SquareRooms Aug issue [Preview]

I N T E R I O R S

Local delights

Space upgrade

Made-in-Singapore furniture and their creators you need to know about

Clever design tricks to maximise a tiny floor plan

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I D E A S

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S O L U T I O N S

HDB special

Tour five good-looking HDB flats for some ingenious reno and decor inspiration

AUG 2016

ISSUE 136 S$5.50/RM10

SquareRooms online

Looking for fresh ways to update your space?

Visit SquareRooms online for your daily dose of interior ideas, decor inspiration, practical solutions and hot buys.

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12 AUG

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The most popular interior ideas to bookmark now

Solutions

5 Easy Ways To Update Your Industrial-Style Home

inspiration

Get Inspired

By This Chic Black-AndWhite HDB Flat inspiration

Heritage Meets Hip In This Sengkang HDB

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HOTnews

ONE FOR THE KIDS Who says kids’

SMALL B U T M I G H T Y With its elegant spherical shape and glimmering metal body, the AP-C100 by cado is an upgraded version of the conventional air purifier. The machine functions on an extensive threestage filtration process that absorbs and breaks down harmful substances and suppresses the breeding of viruses. Plus, it is developed with a self-renewing filter that uses photocatalysis technology that prolongs the lifespan of the filter. As with most purifiers in the market, the AP-C100 is able to block PM2.5 particular matter that measure less than 2.5 micrometres. Good looking, quiet and efficient, this machine is made for bedrooms and studies. Available at selected Gain City, Parisilk and Mega Discount Store outlets

ELEGANT FORM With a frameless screen and an invisible sound system that radiates backwards and delivers a powerful threedimensional stereo sound, the Loewe One ($3,999) is the epitome of style and substance. Produced by Loewe in collaboration with Atlas Sound & Vision, the 55-inch television allows for premium playback with high-resolution images and high-quality sounds. The Loewe One is also able to let users to record and watch different TV shows simultaneously as well as switch between channels quickly using the remote control’s instant channel zapping feature. Available at Atlas Sound & Vision, 10 Winstedt Road, #01-18 Block D, tel: 6334 9320, http://atlas-sv.com/loewe

18 AUG

furniture can’t emulate their chic adult-sized counterparts? Children and baby furniture retailer Deer Industries has just added a slew of trendsetting Scandinavian and industrialstyle furniture to their repertoire, selected to suit the tastes of stylish tykes. From sheet metal cabinets to study desks with ample storage, items in the range are functional and trendy all at once. Deer Industries is located at 315 Outram Road, #0705 Tan Boon Liat Building, tel: 9485 4430, www.deerindustries.com

SWEET COLLAB

Gallery & Co. has teamed up with artisanal Vietnamese chocolatemaker Marou Faiseurs de Chocolat and design agency Rice Creative to come up with a collection of chocolate bars with packaging inspired by the National Gallery Singapore. Featuring architectural details found around the museum, the wrappers have been handcrafted using traditional Vietnamese techniques of Dong Ho printing, making them collectibles in their own right. Available at Gallery & Co., tel: 6385 6683, www.galleryand.co

SOAPS WITH HISTORY We all know Crabtree & Evelyn for its quality skin and body care products. But did you know that the company started out as a family-run business producing fine soaps? As a nod towards its heritage, the brand has unveiled re-designed packaging for their Heritage Soap Bar collection ($15 each).

Featuring charming prints and striking patterns, you’d be forgiven if you leave these exquisite soap bars unopened as bathroom decor. Our favourites include the refreshing Citron, Honey and Coriander Triple Milled Soap and the fruity Crabapple and Mulberry Triple Milled Soap, both of which are made with skin-softening shea butter and nourishing evening primrose oil.

Available at Crabtree & Evelyn stores islandwide, www.crabtree-evelyn.com.sg

BATHROOM ORGANISER The bathroom is somewhat of a private sanctuary of sorts in the home. So the last thing you want is a messy space with products and accessories spilling over your shelves. With 3M Command™ range of bathroom organising accessories, you can now keep your utilitarian space organised easily with their water-resistant stretchand-release strips that let you mount storage organisers without the hassle of drills. The 3M Command™ Corner shelf ($20.90) is designed to make use of tight corners in the shower area. With its ability to hold up to 3kg of products, this easy-to-install shelf is a small-space saviour. There is also the 3M Command™ Caddy ($20.90). Its basket design lets you store everything from shampoos to shower gels and bath sponges so that you’ll have more space to luxuriate in the shower.

Available at all Fairprice Xtra, Giant Hypers, Home-fix, Selffix, selected Popular bookstores and Japan Home outlets

AUG 19

HOTfads

Acorn pendant lIGHT POA at Danish Design

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD NOTEBOOK $14.90 at The Paper Bunny

red & white parade

Capture the festive spirit of National Day with Singapore’s national colours

RIKKE THROW $250 at Originals

Text & coordination Sharon Salim

JACQUARD COAT $99.90 at Zara

Oliver Furniture BENCH STORAGE POA at Danish Design

HINIKA DRAGON ROCKING HORSE $1,275 at Naiise

22 AUG

MDR-XB650BT Headphones $199 at all Sony Stores, Sony Centres and selected Sony dealers

SOUVENIRS FROM SINGAPORE KOPITIAM CHAIRS $12.90 for a set of three at Naiise

TOTE WITH FRONT POCKET $39.90 at Zara

SOUVENIRS FROM SINGAPORE ANG KU KUEH COASTERS $12.90 for a set of two at Naiise

QUALY CAPSULE CAN $50.32 at Naiise

BAYERN TABLE LAMP $653.71 at Amara ARCANE FLOOR LAMP $1,499 at HomesToLife

PANTONE UNIVERSE IPHONE COVER $49 at Naiise

STEIN SWIVEL ARMCHAIR $699 at HomesToLife

SENDAI CABINET $309 at HomesToLife

ANNA JACOBS LAMB BASE $179.92 at Amara

AUG 23

HOTBITES

stomping

ground Soak up the laid-back vibes of alfresco eatery Camp Kilo Charcoal Club as you indulge in spit-roasted meats text Jolene Limuco PHOTOS Camp Kilo Charcoal Club

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hink “barbeque” and the inevitable images of Korean table barbeques or sweaty evenings at East Coast Park come to mind. However, there is a new kid on the block that is about to challenge your perceptions of charcoal-roasted meat joints. Camp Kilo Charcoal Club is a new breed of casual dive that combines the height of hipsterdom with relaxed outdoor dining.

The open-air eatery – which occupies the now defunct Loysel’s Toy cafe at an old storage warehouse in Kampong Bugis – feels like your friend’s backyard. Simply but tastefully arranged with industrial-style steel furniture, zinc sheets and a smattering of Scout

The star of the menu here is the whole pig roasted at the open-fire spit at the back of the eatery.

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paraphernalia (think kerosene lamps and flags), the space is the definition of laid-back dining. Round the back near the roasting spit is a cargo container converted into a massive outdoor chiller, which is covered in eye-catching artwork by graffiti artist Didier “Jada” Mathieu as a nod towards Camp Kilo’s star attractions. The fact that the space is bordered by the secluded Kallang Riverside Park and the Kallang River also adds to its off-the-beaten-track vibe, although Camp Kilo is located

just minutes by foot from the Arab Street enclave.

As the newest venture of hospitality group Series of Intentions (SOI), the no-reservations establishment bears the DNA of its siblings, namely the Kilo restaurants and Grain Traders. If you are at all familiar with these two brands, you will recognise elements such as unassuming yet tasteful decor, choice indie music playing in the background and hearty yet delicious food done well here at the Camp Kilo.

For this outdoor joint, the team hooked up with roast meat expert Joshua Adjodha, who is known for throwing meat feasts in Miami.

Because it is the meat that take pride of place here, foodies will appreciate that a whole 30kg pig cooks at the eatery’s homemade spit for four hours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Marinated in a blend of secret spices and slow-roasted till deliciously tender, the roast pork is undoubtedly the star of the show. Our favourite cuts include the tasty pork belly ($10 for 100g) and fall-off-the-bone tender ribs ($30 for a full rack). Don’t forget to ask for

a handful of crispy pork crackling for that satisfying crunch. However, there are other good stuff offered here too, including the flavourful roast chicken, corn bread with honey butter, patatas bravas, roasted Brussel sprouts and tom yam-spiced “cocido” beans. Half a roast chicken is priced at $10 and sides start at $6 per serving.

With its laid-back setting, studiously picked backyard-style decor and hearty

food done well, we are certain the Camp Kilo is fast becoming one of the most popular weekend gathering spots in the city.

Camp Kilo Charcoal Club 66 Kampong Bugis #01-01 Singapore 338987 kilokitchen.com/camp-kilo-charcoal-club

Opening hours: Friday 5:30 – 11pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am – 11pm

Offerings at Camp Kilo include homemade corn bread, tom yam-spiced “cocido” beans and roast chicken.

AUG 33

Sensationals

Born in Singapore Furniture design is much more than alive and well in Singapore, with a new generation of designers who are passionate about taking the art into the future. Here are the Singapore furniture designers you should know Text Rossara Jamil

Ivan Ho tizumuka

A former interior designer and furniture design lecturer, Ivan made the switch to furniture design midway through his career.

He founded tizumuka, a multidisciplinary design studio, in 2012. The studio focuses on artisanal craftsmanship, where materials play a major role in the studio’s research and idea conception process.

Ivan’s earliest work was a console he designed for the Furniture Design Award in 2001, which garnered a merit award. The Yodessa stool, a clever design consisting of three parts that are secured in place

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with a plumbing valve knob, won him an Honourable Mention from the Red Dot Award: Design Concept in 2014.

This year, the studio’s 2016 collection made its debut at the International Furniture Fair Singapore. The 37-year-old was one of 20 designers around the world featured in the Design STARS 2016 programme. tizumuka collaborated with furniture manufacturer Scanmark to produce the Mushu collection, consisting of three designs: the Kak stool, Pak+Tar modules and Eesup chair.

Nathan Yong Nathan Yong Design

As one of Singapore’s veteran furniture designers, Nathan’s list of achievements in the field is a long one. An industrial design graduate from Temasek Polytechnic, he started his career as a buyer where he learnt about the processes in production, craft and marketing.

He started furniture retail store Air Division. The store carried his designs, which were made by Asian craftsmen.

Along the way, he attained a master’s degree in design and won the Red Dot Concept Design Awards for two consecutive years in 2006 and 2007 with his conceptual designs of a mass production coffin and a portable room heater. He was also awarded the President’s Design Award 2008 Designer of the Year – the highest accolade for designers from all creative disciplines in Singapore.

Today, Nathan runs his multidisciplinary design

consultancy firm. His work spans industrial design, graphic design, interior design, architectural design, strategic planning in product development, manufacturing process and branding. He is also the cofounder of furniture retail store Grafunkt. The store carries his pieces, as well as contemporary furniture and accessories labels from countries including Italy, Denmark and the US. Grafunkt also produces products under its own label GFKT.

AUG 35

SIMPLE

Hippie chic Adorn your bedroom with these easy-tomake boho-inspired decor

TEXT Ho Li Yen Craftwork & Art direction Neo Aik Sing & Linda Setiono Photography Wong Weiliang Shot on location at HomesToLife

40 AUG

LEATHER BOUND Stow your belongings on these nifty leather straps instead of classic shelves. Choose a piece of coloured leather and cut it into strips. Halve the strips by folding it and pin them up. Loop blankets or towels through them or slot loose papers into the loops.

Featuring (clockwise from top left) Pisa shelf, $429, Prado photo frame, $71.95, ant decorative object, $32.95, arrow knot scarf, price unavailable, Lova candle holder, $55.95, Spray candle, $17.95 and grey and black vase, $24.95 at HomesToLife.

AUG 41

Shop

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Soak in luxury Who says you can’t luxe it up in the bathroom? Set the mood with gilt-edged accessories and delicioussmelling skincare products.

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1 Gold photo frame, $467 at Strange & Deranged 2 Gold bird vases, $276 at Strange & Deranged 3 Candle, $118 at Strange & Deranged 4 Bürstenhaus Redecker bath sponge, $58 at Vanilla Home 5 Avocado and Olive Oil triple milled soap, $15 at Crabtree & Evelyn 6 Oatmeal and Wheatgerm triple milled soap, $15 at Crabtree & Evelyn 7 Gold ceramic bowl, $33 at Strange & Deranged 8 Moroccan Myrrh after-shave balm, $48 at Crabtree & Evelyn 9 Ribbed white bath towel, $39.95 at Crate & Barrel 10 Bürstenhaus Redecker bath brush, $34 at Vanilla Home

Featuring MGM Loto freestanding bathtub in Imperial Black Marble from Bathroom Gallery by Wan Tai & Co.

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Grooming e ss e n t i a l s Treat yourself with quality soaps and grooming tools and you’ll have a spring in your step everyday.

1 Decor Weather stone tumbler, $57 at Vanilla Home 2 Decor Weather white tray, $176 at Vanilla Home 3 Bürstenhaus Redecker face brush, $26 at Vanilla Home 4 Bürstenhaus Redecker nailbrush, $34 at Vanilla Home 5 & 6 Ashley & Co mini bars, $14 each at Vanilla Home 7 Black Sea Mud and Seaweed triple milled soap, $15 at Crabtree & Evelyn 8 & 9 Dr Vranjes Firenze candle cover, $24 and sandalwood scented candle, $98 at Vanilla Home 10 & 11 Ribbed hand towels, $19.95 each at Crate & Barrel 12 Bürstenhaus Redecker anti-cellulite brush, $36 at Vanilla Home 13 Ashley & Co Tui & Kahili Washup Original, $45 at Vanilla Home

AUG 49

Savvy

jack of all trade All you need is just one of these multitasking kitchen appliances to be a master of a multitude of different cooking styles Text Amanda Jayne Lee

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hanks to technology, a home cook's repertoire of recipes has increased tremendously. With new kitchen appliances and gadgets appearing on the market ever so often, not only do you have the means to whip up all sorts restaurant dishes in your own home, you can dish them out in a flash too.

But really, do you need that new kitchen appliance that promises to perfect or speed up just one style of cooking?

Rather than purchasing a truckload of clunky one-dish wonders, de-clutter and go for kitchen appliances that can work for a variety of recipes and cooking styles.

Take this handful of multitasking kitchen appliances for example. You could prepare a feast with just one of them!

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steam ovens and airfryers Philips Avance XL Airfryer, $539, available at all major

electronics and department stores

It can: Fry, bake, roast, gratinate, grill, toast, soft boil eggs, cook rice, make popcorn.

Airfryer technology isn't new anymore: as the hot air circulates around the food, the high-temperature "fries" the food giving you the crisp consistency you want with the guilt from oil. But what is new are the many recipes that come from creative home chefs. Toggling with different temperatures can bring plenty of surprising results. You can even soft boil an egg!

Coupled with a 1.2kg capacity, attachments like the baking pan and stand that allows you to cook two layers at once, the possibilities are endless. If you need inspiration, ideas are in abundance on the "I Love Philips Airfryer" Facebook page, where recipes and tips are posted daily.

Ed's choice

Hitachi Superheated Steam Microwave Oven, $2,399, available at all authorised dealers

It can: Microwave, steam fish and other dim sum dishes, super-steam (this method drains fats and salt from food) meat, grill, roast and bake.

Quite possibly the pinnacle of multi-purpose cooking technology, the everyday microwave oven becomes super with Hitachi's new technology. Unlike ordinary microwave ovens, it has five different cooking modes that will allow you steam, grill, and roast food and even bake cakes. More importantly, the microwave’s steam-grill mode, used with an accompanying tray that allows for even distribution of heat, ensures that your food retains its original moisture and nutrients. Another standout feature is its autobakery function. Simply add the raw ingredients to the baking pan attachment, pop it into the microwave oven and wait as it kneads itself and bakes to perfection.

RICE COOKERS They can: Cook rice, make claypot rice, make porridge or risotto, braise meat, bake cakes, poach fruit, grill meat, make jam and other sauces

1.8l Hitachi IH Rice Cooker, $999, available at all major electronics and department stores No ball-shaped pot here, but a high-tech Pressure and Steam Induction Heating (IH) process. The winner of the Good Design Award, the Hitachi Rice Cooker preserves the flavour of the rice by introducing the technology of a pressure cooker. The higher the atmospheric pressure, the hotter the temperature in the cooker, helping rice cook faster. The pressure also forces liquid into the food sealing its flavour while preventing it from burning. If it can do that for rice, imagine what it can do for other types of food!

Value for money

Mayer Rice Cooker Model MMRC18D, $159, available at all major electronics and department stores

The rice cooker's ability to retain steam and slowly circulate it makes it perfect for dishes that require plenty of moisture.

The better your machine, the more moist and soft the dishes you cook turn out. Mayer's rice cooker comes with eight cooking functions and, interestingly enough, a unique ballshaped pot. Mayer claims this helps it mimic the firewood cooking style from bygone eras and that it ensures proper circulation and absorption of liquid as your dishes cook.

We're not sure if this is true, but the 1.5l pot is definitely an adorable addition to any kitchen.

AUG 53

Style+

Small space saviours If lack of space is a problem, these well-designed furnishings will fit right into your cosy crib TEXT & COORDINATION Yuen Yi Ying

Melo two-seater sofa from $2,195 at BoConcept

Modern Duo wall clock $101.35 at Art Club Concept

L I V I N G R O O M

SET OF COFFEE TABLES $391.55 at Scandi Living

Look for charming pieces that’ll appeal to everyone’s taste and needs.

DIVA DAYBED ROSE COTTON WITH SMOKED OAK LEGS $1,646.80 at Bloomingville

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Fundamental Berlin A Few Of My Favourite Things single shelf $531 at Naiise

TUBBY TORRE PLINTH BATH $4,093.10 at Tubby Torre Plinth Bath

Klop stool $497.15 at Atelier Lane

B E D & B A T H Surround yourself with pretty things that make you happy.

Flyte $500 at Naiise

LINENTALES ASHES OF ROSE STONE WASHED LINEN PILLOWCASE $25 at Stylodeco

HOOK NATURE $22.50 at Bloomingville

POLAR BEAR SIDE TABLE $205.60 at The French Bedroom Company Brimnes bed frame with storage and headboard $748 at IKEA

AUG 65

Spaces

Home to 4 adults

1,507 sqf

$160K

3-bedroom executive maisonetteÂ

budget

Dakota Crescent

timeless Beauty

This designer employed the use of patterned tiles and wood furnishing to create a sleek yet cosy look for this spacious maisonette Text Amanda Jayne Lee PHOTOs The Scientist

76 AUG

Touch of glass

A major part of the renovation was focused on the kitchen, which designer Alvin opened up by taking down a wall separating the cooking zone and the living area. In its place is a sliding glass door that allows plenty of light to filter into the two zones.

Glass panels were also used to replace the original metal railings of the staircase, ultimately opening up the space while giving it a contemporary look.

AUG 77

Spaces

S d-Bodhi Urban Bookrack, retailing at Journey East entrance (above)

The custom shoe cabinet with casement door was mounted onto the wall, keeping the floor clear and giving the illusion of a larger floorspace.

Living room (opposite page)

Grey patterned homogeneous tiles and a smattering of wood furnishings and fabric furniture soften the spartan appearance of plain white walls in the living room. The entryway of the home is kept uncluttered to make the home feel spacious. Adding to the home's character are the colourful bicycles that are given place of honour right at the door for easy access.

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pacious and functional. That was what the owners had in mind when they shared their vision for their resale maisionette with Alvin Ling, design director of The Scientist.

Having spotted some of the interior design firm's designs in magazines, the couple knew that they could trust him to give them a home that would remain stylish through the years.

To rehaul the 20 to 30 year old maisonette, Alvin began by opening up the kitchen. The wall separating the space from the living area was taken down and replaced by a glass sliding door, flooding both spaces with more light and bringing an easy flow to the home. Glass panels were also used to replace the original metal railings of the staircase. Once dark and imposing, the staircase now sports a sophisticated, sleek look, and contributes to the spacious appearance of the home. From then on, it was all about playing with the right materials to keep the home spacious and stylish, yet cosy enough to be a home for four. To do this, the maisonette was given a timeless white and grey palette that

AUG 79

Spaces

Kitchen and dining area

Unconventionally, the dining area has been positioned in the kitchen. The space is anchored by striking neutral-hued Peranakan tiles that are contrasted with sleek cabinetry and fittings. The mix of dark matte-finishes and woodgrain laminates bring life and warmth to this part of the home.

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was kept from becoming monotonous through the use of wood, matte-finished laminates and an array of art tiles. In the living room, the sparse appearance of plain white walls is softened by grey patterned homogeneous tiles and a smattering of wood furnishings and fabric furniture. Also adding to the home's character are the colourful bicycles that belong to the owners, given place of honour at the entrance of the home. In the kitchen and dining area, the mix of darker matt-finish and wood-grain laminate along side the grey art tiles, bring life and warmth to the communal part of the home.

Upstairs, the rooms are decidedly warmer.

Rather than tiles, each room is kept cosy with the use of wood in the same warm tone. The bedroom floors are laid with Burmese teak strip parquet, wooden venetian blinds keep prying eyes away from the bedrooms of the low-floor maisonette and wood furnishings are used to tie the look together. Built-in cabinetry, covered in white, mattfinished laminate and trimmed in black and the same warm wood, complete the sophisticated, yet cosy look of the rooms. The daughter's bedroom is the only exception though, the owners requested that the room was designed to their daughter's

Master bedroom

To maximise space in the master bedroom, Alvin built cabinetry flush against the wall, adding a little alcove for the television. Intead of handles, the doors have grooves.

AUG 81

Spaces

e n t r y w ay

Made from powder-coated metal, the screen draws attention upon entry.

Before the partition, interspersed plants sit atop timber furnishings. The foliage hides the platform bed from view, an unorthodox method that encloses it. To strike a balance with the raw elements used, glossy silver wire mesh chairs were paired with matching low hanging lights.

947 sqf 2 months reno period

98 AUG

Home to 2 adults, 1 child and 1 dog

Holland Avenue

4-room HDB unit

urban

jungle

Interspersed greens invigorate and give this industrial-style home a contemporary twist Text Ho Li Yen PHOTOs David Chan & Dennis Lim for

0932 Design Consultants

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favourite among Singaporeans for its raw finishes and emphasis on brick walls, the industrial design concept was given a new spin in this home. While keeping the trademark features of the industrial style, interspersed shrubbery break up gunmetal greys and wood tones – making it a literal urban jungle in all sense of the phrase.

Potted plants perched atop a timber bench greet visitors upon entry. Slightly beyond that a customised powder-coated metal screen catches the attention of roaming eyes. Behind the subtle partition lies a miniature platform bed, an elevated space for moments of leisure.

AUG 99

Spaces

l i v i n g AREA

Beyond the mini concrete partition is a hidden pond. The soothing sound of water lulls and comforts, while the greenery ensconces the space, creating the illusion of a secluded corner. Strategically placed beside both fixtures, an Eames longue chair invites the homeowners to unwind after a long day.

“Thanks to the homeowners’ green thumbs and keen interest in plants, we worked a green wall into the living room,” says Rosytern Goh, the direcor of interior design firm 0932 Design Consultants who led the team in conceptualising this abode. “In addition to that, a pond was incorporated to house guppies. The use of shrubbery and the sound of trickling water invokes a sense of tranquility and adds a sense of cosiness to the space. It’s enough to persuade the homeowners to settle in the lounge chair next to the wall to unwind.”

The green wall is maintained by an irrigation system, and measures have been taken to ensure that no mosquito-related problems arise. Sitting in the middle of the space is a large coffee table made from a piece of timber log. The raw wood element, when paired with grey homogeneous tiles and living greens, gifts the communal zone with an unfinished yet polished look, accentuating both the industrial vibe and underlining its distinctive features.

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s h a d o w p l ay

Installed blinds fragment streams of light. Slants and shadows are influenced by the time of day. The interplay of light and shadow produces a strong visual impact.

With an eclectic array of fixtures and fittings, they kept the feature wall simple, having it manufactured from the same concrete material as the surrounding walls. Instead of opting for floor-length curtains, blinds were installed in many areas of the home in consideration of their fourlegged companion.

“Aside from its pet-friendliness, the slats fragment the light streaming in from the windows, providing an atmospheric charm that lulls,” explains Roystern. “The blinds also facilitate upkeep.”

Beside the window, white sliding and bi-fold doors were introduced to compartmentalise the living area and kitchen. When in use, the doors can be opened, conjoining the zones to create a bigger communal space.

kitchen

A large kitchen island rests in the middle of the space.

The open concept allows both guests and hosts to communicate with ease. In addition to the kitchen cabinets, beams were installed to create more storage spaces for appliances, crockery and books.

AUG 101

spotlight

Icy fresh

Caesarstone’s cool contemporary kitchen instalment is all straight edges and sleek corners

IN

recent years, the open kitchen concept has become a main fixture in Singapore.

With it came a demand for multipurpose, heavy-duty kitchen islands. Caesarstone has partnered up with celebrated designer Tom Dixon to reinvent the conventional kitchen installation, transforming it into something unorthodox.

ICE, the first instalment in a four-part series, was unveiled after the year-long collaboration.

For each semi-professional kitchen installation – Ice, Fire, Earth and Air – the designer will use a secondary material that will become part of the element’s narrative. For ICE, an aluminium extrusion system developed for flat pack housing

was employed. The system acts as the structural support and lighting rig for the installation. Fret not gastronomy enthusiasts, as the hardwearing qualities and durability of Caesarstone have not been compromised despite modifications.

The kitchen installation is inspired by the jagged chunks of ice left in the wake of icebreakers and the great frozen lakes of Toronto, resulting in a series of monolithic triangular prisms in varying sizes and heights. The smaller pieces form mini chairs, while the larger surfaces make up the food prep area, dining and serving stations.

This collaboration with Tom Dixon best exemplifies Caesarstone’s commitment in pushing boundaries. The brand’s ambition to consistently set new standards with collaborations with world renowned designers and creating new styles allows discerning homeowners to enjoy the latest and most cutting-edge designs at home.

Caesarstone SEA Pte Ltd 10 Bukit Batok Crescent #08-06, The Spire Singapore 658079 tel: 6316 1938 www.caesarstone.sg

AUG 115

Shortcut

First impressions It’s amazing how a stunning piece of art can instantly cheer up a subdued space IMAGE COURTESY OF Fine Art Seen

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We love the look of a muted palette as much as the next contemporary homeowner but sometimes a bit of colour can add just that touch of joie de vivre to a space. Instead of painting a wall in a new hue or committing to wallpaper, a piece of art can work wonders. And who says you always have to hang up your paintings? Take a cue from art studios and prop up your masterpiece against the wall to emulate a shabby-chic approach.