SquareRooms January 2016 [Preview]

I N T E R I O R S

.

I D E A S

Win!

$3,000 worth of Philips products More details on pg.121

LABOUR OF LOVE A city apartment gets a DIY beachinspired makeover

GET ORGANISED The best tools for a thorough spring clean

JAN 2016

ISSUE 129 S$5.50/RM10

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in with

the new Refresh your space for 2016 with a few simple tweaks

S O L U T I O N S

Contents January 2016

on the cover STYLING Michelle Lim Art Direction Neo Aik Sing PHOTOGRAPHY Justin Loh

78

A cosy three-room HDB apartment gets the shabby-chic treatment with a whitewashed colour scheme and coastalthemed accessories.

24

HOT FADS

Spaces

HOT

SPACES

14 NEWS

62 HANDCRAFTED HAVEN

Product and event debuts

22 BITES

• •

Grain Traders Bar-A-Thym

24 FADS

• •

Colour block Grids and lines

72 SIMPLIFIED VINTAGE

Furniture stores Harvey Norman and Mobel Story

• •

Industrial designer Øivind Slaatto Textile designer Nadia-Anne Ricketts

33 PROPERTY

Starchitect-designed residential developments

6

JAN

A sleek Scandinavian-style home hits all the right notes for this family of four

86 TAILORED TO PERFECTION

30 WHO

Classic materials and unostentatious addons make this flat the perfect abode for two

78 MODERN MAKEOVER

28 BROWSE

An apartment gets a DIY treatment using pre-loved wood, fulfilling the homeowners’ desire for an eco-conscious home

This home ticks all the boxes despite not having an overarching theme

94 THE SUITE LIFE

We visit an elegant home inspired by a fashion icon

102 Show and tell

A family home gets a luxurious showroom-worthy makeover

January 2016

44 SHOP

Departments 36 STYLE

Stylish storage solutions for every living situation

44 SHOP

We predict the major furnishing trends for 2016

48 SHOP Extra

Stay on top of your agenda with these cool picks

36

style

50 SAVVY

We round up the spring-cleaning necessities for a dust- and dirtfree home

54 SOLUTIONS

Get your home ready and refreshed for the New Year with some simple updates

58 SENSATIONALS

8

JAN

7 things we love about design hotel The South Beach

110 PRO ADS

Intelligent interior design solutions from our advertisers

122 RESOURCES

ID and shop listings

128 SHORTCUT

Capture the splendour of nature with a fuss-free frame

w w w . s q u a r e r o o m s . c o m . s g SquareRooms

SquareRoomsMag

SquareRooms

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Editorial Director Foo Mei Siah

Associate Business Directors Douglas Lee Esmond Seah

Deputy Editor Jolene Limuco

Associate Business Manager Maggie Mok

Writer Ho Pei Ying

publisher Foo Mei Siah associate director (business development) Kelen Koh

Senior Business Executive Bernard Lim

ART

operations manager Emmeline Lee

Senior Executive Hayden Lee

Associate Art Director Neo Aik Sing

Circulation/subscription

Designer Linda Setiono Contributors

Disa Tan, Johanna Teo, Justin Loh, Michelle Lim, Stanley Lim & Vicky Andhika

Marketing & Circulation Managers P.Panir Lauren Harris

creative director Aris Lai ONLINE & DIGITAL Deputy Manager Arissa Ha Senior Writer Venetia Sng Writer Chew Hui Ling

Interns

Hairin Rahman & Rachael Lim

SquareRooms is published by

KEY EDITIONS PTE LTD 20 Bedok South Road Singapore 469277 Email: info@key-editions.com Tel: 6445 3313 Fax: 6445 3373 Business Registration No. 200005022G For editorial matters, sr-ed@key-editions.com For advertising enquiries, enquiry@key-editions.com For subscription enquiries, subscription@key-editions.com For Malaysia advertising enquiries, contact Regent Media Sdn Bhd Jessly Pak

David Choo

T: 603 7954 8989 M: 6012 220 8166 E: jessly@regentmedia.sg

T: 603 7954 8989 M: 6011 2148 9950 E: david@regentmedia.sg

SquareRooms is also available for reading pleasure at: Clinics & Hospitals: KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital, National University Hospital, Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Camden Medical Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Paragon Medical Centre, Raffles Medical Centre, Lucky Plaza, Tanglin Shopping Centre • Cafes: Hyde & Co, Boufe Boutique Cafe, Selfish Gene • Salons: Jean Yip Hair Salon, Jeric Salon, Team Salon • Clubs & Hotels: Hollandse Club, Home Team NS, Laguna National Golf & Country Club, Raffles Marina, Seletar Country Club, Sentosa Golf Club, The American Club, The Tanglin Club, Hotel Fort Canning, Siloso Beach Resort • Residential Suites: Park Avenue Suites Park Avenue Changi, Park Avenue Rochester

10 JAN

Printer & Colour Separation: KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Distributor (Singapore): Pansing Distribution Pte Ltd Distributor (Malaysia): Pansing Marketing Sdn Bhd Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, neither the publishers, editors and their employees and agents can be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions. We shall not be liable for any actions taken based on the views expressed, or information provided within this publication. You should always seek professional advice from the appropriate advisor, professional or institution. Copyright 2004.

DECOMETAL速 D6485 CRAFT UMBRA

DECOMETAL速 D6485 CRAFT UMBRA

editor’snote

to new beginnings The start of the year is an exciting time. Just think of what the next 12 months would bring! We are starting 2016 with a bang by packing this issue of SquareRooms with useful advice and solutions for your entire home decorating needs.

Image courtesy of Bloomingville

For starters, we have rounded up some practical and stylish storage solutions to keep your space neat and tidy (page 34). The start of the year is also an opportune time to start afresh – literally. Flip to page 50 to see which cleaning tools are essential for your springcleaning endeavour.

In this issue, we also predict the biggest furniture trends for the year (page 42) and share some great

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12 JAN

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Follow us on www.pinterest. com/SquareRooms and be inspired

ideas on how you can update your home with just a few clever tweaks (page 54).

This month, we are particularly excited to take you on a house tour of our cover home (page 64). Aaron Wong and Lynette Ang are the epitome of house-proud homeowners. They transformed their three-room HDB apartment into a cosy sanctuary all by themselves by using recycled wood sourced from junkyards. We have also included more beautiful homes for you to feast your eyes on. We hope you will find a few good ideas in this issue.

Till next time, happy reading!

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TIP-ON BLUMOTION –

Two functions in one fascinating combination TIP-ON BLUMOTION responds to a gentle opening at the hint of a touch, has quiet closing, and is combined in a single motion technology. Its outstanding technical feature? The motion sequence supported purely by mechanical means.

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HOTnews

Grand statement The stone cladding collection by Lithos Design is the ultimate luxury.

Fittingly labelled “Luxury”, the collection features either a pierre bleue stone, emperador dark marble or carrara ghiaccio marble designed with one of six silver- or gold-leafed decorations. For a classic look, lily motifs set in one of the stones express aristocracy and elegance, while slim rushes made to look like they are swaying in the breeze create a wall that is visually light and surround the space with a sense of motion and magic.

For more information, visit www.lithosdesign.com

Side Show

bright updates The design of the M lamp by Newcastle-­based industrial designer David Irwin for Juniper seeks to create a contemporary play on the aesthetics and function of traditional portable miners’ lamps. There’s a handle for carrying and hanging, and a rotating conical reflector for directing light. Powered by an integrated lithium battery, the lamp can be easily transported, making it a versatile accessory for the home and perfect for on-thego lifestyles. In standard mode, the dimmable lamp has ample brightness for late-night work or for reading in bed.

Available at The Conran Shop (www.conranshop.co.uk)

14 JAN

Inspired by the pyramids of Egypt, the Osiris side table features an amalgamation of three-dimensional shapes set together to form its legs.

It comes in either gold-brushed brass or white lacquered fibreglass, with a top finished in Palisander wood veneer, a type of wood that is characterised by striking veins.

For more information, visit www.bitangra.com

w ww.aerogaz.c om

MAKE AEROGAZ YOUR ONE-STOP KITCHEN SOLUTION TODAY Create the kitchen of your dreams with Aerogaz’s series of space-saving built-in appliances and versatile combination hobs.

HYBRID INDUCTION + GAS HOB Featuring an induction hotplate and a gas cooker, the 70-cm glass AZ-781FE hob lets you enjoy the benefits of induction cooking and more traditional culinary methods. It’s also really safe, thanks to the timer and temperature control and a flame failure device to prevent any potential kitchen mishaps.

AZ-8024WC Wine Chiller

AZ-8002WD Water Dispenser

AZ-8043EO Electric Oven

AZ-781FE

BUILT-IN SERIES

AZ-8032SO Steam Oven

AZ-230GBSS Microwave Oven

A series of 45cm built-in appliances that helps to save space in your small kitchen. Mix and match from five stylish products to create your ideal cooking space.

Retailing at:

AEROGAZ(S) PTE LTD: 1 Loyang Way 1 Singapore 508702 t 6746 9933 HOE KEE HARDWARE PTE LTD:

8 Genting Road, The Blue Building t 6749 4521 1 Kaki Bukit Place t 6745-3839 2 Jurong East IMM Building #03-08 t 6563-5088 Tanjong Katong Complex #01-38 t 6745-7055

TIMER CONTROL GAS HOBS Revolutionise kitchen safety with Aerogaz’s timer control gas hobs. The products come with a timer control function with an alarm that goes off when the pre-set time is up and a flame failure device that cuts off gas supply when the flame accidentally goes out.

AZ-730FT

Available in tempered glass or stainless steel with variable sizes to suit your requirements.

HOTBITES

rustic

CHARM

Take a break from the daily grind at Grain Traders, a CBD diner that serves up healthy and hearty fare in a laidback, homey setting text Ho Pei Ying PHOTOS Grain Traders

22 JAN

G

rain Traders is a salad bar serving up hearty bowls of slow-cooked and wholesome food.

Although if we’re being cheeky, this CBD food joint is perhaps better described as a gentrified version of the typical economy rice stall we find in our local food centres. Of course, there’s nothing economical about the price. A bowl costs $16, priced higher than the usual salads you see in the area. The ordering process is straightforward: you pick a grain, a protein, a hot vegetable, and two cold vegetables and then complete it with a sauce and topping of your choice.

The sheer variety of options is a nightmare for the indecisive.

Can’t seem to decide? Pick one of their six signature “Hero” bowls.

Each features a chosen protein and grain base, and is accompanied by three to four vegetables, toppings

and sauces. For something a little more out there, we recommend The Tantrum, which is lentil cakes with grilled beets and mixed bean pico de gallo, dressed with beetroot feta yoghurt on bulgur wheat.

The Tantrum

Decor-wise, an open kitchen lets you see, hear and smell how the food is being grilled, seared, baked and roasted. Cushioned wooden chairs and handcrafted marble table tops are set against a backdrop of acid-washed walls and rust textured surfaces. Enclosed within full-height glass panels, the diner invites plenty of light during the

day. The flooring deserves a special mention: reclaimed brick tiles form a walkway amidst the cement screed to lead patrons to the food bar. But the most eye-catching detail has to be the giant steel silo hanging over the cooking zone. Imprinted with a rooster motif, it forms the diner’s centrepiece, contributing to the bucolic, farmhouse feel of the space.

The overall ambiance feels like a home away from home; warm, cosy and welcoming, a rustic escape from the sterile offices surrounding the location.

Because it caters mainly to the office workers in the district, the eatery is only open on weekdays, starting at 8am, where they serve a breakfast selection of porridge, oatmeal and bagels. The bowls are available from 11am to 8pm.

Grain Traders 138 Market Street #01-01/2/3 CapitaGreen Building tel: 6384 6559 www.grain-traders.com

HOTBITES

the sweet

spot

At Bar-A-Thym, savour fine French and Catalan food as you bask in an inviting atmosphere text Jolene Limuco PHOTOS greymatters and Bar-A-Thym

Braised rabbit leg in Banyuls wine

all walks of life can come together in a warm and inviting place to socialise and enjoy fine food.

While the menu boasts intricately prepared dishes such as Iberico pork jowl served with pea tendrils and pear chutney ($22), Wagyu beef paired with chanterelle mushrooms and potatoes ($50), and Alaskan king crab on angle hair pasta, uni and espelette ($32), the atmosphere, by contrast, is relaxed and comfortable.

Bold colours, graphics and textures are seen throughout the modestly sized space. Colourful murals are set against industrial elements such as hot rolled steel and variegated glass panel screens that separate the various dining area, creating a sense of privacy in

W

ith a name that plays on the French slang for “sweet talk”, BarA-Thym sure lives up to its intimate impression. Occupying the ground floor of a shophouse in the heart of the CBD, the restaurant is a laidback spot to sample some of the finest European fare in town.

Helmed by French chef Francois Mermilliod, the 45-seater eatery serves Southern French and Catalan

nosh that focuses on omasake offerings (starting at $60 for lunch) and fresh seafood grilled on a plancha or metal plate.

Chef Francois’ choice of name is telling of the type of environment that he wishes to complement his cheeky and irreverent personality.

Working with Alan Barr, the founder and managing director of awardwinning interior and architecture firm, greymatters, he came up with a dining concept where people from

Beetroot-cured toothfish

an otherwise open-plan layout.

Lighting, too, plays an important role in Alan’s design. In the day, the space is bright and airy. As evening descends, the mood becomes more mysterious. To imbue the sense of intimacy, pendant lights are painted with a pink inner lining to add a warm glow.

Perhaps the most eye-catching detail at the restaurant is the bar.

Lined with vintage steel filing cabinets, the counter expresses the cheeky side of the people behind Bar-A-Thym. Look closer and you will notice that each cabinet is tagged with labels that say “divorce papers”, “upaid parking fines” and “espionage recordings”.

Taking pride of place at the exposed kitchen is a hefty 1,800-kg plancha grill. Installing it proved to be the biggest challenge for Alan as he had to coordinate the open plan of the kitchen with the dining room to make sure that the space is well-ventilated. The effort is worth it, as the restaurant is suffused with warmth and abuzz with conversation.

Bar-A-Thym 18 Gemmill Lane tel: 6557 2224 www.bar-a-thym.sg

JAN 23

Shop

Furniture

forecast Four furnishing trends you need to know right now for 2016 Text Disa Tan

Vinda Table Lamp, designed by

Alexander Lervik, POA at Tingest

Zed TV Console, $759 at Castlery

44 JAN

1

warm metals

One significant theme we have spotted is an open interpretation of how designers view things of value. While materialistic gains like gold and silver come to mind, many have interpreted it as a balance between excessive materiality and fragility. Which comes to this trend: metals that add warmth to a space rather than the polished, cold sheen they emit. There are a number of variations: antiquated brass, brushed gold, metallic leathers, copper touches and woodand-metal fusions.

Tom Dixon copper bowl, POA at XTRA

Span Mint Gateleg Dining Table, $599 at Crate & Barrel

Mint medium wire basket with smoked oak lid, from

Twin 49 Tables,

$235.40 at Ferm Living

from $522 each at by Lassen

2

soothing botanicals

Taking a hint from the Spring/ Summer 2016 catwalk collections we have seen, we predict that the season will feature a lot of green. From brights to soft pastels, we’ll be seeing more of this hue in home and living collections too.

Amazonas table, POA at Offecct

JAN 45

Spaces

handcrafted

haven

An apartment gets a DIY treatment using preloved wood, fulfilling the homeowners’ desire for an environmentally-conscious home that reflects who they are Text Ho Pei Ying PHOTOs Aaron Wong unless otherwise stated

U

pon getting their new home, most homeowners in Singapore would begin sourcing for an interior designer or a contractor to do up their renovations. After all, they are the ones with the expertise and skillset to give you the home of your dreams. Few would dare venture into the do-it-yourself territory, unless one was particularly handy or, adventurous in spirit. For homeowner Aaron Wong, he was both.

“Contractors and interior designers may be good at what they do, but they aren’t able to do what is outside the norm,” says Aaron. The

C O F F E E TA B L E

Made by Aaron, the coffee table opens up to reveal additional storage space.

As the couple likes having meals on the floor and in front of the TV, an additional ledge at the side provides for comfortable seating.

62 JAN

space

3+1 HDB Flat size

900 sqft who lives here

a couple and their dog location

Telok Blangah reno period

7 months

LIVING ROOM

This apartment evokes the ambiance of a cosy beachside home, thanks in part to the warm wood surfaces as well as coastal themed decor, which were sourced from the owners’ diving trips.

The many personal touches and furniture crafted by Aaron himself – with the exception of the sofa and ottoman which are from IKEA – make it a home they can truly call their own.

professional photographer made the decision to do up his own home renovations after realising that there wasn’t anyone that could deliver on what he wanted exactly. “My wife (Lynnette) and I wanted a home where most of the things in the house were recycled.”

The couple also loves the feel and look of real wood, which promoted them to do up their home – a resale flat in the established estate of Telok Blangah – using recycled wood that they salvaged from junkyards.

“Everyone told us to use laminates; maintenance is easy, but we wanted the real touch of warmth that can only come from solid wood,” says Aaron.

Rather than the clean and smooth planks we see in the new wood of wood yards, the pieces that they picked up from junkyards were dirty, encrusted with rusty nails, and crawling with bugs. “We had to go around choosing the ones that were in a better condition, but they are cheaper

JAN 63

Spaces

Overall

The scheme of this penthouse unit is inspired by fashion designer Coco Chanel. Bold black lines and dark woodgrain elements are contrasted with a white foundation. To add interest and character to an otherwise unsullied space, designer Elden added unusual furniture and accessories. These include a curved mid-century style sofa, hexagonal pendant lamps and colourful artwork.

the suite life

Inspired by luxury hotels and a fashion icon, this elegant home contains plenty of cosy spaces for its inhabitants to kick back and relax Text Jolene Limuco PHOTOs Minimology by Minimo

94 JAN

JAN 95

Spaces

Communal zones

Existing built-ins were replaced with new cabinets and shelves tailored to the homeowners' taste. These are complemented by unusual furniture and home accessories sourced from retailers such as Commune, Lorgan’s, BoConcept and Crate & Barrel.

96 JAN

Adelaide chair, from BoConcept E n t r y w ay

Lined in woodgrain laminates, the suspended shoe cabinet takes advantage of the 3.5-m ceiling height. Point-bypoint lighting embedded into the bottom of the cabinet enhances its floating appearance. This is matched with another custom-designed cabinet reminiscent of a coffee table that contains even more storage compartments.

4Room EC Penthouse

1,800 Home to

10

sqf

weeks reno period

Ta mpin es Cen tr a l

H

omes are often reflective of the homeowners’ personalities and tastes, that’s why so many of us are so curious to see how other people live. From what we see in this spacious twostorey penthouse located at the Tampines Trilliant Executive Condominium, we can tell that the occupants of this home have sophisticated taste, yet they know how to have fun.

Despite buying a turnkey unit, the young couple, both of whom are accountants, wanted a home that truly reflects their style. Therefore, they sought the help of Elden Lim, the Design Director of interior design practice Minimology by Minimo.

JAN 97