SMART WAYS TO
SAVE MONEY
Expert tips to stretch your cash Decorate with $0
JULY 2020 ISSUE 182 S$5.50/RM10
No-spend styling hacks to elevate any room
Dine at Home
Our favourite eateries that deliver
In Focus DINE
FOOD’S ON THE WAY! Prefer to continue staying in? The SquareRooms team shares our favourite restaurants that offer home delivery
Yaiza Canopoli, CONTENT WRITER
My favourite dish to order from home is Pepper Lunch’s signature Beef Pepper Rice. The combined price and delivery fee are a bit expensive, but trust me when I say that it's so delicious and absolutely worth getting. I don't think any other dish on the menu measures up to it! Ordering online is also pretty seamless because the food’s widely available on popular food delivery apps such as Deliveroo, GrabFood, and foodpanda. pepperlunchsingapore Bernard Lim, BUSINESS DIRECTOR
I love how there are tons of yummy one-for-one combos at Pietro Ristorante Italiano to choose from. My go-to pairing is the Linguine al Cartoccio (seafood pasta in tomato crab bisque sauce) and Pizza Bismark with rocket salad and sunny-side-up egg. WhatsApp-message the restaurant at 8688 2798 or 8858 0900 at least 1.5 hours in advance to ensure prompt delivery. pietroitaliansg
20
JULY
pietro.com.sg
SQUAREROOMS
pepperlunch.com.sg
Gladys Lim, INTERN
Sum Dim Sum is one of the most underrated dumpling places in Singapore for me. Aside from their dim sum, their crispy pork buns are to die for. I simply send a WhatsApp message to Jane at 9092 2662 whenever I want to pre-order their dishes for an occasion or order on the spot. Sum Dim Sum’s Facebook page is regularly updated with various promotions and new food announcements, so I suggest following them there. sumdimsum.sg
Loke Pei Ling, ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER
Whenever I crave for dessert, I always find myself heading to ELIJAH Pies’ website to place an order for their Wild Berry Lavender Pie. I love this pastry for several reasons: it looks pretty, the sweetness level is just right, and the price is budget-friendly. The pie’s so good that it's often sold out from their shop! That said, I recommend ordering it at least five days from your intended delivery date to avoid any hassle. elijahpies.com.sg
elijahpies
Foo Mei Siah, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
For authentic Hainanese food, you can’t go wrong with British Hainan. My must-have dish is their signature Oxtail Stew. I usually refer to the menu from their Facebook page, shoot them a Whatsapp message at 9022 6233, and the next thing I know, the Lalamove delivery guy is on my doorstep with my piping-hot meal! Another thing I love about the restaurant is its owner’s warmth and quick responsiveness. I think it’s a great way to retain customer loyalty. british.hainan
Leyna Poh, ART DIRECTOR
I usually don’t order takeout but when I do, I ring up PUNCH at 8398 4300 to get my brunch fix. They serve lots of scrumptious treats, but I must say that the Grilled Cheese Sandwich tastes the most heavenly. There’s something about the medley of melted Emmentaler, grated parmesan, and soft brie cheeses that make my mouth water just thinking about it! The tomato soup that comes with it complements the flavour of the sandwich well, too. It’s also worth noting that PUNCH allows PayNow funds transfer, perfect for those who prefer contactless payment like me. punch.sg
punch.gram
Jason Foo, SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER
Any day I scarf down the Original White Beehoon and Signature Meat & Seafood Roll from White Restaurant is always a good day. Reasonably priced dishes from this Chinese eatery can be self-collected, but I strongly advise ordering from their website to beat the queue and practise social distancing. The $4.90 island-wide delivery fee isn’t too bad, too! order.whiterestaurant.com.sg
21
EXPERT OPINION
Building on a shoestring There’s no denying that renovation expenses can be costly whether you’re starting from scratch or just refining the ‘ol abode. So, we asked six industry leaders to share their insights on how to spruce up aspects of your home without busting your budget.
Furniture
By ARA LUNA-RESTON
Gan Shee Wen Chief Operating Officer of Commune, thecommunelife.com What are the essential furniture pieces to buy when on a tight budget? How about those to save for later? Purchase basic furniture like sofas, dining tables, chairs, beds, and storage drawers first because they will be the most utilised pieces in any home. Part of Commune’s offerings is the Crimson collection, which is designed with both style and affordability in mind. For those with more moolah to shell out, I recommend getting add-on furnishings that marry both functionality and style. Coffee tables, end tables, shelves, and mirrors, for example, are the type of items that add touch and texture to any space.
22
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
Which pieces do you think wear well and hold their value? Furniture pieces made from genuine leather and solid wood are the best to get as they tend to age well with proper care and maintenance. Full-grain leather, which we use at Commune, is the most durable among other types of leathers that’s why they’re commonly used in upholstery and even garments. Solid wood, such as North American dark walnut and North American white oak, is sturdier and has a more appealing grain pattern compared with other timbers. Our Volta and Dualtone collections are made from these wood variations, and they’re notorious for being elegant and long-lasting— perfect investments when outfitting your first home. In your opinion, what are the top three things that homeowners need to consider when buying furniture? Material, dimension, and style. Materials give insight on the furniture’s quality, while dimensions are important to consider in order for furniture pieces to fit in specific living spaces. When it comes to interior style, homeowners should choose what they feel most comfortable with. We at Commune often advise our customers to weigh between cost and product lifespan, as purchasing low-quality pieces
Subtle downers
SNEAKY FACTORS THAT DECREASE YOUR HOME’S RESALE VALUE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
① CRAZY PIGMENTS Picking uncommon paint colours such as lime green or cotton candy pink could turn off potential buyers because they may make the house appear tacky. SOLUTION: Choose hues with mass appeal such as warm neutrals or light monochromes because they convey the message that the abode is well-cared for.
②
SORRY-LOOKING ENTRYWAYS A poorly maintained front door spells seedy and shady, especially when it’s the first and last thing people see when viewing a house.
every one or two years tends to be more expensive in the long run. We’re proud to say that our products adhere to top safety standards and are manufactured with sustainably sourced materials, so you’re sure to have something stylish and enduring at home for years to come. Please tell us what your all-time favourite furniture piece is and the things you like about it. Definitely the dining table. It is one of the home’s centrepieces and also one of the first things that come into mind when listing your to-buy furniture pieces. Furthermore, the dining table is often used for gatherings and communing with family or friends— it’s essentially a tool that strengthens relationships. Some of my fondest memories are actually created around it.
Lastly, what are your tips for those who shop on-sale pieces or scout furniture at showrooms? Always shop in person so you can touch the furniture’s surfaces and scrutinise manufacturing discrepancies. Also, check out dining table and chair bundles, as they usually offer good discounts. Don’t get too carried away by too-goodto-be-true prices though; ensure that you’re making an informed purchase by understanding the store’s exchange and cancellation policies, in case you need to return the item. If you’re unable to be at the store physically, check with the furniture shop if they can assist you with furniture selection and other inquiries via video chat or voice call.
SOLUTION: Update your door’s security system by changing rusty old locks with new ones or installing smart locks. Doing so convinces prospective buyers that the house is safe and secure.
③
OUTDATED APPLIANCES Most resale buyers aren’t willing to pay for old home devices because they would rather spend their dough on major reconstruction work. SOLUTION: When buying appliances, get them from brands that offer affordable, high-quality products because they last longer and wear well.
④
NEGLECTED DETAILS Homebuyers are meticulous when spotting oftoverlooked areas such as chipped wood floors—little things that show how much level of care the house received. SOLUTION: Regularly upkeep your home even without the intention of selling it. Ensuring the electrical wires work and other small maintenance tasks will save you repair money in the future.
⑤
UNCLEANLINESS Filthy build-up like dirty grout and soiled sinks are commonly scrutinised by buyers, giving them an opportunity to negotiate for a lower price. SOLUTION: Deep cleaning routinely, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, will help bring back your home’s old sparkle. Remember: clean homes are the foundation of a marketable house.
23
Rice Fields Pte Ltd.
Tiles
Victor Phuah Sales Manager for Lian Seng Hin Trading Co, liansenghin.com.sg
Terry Tan Director of Rice Fields Pte Ltd, rice-fields.com
TT: Research potential tile contractors by thoroughly comparing their experience, skill sets, and client reviews. Doing so will help you make an informed decision and ensure better quality of work. We have a series of videos on our website to share good practices and methods of tile installation. What pieces of advice do you usually give homeowners when choosing the right type of tiles for their house? TT: Tiles, unlike paint colours, cannot be easily changed. To be on the safe side, choose neutrals such as grey, beige, or “greige” (a blend of grey and beige) as these hues are timeless. Design-wise, I recommend using the same pattern throughout the house to achieve a sense of spacious consistency. Also, remember
24
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
that wet areas, such as bathrooms and balconies, need to be installed with antislip tiles to avoid falls. How often should homeowners consider re-tiling their home? VP: There’s no absolute frequency, but based on my experience with clients, homeowners re-tile their house after every 10 years, on average. Reasons vary, but most of them veer towards switching up their house’s look whenever they start a family or when young members grow up and move out. TT: Tile floors are quite enduring, so you don’t need to continually spend on re-tiling work (unless of course there are prominent cracks that pose safety hazards). Which tile design or pattern are you most fond of and why? VP: I like how marble-finish tiles look like real marble stones but without the disadvantages that come with their natural counterparts. Unlike the absorbent element of natural stones, you can easily wipe the spilled liquid off from these nonstaining marble tiles. TT: The herringbone pattern (rectangles that are arranged in a 90-degree angle next to each other) because it evokes the feeling of sophistication and dimension.
Lian Seng Hin
When scouting for a tile contractor, what should homeowners prepare for before hiring one? VP: If you decide to hire a tile contractor on your own instead of having your interior designer source one out, be ready with your detailed instructions and preferences. Directions such as how you want your tiles to be laid out and which areas of the house you want covered will greatly help the tiler achieve the look that you want.
Tiling a home can be quite expensive; what can homeowners do to keep costs low? VP: Selecting small tiles to cover a specific area will reduce tile wastage because they’re more flexible in terms of fitting limited spaces. Using larger tiles, on the other hand, means you need to pay extra for labour costs as the materials can only be laid by two people instead of one. TT: I’ve always believed that investing in quality tiles will still save you money. The affordable option now may not be the case in the long run, as they might need replacing sooner than you think. I recommend those that are Italianmade because of more advanced technology and they are generally more scratch- and stain-resistant.
EXPERT OPINION
Kitchen Appliances
Mark Celik-Alvis General Manager for Fisher & Paykel Asia, fisherpaykel.com Where do homeowners need to splurge now in order to save later when updating the kitchen? The kitchen is the heart of a home, and it’s only right to equip it with functional and reliable appliances. Thus, it’s important to set aside a portion of your renovation funds to replace wonky cooking equipment with kitchen devices that are durable, design-savvy, and resilient. Dual-function appliances are also worth the splurge as they are space-saving and work twice as hard. Take the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer, for example. Not only does this nifty dishwasher clean and sanitise your plates and cutleries thoroughly, but it also serves as a handy storage room for all your tableware.
Are there any kitchen remodelling mistakes that homeowners should avoid? Having a poorly planned floor layout that disrupts your usual workflow is a big nono when remodeling the kitchen. Before you execute renovation work, carefully study how you usually move in the kitchen. Then, sketch a floor plan that would make meal prepping, cooking, serving, and cleaning a seamless experience. Another mistake that homeowners usually make is positioning the kitchen island as an obstacle to your fridge’s entryway. Remember, if the refrigerator door opens to the left, then the workstation should be on the right. Doing so will smoothen the process of bringing the ingredients from fridge to island. What are the factors that homeowners must look for when choosing kitchen devices? One critical feature to look for in kitchen devices is its performance. If you’re the type of kitchen owner who gives it all in the cookery zone, go for appliances that work as promised and consistently without bogging down quickly. Another factor to consider is the brand’s after-sales service. It is equally vital for appliance manufacturers like us to assure customers not just of the quality of our products, but also care for them through our exceptional customer service and technical knowledge. At Fisher & Paykel, we place the utmost importance in product reliability, as well as achieving a first-time fix rate for any troubleshooting concern.
Kitchen Safety
PREVENT MISHAPS WITH THESE AFFORDABLE ACCESSORIES.
CORNER GUARDS Pointy table corners and cabinets can cause injuries, especially when you have toddlers suddenly running around the kitchen. Once set up, the corner bumpers significantly lessen the impact of collision. KNIFE SHEATH Avoid finger boo-boos by sliding protective sheaths on your knives before storing them. Aside from protecting your digits, knife guards also keep the blades sharp for long. KNOB COVERS Little curious hands fumbling with stovetops can turn out catastrophically, but accidents won’t have to happen with the help of knob covers. The clear variation with hinged lids even allows easy adult access and indicate that the burners are turned off. SAFETY PLUGS Prevent liquids from entering electrical sockets via safety plugs. Corking them with these nifty covers will save you from electrocution hazards and fire risk-related disasters. SKID-PROOF MAT Don’t have the budget for slip-resistant kitchen flooring yet? Get anti-slip mats that have a rubber backing to prevent falls and trips.
Tell us what is the one kitchen appliance you can’t live without and why. Definitely my laundry dryer! Singapore’s weather is quite unpredictable that’s why it’s sometimes difficult for me to have my clothes dry under the sun. With a dryer at home, I can have crisp, freshly laundered articles of clothing in no time. I use the Fisher & Paykel 9kg Heat Pump Condensing Dryer, which has a gentle drying technology that removes moisture without damaging the fabric. I recommend this product for those who are living in small spaces because this compact device can be placed anywhere, even in areas without ventilation. The intuitive controls and simple interface are bonuses, too!
25
Simply Fresh This Scandinavian-inspired home exudes calm and peace with mint-green features and a touch of modernity
At a glance Space 4 - R O OM H D B F L AT Location J A L A N M E M B I N A Home to A YO U N G CO U P L E Reno period 8 W E E KS Tex t YA I Z A C A N O P O L I
Photos SALT STUDIO
28
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
Overall view In order to tie in the overall look of the home, seamless vinyl flooring was installed throughout the kitchen, dining and living areas. This seamlessness avoids visually separating the different areas with tile grout, creating instead a sense of continuity.
29
The Brief It is often said that colour can make or break
of the home allowed the designer to overcome
a design. In the case of this 4-room HDB flat, it
the biggest challenge of this project: the bomb
lay in the hands of Salt Studio designer Joey to
shelter, laid out awkwardly at the heart of the
incorporate the homeowners’ favourite hue, a
home. Instead of disrupting the harmony, it was
gentle mint green, into the space. “They wanted
transformed to become part of the design flow,
a Scandinavian-inspired home, with a splash
revealing itself as the most striking feature of
of mint-green,” Joey shares, indicating the light
the house.
wooden elements that form the basis for the Nordic look. But the space departs from some of the classic
Once the bomb shelter was fully incorporated into the design, the styling process became simple. “We have our homeowners to be thankful
Scandivanian elements. “We suggested adding a
for,” Joey confides. “The furniture they chose was
bit of a modern touch to it,” he admits. The darker
perfect.” All that was left to do was to add the final
walnut accents, typical of modern home design,
touches to the space. The home was sprinkled
complement the minty hues in the space, making
with plants to further emphasise its natural
for an overall very tranquil colour scheme that yet
elements, rounding off the overall atmosphere.
feels lively and whimsical. The same elements
The combination of raw textures and green
were used throughout the entrance and living
hues defines the space as a clean, vibrant and
area, creating a feeling of visual consistency.
harmonious environment that will feel like home
The continuity between the different areas
30
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
for years to come.
Below
Bomb shelter A fresh coat of mint-green paint and various wooden textures cleverly disguise the bulky bomb shelter in this home. The large, horizontal mirror brightens and opens up the living area to further blend the different parts of the flat. Rounding off the design is the mirror frame, made with the same laminate used throughout the rest of the house.
Above
Custom shelving The custom-made shelves along the bomb shelter create plenty of visual interest with contrasting light and dark laminates. A hanging plant droops down towards the shelving to complete the homeowners’ wish for a nature-infused ambience and an abundance of green elements. Left
Shoe cabinet Right by the home’s entrance is a handy shoe cabinet, worked into the bomb shelter for a spacesaving, clean design. The doors of the cabinet are fitted out with rattan panels, aiding with ventilation for more hygienic storage.
31
Dining area While the kitchen island doubles up as a small coffee corner for a quick snack, the dining table is bathed in natural light thanks to the large windows, offering a place to fully recharge and enjoy a bigger meal with friends and family.
32
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
IMAGE COURTESY OF TRIPLE EYELID
Rattan lamps: Rattan lamps are affordable and fit into many different design styles, from Scandinavian to full-on rustic. They’re a simple accessory that can add a touch of nature to your home without the need for expensive furniture.
Wooden furniture: The easiest way to give your home that raw, natural vibe is to opt for wooden furniture. Tables, chairs, desks, shelves and bed frames are just a few of the classic pieces that can completely transform the look of your home.
IMAGE COURTESY OF IKEA
IMAGE COURTESY OF GALLERY 278
Creating a natural ambience in your home is all about choosing the right materials and textures. While fitting out your space with wooden walls might not be an option, there are other ways you can incorporate nature in your surroundings.
Plants and more plants: Ultimately, plants are the most authentic and straightforward way to bring the outdoors in. Even just a single plant on your bookshelf can go a long way in sprucing up the surroundings.
33
INSPIRATION KIT
Savvy savings TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO A DREAM HOME WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK t ex t YA I Z A C A N O P O L I
Making your home into a place you love doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it can be surprisingly affordable. Whether you are setting up a home office, shopping for your kids’ room or giving the bathroom a makeover, these ideas will help you save plenty without compromising on design and functionality.
Quick savings
2 3 38
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
Instead of buying an expensive couch with a delicate fabric that will wear and tear, opt for a more affordable couch and simply cover it with a couch protector of your choice. The initial expense will be lower and changing up the couch cover later on won’t break the bank either. No need to splurge on expensive furniture. Plan a trip around the city to scour for second-hand and vintage items instead. They’re often more affordable than new pieces, and will give your home a charming, lived-in quality that is hard to replicate. You can even repaint any items that look a little too outdated, further personalising your home.
IMAGE COURTESY OF POLLERA
Living room
1
Ditch built-ins and go for modular furniture on wheels that you can move around the house. Using one piece of furniture in multiple rooms and for various activities saves money and space and helps to keep the home tidy and clutter-free. If you’re feeling creative, you can even add some wheels to your furniture yourself!
4
Instead of crowding your home with tables, chairs and storage units, opt for furniture that is two-in-one. Storage ottomans, for instance, often make excellent benches while also providing usable space inside. They’re generally affordable and will additionally save you money on purchasing multiple items.
Long-term savings
1
While hardwood floors are a big initial expense, they make for resilient, lifelong companions. Once they start looking scruffy, they can be resurfaced, which is ultimately more affordable than completely redoing vinyl floors or replacing other flooring materials.
$ HOW TO SAVE ON YOUR RENO
2
Instead of running your air-conditioner in every room of the house, consider applying tinted films and other treatments to your windows to limit the light and heat entering your home. Plus, many of these window treatments protect you from harmful UV rays as well.
3
To keep an eye on your longterm energy use across the whole household, invest in some smart plugs for every room. In addition to monitoring energy use with curated reports, smart plugs allow you to switch off any connected device using an app, ensuring that none of your appliances use up electricity throughout the night.
IMAGE COURTESY OF FUSE CONCEPT
IMAGE COURTESY OF GOY ARCHITECTS
Do take simple renovation works, such as painting walls, into your own hands to avoid having to outsource labour. Don’t renovate the whole house at once if you’re short of funds. Get rooms done one by one for quick savings. Do consider designing your own home if you have an eye for interiors, then get a contractor to carry out your vision.
4
Incorporate ceiling fans in strategic places across the home to improve air flow. Air-conditioning not only costs a lot more to run, it is very expensive to install in the first place.
39
IMAGE COURTESY OF FRANKE
Quick savings
Kitchen
40
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
1
Save yourself some money by installing a water purifier in your kitchen. This will ensure that your tap water is filtered and as clean as possible, allowing you to drink straight from the tap instead of spending on bottled water. You will be doing your wallet and the environment a favour!
2
The easiest and most affordable way to prevent persistent kitchen odours is to regularly clean your suction hood filters. If they’re running while grimy and greasy, they will waste your electricity without getting much done.
3
For a quick and affordable kitchen makeover, change out the small parts here and there without splurging on big appliances and cabinets. Lighting fixtures, cabinet handles and even your tap can make a huge difference in the overall look of your kitchen without needing a full overhaul.
INSPIRATION KIT
IMAGE COURTESY OF LG
2
To avoid incurring expensive repairs, it’s important to invest in heat and shock resistant backsplash tiles and surfaces. Just like how you should get hold of sturdy, long-lasting countertops, your backsplash should be able to withstand everything that goes on in the kitchen without needing excessive maintenance.
!
TOP PRIORITY
Make sure to buy the appliances and items you need urgently before picking out the less necessary pieces. You don’t want to be stuck with a high-end blender but no fridge to store your food.
3 IMAGE COURTESY OF COSENTINO
1
To keep your energy consumption under control, invest your money in appliances that do the work for you without guzzling too much power. Reliable appliances tend to come with a handy energy rating, indicating how much you can expect to spend on your electricity bills per month or year when using that particular appliance. To save as much as possible while still enjoying a powerful kitchen, look for appliances with a 4-tick energy rating, such as LG’s GB-B4059MT fridge.
IMAGE COURTESY OF RICE
Long-term savings
4
When it comes to kitchen surfaces, durability and strength are key. While wooden ‘butcher block’ counters are one of the more affordable options and make for a rustic look, they are easily scratched and burned and need constant oiling to maintain their appearance. Natural stone is more resistant, but pricier and needs to be occasionally resealed as well. Compressed quartz surfaces, such as the Dekton series by Cosentino, are costly upfront but more hardwearing than natural stone and need very little maintenance.
While installing air-conditioning in the kitchen might seem like a good idea if you like baking and need to work in a cool room, your unit will have a hard time cooling the space down, especially when it gets hot during cooking. This will not only cost you a whole lot of electricity, it will also increase your maintenance costs as you need to get the unit serviced and cleaned more often. It’s a better idea to install ceiling fans and windows in your kitchen to provide good ventilation.
41
54
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
HOME INSPO
Modern canvas Space 5-Room HDB Resale Flat Location Redhill Rise Reno Period 6 weeks
Embracing a modern setting with a twist, the final look of this resale HDB flat combines a carefully curated design plan of sleek minimalism and divine geometry
Home To Married Couple
Text D I S A TA N
“Less is more” appears to be the design mantra for this 5-room resale flat designed by Wayne Ching and Kate Ng from Design Neu. Fronting the renovation, Wayne says the married couple living here asked for a “modern setting” but wanted to personalise the look with “varying accent colours and geometrical details.” Since the modern style is usually simple and unadorned, the Design Neu team had to find a way to gel everything together without upsetting the design equilibrium. Helming the overall conceptualisation of the space, Kate says they “envisioned the new modern setup to carry a clean and muted colour scheme.” That culminated in a pared back palette of mostly warm monochromatic tones which borrow from nature-inspired elements. “We engaged a line-up of wood-like strips for the feature wall in the living area,” remarks Wayne.“ The wood colour of these laminate strips was carefully considered; we certainly didn’t want it too light or too dark. It had to be a classic wood shade.” Setting the scene with a subdued wood tone oozing of opulence, the laminate strips were then
paired with a marble-effect laminate covering. “This marble-style accent wall is meant to break the wood composition,” explains Wayne. “Too much wood would look overpowering,” adds Kate, “and the marble serves as a good visual breather.” The grey veining of the marble style also echoes the neutral tone of the newly-installed tile flooring in the communal areas. Venturing deeper into the home, the semi openconcept layout of the kitchen comes to light. With the entrance widened, natural light and ventilation now flow throughout the entire home. The abundance of daylight is enhanced by the Smart Glass System which now encases the study and guestroom. Facing the dining area, the Smart Glass divider turns opaque or clear with a quick touch of the button. This allows the homeowners to enjoy some extra daylight, or privacy, especially if they have company over. Other than expanding the kitchen’s entrance, the master bedroom was extended as well by merging it with a common bedroom. The jumbo-sized master suite now comprises of a walk-in wardrobe and the main sleeping quarters.
Photos DESIGN NEU
“The homeowners asked for an entirely openconcept wardrobe, but we were worried about the build-up of dirt and dust in the long term,” says Wayne. They soon came to a compromise of using clear glass encased in a mild steel frame to outline the entire wardrobe. This still allows the homeowners to scan through their wardrobe contents in an easy sweep without fretting over dust or discolouration. A lived-in sense of sophistication takes over the sleeping quarters via white laminates which line the headboard area. Resembling wall decking, these farmhouse-style accents are matched with a curved cut-out detail to anchor the vanity mirror. With that, the mirror appears to float. The addition of a suspended vanity table further enhances the expanse of space and it comes with a specially-designed niche which works as a sleek handle. With plenty of thought put into both the form and functionality of this home, every single design element of this home falls right in place. These carefully considered design highlights and colour uniformity introduced by the Design Neu team certainly bring the home into its own.
55
56
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
HOME INSPO
Living area Through a series of light and dark laminate styles, the living room’s feature wall creates a well-balanced look. Adding to its airy appeal is the use of a vertical TV console. Rather than follow the norm of installing a horizontal TV console under the TV, this custom-made TV cabinet has been neatly relegated to the side to save on floor area.
57
Right
Kitchen With the cookspace quite a distance away from the main living area, the homeowners decided to go for a semi open-concept layout. An open kitchen also means the chosen colour scheme has to have some uniformity, and the matte blue cabinets and marble-look finishes say it all. Below
Communal area Now you see it, now you don’t. A concealed entrance to the common bathroom and a Smart Glass System for the study are just some of the unexpected design twists in this home.
58
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
HOME INSPO
Above
Shoe Cabinet
Chamfered edges as handles
Dining room Against the neutral base palette of the communal areas, the painted feature wall of geometrical forms makes a graphic statement. It also creates a striking backdrop to distinguish the dining space from the other communal areas.
Living Room Accent Wall
Marble-look laminate from EDL
59
DESIGN SHOWCASE
Classic Touches Meter Square dresses up this unit with trademark Scandinavian elements that make coming home more appealing
1 Study
unequivocal sophistication with its deep green
One of the homeowner’s major requirements
herringbone tiles. Mint filled the thin gaps with
was to incorporate a distraction-free study
pink grout, a surprisingly perfect match for the
into the home’s layout. Thus, Mint positioned a
dark base colour. Gold-hued fittings like the
full-height storage cabinet covered with wood
showerhead, caddy, and tap were specially
laminate by the door to block sound from
sourced overseas by Mint to complete the
other parts of the home, reserving the exposed
elegant look.
centre for displaying various knick-knacks. She then fitted a wide, curved table on a plain wall,
4 Master bedroom
which allows two people to sit at a comfortable
Breadth is vital for the all-white main sleeping
distance. It also lets them face a blank panel
room because it has to snugly accommodate
when working – perfect for tasks that require
the queen-sized bed, vast wardrobe, and TV.
complete focus.
Initially positioned under the beam, the bed was shifted towards the opposite end to carve out
2 Living and dining
FA C T F I L E SPACE
4-room resale HDB flat SIZE 1,358 square feet LOCATION 75B Redhill Road DESIGNER
Mint Ng from Meter Square
extra floor space. Mint also said that according
Wood elements, neutral hues, and shades
to feng shui experts, getting some shut-eye
of white create a peaceful visual here. To
with a beam directly overhead creates heavy,
transform a nondescript corner into a cosy
burdensome energy.
nook, Mint installed a bird-shaped pendant lamp beside the wooden TV console, and with
5 Kitchen
conservative square footage to work on, the
Consistency is key in this classic-meets-
sofa and dining sets were carefully selected
Scandinavian home, so the muted palette used
to keep the wriggle room spacious. She also
from the living and dining rooms was applied in
allotted a walkable one-metre space between
the cookery zone. Mint also chose gold tones
the kitchen and dining areas for better flow.
for the ivory cabinets’ handles, as well as on the faucet, grout, and backsplash for a subtle
3 Master bathroom
luxe factor. To give this space a rustic touch,
RENO PERIOD
A stark contrast from the bright airiness of the
she installed grey timber-inspired floor tiles and
9 weeks
rest of the house, the master bathroom boasts
used light-brown wood for the shelves.
METER SQUARE No.62, Ubi Road 1, Oxley Bizhub 2 #01-37 Singapore 408734 Tel: 625 625 86 Fax: 644 225 82 metersquare.com.sg
78
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
Founded in 2011, Meter Square is run by a group of storytellers who bring homeowners’ visions into an attainable reality. This imaginative interior design firm is primarily dedicated to having your budget
and timeline needs met without sacrificing quality. An established player in the industry, Meter Square’s multifaceted sleek and practical designs and its strong client base make them a worthy choice always.
1
2
5
3
4
tip
Whether you have a compact bedroom or vast living area, adopting a unified monochrome scheme will deliver a calm and collected result.
79
DESIGN SHOWCASE
Light-filled Abode Richfield Integrated turned this condominium unit into a bright and inviting space
FA C T F I L E
1 Kitchen
3 Walk-in wardrobe
With an all-white design scheme
When the homeowners wanted to squeeze a
originally in mind, the designer
walk-in wardrobe into their master bedroom,
complemented the sweeping ivory
the designer amplified the illusion of breadth
shades with light wood laminate
by fitting door panels that double as full-length
cabinets and polished marble tiles
mirrors. The surprisingly generous walking space
to incorporate warm elegance into
also makes it ideal for two or more people to
this space. The cupboards were also
share the dressing area with comfortable elbow
outlined with black borders to give them
room.
more definition. To make the already scintillating kitchen even brighter,
4 Master bedroom
pin lights were added underneath the
Chic modernity and child-friendliness are what
wall cabinets to make the meal prep
make this master bedroom great for all ages.
workspace easy on the eyes.
To protect the youngest occupant’s head from bumping into hard surfaces, custom-made
2 Master bathroom
turquoise-padded headboards were placed along
The original outdated look was
the corner walls. Pillows in assorted sizes,
overhauled by positioning a new
patterns, and colours from furniture brand
vanity-cum-mirror cabinet and
Commune were also put in place to accentuate
decking the space with a series of
the space’s modishness. With an odd layout
posh decorative fittings. The designer
and conservative square footage to work on, the
DESIGNER
affixed top and bottom cove lights
designer acquired a bed with hidden storage and
Richfield Integrated Pte Ltd
into the wall cupboard and staggered,
cove lights below to make the room functional
RENO PERIOD
two-toned mosaic tiles behind it,
and aesthetically pleasing. Mirrors were also
6 weeks
cleverly illuminating the toilet and subtly
installed under the bed to illuminate the space,
showcasing the patterned slabs.
add depth, and make the room appear larger.
SPACE
4-bedroom condominium SIZE 1,528 square feet LOCATION Geylang
RICHFIELD INTEGRATED 122 Eunos Ave 7 #05-16/17, Richfield Industrial Centre, Singapore 409575 Tel: 6841 7701 Mobile: 9662 2871 Fax: 6841 7721 richfieldin.com
80
JULY
SQUAREROOMS
With a team of professional interior designers and project managers dedicated to understanding client needs through clear communication, Richfield Integrated helps you attain your desired interior for both
commercial and residential properties alike. The trusted creative firm carries a strong belief in working hand-in-hand with its customers to make your interior dreams an achievable reality.
1
tip Floating furnishings such as wall shelves, sconces and talllegged sofa chairs are great for small-scale layouts because they free up extra floor space. 2
4
3
81