SquareRooms March 2016 [Preview]

I NTE R I O R S

.

I DE A S

.

www.squarerooms.com.sg

SOLUT I ONS

It’s so fluffy Add comfort to your space with the right soft furnishings

Best from the web

Go

places

Interior inspiration and furnishings from around the world to covet now

MAR 2016

ISSUE 131 S$5.50/RM10

Online shops for all your home decorating needs

HOTnews

i ta ly

charted territories Industrial designer Emmanuel Gallina’s series of rugs for NODUS, created alongside designer Clara Giardina, feature contemporary shapes that resemble geographic divisions. Linear markings are found on the hand-tufted woollen rugs, appearing like a set of networks, connections and frontiers. For more information, visit www.nodusrug.it

on a roll j a pa n

paper play

Paper Wood is a new type of plywood made with coloured recycled paper sandwiched in between thin wood pieces. The multicoloured strips that appear in the exposed cross section impart an unexpected aesthetic and texture that are not commonly seen. The material, developed by Plywood laboratory, is used to create many products including desktop accessories, furniture, toys as well as storage.

For more information, visit www.drill-design.com

18 MAR

Need a hand in the garden? The Voltasol flowerpot features a semiconical base which can be induced to move at will. It is designed however to move according to the trajectory of the sun in order to promote the movement of plants and help them grow better. Created with the environmentally-friendly red ceramic of La Bisbal d’Empordà in Spain. Available at Gallery & Co., The National Gallery #01-05 –17 City Hall Wing, www.nationalgallery.sg

get into it

smooth operator Speed through your ironing pile with the new range of irons from Philips. The Philips PerfectCare Elite GC9622/20 ($799) and the Philips PerfectCare Elite Silence GC9642/60 ($899) produce steam that is evenly distributed for easy crease removal. Soleplates are equipped with a T-ionicGLIDE Soleplate technology for an extra smooth gliding performance.

Tackle even the largest bundles of laundry without fear because the appliances are also incredibly lightweight and easy to handle. If you’re particular about noise levels while ironing, the GC9642/60 comes with a silent steam technology to reduce the noise of the steam. Available at major department and electronic stores

Now you can have a more immersive audio experience whenever and wherever you want with Sony’s two new portable wireless speakers. The SRS-ZR5 and the SRS-ZR7 have a built-in HDMI (ARC) connection that connects the speakers to any television so you can enhance the sound quality from your TV. Pair the speakers together for a wider stereo effect and a near cinematic experience. Both speakers also support Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Multi-Room capability via the Sony SongPal app. Available from July 2016 at major department and electronic stores

modern expression

If you’re looking to add a bit of character to your home, Toronto-based design group Gus*’s range of simple and functional furniture should do the trick. Available at Journey East, the collections contain quirky yet subtle details. For instance, the bright and cheery Switch sofa’s quilted seat and back cushions have a different stitch pattern on each side, allowing you to subtly change the look on a whim. If you going for something more grown up, the Archive sofa has a box-framed design with a mid-century influence. Back cushions can be removed to convert it into a daybed. Available at Journey East, 315 Outram Road, #03-02, tel: 6473 1693, www.journeyeast.com

MAR 19

HOTBITES

a slice of Italy

Tucked away into a quiet corner of Tanjong Pagar is PerBacco, an intimate brick-lined restaurant that serves authentic Italian fare text Jolene Limuco PHOTOS PerBacco

C

omplete with warm mood lighting, industrial fixtures, carefully stacked wine crates and unfinished brick walls, modern Italian restaurant PerBacco conjures up images of intimate restaurants occupying decades-old buildings in cities like Rome and Milan. While Craig Place, the building in which the 75-seater bar and restaurant is housed, is not entirely

Hazelnut Panna Cotta

30 MAR

old, the neighbourhood is right smack in the heart of the heritage enclave of Chinatown.

Fronting the establishment is a bar area with generous windows that look out onto the road. The effect of the opened windows gives the space an alfresco vibe. This is where diners can chill out with a glass of vino paired with tasty

Green Pea Risotto

snacks before their meals. Beyond the bar, a divider constructed out of stacked wine crates hides the cosy restaurant from view. With blackand-white photos of Italian scenes adorning the exposed brick walls, the inviting space is reminiscent of homey kitchens. The familiar and relaxed atmosphere is achieved partly thanks to a floor-to-ceiling shelf at the back of the restaurant displaying an array of made-in-Italy produce and vintage bric-a-brac.

Meals are prepared by chef Marco Fregnan, an Italian from the northern region of Veneto whose CV includes a stint at Michelin-starred Ristorante Gellius in Treviso. Marco’s

dishes are inspired by his nonna and include plenty of wholesome flavours served in generously sized portions.

Some of his signature dishes include the comforting homemade gnocchi with Gorgonzola ($26) and the forktender stewed veal cheek marinated in red wine ($34). For dessert, the chef’s hazelnut panna cotta, a lovely amalgamation of soft panna cotta and crunchy caramelised hazelnuts ($12), is the perfect way to end the meal on a sweet note.

PerBacco 20 Craig Road, #01-03 Craig Place tel: 6635 7130 www.perbacco.sg

HOTBITES

old world charm

Step back in time to a more genteel era while enjoying familiar flavours at National Kitchen by Violet Oon text Jolene Limuco PHOTOS LAANK

A

name like National Kitchen may be setting the bar high but with someone called Violet Oon backing the operation, the moniker makes a lot of sense. The restaurant is touted as an icon in the making thanks to its menu of classic Singaporean dishes and an equally classy colonial-themed interior.

Upon stepping into the 1,800-square foot space, diners will be immediately transported to another era. Tufted leather banquettes, dramatic chandeliers, colourful Peranakan tiles and dark

wood panelling all point towards an elegant plantation theme. The oldworld setting only works to enhance the rich and complex flavours coming from the kitchen. Violet Oon, after all, is a well-known figure in

the local culinary scene. She has been dishing out her home-style dishes since the ‘90s, culminating in the opening of her eponymous restaurant in Bukit Timah in 2012.

While Violet is celebrated for her Nyonya dishes, the repertoire at National Kitchen features a selection of dishes from Singapore’s diverse cultural background. These include favourites like kuay pie tee ($17) and fish head curry ($42) to lesserknown homespun fare like Eurasian beef brisket semore ($24) and ju hee char ($13).

The refined interior design is the work of LAANK, which is helmed by brother and sister duo Clarence and Cherin Tan. Cherin, the creative director of the boutique interior design company, and her team of designers first worked with Violet for the rebranding of the chef’s Bukit Timah outlet last year.

One of the main features of National

Kitchen’s design are the patterned Peranakan tiles seen on the floor, which were custom made in Indonesia. The traditional tiles seen on the walls, however, are original pieces taken from old houses in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Other pieces the designers specially ordered from suppliers in Thailand and Australia include the glittery chandeliers and the leafshaped rattan fans that call to mind colonial villas.

“The design concept didn’t start out as colonial,” Cherin shares, “Our brief was to create a brand that is synonymous with Singaporean food.

We wanted to give the Violet Oon brand a sense of heritage but at the same time, we want it to be timeless and not hipster or gimmicky.”

National Kitchen

by Violet Oon #02-01 National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing,1 St Andrew’s Road tel: 9834 9935 www.violetoon.com

MAR 31

style

Global style Take inspiration from interior decor trends popular around the world for some unique and chic ideas for your home

Images courtesy of Design Hotels

text Jolene Limuco & Ho Pei Ying

32 MAR

Greek odyssey

While the coastal theme is all about raw, earthy materials and colours, there’s nothing like a brightly hued mural to inject just that touch of playfulness to a space.

The Greek Isles are all about pristine white abodes and sparkling blue oceans. Thanks to its location near the Mediterranean Sea and its position to receive plenty of sunshine, Greece brings up thoughts of soothing shades of blue and lots of raw, natural textures. To recreate that relaxed and casual vibe at home, take a few pointers from the region and adorn your space with plenty of coastal elements. These include wooden finishes, exposed white walls and faded marine shades.

Blues and greys imbue a soothing ambiance to a space. The coastal theme works well with plenty of natural light, so keep windows and doorways uncluttered with simple sheer curtains to allow for maximum daylight to filter in.

MAR 33

Wooden accents speak of cosiness and warmth, so introduce plenty of it in your coastal themed home. Earthy shades set against an unsullied background bring to mind an ultra comfy space.

34 MAR

Image courtesy of John Lewis

style

Create a laidback beachside atmosphere by installing wooden or wood-inspired flooring in your bedroom and prop up plenty of bleached wood furniture paired with pristine white sheets.

Image courtesy of IKEA

WOVEN WALL DeCOR $311.50 at CB2

SERRALUNGA BELLE ETOILE BENCH $6,115 at Space Furniture

get the

look

SOMMAR CUSHION COVER $12.90 at IKEA

Mediterranean muse

BOJA FLOOR LAMP $99 at IKEA

Show off your love for the sun, sand and sea with this coastal-chic look.

BAMBOO 3-SEATER COUCH $1,598 at Stylodeco

FADING BASKET $131 at BoConcept

MAR 35

style

Nordic exposure

Scandinavian style is all about functionality, but that does not mean that your home should lack character.

Furnish a bare space with interesting accessories like a rope chandelier, mismatched chairs and a hipsterworthy table cloth and you have a cool space to call your own.

36 MAR

Design by three-d conceptwerke

Image courtesy of House Doctor

Sure, homeowners in Singapore are familiar with Scandinavian interior styles thanks to the look’s minimalist inclinations and chic forms. There’s also the fact that Scandinavian furniture pieces are highly versatile and compact, which fit the needs and requirements of Singaporean households perfectly.

To emulate the hip, effortless aesthetics of Nordic homes, place equal importance on form and function. While furniture pieces are simplistic thanks to the Northern European region’s preference for practical pieces, the look is elevated by tasteful accessories in a subdued colour palette.

BOLIA VORA MIRROR $372 at Danish Design

get the

look form + function Simplicity and utility are the twin pillars of Scandinavian design.

BERLIN FLOOR LAMP $445 at BoConcept

For years, Nordic cities have been known as capitals of cool. This is partly thanks to progressive design ideas and the timelessness of minimalism. Add a touch of hipness to your bedroom by accessorising it with funky geometric decor and graphic prints, and keep everything else to a bare minimum.

STEEL WALL CLOCK $180 at Grafunkt MUUTO NERD BAR STOOL $1,332 at Lifestorey

CLIFF SQUARE SIDE TABLE $659 at Crate & Barrel

NORMANN COPENHAGEN KABINO SIDEBOARD $2,591 at Lifestorey

MAR 37

SIMPLE

1 Miniature art A full-sized painting too daunting a project? How about creating a miniature art piece that you can “hang” conveniently on your fridge or notice board? Using poster colours, express yourself on a series of mini canvas panels (we got ours from Art Friend).

Don’t forget to glue magnet sheets at the back of each piece.

These make great personalised gifts, by the way.

2 Picture perfect Here’s a clever way to “frame” your photos: transform them into handy magnets! Cut magnet sheets to fit your photo.

Then layer on some Mod Podge to waterproof it and create a glossy effect.

1

2

pure

magnetism Prop up notes and photos with them or simply use them to express yourself.

These one-of-a-kind magnets are sure to brighten up any space Craftwork & Art direction Neo Aik Sing & Linda Setiono Photography Justin Loh, Shining Head Media

42 MAR

3

4

3 Set in wood These rusticlooking magnets double up as writing surfaces! Paint black chalk paint over artificial wood slices and stick a magnet disc at the back.

It’s as simple as that!

4 Dino-mite idea Too many plastic toys lying around at home?

Transform them into functional magnets! We cut plastic dinosaur toys in half, spray painted them with Krylon Natural Stone for an antiquated look and stuck magnet discs on the sides. Kids of all ages would love this!

Featuring lava stone, and artificial plant, $9.90, from Egg3.

Table surface: laminate in Elemental Oxide from Formica Opposite page: Featuring floral scarf, $29, geometric glass, $89, Hypergrand watch, $160, cardholder, $49, and necklace, $89, from Egg3.

MAR 43

web culture

add, click, TRack Enter into the world of e-commerce with this beginner’s guide to shopping for furnishings online Text Ho Pei Ying

52 MAR

Going online to shop for furniture and home decor can be an exciting affair, yet with the myriad of options out there and the issue over shipping, the whole thing can seem exceptionally daunting. If this is your first time, we recommend that you read this guide first. We’ve put together tips and best practices from retailers of local online stores to make your virtual shopping experience a hassle-free one.

Is this online store legit?

One of the very first things to ask yourself before shopping at a particular online store is to check whether the store itself is a credible and reliable one. Jonathan Roelandts, managing director at Ethnicraft Online shares how to go about it.

Do your research. Google and Facebook are handy tools to see how other shoppers rate their online experience, and to see how responsive the store is to queries and customer feedback.

Make sure the payment system is safe before hitting the checkout button. Online stores that

make use of secure payment system like Paypal are generally safer. A simple check on the URL for “https” or a locked icon are some ways to verify the safety of the website.

“Online shops may offer slightly lower costs compared to physical stores due to overhead savings such as from rent and manpower.”

Daryl Lim, co-founder at Tinge

What are the store’s policies?

So you’ve established that the store is a legitimate one. Great!

Next up, read the fine print. Tinge’s co-founder Daryl Lim tells us what to focus on.

Delivery/Shipping. For items that are indented, do look out for additional charges. Check to see if your orders can come with a tracking number, so you know where your item is and its expected delivery date.

Refunds/Returns/Exchanges.

Just in case the purchase doesn’t work out, always check if the store is be able to do refunds, returns or exchanges. Some indented items cannot be refunded as they are specially shipped, which can be costly for the retailers.

TIP

“If you’re buying big furniture, make sure the item can fit through your door or your building’s lift, or any other narrow or tight spaces the delivery team may have to navigate through.”

Phylicia Koh, marketing manager at Ethnicraft

MAR 53

web culture

1

Ducks Ceiling Lampshade, £35.00 ($70.40), Howkapow, www.howkapow.com

virtual spree Our edit of the top 25 online buys that will get you hooked on e-shopping

2

Text & coordination Ho Pei Ying

Bite Wall Clock by Artori Design, $75, Naiise, www.naiise.com

3

4

Cactus Flower Vases, from £16.95 ($34.10), Howkapow, www.howkapow.com

Fausto Bookshelves, $2,080 each, Fred Lives Here, www.fredliveshere.com

5

Rooster Large Handled Tray by Animal Merchandise, $44.90, HipVan, www.hipvan.com

56 MAR

6

7

Rio Pizza Platter - Pink Stripe, £13.95 ($28.10), Howkapow, www.howkapow.com

Png Kueh Girl Wristlet Bag

by Ang Ku Kueh Girl and Friends, $26.90, Naiise, www.naiise.com

8

Himalaya Mountain Spice Shakers

by Peleg Design, $34.90 for set of 4, HipVan, www.hipvan.com

9 10

Ruler Coat Rack, £69 ($138.90), Rose & Grey, www.roseandgrey.co.uk

11

Stock Market Silk Scarf, £95 ($191.20), Howkapow, www.howkapow.com

Megaphone Mini Matte Black by en&is, $430, Naiise, www.naiise.com

MAR 57

web culture

Shop in comfort Set your home apart with unique pieces from these online shops Text Hairin Rahman

The Australian-made Dowel Jones Half Hurdle Chair AU$340 ($339) boasts a simple design without compromising on aesthetics and functionality.

Hunting for George www. huntingforgeorge.com

The Louisette Toolbox (AU$189/ $188.80) is a versatile item that keeps your tools, stationery and toys tidy while adding a pop of colour into boring old storage design.

60 MAR

Founded by two sisters who wanted to create an online consumer space that offers more than the norm, Hunting for George was built up by Lucy GladeWright and Jo Harris from scratch in Jo’s spare room. Today, it offers a collection encompassing the very best of laid-back and quirky Australian aesthetics, including Australian-made furniture.

GE Bat Hook, NZ$8.90 ($8.25)

Dress up your kitchen with an array of cutely patterned canisters! The Gold Star Burst Canister (Large) by Me and My Trend retails at NZ$32 ($29.65) while the GE Tall Canister Spiral Hex Gold by General Electric retails at NZ$25.90 ($24).

Good Regards goodregards.vendecommerc e.com

An expansion of The Good Room, a skate shop in New Zealand, Good Regards’ focus is of a different nature – offering homewares and gifts – albeit with a similar design savvy and quirky perspective to lifestyle items in the home. From cute patterned kitchenware and bathroom items, to unique and colourful toys and ornaments for kids’ rooms, you’ll be sure to find a wacky gift or household piece for everyone in the family.

Depar tures and Arrivals www. livingdna.sg The Gregoria White Chair ($4,490) has won many awards for its magnificent design, appealing in both the visual and textural departments. Materials used in the making of this chair are sourced from sustainable materials and means of production.

Deeply rooted in the philosophy of the lived experience of not only the consumer but also the artisan, the carefully curated handcrafted ornaments and furnishing products in D&A’s social- and communityconscious repertoire aims to provide practical homeware that also passes on significant cultural and symbolic meaning of tradition while expressing global eclectic chic designs. Products are assembled from all over the world, making them great statement pieces in the home with their exotic and ethnic designs.

Helo Birdie - Swimming Pool by Helo Birdie NZ$25.00 ($23.15)

This cleverly designed and unique Trivet Cocobeads Tray Table is made with a removable tray and simple tripod wood legs. Retails at $649.

MAR 61

Spaces

retro

redux

A passion for vintage artefacts defines this Tiong Bahru apartment Text Sarih Leng Photos Studio Super Safari

N

ovelty toys, classic beverages, traditional rotary dial telephones and analogue radios were once everyday items that shaped our childhoods.

For the newly-wed homeowners of this four-room apartment, collecting vintage memorabilia from post-war Singapore is a fervent passion that they share and wanted to reflect

92 MAR

in their home decor. Each item found around the house has a story of its own, which in turn tend to spark conversations when guests visit. The couple ran an online business selling antiques but now that their virtual shop is shuttered, they wanted to show off their treasures at home.

Interior designers Kok Fong and Zi Hao from Studio Super Safari took on the weighty challenge of integrating the homeowners’ highly-prized rarities into the design of this home gallery.

Because the owners were proud to showcase their collection of vintage items, the design process required more than just a reconfiguration of the interior spaces to suit the lifestyle needs of the inhabitants. As Zi Hao recalls, “A precise curation of the items needed to go hand in hand with the design of the home!”

old school charm (above)

From a retro ice-kachang machine to cinema seats from a movie theatre of yesteryear, this home is chock-full of nostalgia.

Window dressing

The designers took advantage of the homeowners’ love for all things vintage and dressed their windows in the dining and living rooms with bamboo shop-front blinds, consistent with the style running through the rest of the apartment.

4ROOM HDB unit

1,001 sqf

Home to

5

T i o n g

months reno period B a h r u

MAR 93

Spaces

Slide in

This 1.5-m sliding door made of reinforcement glass and wire meshing tucks neatly in between the shoe shelves, keeping cooking fumes in the kitchen and the air-conditioned living room cool.

94 MAR

Two-seater sofa from Second Charm Living room (left)

A teak wood chevron-patterned wall separates the dining area from the inviting living room, which features sleek retro furniture and a custom-made display cabinet for a vast collection of alcohol bottles.

Dining room and kitchen (below)

The cafe-inspired dining area and openconcept kitchen set the tone for the retro theme in this apartment. Cement screed is used for the floor, countertop and kitchen walls to accentuate the many novelty items displayed around the space.

With a treasure trove of relics from generations past on their hands, the designers’ responsibility was to design and create a befitting living space that would do justice to each specific valuable showcased. They did not restrict themselves by following a particular theme for this apartment. Instead, they played with a combination of styles that accommodated the tastes of their clients. Kok Fong and Zi Hao eventually came up with solutions that would not overwhelm the space but complement the items on display.

Among the decades-old furniture and iconic keepsakes, the couple’s newest possession – their HDB unit – would serve as the designers’ blank slate. One of the first things that the designers did was to reorganise the space into three main areas: the dining area and kitchen, the living room, and the bedroom.

MAR 95

Spaces

C o n t o u r s h e lv i n g (left)

A multifaceted wall housing a shelf draws attention to the collector’s limited edition sneakers and vintage shoes. w o r k s tat i o n (below)

A study area sits just behind the living room for the homeowners to work from home whenever they need to. A liquor display cabinet acts as a backdrop, presenting a contemporary interlude amidst the vintage vibes.

96 MAR

To create an open-concept kitchen, a boundary wall between the existing cooking zone and dining room was broken down. In addition, three walls formerly enclosing two bedroom spaces and a corridor were removed to accommodate for a larger living room. The wider room areas allowed the couple to display many items in their collection, and with that, many new design opportunities were realised.

The use of geometric lines and shapes for the walls and floor served as foundations for the antique furniture, while clean lines and curves contrasted the ornamental novelties.

The design team’s initial proposal was considered too “traditional” for the clients, who sought more edgy, unconventional and exciting

conceptions. In fact, the couple is drawn to fun colours, interesting designs and geometric shapes, and they wanted to make their home a fun space to live in. They were also eager to experiment with different and unexpected aesthetics that would channel their love for quirky and unconventional styles.

To accommodate the homeowners’ collection, the designers came up with a few bespoke pieces for the home, which include custom-designed shelving units and display cabinets.

Close collaborative efforts were endeavoured to design and construct many of the custommade furniture in the apartment. For instance, much consultation took place to resolve numerous issues, such as the overall design of the shoe

C o n c e a l e d s pac e s

Wood panelling runs along the length of one side of the living room wall to conceal distracting doorways leading towards the guest bathroom and storage room, making the antique Donald Duck carousel seat the centre of attention.

MAR 97