SquareRooms May 2015 Preview

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I D E A S

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S O L U T I O N S

www.squarerooms.com.sg

Knockout bedrooms Sensational spaces for singles, couples and kids

Find your dream home Choice condos with only a few units left

Colour Report Three unusual trends that make your house pop

Five-Star Bathrooms

22 pages of elegant looks, high-tech fittings and stylish accessories MAY 2015

ISSUE 121 S$5.50/RM10

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HOTnews

HANG ON! Local online retailer HipVan has recently brought in a series of floating coat racks that can help save space. Because they hang freely from the ceiling via a leather cord, they don’t take up any room on your floor. And they’re incredibly versatile: use them in your bathroom for towels or facecloths, the kitchen for saucepans and dishrags, or the hallway for hats and coats. Manufactured in Denmark by design duo Lise Vilslev and Mathilde Møberg, they are cheekily named Copenhanger and feature a simple, functional aesthetic typical of the Scandinavian design tradition.

Mighty Machine Robot vacuums may have been around for a while now, but nothing quite compares to this new one from Samsung. The Powerbot VR9000 ($1,499) creates a map of your home with its 10 sensors and digital camera so as to determine the most optimal cleaning path. It will also automatically find the docking station for recharging when its battery is low. But one of the coolest features is being able to guide the machine to where you want it to go by pointing with a controller. What this effectively means is that you won’t need to stop the vacuum and pick it up every time you want it to go back and redo an area in the house.

Just direct it, and it will clean up the path to your heart’s content!

Available at leading electronic stores

12 MAY

Loud Accents MASTER CHEF Cook the perfect roast with Bosch’s newest range of ovens, the series 8. They comprise a 4D hot air technology that comes with a steam injunction function so your meat dishes will be crispy on the outside while succulent on the inside. The ovens are great for avid bakers too. The PerfectBake sensor lets you make perfectly-risen muffins, cupcakes and breads as it regulates moisture levels for an even bake. With the presets, you can select your bake type and the appliance will automatically set the ideal heating mode, temperature, and duration so you won’t need to tweak them manually.

Expect drama at Courts this month, in the form of new home accessories from The House of Laurence collection. The whimsical range is by London designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who is head judge at TV show The Apartment: Celebrity Edition, known particularly for his quick wit and sense of humour. His personality is conveyed through his pieces, most markedly in the cushions which, decked in luxurious hues like ruby reds and sapphires, are flamboyant without being gaudy.

Available at leading department and electronic stores from June

Marble Marvel Minimalism rules in the latest mobile accessories collection by Monacan label Case Scenario. Titled Marble Element, they comprise phone cases, power banks and USB/Lightning cables set in a black-and-white colour scheme. The range features marble swirl patterns, just like those of the natural stone.

For more information, visit www.case-scenario.com

MAY 13

HOTBITES

Labour

of love

Mad About Sucre shows how fine French confections are really made and appreciated in their modern European-style cake shop Text Disa Tan PHOTOGRAPHY Justin Loh

B

ite into this: A divine blend of complementary flavours from exquisitelyhandcrafted cakes, but with 20 to 60 per cent of the sugar reduced. You’d think to yourself: how can something so addictive not be loaded with sugar? Such is the distinction of Mad About Sucre from other patisseries. Even though the shop’s name pretty much implies going gaga over sweet stuff, the owners are passionate only about one thing: to offer an unadulterated cake-eating experience with wholesome, organic ingredients without artificial flavours or preservatives.

Take me to Paris With that, the newly-opened cafe is quickly rounding up accolades with the sweets-loving crowd, especially

those in the food blogosphere. One thing some of the food bloggers forgot to mention in their glowing reviews is that its elegant and contemporary European decor sets the stage to savour the tantalising confections.

Looks like the proprietors Eric Chan, Lena Chan and James Tan really brought home fond memories from their extensive travels to Europe.

From L-R: Coco Citron, Passionne served Together, the trio established with cocoa nibs, and San Domingue a distinctive look for Mad About Sucre. Says Eric of the beginning of the conceptualisation stage: “In our research, we realised there is no template or specific style

22 MAY

While sugar has been wildly abused as a mean to cut costs, we are madly in love with sugar to restore justice to it.

Eric Chan

for the modern French look. It is however, an emotive level of designing.” Putting that into action, this elusive style is now translated into a black and gilded setting, with bold patterns and colours offering more visual interest.

Going places Mad About Sucre hosts several noteworthy concept areas, which are apparent the minute you walk in. The front serves as a showcase of the store’s core business: customised wedding, birthday and other celebratory cakes. Perched on hanging dome-shaped stands, gorgeous patisserie towers proudly display the gateaucrafting prowess of Lena, the Cake Couturier.

While his younger sister helms the kitchen, Eric takes care of the day-to-day operations

with James, an ex-partner from his previous consultancy business.

If Eric and James are not hosting or serving customers, they are usually stationed behind the cake counter. It is a classic monochromatic take on modern glamour with black moulded frames running across the clean-cut white counter. As you venture down the counter, fabric armchairs and ottomans dressed in stripes flank the other side, while a black-and-white mural of the Eiffel Tower brings a graphic touch. Eric remarks that this blown-up piece is just one of the several iPhone shots he has captured and displayed in the shop.

The back is reserved for larger groups.

There’s the classy ‘VIP’ dining area with mismatched seats swathed in bright, bold tones.

For something fun, padded booth seats in a wave-like pattern offer a cosy spot to enjoy the on-point fine desserts.

Match made in heaven Having earned her stripes as an alumna of Le Cordon Bleu, Lena creates cakes that are glorious both in appearance and taste. Our top three recommendations

From L-R: Cake Couturier Lena Chan with other founders Eric Chan and James Tan

from their selective daily menu are the Coco Citron ($9.80), Passionne ($10.80) and San Domingue ($12.80). Each creation has its own noteworthy taste and will beguile taste buds.

The smoothly-paired hints of passion fruit and four types of cheese used in Passionne definitely gives us more reasons to return.

Lemon curd lovers will especially take to Coco Citron with its soft and fluffy coconut mousse atop the delectable lemon curd confection.

Ask for a pairing session of complementary teas to go with any or every cake you order. These brews are specially put together and carefully curated by Eric to bring out the best of your teatime experience. You’ll also get to enjoy more than a slice of their warm hospitality.

Mad About Sucre 27 Teo Hong Road tel: 6221 3969 www.madaboutsucre.com

MAY 23

HOTfads

Plug Pendant Lamp $128 at Fred Lives Here

Offbeat &

wonderful Quirky home complements that put the ‘fun’ in function Text & coordination Ho Pei Ying

Seletti Suburbia Functional Wall Storage $735 at Lifestorey

Slice Cutting Board from $22.90 at Qualy Coffee Scoop Clip $11.95 at CB2

Bambi Doe Chest of Drawers $1,659 at Fred Lives Here

Cook’s Carrot Whisk $30.59 at Maiden

Ham Leg Pillow $86.42 at AUFSCHNITTberlin (Etsy)

28 MAY

Hafriko Chuck Wall Shelf $1,250 at HipVan

Seletti Keytlery Cutlery Set $622 at Lifestorey

The Pit Stop Drink Dispenser $32 at Cluster-Cluster

Bianca Le Grand Theatre Tray $193 at Fred Lives Here

Suck UK Laundry Bag $45 at Naiise

MAY 29

HOTwho

Kelly Hoppen,

award-winning British designer She’s known for neutral-toned East meets West interiors and has her own line of homeware. Now, she’s also released a collection with Apaiser, a luxury stone bathware company TEXT Yuen Yi Ying PHOTOS Apaiser and Kelly Hoppen Interiors

What inspired your collection with Apaiser?

For a while, everyone’s been about the power shower and we’ve forgotten the femininity of taking a bath. I feel that there’s nothing better than soaking in a tub. I created three designs for the collection: one resembles overlapping bowls, another looks like an origami pleated skirt and a last one has a band around it like an obi sash.

They’re like sculptures that can sit by themselves and be unique. Good design doesn’t need anything beside it to look beautiful.

What are some of your top tips for designing a bathroom? No overhead lighting.

When you’re naked, you do not want overhead lights. You can have your makeup lights, but otherwise, pick low-level lighting with the lowest voltage and have them to the side. Make sure the washroom is pleasing to your five senses, and try to get as much space as you can. The ideal bathroom for me, is one that you can fit a chair in.

34 MAY

zEN SOPHISTICATION Minimalistic lines on the Origami range add textured dimension to the pieces.

With my signature style and Apaiser’s experience, we have created a range that is both beautiful and unique.

Kelly Hoppen SIMPLE STATEMENT Like an obi belt, the strips around the Bande collection complete the look with aplomb.

ECO-FRIENDLY LUXURY Apaiser bathware is crafted from reclaimed sustainable marble for minimal impact on the environment.

BEAUTIFUL LAYERS Looking at the Harmony line-up, you can immediately see the reference to lotus petals.

Which design trend do you think is overdone? All of them, I don’t like trends. You need to take time and think; it’s like choosing clothes that fit. People often disregard the thought processes with their home, but it’s important to digest the ideas and make sure they work.

Are there any design tricks that always turn out well? Each home is different, but it’s important to mix textures and let things breathe. As with calligraphy, the space around

the characters is as important as the words themselves. Also, people’s pasts are very important. When you collect art or things you love and reuse them in new spaces, they come alive again.

What are your favourite materials to work with? Metals and woods, marble, nickel and rose gold.

What’s on your plate right now? A new book, new products to put on my [online homeware] store, a jewellery collection in July, and I’m doing up my own home.

How do you unwind? I spend time with my family, watch TV, exercise, cook and entertain at home.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? Pepperflavoured kettle crisps.

MAY 35

HOTbrowse 1 1

A Place for

gentlemen

Truefitt and Hill is the oldest barbershop in the world, and its first branch in Singapore is a sight to behold Text Yuen Yi Ying PHOTOS Truefitt and Hill

36 MAY

W

hen we first saw images of Truefitt and Hill at Ann Siang, we were immediately reminded of the posh Savile Row tailors in London (recently depicted in the movie Kingsman: The Secret Service). It’s not often that men in Singapore get something so lovely just for them, and at this swanky grooming spot, they are treated like kings.

Perhaps it’s not so surprising then, that this brand hails from London and has over two centuries of history. As such, it holds a Guinness record for being the oldest barbershop in the world. To pay homage to its heritage, Marc Nicholson, CEO of Truefitt and Hill Singapore decided that he wanted the joint to have “the feeling of an old English Club, where men could relax”. After sharing his thoughts with Alex Kwan of Museum Homes, Marc was comfortable enough to give him the

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We felt the men’s market here was missing a uniquely male environment, so we decided to debut.

Marc Nicholson

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project and it seems he made a good choice.

With the completion of the shop, Marc has nothing but praise for the talented designer, noting that “Alex worked tirelessly” to source the right materials and operate within the constraints of the space and regulations from the landlord. “It was a great pleasure to work with someone who gets the job done and executes flawlessly,” he enthused.

Well, looking at the interiors, which perfectly meld with other branches across the globe, Alex certainly hit the nail right on its head.

INSIDE STORY The shop offers all sorts of grooming services from beard trimming to nail care, but its most popular are haircuts, shaves and hair colouring.

Truefitt and Hill has been awarded a Royal Warrant for its fine and longstanding services and its staff are barbers to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh.

A new branch is set to open soon at the newly refurbished Capitol Piazza.

1. Wood panelling, vintage photos and plush leather seats give this room a dose of old-world glamour.

2. A seating and display area where customers can pick up products from the brand.

3. Injecting a bit of British humour with iconic retro finds.

9 Ann Siang Road, tel: 6223 5263, www.truefittandhill.com.sg

MAY 37

style

Blissful Bedrooms Style secrets for creating the loveliest rooms to relax and recharge in text Yuen Yi Ying

URBANARA

MAY 41

Style

P l u s h a n d G l a m

Deep tones are great for unisex spaces, but adding tinted mirrors and soft lighting throughout will help the room feel less closed in.

couples

Beautiful and practical abodes that accommodate the needs of two.

Design by Mong Design Studio

A

S e r e n e s pa c e

When there are two of you, clutter can overwhelm a space and make it unwelcoming, so make sure there’s ample storage. You can use this opportunity to create a feature piece for the room by having unique wardrobe doors.

Design by Distinct Identity

T o ta l l y U n e x p e c t e d The ryokan-style aesthetic, where everything is placed at a low level, elongates the room and makes it look spacious.

42 MAY

Design by Archetype

Style

singles

Bold and quirky ideas to try when you’re living alone.

G a l l e r y Wa l l

This mesh frame is a clever way to show off your personal style. Use it to hang hats, accessories and medals, and the best part is you’ll be able to see everything you have at one glance.

Design by Distinct Identity

46 MAY

F e e l i n g G r o o v y

If you love the bold, hippie look, don’t be shy about going all out with the spunky style.

Design by Free Space Intent

Da r i n g

D e s i g n

Have fun with patterns, even on the floor! Keep the rest of the room simple to play up the impact, and go for colours that match existing pieces so the whole look appears pulled together.

Design by Free Space Intent

B u i l d Y o u r F o r t A half-height wall shields the bed from direct sunlight while offering some privacy.

Behind, a feature wall with missing bricks holds collectibles in its painted alcoves.

Norsu Interiors

MAY 47

Style

Koko Kids London Bus and Taxi Wall Border

children

Brilliant themes for rambunctious tykes and older kids.

D r e ss It U p

Decals that play up your children’s favourite themes are fun and can be removed when they’ve moved on to other interests.

C o o l a n d P r a c t i c a l

Encourage your youngster to stay neat with large drawers and open shelving all around.

A broad table and a unique ledge at the foot of the bed lets your kid have ample space and seating to work or practise instruments.

Go Modern Furniture

50 MAY

tip!

If your youngsters are past the phase of decals and toys, this slick design with plenty of storage will be an ideal space for the next few years.

Design by Archetype

S m a r t w i t h S pa c e

Have four kids and not much wiggle room?

This double bunk bed arrangement with a reading corner and suspended communal table will keep them happy.

Design by Museum Homes

Ha p p y Ha v e n

This room has everything a kid would love: a play area at the bottom, stairs to climb up to the bed, colourful artwork, and display shelving for their favourite toys.

Design by Mong Design Studio

MAY 51

solutions

Five-star Bathrooms Love the washrooms in luxury hotels?

Recreate them in your own home with these ideas text Yuen Yi Ying

Flush with Features Available as a floor-standing or wall-hanging unit, Gerberit AquaClean Sela looks modern, is easy to clean, and has a soft-closing lid. You can also skip installing a bidet as this has a spray that gently cleans you with body temperature water.

58 MAY

His and Hers Even in a small bathroom, a compact double sink affords the luxury of having your own space to get ready without being rushed.

Large drawers below are also essential for a clutter-free loo.

Looking Gorgeous The Ice Oval by Glass Design is a thing of beauty.

Crafted by hand from crystal, its crisp cuts catch and reflect light, making it shine like a gem.

Available at Equip-Bathrooms

Godmorgon washstand and Braviken basin from IKEA

c o o l b a s i n s Why have an ordinary sink when you can have these stunners?

Simple but Striking The raised height of the sink, combined with the one-of-a-kind faucet, creates a highimpact look.

Goccia Collection from Gessi

Statement Sink The sleek Alessi One by Laufen is a sink that also offers counter space. How’s that for being both stylish and functional?

Available at Carera Bathroom

MAY 59

Simple

bold strokes Show off your drawing skills with marker craft ideas

Text Yuen Yi Ying STYLING, CRAFTWORK AND SOURCING Khaili Teoh & Neo Aik Sing Photography Justin Loh location Noden LISTED ITEMS AVAILABLE AT Noden unless otherwise stated

Custom Cushions Sketch your own designs on shams for unique pieces no one else will have.

1960s Danish teak armchair, $1,100, 1960s nesting table, $680 for a set of three (only one pictured), Skandinavisk porcelain Fika cup, $45, and plate $49, 1960s Danish rosewood sideboard

by Axel Christensen, POA, Mathias Malling Mortensen framed, signed and numbered artwork, $289

72 MAY

MAY 73

simple Simple

S w ee t S i p s With just a couple minutes of your time, you can craft these chic mugs that look like the pricey ones in stores.

ACE Platters This is an easy project to start with because you don’t even need a steady hand.

In fact, these Japaneseinspired designs look even more beautiful with wonky strokes.

74 MAY

tip!

If you intend to use the plates for food, make sure to use porcelain paint pens to create designs that are washable and non-toxic.

Doodle Head s These teacup planters are a cinch to create, and they’re so cute that you’ll want to build up a whole community!

Feel free to make more, because they make great gifts too.

blank ca n v a s Feeling brave? Draw on your walls to switch up the look without splashing cash on wallcoverings or paint.

1950s floor lamp

by Jo Hammerborg “Junior”, $580, 1960s Danish chest, $800

MAY 75

Spaces

SWEET

dwelling

By keeping the rest of the palette neutral, this family abode avoids looking overly saccharine despite using a great deal of pinks and purples Text Ho Pei Ying PHOTOs Siew Shien Sam of MWphotoinc

94 MAY

OPEN PLAN

2,066 8 months sqf

2unit

storey

r eno pe r i o d

Taipei , Ta i wa n

home to

The designers chose to go with an open-plan layout, seeing as there were so many scattered corners in the home. This also allows the natural light from the windows to reach all corners of the apartment.

MAY 95

Spaces

M I X & M AT C H (below)

An interesting amalgamation of cement screed, wood veneer, and tinted glass was used to construct the wall behind the kitchen and dining room. Some open up to reveal entrances into other areas of the home.

Others provide storage for kitchenware.

96 MAY

T

here is a lot to be said about a man who accepts pink and purple as the main accents for his home. These typically feminine shades were definitely not the first picks for the man of the house, a lawyer in his forties, but were proposed by his wife and two daughters, all of whom love the soft hues. Nevertheless, owing to his agreeable disposition and deep affection for his family, he eventually acquiesced to their suggestion.

The project was handed over to designers Chen Shin-Jie and Chen Ting-Liang of Ganna Studio, who reassured him that the colours chosen by his wife, while feminine, can still look stylish when set against a more neutral setting. “We used the pinks and purples in a gradient fashion so that the overall look would not be too feminine,” says Ting-Liang. “The different shades also make things more lively and interesting.”

This was best presented on the first floor, where the common areas are. The dining

LEISURE NOOK (left)

Make the most of an odd corner by carving out an area for relaxing. The designers did up a raised platform and bay window here; all the better to admire the hillside views.

B O O K S H E LV E S (below)

Being avid readers, the homeowners requested for wall-to-wall shelves for their extensive book collection. The display serves as a vibrant backdrop for the living room.

We stained the solid wood flooring on the first floor black. However, we used white for the flooring upstairs to differentiate the two levels.

Chen Ting-Liang, designer

room’s 3.6-metre teak table, for instance, is surrounded by chairs across the pink colour spectrum. With the rest of the home’s colour scheme in more muted tones, the bright hues pop unabashedly so the space looks really cheery. Seeing as this area is a frequent gathering place – used not only for dining, but also for entertaining and other familytime activities like games and reading – it is imperative that the space be one that the family would want to spend time in.

MAY 97

proads

raw beauty This apartment is bright and cheery with a soothing palette, yet warm and cosy with a mix of natural textures

F A C T F I L E SPACE 4-room BTO flat unit SIZE 980 square feet LOCATION Yishun HOME TO A newlywed couple DESIGNER Jake Yeoh from Z L Construction RENO PERIOD Six weeks

116 MAY

Z L Construction started in the late ‘70s and was once the subsidiary of a family-run corporation. These days, the firm specialises in residential upgrades and HDB renovations.

Through honest and sincere service, it built up its business over the years. Now, as a trusted name for homeowners and commercial customers, it continues its success by providing top-notch service and workmanship for all its clients.

LIVING With the aim of drawing in as much daylight into the house as possible, Jake dressed up the space in soft hues while introducing raw elements into the mix. These include the CraftStone feature wall, grass carpet and woodgrain laminate shoe cabinet. Nostalgic license plates add a wanderlust spirit to the room. Nearby, a display case showcases the homeowners’ travel collectibles.

MASTER BEDROOM In the master bedroom, Jake took advantage of the lofty ceiling by installing a full-height wardrobe that provides ample storage for the homeowners to organise their clothes.

BATHROOM Wooden accents here pop against the crisp wall tiles and solid surface vanity top. The mirror was bordered with a frame that props up small bathroom accessories for easy access.

KITCHEN The homeowners were not in favour of the previous tiles, which were in an off-putting shade of brown. As such, they requested to cover the walls with cement screed to brighten up the overall tone.

Combined with the black granite countertops, wood laminate cabinets and white subway tile backsplash, the kitchen looks immaculate and sleek.

#Go With The Flow This suspended TV console was designed to ventilate air and keep unsightly cables out of sight.

Z L Construction Pte Ltd

756 Upper Serangoon Road #02-13B, Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre, Singapore 534626 Tel: 6284 0118 Email: ask@zlconstruction.com.sg Web: www.zlconstruction.com.sg

MAY 117

proads

fresh beginnings Forget bland or clinical. White is the new black as evidenced by this whitewashed home with lots of character

#Get The Look Light-coloured laminate flooring evokes a clean, crisp look, and it only costs half the price of real wood flooring.

F A C T F I L E

SPACE 1-bedroom apartment unit SIZE 750 square feet LOCATION Mandarin Gardens HOME TO A flight stewardess

DESIGNER Brim Design RENO PERIOD Two months

124 MAY

With their creative know-how, the designers at Brim Design have natural flair for practical, everyday ideas and a keen eye for design trends. This boutique interior firm caters to residential and commercial projects of all kinds to suit most budgets. Brim Design attributes their success in the creative field to their skills in building and nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships with customers.

LIVING A white exposed brick wall makes a stronger statement than wallpaper. Infusing texture is one thing, but it actually makes the whole place look more livedin. IKEA consoles were also added into the mix and this keeps the entire budget of the home in check.

MASTER BEDROOM Even with an angled layout, the designers from Brim Design managed to make the most of the space with custom-built cabinetry.

They filled the recessed portion of the windows with cabinets and this creates a significant amount of storage space.

Brim Design Pte Ltd

KITCHEN MASTER BATHROOM The dining zone overlooks the Previously excluded in the kitchen. It is decked with white original layout plan, this tiles which complements the bathroom is now part of the brick feature wall in the living. master bedroom with some Residing next to it is a row of clever space configuration. louvered cabinet doors. Since Black and white floor tiles spark the homeowner jets around off the classy monochromatic for a living, she can stash her look and it is furnished with bulky luggage in there when other matching bathroom she is at home. storage units.

9 Marshall Road, Singapore 424845 Tel: 6299 5733 Fax: 6299 5676 Email: info@brimdesign.com.sg Web: www.brimdesign.com.sg

MAY 125