his portfolio includes several РÐÞ é°ÐÉâ ú°é °§ʌÛÞÐĝ brands like Living Divani and Ligne Roset, his recent work is much more introspective. Of late, Nathan has been reexamining the fundamentals of â°§Éʣ é É éîÞ Ð¦ °đ Þ Éé mediums, and the interplay of form and function. His recent collection, Farewell to Reason, ÿ ÈÛ°ĝ â é°âʣ âÐú â°É§ everyday objects recast in sculpted, luminescent onyx – works of art that challenge our preconceptions of the ordinary and mundane. We catch up with Nathan on what he’s been up to recently and what’s been inspiring him.
WHAT’ S B E E N I N S PIRIN G YOU L ATE LY ?
I’ve been more inspired by art for quite some time, although that’s something that has always been there. Maybe it’s age, or maybe I’m tired of people expecting things to ĝé °ÉéÐ é °Þ É âʨ ,ʙÈ ù ÞĀ much interested in how to get people to be able to appreciate beauty for what it is. I strongly ° ù é é ú Þ Â éé Þ Ðđ if we understand how an object came to be, its material, how it is made, by whom, where and when. Because in that way, we are not seeing things based on monetary or personal gain, but rather seeing them as “artefacts” that let us better understand the world we live in.
CAN YOU TE LL US M O R E
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ABOUT TH E DIR EC TIO N
TE LL US M O R E ABOUT TH E
YOU ’ VE B E E N M OVING IN FO R
MESSAG E OR INSPIR ATION
TH E L AST COU PLE O F YE ARS?
B E H I N D YOU R R ECE NT WO R K
I’ve been involved in education for the last couple of years as the programme leader of product design at Lasalle. This gives me time to get back to the fundamentals of design and its history and lets me do more research. That leads to more speculative projects that challenge how we look at objects, materials, how they are constructed, and their interplay in our contemporary world when we are surrounded by digital consumption and content.
When Royal Selangor approached me to do a collection, I struggled to think about what type of “things” I should design. I was in love with the idea of pewter, a medium that has existed for centuries. It gives an object a sense of history and timelessness. But in a sense, it also has its limitations because it is a material that doesn’t really ĝé °ÉéÐ é ÈÐ ÞÉ úÐÞ ʨ So I decided to design a “skin”, a textured pattern that can be applied on any object. This was Vapour, designed to provide a new skin for Royal
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Selangor in the contemporary world. It is a pattern inspired by machinery and precision and, at the same time, showcases Royal Selangor’s expertise in casting. The other collection, Farewell to Reason, was a side project to create something to instigate a reaction, a sense of awe and curiosity. To get viewers to appreciate the beauty around us, in nature and humanity’s will. I wanted people to question function, form, and the meaning of both within oneself. WHAT IS O N E TH ING YOU WANT YOU NG DE SIG N E RS TO KN OW ?
That design is life. It’s the schematic of humanity within
nature. Once you are in it, you need to let it consume you wholeheartedly and be part of its dialogue – you will then see the patterns of life.
“ I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WE ARE ALL BETTER OFF IF WE UNDERSTAND HOW AN OBJECT CAME TO BE, ITS MATERIAL, HOW IT IS MADE, BY WHOM, WHERE AND WHEN.”
HOW DO YOU E NVISIO N TH E M O D E R N WOR KS PACE I N A P OST- PAN D E M I C WO R LD?
I think Covid sped up the digital revolution even further. We’re better connected; we ÐÉʙé É éÐ §Ð éÐ ÐĔ â and so on. But I’m not sure how this is going for humanity. We need to engage technology cautiously, so we don’t lose sight of our goals. We need another movement or revolution to counter the prevalent attitude towards technology, and I think it has
to be done with the arts and humanities. WHAT DIR EC TIO N WILL TH E
1 . Made from green onyx, Farewell to Reason 05 is a tribute to Chinese display cabinet.
DE SIG N IN DUSTRY B E M OVING TOWAR DS FO R TH E N E X T FE W YE ARS?
On one end, design is going to § é ¦ âé Þʣ °§§ Þʣ É Ğ éé Þʨ HÉ the other, it is going to be more ÐÞ§ É° ʣ Ğî° É ÂîÞÞ ʨ For more information, visit
2 . The Vapour collection for Royal Selangor. 3 . Sold via The Artling, the Farewell to Reason collection features curved onyx made with a special bending technique.
www.nathanyongdesign.com.
text MELODY BAY photos NATHAN YONG DESIGN AND ROYAL SELANGOR
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U P C LO S E
ZAK LO The LivingwithArt Singapore founder shares his thoughts on what makes good art and how travel inspires him.
What is your favourite time of day? I enjoy mornings the most as é Ā Þ ĝ ú°é âÐ Èî ÛÐé Éé° Âʨ a Ā â é é éÐÉ ¦ÐÞ ÛÞÐ î é°ù Āʥ
What’s one thing people don’t know about you? r É , ú â ĀÐîɧ Þʣ , ɼÐĀ ú°É âîÞĝɧ É ú â Ýî°é §ÐÐ é °éʨ , ú â îÈ îްɧ ÈĀ ¼îÉ°ÐÞ Ð § Āâʨ
Describe your design style. , °¿ Þé ú°é Þ°§é ÐÂÐîÞâʣ ¦ â°ÐÉʣ É ÐÉé ÈÛÐÞ ÞĀ °Éé Þ°ÐÞ â°§Éʨ
Who is your favourite artist of all time? Z Âù ÐÞ Â°ʨ a ZÛ É°â âîÞÞ Â°âé Þé°âé °â Þ ÉÐúÉ ¦ÐÞ °â é É°  ⿰ÂÂâ É ÛÞ °â Þ ¦éâÈ Éâ°Ûʣ â ú  ⠰â ÉéÞ° °é° âʥ ,  ÞÉ éÐ ÛÛÞ ° é Þé ¦ÞÐÈ °È é é § Ц Ƚɀ ú É ÐÛ É ÈĀ Ā â éÐ é úÐÞ Ц Þéʨ
r é ĝÉ â §ÐÐ Þéʪ đ é°ù ÐÞ §ÐÐ Þé ÐÈ °É â ÐÉ Ûéʣ ù°â°ÐÉʣ É È âé ÞĀ Ц é È °îÈʨ ,é °â ÐÞ°§°É Â É Þ ÛÞ â Éé é°ù Ц é âÛ °ĝ é°È Ц °éâ Þ é°ÐÉʣ ¦Þ âʣ ÐÞ°§°É Âʣ ¦îÂ Ц È É°É§ʣ É îÉ°Ýî ÂĀ ° Éé°ĝ  â é é Þé°âéʙâ úÐÞ¿ʨ ,é âÐîÂ É Þ§°â ĀÐî É È ¿ ĀÐî ú Éé ÈÐÞ ʨ What has been your biggest learning experience? "ÞÐÈ ÈĀ Û âé úÐÞ¿ ÿÛ Þ° É ʣ , ù  ÞÉ é é Û Þâ ù Þ É ʣ îȰ°éĀʣ °Éé §Þ°éĀʣ É ÐÉ âéĀ Þ ââ Éé° Â ¦ÐÞ âî ââʨ When do you feel most inspired? AĀ éÞ ù Ââ éÐ îÞÐÛ ÛÞÐù° È ú°é §Þ é °ÉâÛ°Þ é°ÐÉʨ ,¦ ÐÉ Ð â Þù â È ą°É§ Þéʣ â°§Éʣ É Þ °é éîÞ ʣ °é Éʙé ÂÛ îé È ¿ ÐÉ úÐÉ Þ Ðú é Ā ú Þ Þ é ú°é  ââ ù ÂÐÛ éÐÐÂâ É é ÉÐÂЧ° â °É é Û âéʨ
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text MELODY BAY
What keeps you going every day? , È ÈÐé°ù é éÐ â Ðú Ā Û Āâ Ðîéʣ É Ðú âÛ É È É°É§¦îÂ É âé é° ÂÂĀ Û â°É§ ¦ÐÞ ÈĀ §ÞÐîÛʨ Is there a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting? AĀ Þ È âé°É é°ÐÉ °â a°ÈÛî °É îé Éʨ , ú Éé éÐ â ÛÛ°É ââ °É °éâ ÛîÞ âé ¦ÐÞÈʣ é ú Ā Ц °¦ ʣ é Þ éé ¿°É§ â É ÞĀʣ É é Þ° îÂéîÞ ʨ
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VO I C E S
THE TRUTH ABOUT DUST Microbiologist Joanne Kang reveals the ugly facts about the types of dust collecting in our homes and what we can do to combat the dirt. 1
E
arlier this year, Dyson carried out its annual Global Dust Study, which investigated cleaning habits and behaviours while evaluating our understanding of household dust and its impact on our health and wellbeing. The study found that 94 per cent of Singaporeans are cleaning just as much, if not more than last year, to ensure their homes remain clean and healthy. It also revealed that
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people are becoming more reactive cleaners, with 46 per cent only motivated to clean when their home was dusty or when there was visible dust and °Þé ÐÉ é ĞÐÐÞʣ ÐÈÛ Þ éÐ ɀȼ per cent globally. The study also explored areas in the home that people cleaned. While most vacuumed é °Þ ĞÐÐÞâ Þ §î ÞÂĀʣ âÐÈ spaces were commonly overlooked. Most Singaporeans (68 per cent) do not vacuum their mattresses despite spending one-third of their lives in bed, and just 16 per cent vacuum their curtains, which are often exposed to and can trap outdoor dust and other particles. When it came to the knowledge about dust in their homes, it was found that the awareness of what makes up household dust is low globally. When we asked what respondents thought made up household dust; hair, outdoor contaminants, animal particles, and dead skin cells were the common answers. Singaporeans, in particular, ° Éé°ĝ °Þ É â¿°É as the main contributors to household dust. Dust mites and dust mite faeces, both concerning contributors to household dust, were not at the top of their mind. Eighteen per cent of respondents in Singapore found house dust mite faeces a surprising component of household dust (the highest percentage out of all other components of household dust), while 15 per cent found house dust mites a surprising component of household dust. In the warfare against dirt and germs, it is essential to know what is present in our dust to know how best to remove it from our homes.
WHAT IS IN OUR DUST?
Household dust is a complex matrix of components including organic materials such as human and pet’s dead skin cells/ dander, hair, pollen, dust mites and their faeces and debris, fragments of small insects, and microscopic life such as bacteria, mould and spores. Depending on the location of the place, it also contains other inorganic particles such â âаÂʣ â É ʣ ÂÐé ĝ Þ âʣ âʣ rubber, heavy metals and so on from industrial emissions and or vehicle exhaust emissions or brake dust. Hidden to the naked eye, household dust particles are microscopic and lightweight, and the slightest agitation (like sitting on the sofa, for example) can cause it to become airborne and settle on other surfaces around the house, including the ĞÐÐÞâʣ âЦ âʣ É âʨ THE DANGERS DUST CREATES
îâé É ÐÉâ°âé Ц Ð Þâ ʂ˝ Ƚȼ È° ÞÐÉâʃʣ ĝÉ ʂ˝ ȾʨɁ È° ÞÐÉâʃʣ É îÂéÞ ĝÉ ʂ˝ ȼʨȽ È° ÞÐÉâʃ particles, which may be inhaled. Studies show that higher exposure and sensitisation to microbial aerosols and allergens present in dust are common triggers for respiratory symptoms, allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis, leading to lower quality of life in patients. Dust mites found in dust are relatively harmless. It is dust mites’ faecal matter that are the most relevant inducers of allergic diseases worldwide. Studies also suggest that exposure to high levels of dust mites, especially early in life, increases your risk of developing a mite allergy and asthma. At Dyson, our research has shown that the best way to tackle household dust is to remove it from your homes. We’ve
good to know The Dyson Global Dust Study 2022 was undertaken by 32,282 respondents across 33 countries worldwide.
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âÛ Éé ÂÈÐâé Ⱦȼ Ā Þâ âéî Ā°É§ real dust to better enable our vacuum cleaners to deal with the conditions they face in real homes. Our engineers spend a ÂÐé Ц é°È ù ÂÐ۰ɧ ÐîÞ ĝÂé Þâ and seals to ensure that what has been sucked up remains trapped in the bin and is not expelled back into your home – helping to keep your home cleaner and more hygienic. AREAS OF NEGLECT
The study also reveals that while most Singaporeans clean their ĞÐÐÞâ Þ §î ÞÂĀʣ È ÉĀ É §Â é other common areas, including their sofas and mattresses. As mentioned, dust particles are incredibly light and the slight agitations can cause them to become airborne. It is essential to remove dust from all the surfaces, including soft furnishings in the home, not ¼îâé é ĞÐÐÞâʨ ,éʙâ °ÈÛÐÞé Éé to note that a typical mattress È Ā ù ÞÐîÉ Ƚȼȼʣȼȼȼ éÐ Ƚȼ Ȱ°ÐÉ îâé È°é âʣ É single dust mite produces about Ⱦȼ ú âé ÞÐÛ۰ɧ⠰ÂĀʣ common allergy trigger. Dead skin cells shed by humans and pets are the primary food source for dust mites, so mattresses, where we spend one-third of our lives and where dander tends to accumulate, are a prime breeding ground for dust mites.
HOMES WITH PETS
People often think that pet hair is the biggest problem as it is the most visible. The Dyson Global Dust Study reveals that despite more than half of Singaporean pet owners allowing their dogs or cats to sleep on their beds, awareness of what may reside on their pets is low. In fact, eight in Ƚȼ Û é ÐúÉ Þâ Þ îÉ ú Þ é é dust mite faeces or food residue can live on their pets, while six °É Ƚȼ Þ îÉ ú Þ é é ù°Þîâ â ÐÞ é Þ° É â¿°É Ğ ¿ â É reside on their pets. Grooming your pet regularly reduces the number of hairs deposited around the home. Pet hair embeds into carpeted surfaces or electrostatically sticks to hard ĞÐÐÞâʣ É §°é é°ÐÉ °â Þ Ýî°Þ éÐ ʘÛ Âʙ ʂÐÞ °âÂÐ § ʃ °é Ðđ é surface. For that reason, Dyson developed special tools to 3
provide homeowners with the ability to remove the various ¦ÐÞÈâ Ц °Þéʨ a ĀâÐÉ qȽȾ Detect Slim cordless vacuum comes with two cleaner heads – the Direct Drive cleaner head É é ; â Þ ZÂ°È "ÂîđĀ Â É Þ head. The Direct Drive cleaner head is equipped with nylon bristles to remove ground-in dirt from rugs and carpets É Éé°ʌâé é° Þ ÐÉ ĝ Þ ĝÂ È Ééâ é é Þ Â â ĝÉ îâé ¦ÞÐÈ Þ ĞÐÐÞâʨ HÉ é Ðé Þ É ʣ é ; â Þ ZÂ°È "ÂîđĀ cleaner head reveals hidden dust particles. It is engineered with soft woven nylon and Éé°ʌâé é° Þ ÐÉ ĝ Þ Þ°âé âʣ allowing it to dislodge debris ¦ÞÐÈ Þ ĞÐÐÞâ É â°ÂĀ Û° ¿ 3
îÛ ĝÉ îâé É Â Þ§ Þ°âʨ With 96 per cent of Singaporean pet owners neglecting to clean pet baskets regularly, vacuum cleaner accessories can be handy. The size of our homes, cleaning habits, personal preferences, and even the presence of pets in the home are some factors to consider when picking the right vacuum. At Dyson, we have a range of vacuums, so there is a format suited for every home. For owners looking for deep cleans for their whole homes, the ĀâÐÉ qȽȾ é é ZÂ°È É °éâ multiple tools are engineered to deep clean dirt, debris, and pet hair from every corner of your home. For owners looking for quick cleans with lightweight machines, the Dyson Micro 1.5kg or the Dyson Digital Slim can do the trick. These light and versatile machines are engineered to solve your everyday cleaning needs, making it easier for you to clean high, hard-to-reach areas daily.
Joanne Kang is a Dyson microbiologist based in Singapore. Vist www. dyson.com for more information.
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1. Microbologist Joanne Kang 2. Dyson has a special hair screw tool to vacuum pet furniture. 3. Dyson’s omniglide technology can reach those narrow crevices at home.
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photos DYSON
4. The handheld Dyson digital mini.
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PROPE R T Y
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e’ve all seen property listings or advertisements ÐÉ塃 ʣ ĞĀ Þâʣ ÐÞ aq commercials. In these °âé°É§âʣ °È § â Ц âÐú Ğ éâ or new homes take the lead in impressing homebuyers with their clean, clutter-free interiors. Does this mean that resale homes have to settle for second best unless it was revamped? Not really. With the advancement in technology, homeowners can create interactive virtual walkthroughs of their homes to stand out from the competition when listing their homes for sale. Here are three ways to up your home-selling game. V I R T UA L S TAG I N G
ELEVATE YOUR Dg`'΅ 'ZZHa< < `' The Origins Property shares three ways to boost the viewership of your home.
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Local property consulting ĝÞÈ a HÞ°§°Éâ SÞÐÛ ÞéĀ recently introduced a virtual staging service for local homeowners hoping to get É § ¦ÐÞ â °ɧ Ðđ é °Þ current homes amidst the booming property market. Cluttered homes are, unfortunately, the norm when it comes to marketing °ù ʌ°É ÛÞÐÛ Þé° âʨ H¦é Éʣ °é is too much of an undertaking to tidy up the entire home simply to take photographs Ц é âÛ ÐÞ ĝÂÈ ÐÈ tour while maintaining the tidiness until the home is âРʨ HÉ é Ðé Þ É ʣ é lack of furniture in empty ÐÈ â É È ¿ °é °Ĕ îÂé
FOYER
BEFORE
for homebuyers to visualise the property’s full potential, making it less appealing. It is good to think out of the box and challenge the norm to solve many homebuyers’ woes. While virtual staging is more often used for interior design consultation after the homes were bought, using such professional animation software can help enhance and elevate for-sale homes by giving them a complete 3D transformation while staying true to their size and layout. HÉ È°§é úÐÉ Þ Ðîé the costs of such hi-tech animation. “While there is a certain investment needed for virtual staging
due to the hours spent in conceptualising, designing, animating and rendering, the end product has garnered extremely positive feedback from both home buyers and â  Þâʨ q° ú°É§â ù ÉÐé ÂĀ risen more than 30 per cent compared to the usage of old-fashioned listings,” notes î§ É ;°Éʣ ¦ÐîÉ Þ Ð¦ a HÞ°§°Éâ SÞÐÛ ÞéĀʨ a°â °â ÉÐé ÐÉÂĀ §Þ é mode to showcase the potential of homes up for â  îé ÂâÐ É đ é°ù way to navigate the Ğî éî é°É§ Ðù° ʌȽɅ restrictions. A tremendous transformation can be made from a lacklustre, old unit to a luxe, sophisticated dream home.
images THE ORIGINS PROPERTY
VIRTUAL STAGING
IT IS GOOD TO THINK OUT OF THE BOX AND CHALLENGE THE NORM TO SOLVE MANY HOMEBUYERS’ WOES.
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VIRTUAL STAGING
LIVING ROOM
P H YS I C A L S TAG I N G
If the previous method is not viable for you, the next best é°É§ úÐî ĝÉ°é ÂĀ physical home staging that you can do all by yourself ú°é âÐÈ é°È É đÐÞéʨ aÐî§ °é É îÉé°É§ éÐ makeover your entire home, remember: start small. a°â È éÐ °â âÛ ° ÂÂĀ helpful for those who have already moved out of their homes or have an empty apartment, as it helps interested buyers directly visualise how the unit would look when it’s fully furnished. Never underestimate the power of using the right furniture and decoration! While it can be an investment if you do not
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have the right items on hand, a physical home staging will prove to be worth it. In fact, ȾȼȾȽ âîÞù Ā Ā é B é°ÐÉ Â Association of Realtors in the United States showed a one to ĝù Û Þ Éé °É Þ â °É Ðđ Þâ by buyers compared to similarsized but unstaged homes. a éÐÛ éÞ ÞÐÐÈâ îĀ Þâ like to see staged are the living room, the master bedroom and the kitchen. A E S T H E T I C A L LYPLEASING HOME TO U R V I D E O S
Gone are the days of Û ą Þ ÂĀ ĝÂÈ ù° ú°É§â and home tours that show only the immediate layout of é ÐÈ ʨ aÐ Āʣ ÐÉâ° Þ Â emphasis is placed on home
GONE ARE THE DAYS OF HAPHAZARDLY FILMED VIEWINGS AND HOME TOURS THAT SHOW ONLY THE IMMEDIATE LAYOUT OF THE HOME. TODAY, A CONSIDERABLE EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON HOME TOURS TO SHOW BOTH THE ENTIRE HOME SPACE AND THE VARIOUS ANGLES THAT EMPHASISE THE CHARM OF EACH HOME THAT MANY MIGHT HAVE OVERLOOKED.
BEFORE
images THE ORIGINS PROPERTY
ABOUT THE ORIGINS PROPERTY
tours to show both the entire home space and the various angles that emphasise the charm of each home that many might have overlooked. a â éÞ ú Āâ Ц promoting homes can Ⱗɰĝ ÉéÂĀ °É Þ â viewings, which directly ÈÛâ é É â Ц ĝÉ °É§ interested buyers. Successful transformations via virtual stagings also help with wordof-mouth marketing, where videos are frequently shared with friends and family
interested in purchasing a home. While traditional approaches of seeking and marketing homes still work, opportunities are often lost due to factors like the lack of information and the inability to showcase the home’s full potential to make a compelling argument. With the amount of quality information shown about homes via the three ways above, home sellers can reach out to a bigger pool of serious buyers.
text WENDY KER photos 123RF
The Origins Property (TOP) is a team of real estate agents providing purposeful and objective property insights not just on the latest trending news but also tips, guides and home features that offer a brand new experience for homeowners. TOP continues to break the mould of ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to finding property solutions. It focuses on developing different methodologies that best suit each client’s unique needs.
Keen to buy or sell your homes with TOP? Get in touch via www. theorigins.com.sg, @theoriginsproperty on Instagram and Facebook, email contact@theorigins. com.sg or call 96363085.
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The curves of the home were inspired by the soaring arches of the churches that the homeowner saw while in Europe. The Kartell Ghost chairs, Moooi Heracleum chandelier and the table base were all purchased in different places and times, they come together beautifully as a set. The modern minimalism of the dining chairs provides a delightful contrast to the organic lines of the tree-trunk base.
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ECLECTIC ENSEMBLE This home manages to tackle its complex design brief and addresses the homeowner’s priorities thanks to a major Þ ÐÉĝ§îÞ é°ÐÉʨ MELODY BAY ĝÉ â Ðîé ÈÐÞ ʨ
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W
hirlwind love stories îâî ÂÂĀ ÐÉʙé  âéʣ îé this one seems set ¦ÐÞ Â°¦ é°È ʨ HÉÂĀ ȽȾ ÐîÞâ elapsed since this homeowner ĝÞâé â É é Þ â  Рé °âé°É§ ÐÉ SÞÐÛ ÞéĀ#îÞî É Þ Ðîé éÐ é § Éé °ÉùÐÂù ʣ îé ÂÞ Ā ¿É ú this was the home he had É ÂÐп°É§ ¦ÐÞʨ ¦é Þ Ýî° ¿ viewing via a Whatsapp video ÂÂʣ ÐÉĝÞÈ é ÛîÞ â ʨ ,é ú â ¦ Þ ¦ÞÐÈ É °ÈÛîÂâ°ù °â°ÐÉʣ Ðú ù Þʨ a homeowner – a professor in his Ɂȼâ ʋ É ÂÐп°É§ ¦ÐÞ Ğ é °É Z°É A°É§ ¦ÐÞ ú°Â ʣ â ú Éé éÐ É Þ °â Ⱐ°ɧâʣ úÐ ú Þ Â°ù°É§ °É é Þ ʨ ) ú â î éÐ ĞĀ ¿ ¦ÞÐÈ Ðù Þâ âʣ ú Þ É â ¦ÐÞ é  âé éúÐ âʣ É é é°È°É§ ú â ¼îâé Þ°§é éÐ îĀ ÐÈ Þ °É Z°É§ ÛÐÞ ʨ He also had his heart set ÐÉ È °âÐÉ éé ʨ ) Ðî§é é ÐÈ ÂÈÐâé °ÈÈ ° é ÂĀ îâ °é ¿  é Ðÿ â ʋ É é ÞÞĀ ÐÉ éÐÛ ú â é ÐÛ É é ÞÞ é é È ú°é °éʣ ù ÞĀ Þ Þ ¦ éîÞ ¦ÐÞ )Ðîâ°É§ ù ÂÐÛÈ Éé Ð Þ ʂ) ʃ Ğ éʨ îĀ°É§ é ÐÈ é é âé Þé Ц é Û É È° °É ȾȼȾȼ meant that renovation had to be Ûîâ ¿ ¦ÐÞ ¦ÐîÞ ÈÐÉéâʨ ,é ú â ù Ééî ÂÂĀ ÐÈÛÂ é °É BÐù È Þʣ é ¿°É§ éÐé  of three months and costing ÞÐîÉ ˏȽɃȼʣȼȼȼʨ "ÐÞ é°â ÛÞм éʣ é homeowner engaged Dess Chew Ц aÞ ʌ ÐÉ Ûéú Þ¿ ʨ a Þ° ¦ °É Âî Ýî°é ¦ ú ÛÞ°ÐÞ°é° âʢ éÐ Ðîâ é homeowner’s collection of ¦îÞÉ°éîÞ É È È ÉéÐâʣ éÐ
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WHO LIVES HERE
HOM E
A professor in his 50s A HDB maisonette in Sin Ming SIZ E 1,818 sq ft
One of the homeowner’s favourite activities is to sit in the open air and natural light of the terrace. OPPOSITE, TOP
The bespoke glass doors, let in a generous amount of natural light. OPPOSITE, BOT TO M
The bedroom, study, and terrace are all connected.
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“IT’S IMPORTANT THAT [EVERYTHING] HAS A PURPOSE OR CAN BE USED.” – HOMEOWNER
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ABOVE
Much of the homeowner’s furniture has been with him throughout his extensive travels. RIGHT
This sculptural lamp reminds the homeowner of his father. OPPOSITE
The study doubles as an extension of his living room. The Kartell Discovolante, was purchased for his grandnephews and grand-nieces to play with.
Þ é Û ¦î éÈÐâÛ Þ ʣ éÐ Ðâé ¦Þ° É â ¦ÞÐÈ Ðù Þâ âʣ and to make it accessible ¦é Þ Þ é°Þ È Ééʨ "îÂĝ°ɧ  é âÛ éâ Ц é Þ° ¦ ú â  ɧ ʣ îé é ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þ § ù ââ Û ÉéĀ of creative space to develop a âî°é Â â°§É ÐÉ Ûéʣ ú°Â È ¿°É§ â âé°ÐÉâ ÂÐɧ é ú Āʨ a Þ âîÂé Ц é Þ é°ù process is a bright and serene ÐÈ ʣ ú°é ÐÈÈîÉ Â Þ â and the master bedroom on the ĝÞâé ĞÐÐÞ É é §î âé ÞÐÐÈ ÐÉ é â ÐÉ ʨ a éúÐ ĞÐÐÞâ are separated into East and r âé °ÉĞî É âʣ °â°ÐÉ é Ā
È éÐ Ðîâ é ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þʙâ â°ą  Ð é°ÐÉ Ð¦ È È ÉéÐâʣ ¦îÞÉ°éîÞ ʣ É Þéʨ ʖ, Éʙé Û Þé ú°é ʀÈĀ Рé°ÐÉʁ îâ é Ā ù É ú°é È ¦ÐÞ È ÉĀʣ È ÉĀ Ā Þâʣʗ â Āâʨ ʖ,éʙâ §Ðéé É Ýî°é Â é° ʣ îé °é é ¿â Ðîé ÈĀ °¦ ʨʗ a ĝÞâé ĞÐÐÞ °â °§éʣ Þ°§éʣ É Û ¦î ʋ é É¿â éÐ È ¼ÐÞ Þ ÐÉĝ§îÞ é°ÐÉʨ AÐâé Ц é °Éé ÞÉ Â ú ÂÂâ ú Þ Þ ÈÐù ʣ â ù ¦ÐÞ âéÞî éîÞ Â ÐÂîÈÉʨ B éîÞ Â Â°§é âéÞ Èâ °É ¦ÞÐÈ âÛ ° ÂÂĀʌ¦ Þ° é Þ ÐÐÞâ é é ÐÛ É Ðîé éÐ âéî Ā É é é ÞÞ ʨ ââ ÂâÐ Ûîé °É § ÉéÂĀ îÞù°É§ Þ â ¦ÐÞ É ÐÞ§ É° ÂÐпʨ â Þ âîÂéʣ 83
é ÉéÞ Â ÐÂîÈÉ Þ â È Â â âéĀ°â éÞ ú°é Þ É â âÛÞ °É§ Ðîé ʋ ÛÛĀ Ð°É ° É é é ĝéâ Û Þ¦ éÂĀ °ÉéÐ é Þ° ¦ʨ ʖ ÂÐé Ц é°É§â ùÐÂù Ðù Þ é°È ʣʗ â Āâ é ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þʨ ʖ,¦ é Þ °â úÐÞ éÐ â Þ° é°â Ğ éʣ °éʙâ ÐÞ§ É° ʨʗ a ÐÉ Ûé ¦ÐÞ é ĝÞâé ĞÐÐÞ ú â Û ÞéÂĀ °ÉâÛ°Þ Ā é ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þʙâ éÞ°Ûâ éÐ âÛ°Þ°éî Â Þ éÞ éâ  Ðù Þ é úÐÞ ʨ ) ú Éé °â ÐÈ éÐ ÐÉù Ā é â È ¦ °ɧ Ц Û ʣ ¼ÐĀʣ É ÂÐù éÐ °â ù°â°éÐÞâʨ â ââ° °Â°éĀ ú â ÛÞ°ÐÞ°éĀʣ the master bedroom was Þ ÂÐ é éÐ é ĝÞâé ĞÐÐÞʣ É ù ÞĀé°É§ ú â  ù  Ðîéʨ a ÐÈ ÐúÉ Þ â ù ÞĀé°É§ É â éР°ù ÐȦÐÞé ÂĀ ÐÉ é ĝÞâé ĞÐÐÞʣ É Û Þé° î ÞÂĀ ÂÐù â ú ¿°É§ îÛ éÐ é ù° ú ¦ÞÐÈ the terrace next to his bedroom É âéî Āʨ a â ÐÉ ĞÐÐÞ â ú ÞÈ Þʣ °Éé°È é ¦  ú°é °Éаâ Þ° Â È Ééâʨ Aî Ц °â ¦îÞÉ°éîÞ Ð é°ÐÉʣ °É Âî °É§ ¦îÂÂʌ °§é â Âù â holding his books and smaller 84
ABOVE
RIGHT
The clean palette of the home provides a great backdrop for dramatic touches, like zebra wallpaper adorning the sliding doors leading to his bedroom and the styled mannequin.
Sliding doors were a good design choice, since one of the priorities was to have an age-proof home. These provide complete access when opened, and a style statement when closed.
B OTTO M
OPPOSITE
Art is in every nook of this home, even in the bathroom.
Dess repeats the arch motif for continuity – here, it takes the form of a custom bathroom mirror.
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Columns that could not be removed were turned into a backdrop for art, ensuring that every part of this home is functional and beautiful. OPPOSITE, TOP L EF T
The dramatic terracotta guest bathroom ia a stark contrast against the minimalism of the rest of the home.
OPPOSITE, TOP R IGHT
A monochrome palette differentiates the open kitchen from the rest of the home. Dess also includes curves for visual continuity. OPPOSITE, BOT TOM LEFT
The homeowner’s art collection also includes cherished pieces made and gifted to him by friends. OPPOSITE, BOT TOM RIGH T
The guest bathroom is tucked away out of sight behind a concealed door.
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È È ÉéÐ âʣ Þ â° â Þ ʨ A set of old stools sits next to a vintage cabinet and a Û° Ā °â ¦ ùÐîÞ°é Þé°âé rî #î É }Ðɧʣ ú°Â é sofa bed is shielded from ù° ú Ā É Éé°Ýî â Þ É é é ÂÐɧ éÐ ¦ È°ÂĀ °É Northern China more than a îÉ Þ Ā Þâ §Ðʨ ,É ¦ éʣ ÈÐâé Ц °â ¦îÞÉ°éîÞ Û° â ù âéÐÞĀ ʙâ ÛÛĀ éÐ é ÂÂʨ a éÞ ʌéÞîÉ¿ â Ц °â °É°É§ é  ʣ ¦ÐÞ °Éâé É ʣ was something he fell in ÂÐù ú°é é ĝÞâé â°§é ú°Â °É )Ðɧ 9Ðɧʨ  ÈÛ ÐÉ his desk reminds him of
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Z° î Éʣ ú Þ úÐÞ¿ ¦ÐÞ ȽȾ Ā Þâʨ x é Ðé Þ °éâ É pieces recall parts of his life that he has spent teaching and Â۰ɧ Û ÐÛ °É °đ Þ Éé Û Þéâ Ц é úÐÞ ʨ ÂéÐî§ â ù Þ Â °é Èâ °É °â ÐÈ Þ ÛÞ °Ðîâʣ é homeowner is adamant that é Ā âÐî ÉÐé ÛîÞ ÂĀ ornamental – his home is to ú  ÐÈ ÂÐù ÐÉ âʣ ¦é Þ ÂÂʨ ʖr É Û ÐÛ ÐÈ °Éʣ é Ā ʀâÐî ʁ ¦ Â Þ Â ÿ ʨ ,é Èîâé ÉÐé ÐÈ é é °â âÐ Þé°ĝ °  ÐÞ îÉÞ Â é é °¦ ĀÐî ÐÈ °Éʣ ĀÐî é°ÛéÐ ÞÐîÉ ʣʗ â Āâʨ ʖ,éʙâ °ÈÛÐÞé Éé é é ʀ ù ÞĀé°É§ʁ â ÛîÞÛÐâ ÐÞ É îâ ʨʗ
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Ensuring the comfort of his guests is a priority for the homeowner, who hosts friends from overseas often. OPPOSITE, TOP
The second floor has much more intimate feel with darker colours.
OPPOSITE, BOTTOM L EFT
This antique screen holds special significance for the homeowner because of the floral carving, which resembles a cross.
HE WANTED HIS HOME TO CONVEY A FEELING OF PEACE, JOY, AND LOVE TO HIS VISITORS.
OPPOSITE, BOTTOM R IGHT
The crimson hue of the tiles in the upstairs bathroom echoes the drama of its counterpart on the first floor.
photography VERONICA TAY art direction NONIE CHEN
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Oz Titus transformed Bebe Seet's entryway into a cosy vestibule that houses a few of her antique pieces, as well as a door that conceals the entrance to the store room. OPPOSITE
The key to a cohesive look is to have the same materials and motifs echoed throughout the space.
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HER HERITAGE This condominium apartment is a celebration of Peranakan culture, carefully designed to showcase the homeowner’s antique collection while keeping the overall look streamlined. MELODY BAY takes a tour.
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M
oving into this two-bedroom condominium apartment marked the start of a new chapter in life for 72-year-old Bebe Seet. If you find her name familiar, that’s because she’s the founder and owner of Katong-based Peranakan heritage boutique Rumah Bebe, which also serves homemade nyonya food. It’s no wonder, then, that her home is every bit as elegant as the owner. A mix of traditional Peranakan heritage, resort elements, and a dash of colonial charm, her home is an example of how different styles can come together to form a design narrative that’s unique and timeless to the homeowner. Bebe engaged designer Oz Titus to put together the look for her apartment. Having met through a shared love of Peranakan heritage and cuisine, Bebe and Oz had become friends some years earlier. When it was time for her store to undergo a
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LE F T
Most of the embroidery artwork and furniture are from the collection Bebe Seet has amassed over the years. BOTTOM
The sink in the kitchen provides enough space for Bebe to do the washing-up. RIG HT
The timber slats that run around the ceiling draw the eye up, emphasising the height of the room.
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WHO LIVES HERE
A homeowner in her 70s and a helper HOM E Two-bedroom condominium apartment at Amber Road SIZ E 1,612 sq ft
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Oz positioned the ceiling lamp such that it would be centred when viewed from the corridor. OPPOSITE, LEFT
Bebe Seet's interest in collecting Perakan heritage began in 1995.
OPPOSITE, TOP R IGH T
Her collection of beaded slippers, an icon of Peranakan culture.
OPPOSITE, MIDDL E R IG HT
Oz designed this marble-andwood island counter as the focal point of the communal area. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM RI GHT
The quatrefoil appears in several parts of the home, tying the whole look together.
makeover, she enlisted his help for the design. Since Oz is intimately familiar with the culture, having Peranakan heritage himself, she gave him full creative rein. Oz admits that he is a perfectionist who pays attention to the smallest details. “The design has to create the maximum impact,” he says. He approached the design of the 1,612 sq ft apartment with this ethos, taking into account Bebe’s existing furnishings and the need for practicality. To complement the antique pieces that Bebe had amassed over the years, Oz chose a clean neutral palette accented by open-pore cerused wood veneers. The cerusing emphasises the wood grain, making it a beautiful backdrop to showcase her vintage pieces. In the foyer, the wood creates a warm and intimate vestibule that welcomes visitors inside before opening up into the living and dining areas. Oz paid particular attention to the spatial flow, using layers to subtly define each area. The ceiling structure changes and rises as one moves from the dining area to the living room, a feature Oz emphasised with the use of wooden slats that run around the perimeter of the living room ceiling. “The wooden slats also lend a colonial touch to the space,” he says. Maintaining cohesiveness was an important strategy in streamlining the overall look, especially in a home with several intricate pieces of furniture. The wooden shutter doors leading to the master bedroom, for instance, echo
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the lines of the wooden slats in the living room. And though each bathroom has its own distinct personality, Oz tied the look together by incorporating a quatrefoil motif into the window grilles. This astute design choice walks a fine line between minimalist and retro. By keeping the look balanced, Oz was able to add elaborate flourishes. The wardrobe doors are covered in vivid floral hand-painted silk from Just Anthony, while the master bathroom showcases a tableau of tropical jungle life on custom wallpaper by Craft Axis. These complement Bebe’s collection of Peranakan-style home accessories, which are often painted or embroidered 96
TO P, LE F T
TOP, R IGH T
ABOVE
Cerused wood has a distinct grain, making it a good backdrop for displaying antiques.
As Bebe washes several of her garments by hand, she requested a large sink that had separate compartments.
Bright, tropical wallpaper adorns the master bathroom, lending drama to the space.
LEF T
Gold fixtures pair well with the intricate florals of the basin.
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ONE OF THE PRIORITIES IN THE BRIEF WAS FOR THIS HOME TO BE AGE-PROOF AND FULLY ACCESSIBLE.
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by hand with similarly intricate florals. Of course, these stylish touches are not without a sense of practicality. One of the priorities in the brief was for this home to be age-proof and fully accessible. To achieve this, Oz ensured that all the flooring was level, with no tricky steps to navigate. He also switched out the guest bathroom’s swing door for a sliding barn door, included shower seats, and ensured there were no awkward corners. Every bit of this home was designed with loving care, but if Bebe had to pick a favourite room, it would be the living and dining area. A generously sized dining counter, custom-made and overlaid with Calacatta marble, is where her loved ones can gather. Oz designed the table to pay homage to the concept of Tok Panjang, the Peranakan custom of having an extravagant feast laid out over a long table for friends and family to eat together. The living area is also where Bebe loves to sit, surrounded by her favourite antique pieces and doing her beading work while looking out at the view of the pool. “This space is so cosy, and you can see everything that’s going on,” she says. “I love doing my work here – it’s a place where I can relax.”
LE FT
The master bedroom has an equally simple palette, allowing the dramatic prints on the wardrobe and sheets to take the spotlight. BOT TOM
The wardrobes are covered with hand-painted silk from Just Anthony. BOT TOM , R IGHT
By creating a feature wall with a niche, Oz make Bebe's vintage cabinets sit flush against the rest of the carpentry. OPPOSITE, LEFT
A series of wooden shutter doors lead to the bedroom and bathroom. These have slats that can be opened for airflow. OPPOSITE, R IGHT
Attention to detail is part of Oz's work ethic.
photography VERONICA TAY & ATHIRAH ANNISSA art drection NONIE CHEN
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GETAWAY HOME Û é°Ð ĝ ú°é Û Ééâʣ É Ýî Þ°îÈ ÉéÞ Û° ʣ ù° ú Ц é ÐÉ ÐÈ°É°îÈ ÛÐÐÂʣ É é âÐîÉ Ð¦ ¦ °ɧ ú é Þ È ¿ é°â Û ÞéÈ Éé ¦  °¿ ÛÞ°ù é ù°Â ÐÉ Þ âÐÞé °âÂ É ʨ LYNN TAN âÐ ¿â îÛ âÐÈ Ð° Ā ù° âʨ
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M
The settee at the entrance foyer was Liling’s idea. OPPOSITE
The 150x 60x50cm, aquarium requires the cabinet underneath it to have an internal metal structure to support its weight.
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âÛ°é é ÈÐ âé ¦ÐÐéÛÞ°Éé Ц é ÉéÞ É ¦ÐĀ Þʣ ÐÉ È É § éÐ Þ ââ 7°Éÿ° ɧʙâ âéÐÞ § Þ Ýî°Þ È Ééâ Ā °É ÐÞÛÐÞ é°É§ î°Âéʌ°É °É éâ ÐÉ °é Þ â° Ð¦ é âÛ ú°éÐîé É ÞÐ °É§ éÐÐ Èî °ÉéÐ é °Þ î é°ÐÉʨ a °É éâ ÐÉ é ¿°é É â° ÐÉé°Éî ÞÐîÉ é ÐÞÉ Þ °ÉéÐ é ¿°é Éʨ ;°¿ é Þ âé Ц é ¿°é É °É éÞĀʣ °é °â ĝÉ°â °É â Ц §Þ É é é é ÐîÛ ÂÐù â É Þ § Þ â â ʖé É ú  ¿ʗʨ a §Þ É Â È Ééâ ù°âî ÂÂĀ °âé°É§î°â é ¿°é É ąÐÉ ¦ÞÐÈ é Þ âé Ц é °Éé Þ°ÐÞʨ â éé °â °Éé §Þ é °ÉéÐ é î°Âéʌ°É °É éâ ÐÉ é ÐÛÛÐâ°é ⰠЦ é ¦ÐĀ Þʨ ʖa Þ ¦ÐÞÈ ú â °Éé É éÐ Þ ¿ é Â°É Þ°éĀ É Ðđ Þ â Éâ Ц îÉ°éĀʨ ,é â Þù â É ù ÞĀ Ā ÛîÞÛÐâ Ā ÛÞÐù° °É§ Û éÐ A B OVE
A quartz kitchen top was selected for ease of maintenance. R IG HT
Closed cabinets and open shelving provide various storage solutions in what used to be a kitchen toilet near the yard area. FA R R IGHT
The bedrooms have direct access to the plant-filled patio. OPPOSITE
The industrialmeets-Muji aesthetic green elements.
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WHO LIVES HERE
A couple and their two daughters, aged 7 and 4 H O ME A three-bedroom condominium at Punggol Walk S I ZE 1,432 sq ft
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“I WANTED TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE NO DEAD SPACES WITHIN THE HOME. ONE OF THE WAYS TO ACHIEVE THIS IS BY USING SLIDING INSTEAD OF SWING DOORS.” – ONG JINXIANG, HOMEOWNER
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â É éî ÞĀʨ a°â ÐÈ â â É° °É°É§ âÛÐéʣ ¦ éîްɧ ÛÐРù° ú É é âÐîÉ Ð¦ é ú é Þ¦ ÂÂʨ a °§éâ °É Û é°Ð â é°ÐÉ Ðî ÐÉÂĀ âú°é ÐÉ ¦ÞÐÈ ú°é°É é ÐÞÞ âÛÐÉ °É§ ÞÐÐÈâʣ ú° ú â °É ÐÉù É° Ééʨ a°â ÛÞÐÈÛé 7°Éÿ° ɧ É ÐÉ éÐ °Éâé  âÈ Þé ÐÉéÞРâĀâé Èʨ °É§ ÂÐ¦é °É é È âé Þ ÞÐÐÈ °É Þ â â é îâ  ĞÐÐÞ É É É â °éâ ÛÞ°ù Āʨ a âÛ ÂÐú é
ÂÐ¦é °â ú ¿ʌ°É ú Þ ÞÐ ú°é Û ÉéĀ Ц âéÐÞ § âÛ ʨ ù É é âé Ûâ  °É§ îÛ éÐ é ÂЦé ù É éîÞÉ °ÉéÐ ÿéÞ âéÐÞ § ʨ a ÛÞм é É ù°§ é Ðù° ʌȽɅ Þ âéÞ° é°ÐÉâ É é ¦ È°ÂĀ °ù°É§ ÐÉʌâ°é îްɧ é Þ ÉÐù é°ÐÉ ú°é ÛÂÐÈ ʨ âÛ°é é ÐÉâéÞ °Ééâʣ ÐÉ É °â é È ÐÈÛ é é úÐÞ¿ °É ÛÞ°Â ȾȼȾȽ ¦é Þ Ðîé éúÐʌ É ʌ ʌ ¦ ÈÐÉéâʨ a Þ ÉÐù é°ÐÉ Ðâé ú â éú É ˏɄȼʣȼȼȼ É ˏɅȼʣȼȼȼʣ ÿ Âî °É§ é ¦îÞÉ°â°É§âʨ
ABOVE
RI GHT
As spaces in newer residential developments get smaller, Don feels that designers need to be more creative with space planning. The high ceiling in this unit allowed him to do just that by adding lofts in the master bedroom and living room.
The wall above the master bathroom’s WC is clad in decorative tiles, an eye-catching feature within the bathroom’s darker colour theme. The steps leading to the loft have been turned into extra storage space.
photography ATHIRAH ANNISSA art direction KRISTY QUAH
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AS YOU LIKE IT Having worked with various notable designers on previous homes, this savvy homeowner knows exactly what he wants. LYNN TAN ĝÉ â Ðîé ÈÐÞ ʨ
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Light from the bedroom windows upstairs filters into the stair core at the centre of the home. OPPOSITE
The monochromatic colour palette gives the home a calming ambience.
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WHO LIVES HERE
HOME
A couple in their 50s and three sons in their 20s An executive maisonette in Clementi SI ZE 1,550 sq ft
T
his executive maisonette is home to a semi-retired F&B owner Jason Ong, 53, and his family. His wife, Claudia Lim, 50, has retired. As such, the couple felt it was timely to cash out on their private property and move to an HDB. Like their previous duplex penthouse, the maisonette also occupies two storeys. However, Jason points out that the latter actually has a larger usable floor area. “When we were working or studying from home, we used to have to squeeze into various corners,” he recalls. Now, there is enough room for everyone, including their three boys aged 25, 22 and 20, to each have their own proper work area. He knew that he wanted to start from a clean slate, so he passed on a few newer units that had been renovated as it would be a waste to hack and redo everything. This maisonette, over three decades old and in its original condition, was just what he was looking for. Having lived in various condominiums over the years, he wanted the interior design to retain a similar look and feel that the boys have grown up with. While their previous home had a modern Oriental style, Jason now prefers something
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The former balcony is now part of the expanded living room. OPPOSITE
The space below the staircase is well-utilised with an Eames lounge chair and ottoman, and customdesigned shelving.
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more minimalist and subtle, with a touch of modern luxe but not to the extent of being “bling”. All these were conveyed to the interior design firm, Dyel, which he engaged for the $250,000 renovation project. The entire apartment was completely gutted out, along with some hacking of walls to allow for reconfiguration around the entrance and kitchen areas and the three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs. There used to be a small entrance foyer between the external grille gate and the main entrance, which felt like a dead space. To make matters worse, there was a store room directly beside the main door. By shifting the main entrance outwards and hacking the storeroom and kitchen walls, the apartment now has a welcoming arrival sequence that leads directly into the open kitchen.
Although he is in the F&B business, Jason admits that he and Claudia seldom cook. However, he wanted an island because it is a nice addition to the kitchen. “We installed a hob and retractable hood on the island and kept the design clean and sleek,” he says. While breakfasts are usually eaten at the island, dinners revolve around the custom-made rectangular marble table in the adjacent dining room. “I have always wanted a long dining table that is proportionate to the dining space. Ideally, I would have liked a 2.4m-long table, but due to space constraints, I settled for a 2.3m one,” he explains. Like all maisonettes, the balcony on the first storey used to be a double volume, semi-outdoor space. Postrenovation, it has become part of an enlarged living room with the void above enclosed
ABOVE, L EFT
A new en suite bathroom opens up the space within the master bedroom. ABOVE
Sliding glass wardrobe doors visually expand the bedroom space. OPPOSITE
The open kitchen and adjacent dining area’s seamless connection is the result of reconfiguring the main entrance and hacking away the walls of the existing storeroom and kitchen.
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in glass. Its elongated layout is the perfect fit for a 3.8m-long, U-shaped sofa from Castlery. Like the dining table, Jason has always preferred a long sofa. He designed the living room’s feature wall-cum-television console himself. It stretches from the triangulated nook underneath the staircase to the window where the balcony used to be. Inspired by Italian designs, he wanted the feature wall, cabinets and open shelves to read as one cohesive system. The former smallest bedroom is now the master
bedroom. By reconfiguring the two bathroom layouts and hacking and shifting existing walls, the master bedroom now has its own walk-in wardrobe and an en suite. An existing column that could not be moved was converted into a part of a television wall. The three sons share two bedrooms located on either side of the stairwell. Both have fixed glass panels facing the stairwell. This opens up the rooms and allows natural light from the bedroom windows to filter into the otherwise dark stairwell.
Jason considers himself a white-black-grey person, which explains the colour scheme in the home. Although this may seem a tad conservative, the restrained colour palette creates an understated elegance and imbues the home with a sense of serenity. The renovations took about five months due to delays caused by the pandemic. The family had to stay in a hotel for about a month before finally moving in in June 2021. It was absolutely worth the wait.
L EFT
The use of glass around and within the stair core enhances the engagement between this key vertical circulation and the rest of the interior. OPPOSITE
What used to be the master bedroom is now a bedroom shared by two sons.
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HAVING LIVED IN VARIOUS CONDOMINIUMS OVER THE YEARS, THE OWNER WANTED THE INTERIOR DESIGN TO RETAIN A SIMILAR LOOK AND FEEL THAT HIS SONS HAVE GROWN UP WITH.
photography ATHIRAH ANNISSA art direction KRISTY QUAH
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E H T F O T R A BE P
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TA S T E S O C I E T YS G
W H E R E TO B U Y
INTERIOR DESIGNERS
HELLO EMBRYO www.helloembryo.com
DESIGN INTERVENTION 75E Loewen Road, Tanglin Village Tel: 6506-0920, 9623-7593 www.designintervention. com.sg
LUSH INTERIOR DESIGN #04-348F 1 Thomson Road Tel: 6256-3133 www.lushinterior.sg
DYEL #03-30, T-SPACE 1 Tampines North Drive 1 Tel: 6227-1327 www.dyeldesign.com EHKA STUDIO 891B Bukit Timah Road Tel: 6909-2798 www.ehkastudio.com ELNAZ NAMAKI STUDIO www.elnaznamaki.com FABIAN TAN ARCHITECT www.fabian-tan.com HAVEN LIFESTYLE #01-14, 5 Kaki Bukit Road 2 City Warehouse Tel: 6745-4698 www.havenlifestyle.asia
MONOCOT STUDIO 35B Seah Street Tel: 8522-7222 www.monocotstudio. com OZ TITUS STUDIO Tel: 9030-2412 www.oztitusstudio.com SPACE MATTERS #01-44, Hong Lim Complex 531 Upper Cross Street www.instagram.com/ spacematters.sg SPACE SENSE STUDIO 11 Jalan Wangi Tel: 8200-8777, 6241-8991 www.spacesensestudio. com.sg
STUDIO WILLS+ARCHITECT #07-05, 33 ubi ave 3 Tel: 6966-9765 www.studio-wills.com SUPER FAT DESIGNS #15-07 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road Tel: 6816-0966 www.superfatdesigns. com THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE 24 Eng Hoon Street Tel: 6293-8001 www.three-dconceptwerke.com WAFF Tel: 6482-6388 www.waff.sg WOLF WOOF #08-74 Midview City 22 Sin Ming Lane Tel: 6570-4833 www.wolfwoof.com.sg
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F I N I S H I N G N OT E
SCENIC TABLESCAPE In the brave new world of post-pandemic living, boundaries are blurred – work blends with play; the outdoors come into the home; individual and communal spaces become indistinct. The Garden Table, a collaboration between Cosentino and award-winning architect Colin Seah of Ministry of Design, embodies the modern workspace in such a post-pandemic world. Crafted from terracotta-hued Dekton Umber and sustainably-sourced Balau timber legs, the work desk recalls weathered outdoor elements, especially when paired with a large planter seemingly growing out of the table itself. “The Garden Table recalls the carefree spirit of being outdoors on a sun-drenched summer’s day. Inspired by the gorgeous hand-hewn textures and warm earth tones of Dekton Umber, the Garden Table provides a conceptual mise-en-scene: a backdrop to enjoy the restorative spirit of the outdoors and nature whilst being indoors,” says Colin.
text MELODY BAY
For more information, visit Cosentino City Singapore at 5 Straits View, Marina One The Heart, West Tower #01-16/17. Tel: 6713-9543. www. cosentino.com.
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