SquareRooms June issue [Preview]

INTERIORS

Stay tuned

Splash out

The latest designs in home entertainment

Creative backsplash ideas for a stunning kitchen

in the zone What’s your ideal kitchen layout?

Jun 2016

ISSUE 134 S$5.50/RM10

.

IDEAS

.

www.squarerooms.com.sg

SOLUTIONS

SquareRooms online

Looking for interior decor inspiration?

Visit squarerooms online For your daily dose of interior ideas, decor inspiration, practical solutions and hot buys www.squarerooms.com.sg

www.squarerooms.com.sg

Home Starter kit

A go-to kit created just for first-time homeowners.

finding

financing

preparing

renovating

How do I go about looking for my dream home?

How much should I put aside for my home’s down payment?

What do I do after collecting the keys to my flat?

How do I begin my renovation?

Should I engage a housing agent?

What are the differences between a HDB loan and a bank loan?

How do I get organised before moving house?

Should I go with an interior designer or contractor?

Have more questions? Check out the Home Starter Kit on www.squarerooms.com.sg where we answer all your burning questions.

SquareRooms online

What interior style should I go for and how can I maximise my small space?

Inspiration Stunning ideas and inspiring house tours to feast your eyes on

solutions Practical tips, advice and solutions on decorating and renovating your home

www.squarerooms.com.sg

Get connected today!

We’re on INSTAGRAM!

Check out our favourite finds & insider insights! Follow us @SquareRoomsMag

Where can I buy stylish yet affordable furniture?

find us on Facebook

Latest local design events + product launches!

SquareRooms

Get your digital copy!

Catalogue A comprehensive product resource for your furnishing and household needs

ALL YOUR FAVOURITE ISSUES anywhere on the go

For more clever ideas and practical solutions, go to www.squarerooms.com.sg

Discover the hottest ideas for home makeovers in SquareRooms’ monthly digital issues.

HOTnews

Drink up Requiring neither electrical power nor complicated maintenance, the Novita HydroPlus Water Pitcher NP3290UF ($89) is designed with a natural three-step filtration process to give you high-quality HydroPlus alkaline antioxidant water in under four minutes. With its stylish black-tinted design, contoured grip and striking colour strip, this water pitcher is the perfect complement to any modern kitchen. Available at http://estore.novita.com.sg

Let’s get personal It’s always nice to add a bespoke touch to your belongings. That’s why homeowners with a penchant for monograms will adore Allthingsdeco’s range of stylish cushions and pillowcases. The soft furnishings, available in five styles and a myriad of colours that range from sophisticated royal blue to cheerful maple yellow, can be customised with your initials and names. The brand’s tongue-in-cheek pillowcases also make for great bedroom accessories. Available at www.allthingsdeco.com

Get floored

Filling the gap between carpets and floor tiles, Bolon flooring presents homeowners with a durable and stain-resistant option for cladding their floors. With the launch of the Swedish brand’s Bolon By You collection, homeowners will find it even easier to create customised floors that meet your space requirements. Using a web tool, you can easily select a pattern, choose your ideal weft and weave colour combination, save your design, and create a mood board to help you finalise your decision.

The collection is made up of six new patterns of diverse character, ranging from the classic weave design to a more stylised lace pattern. Available at Xtra, #01-22/23 Park Mall, 9 Penang Road, tel: 6336 0688, or visit www.bolon.com for more information

22 JUN

Sc a n d i n a v i a n e s s e n t i a l s If you haven’t made your way down to the HomesToLife flagship store at Mohamed Sultan Road, perhaps this will make you want to. The store has just stocked a new collection of home furnishings from Scandinavian brands Broste, Boomingville and Serax. Of note is the Nordic Sea Tableware collection from Broste that bring to mind lazy days by the beach. The collection is inspired by coastal living, promising to add a special charm to everyday dining. For that pop of colour, there are the Marie and Feeling pots from Dutch brand Serax. Featuring geometric patterns in flamboyant colours, these planters are sure to add cheer to any space. Available at HomesToLife, 65 Mohamed Sultan Road, tel: 6635 5050, www.homestolife.com

The future is now

SquareRooms headed to Hong Kong between 18 and 20 April for the 11th IFA Global Press Conference where we got a glimpse of the latest developments in consumer electronics and home appliances. During the four days, Gfk, Germany’s largest market research institute shared some key trends.

1

Televisions will not be just for viewing. Smart TVs will be used as a means to receive content from the Internet. At the same time, such devices will be able to automatically recognise connected digital sources, such as Blu-Ray players and set-top boxes, eliminating the need to manually connect the players.

2

Smart watches and other wearable tech will work in tandem with other smart devices to display data, track body functions such as heart rate or pulse, count steps, register movement, and monitor environmental variables to transfer these information elsewhere for further analysis.

5

A variety of features will be available to help consumers achieve the best-possible laundry results with minimal energy and water consumption.

Think special mixing systems for detergent and fabric softener, and sensors that adjust the programme according to materials. Clothing can also be steamed for a quick refresh without putting them through a full wash. Then there are special programmes for very delicate or heavily soiled laundry and spot treatments.

7 8

3

The new ovens are more versatile than ever.

Multiple functions will be found in the same unit – think convection and steam cooking, microwave, and induction all in one machine.

Virtual reality (VR) goggles will be made more widely available, as more and more manufacturers offer models for immersive viewing. Then there are smartphones that can be converted into virtual reality goggles with special adapters.

Hobs will be fitted with sensors to monitor pre-selected temperature ranges. Some of the more intelligent models will also be able weigh ingredients and monitor the contents of the refrigerator. Kitchen hoods no longer need to float above the stove. The height can then be infinitely adjusted to suit personal preferences.

4

In-ear headphones will soon be adapted to fit the shape of the user’s ear. Ultralightweight headphones also mean that they can be worn over many hours without exerting excessive pressure. Aside from excellent sound quality, noise cancellation functions for suppressing ambient noise will be huge.

6

Freshness and shelf life will be primary considerations when it comes to refrigerators and freezers. Sensors ensure optimal temperature, humidity, and energy management. Memory functions record user habits, while the first devices that cool without needing a compressor will be available.

A Hello Kitty washing machine was spotted at CE China, a global IFA event and China’s premier trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances.

IFA 2016 will take place in Berlin, Germany from 2 to 7 September

JUN 23

HOTbrowse

Make room

for magic

Calling all Scandinavian style lovers, Make Room is your one-stop destination for turning a boring flat into a trendy home TEXT Sharon Salim PHOTOS Make Room

T

he rise in popularity of lifestyle stores has got to do with the variety of products they offer in one space. If you think Make Room’s all about furniture and home accessories, you’re only partially right. Founded by Barbara Fritschy in 2011, Make Room is an independently owned home furnishings boutique that also doubles up as a lifestyle store and creative office.

The shop’s new location in Tan Boon Liat Building is not only bigger, it is also better. At the front of the 2,000-square foot space lies a neat arrangement of furniture and accessories from brands such as Concrete Everything, Madam Stoltz, Nordal, Malagoon and Store Bor. But what takes centrestage here is a section devoted to Dutch

28 JUN

furniture brand, HK Living. Boasting one of the most comprehensive selections of the brand’s functional yet chic pieces, Make Room is the place to find items such as tropicana-cool rattan bar stools, workshopinspired desk lamps and locker wood cabinets. What’s more, pieces are arranged in a cosy set-up to help you visualise how they will at home.

Hawking chic furnishings is only part of what makes this store a home decor destination. The folks at Make Room also offer interior design and home styling services. Tucked away at the back of the store lies a creative studio where Barbara and her team converge to make things (and magic) happen. Here, you will also find a cosy nook to settle into as you figure out your interior personality with the stylists.

Not planning on a major overhaul? Doesn’t matter. Take a walk through the store and you will find plenty of interior inspiration. We dare you to leave without buying that cute wooden photo frame or pretty tealight holder!

INSIDE STORY Make Room sells one of the most extensive collections of HK Living products in Singapore. The brand, founded by childhood pals Emiel Hetsen and Sander Klaver, is known for its fresh take on Scandiindustrial furniture and home accessories.

The store retails brands that complement their style and philosophy, so homeowners are sure to find a well-curated selection of home furnishings here.

Make Room Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road #11-09B tel: 6222 3042 www.make-room.net

Do you have a beautiful home you’re proud of?

WIN $6,000 worth of prizes more than

Submit your entry now!

h me search 2016 my

reno

.

my

style

.

my

home

How to JOIN? Step 1: Go to www.squarerooms.com.sg and

register as a member. Step 2: Click on “Promo” in the menu bar and choose Home Search 2016. Step 3: Submit photos and a short description of your home. Step 4: Click submit.

HOTBITES

Foodie

central

Indulge in pocket-friendly hawker fare and live music at hip gastropark Timbre+ text Stanley Lim Photos Timbre+

N

ot many food courts can boast a sumptuous mix of delectable food and quality entertainment.

However, Timbre+, the Timbre Group’s latest venture, manages to achieve this and more.

Other than giving diners the freedom to choose from a smorgasbord of restaurant and hawker options, the gastropark also gives prominence to a well-thought-out space that caters to local businesses.

“As a new addition to One-North, we hope to invigorate the area’s food scene by introducing a space where members of the local startup community can congregate, network and dine,” says Edward Chia, Managing Director and Co-founder of the Timbre Group.

32 JUN

the diverse mix of stylish fittings, which include modern Scandinavianstyle bar stools, burnished steel chairs and sturdy hardwood tables.

In the same vein, Timbre+’s concept as a music-dining gastropark bears an influence on its highly-unique ambience. Here, shipping containers, food trucks and hand-sprayed graffiti come together to create a free-spirited environment, perfect for happy hour gatherings after a long day of work.

“Recycled objects figure heavily into creating Timbre+’s signature look. By refurbishing and re-using old materials, we managed to create an industrial-themed dining

A variety of seating catering to different social events can be found throughout the 24,000-square foot stomping ground. The layout of Timbre+’s interior space can be broadly divided into two sections: the central stage area and the general dining zone.

The former gives diners a full view of the stage where local bands perform, whereas the latter provides a quieter environment that is more conducive for private discussions.

“When coming up with Timbre+’s layout, one of our main focus was on the furniture as we did not want the final look to resemble a run-of-the-mill food court,” Edward quips. This explains 12-Hour Pork Belly from Garcons

environment like no other,” shares Edward when asked about the design process behind the eatery’s eye-catching appearance. Take for instance, the artistic handiwork of local mural art crew Rscls, which brightens up the previously antiquated containers and caravans that chef-owners and hawkers operate out of.

Vibrant decor aside, Timbre+ offers a wide array of local and international cuisine. From Wong Kee’s delicious wanton noodles ($3.50) to the restaurant-quality 12-hour crispy pork belly ($17.90) at French eatery Garcons, the food destination certainly does not disappoint when it comes to delivering mouth-watering goodies.

Timbre+ 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, www. timbreplus.sg

Yakitori Set from Teppei Daidokoro

Your interior style guide Ideas and inspiration for a beautiful home

5

major trends for the home

From Scandinavian to luxury themes, we show you how you can achieve your dream home.

Available at all major newsstands! www.squarerooms.com.sg

SquareRooms

@SquareRoomsMag

sensationalS

Home away from home

The new Airbnb office on Cecil Street is changing the way people work, with rooms that allow staff to travel around the world within minutes TEXT Sharon Salim Photos Airbnb

34 JUN

It

is not so unconventional to come across creative offices these days.

The open office has more or less overtaken cubicles as the standard workplace set-up as employers seek to promote free-flowing communication and collaboration.

With a humble beginning of 20 people in 2012, home sharing portal Airbnb’s Singapore base has grown exponentially. To accommodate its larger family, it has created a home away from home at a new address in the heart of the CBD. Partnering local architectural practice FARM to conceive their

The Auckland meeting room speaks of an outdoorsy vibe with fairy lights shimmering like stars above a BBQ pit.

At the bottom of the three-storey staircase lies a “Clubhouse”, where staff can eat, grab a drink and share ideas.

Asia Pacific headquarters, the resulting space is a design-driven office that resembles a cluster of chic apartments, some of which are replicas of popular Airbnb listings around the world.

Moving from a traditional shophouse at Neil Road to a three-storey unit, the new office offers approximately 10,000 square feet of space on each floor. It contains open and private common rooms that include a breakfast pantry, a cafeteria, a heritage room, an outdoor balcony, 18 meeting rooms, and two storerooms-turned-meeting rooms, among other facilities.

The management team chose this site – which formerly housed Facebook’s Asia Pacific headquarters – for its existing central stairs that connect the three levels. Through clever design, the team from FARM created something new out of it by enclosing the internal staircase with HDB-inspired ventilation blocks. This area is known as the central hub, and includes bar seating and a “Clubhouse” designed for staff to eat and chill. The staircase is named the “Skyscraper” and is tastefully painted in Ebisu, a pastel orange that conveys freshness and youth.

Unlike most offices, workspaces at Airbnb Singapore are doused in natural light, while shared spaces are amped up with high ceilings and cushy beanbags for breakout meetings. The HQ also hosts APAC meetings and staff podcasts daily with the company’s overseas counterparts. Entrance to the office is via the “Front Porch”, which doubles up as a communal dining space for staff to nosh on catered lunch twice a week. According to Elaine Toh, the APAC PR Coordinator at Airbnb, intentional bonding sessions among various departments are paramount to the brand’s unified culture. Hence, the space is designed to be modular and flexible – where working from any room is made possible.

JUN 35

l ay of the land Galley, horseshoe or one-wall kitchen?

Here’s a guide to kitchen layouts to get you started TEXT Rossara Jamil

island

Design by Three-D Conceptwerke

A kitchen island is great for cooking, food preparation and other purposes. In a small kitchen, however, islands can be impractical. Note that a kitchen island can significantly increase your renovation expenses too.

Prep Hub Are small appliances like toaster ovens, juicers and coffee makers taking up space on your countertop?

Small kitchens can benefit from having an island, provided it doesn’t hamper movement.

JUN 45

Design by Mong Design Studio

Style

Built-in Solutions This island doubles up as a dining table with barstools placed on one side. A kitchen island can also be a place for built-in kitchen appliances, such as freezer units or wine chillers.

44 JUN

Style+

FLOS TATOU S PENDANT LAMP $935 at Space Furniture

Tickar plate $9.90 at IKEA Lapurdi pitcher $69 at Stylodeco

Colour coded Add style to your cooking and dining zones with these contemporary picks TEXT & COORDINATION Sharon Salim

WOOLEN BERBER RUNNER $590 at Make Room

VITRA ASTERISK WALL CLOCK $425 at Space Furniture

M o n o c h r o m e m a g i c

MAGIs STOOL_ONE $549 at XTRA

Up your chic quotient with the dramatic contrasts of black and white

Julie bamboo salad servers $32 at Stylodeco

50 JUN

Viktigt jar with lid $49.90 for a set of two at IKEA

NUVOLA PAPER LAMP SHADE $61.96 at Amara

HENNING KOPPEL CLOCK $371.76 at Amara

BOUCHE GLASS TABLE LIGHT $209.12 at Amara

Isabella teapot $65 at Stylodeco

Midnight blue cups $42 for a set of three at Stylodeco

B e a t t h e b l u e s Stay calm with vivid tones of sky and oceanic hues Mustig glass $0.90 each at IKEA Råskog stool $27.90 at IKEA

LUMINO COASTERS $232.35 for a set of four at Amara

JUN 51

Surface

make a splash Kitchen backsplashes need to be safe and practical, but you’re definitely not limited when it comes to material choices Text Yuen Yi Ying

Relaxed Elegance This unique green hue makes the walls look like they’ve been clad with jade, and the subtle patterns make your cooking space more dynamic.

Opal Turquoise tiles from Hafary, $1.50 per piece

54 JUN

At An Angle Laid out in a herringbone design, these tiles give the kitchen a sophisticated touch. Hudson Wall Tiles from Tile Mountain

S U B W AY

T I L E S

They’re modern and classic all at once, and you can create wildly different styles just by tweaking the arrangement, finish or hue.

Homey Comfort They look like real bricks, but these homogeneous porcelain tiles are less porous, making them a good choice for wet areas.

They’re also hardy, making them resistant to knocks from pans. Ragno Fornace tiles from Rice

go dark Make a dramatic statement with this inky selection. Ascot

Pun tiles from Rice

JUN 55

Shop

1

2

3 4

5

64 JUN

Sound on

The best-sounding audio gadgets for your listening pleasure ART DIRECTION Chew Hui Ling & Michelle Lim Main Photos Vicky Andhika/ Shining Head Media

6

7

OUTSIDE THE (MUSIC) BOX The coolest portable speakers now come in all shapes and sizes. Perfect for entertaining guests while keeping discerning audiophiles satisfied.

9

8

10

1 UE Roll wireless Bluetooth speaker, $149 2 Nakamichi MyMaiku Bluetooth speaker, $89 3 Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker, $199 4 Sony SRS-X11 portable wireless speaker, $99 at Sony Stores, Sony Centres and authorised dealers 5 Happy Plugs Sound Piece Mini, $139 6 Native Union MONOCLE portable speakers, $49.90 each at HipVan 7 GoGear Splash n Dash waterproof portable speakers, $49.90 each 8 JBL Pulse 2 portable speaker, $329 9 LG Sound 360 portable Bluetooth speaker, $229 10 B&O BeoPlay A1 portable Bluetooth speaker, $399 at Bang & Olufsen Grand Hyatt

JUN 65

Spaces

LIVING + DINING AREA

A wooden dining table enhances the old-world feel of the dining and living zones.

The brick-lined feature wall in soothing white palette not only brightens up the space, it also brings forth an invigorating sense freshness – making it a comfortable resting area for the inhabitants to relax and recharge.

strokes Industrial elements lend a bold touch to this spacious colonial-inspired home Text Sharon Salim PHOTOs Home Journal

100 JUN

Punggol Drive

4-Room BTO flat 960 sqf 6 Weeks reno period

Home to 2 adults and 1 child

different

W

hile the industrial style is trending right now, it is challenging to achieve a balanced look. A concern that the homeowners of this BTO flat raised was that they needed more space in their home. With the advice of designer Kalyn Guo of Home Journal, they decided to go for an industrial look with CraftStone veneers and “worn out-effect” floor tiles to make their home stylish and welcoming, while being child-friendly. The final look, what the designer

calls “colonial-inspired” due to its references to classic colonial black-and-white bungalows, is a joyous marriage of tastes.

The first thing that Kalyn suggested was to knock down a wall between two bedrooms to form a capacious master suite with an L-shaped wall. Distinguishing the bedroom from the corridor is a divider made up of nine iron-framed wire mesh glass panels. Besides giving the space its loft-like appearance, it is also used as a divider to maximise air-con usage. The custom-designed bed frame is

s o lid f o u nda t i o n

Cement screed-effect walls, dark "worn out-effect" tiles and a neutral colour scheme add to the unsullied appearance of the living and dining zones.

JUN 101

Spaces

SHOE CABINET (left)

At the entrance, a cabinet was constructed to allow the family to stow away their shoes. Kalyn decided to paint over one side of the cabinet in chalk paint to provide the toddler with a canvas to express himself.

L I V I N G R OO M (below)

Taking a leaf from the principles of Scandi-industrial design, this living room is simple, functional and minimalist. However, unexpected touches like the full-length blinds add an edgy slant to the fuss-free space.

made to look like a floating platform with a slanted base support. Another feature here is the exposed electrical conduit piping running along the length of the ceiling. Part of the bedroom contains a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe overlaid in wood-effect laminates. The cosy spot doubles up as a reading corner thanks to the installation of warm cove lighting and dark wood-toned flooring.

Complementing the timeless ambience of the master bedroom, the en suite is a serene space complete with carefully selected fixtures.

Colonial influences like the Nyatoh woodframed ventilation door separates the bathing area from the bedroom, while black-and-white cabinetry and fixtures balance out the space, resulting in a touch of timelessness.

102 JUN

B E D R OO M C O R R I D O R

While unusual in a bedroom, a corridor was created here so that the sleeping zone is clearly demarcated from the other parts of the private sanctuary. The wire mesh glass panel divider also works as a way to maximise air-con usage as it keeps the room cooler for longer.

JUN 103

proads

makeover magic A major overhaul turns a boring old flat into a modern, liveable home that defies its size, making it perfect for hosting

F A C T F I L E

SPACE 5-room HUDC flat SIZE 1,300 square feet LOCATION Neptune Court HOME TO A couple

DESIGNER Brim Design RENO PERIOD 10 weeks

108 JUN

With their creative know-how, the designers at Brim Design pride themselves on their 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 their customers.

DINING The dining room, furnished with mid-century modern pieces, is a cosy spot for the couple to gather with friends and family.

A bold striped rug placed here anchors the zone, while giving it a dramatic flair. Since the homeowners are avid art lovers, every available wall space was used to display their collection.

HALL As frequent hosts, the homeowners wanted a place that was conducive for having friends over. Brim Design thus opted for an open-plan scheme, which gave the couple a versatile, people-friendly space.

Sofas in the living room were also specifically set up for intimate conversations.

#hide and seek

A hidden door lets you keep the visual clutter in check while adding that special intrigue to your space.

MASTER BATHROOM The expanded en-suite is an oasis of calm with a soothing palette of grey and white. Woven baskets atop the floating wooden shelves provide the perfect catch-all for bathroom accessories.

DUAL ENTRANCE The hacking of the walls made way for a pivoting door system that creates a dual entrance to the master bedroom and closet.

MASTER BEDROOM Two original bedrooms were completely sacrificed in order to create an extended master suite, complete with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. The result is nothing short of stunning.

Brim Design Pte Ltd

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

JUN 109

spotlight

made for you

Let aspirations for a library in your home come true with the Library custom-made bookshelves by Desimage

F

or most of us, a home library is an interior design dream to aspire to. For others, they just want a space to store their growing book collection. In today’s small homes, home libraries might be considered a bit of an indulgence, and are often considered impractical in both cost and space. But if you think a home library only has a place in sprawling mansions, you might want to rethink that when you read about Desimage’s Library bookshelves, a fully customisable

built-in that comes with a gliding ladder and alcoves for which you can store your tomes or decor.

Since 1996, the interior design consultancy has offered design concepts and custom-made solutions to a wide range of residential and commercial projects. The Library bookshelves joins together with other carpentry pieces they offer including coffee and dining tables, benches, bath shelves, and even jewellery boxes. Defined by their high quality workmanship, these products

are great for those who require very precise specifications in their homes or simply want a product that can fully reflect their tastes and preferences.

The Library can be entirely tailored to your needs. Wish to create a sense of grandeur? Shelves can stretch all the way across your room and can reach all the way to your ceiling, no matter how tall it is. Wish to display taller ornaments? The individual shelf modules can also be adjusted to fit your accessories and books. You can also customise the colours of the shelves to suit your theme. The Library comes in a sleek, contemporary style with clean, angular lines and modern materials like steel. But if you want to invite a more old-worldly charm into your home, it also comes in a traditional style that features shelves and a ladder made entirely from solid wood, which conjures up images of Harry Potter-esque scenes at Hogwarts.

Not only can the ladder for the Library slide flawlessly from side to side, it is also exceptionally sturdy, thanks to the thick stainless steel material and the solid wood steps, keeping away fears of reaching out for those books on the highest of shelves. But the greatest feature of the ladder is its spacesaving, collapsible nature, meaning it can be stowed away neatly against the bookshelf in a vertical upright position when not in use.

Safe, versatile and also incredibly stylish, the Library is your answer to a home library.

Desimage 28 Sin Ming Lane #08-148 Midview City tel: 6456 1636 www.desimage.sg

JUN 121

Shortcut

tone up

Define your space, while giving it a dash of personality with brightly hued decorative objects IMAGE COURTESY OF HK Living

Never underestimate the power of colour. Even with an unsullied, industrial-themed space, pops of colour can really make a difference. The key to adding colours into a plain room is in finding a spot or focal point to highlight. After all, you don’t want it to look out of place.

Featuring HK Living bottle vases, from $30 each, at Make Room

128 JUN